A Chat With MVP Frontrunners
by Gordon Johnson for Uplantica Sport
September 7, 1928
CRATERVIEW PARK, PLATTE, SIMMONS — Andy Thompson and Andy Bernard have risen above the field of UA hitters this season. They are considered by most experts to be the top candidates for the Most Valuable Player award. Thompson’s Brothers have been the top team in the league all year, while Bernard’s Bears are currently fighting for the third and final playoff spot. Their teams met last night at Craterview Park in Platte, and I was able to catch up to the two standout players for a quick chat during afternoon workouts.
Gordon Johnson: Hi guys, thanks for giving me a bit of your time. I know these are big games right now. I’d like to ask you both how the pressure of playing in front of these big crowds affects you, especially as things get more tense toward the end of the season.
Andy Thompson: Thanks, Mr. Johnson. Speaking for myself, I try to tune out the noise for the most part. Playing on touring teams, there were a lot of, I’ll say, unkind locals. The crowds were never this big, but at least sometimes the whole crowd isn’t against you here.
Andy Bernard: Maybe they will be tonight, though, huh Andy? Yeah I think being able to focus when it’s loud and crazy is one of the best talents you can have in pro ball. This is new to all of us, though.
GJ: You two have been at the center of the MVP conversation for weeks now. Do you think about it? Do you read the papers?
AT: I mean, I’m not going to say I don’t think about it. Our names are in the papers. How do you not notice? But when I’m playing, I’m just playing. I do best when my mind isn’t wandering or watching the box scores or thinking about the interview or whatever.
AB: Yeah, same here. I just do my best. Do people care that much about that award? I’m not a big reader. Um, no offense.
GJ: None taken, sir. Mr. Bernard, Craterview is the highest ballpark above sea level in the league, up here in the mountains. You’re from Flambeaux, which is basically the opposite, a city at sea level, right on the coast. What effects does the elevation in Platte have on you?
AB: It definitely took some getting used to when I first got here. I’d like to think it gives us a little advantage. I’m fast in both places, though.
GJ: Yes, you’re certainly fast everywhere.
GJ: Mr. Thompson. I know you’re out of the lineup tonight. I won’t ask you about your injury here, since team officials have already stated that a diagnosis is pending and your status is day-to-day. Since you’ve missed some time, you’ll have to average around four trips to the plate for the next couple of weeks to qualify for the batting title, and it might not be doable at this point. However, the MVP award has no stipulation for service time or plate appearances. I know your back and a few other things have been bothering you. Is it difficult to give your best day in and day out in this fast-paced league?
AT: Oh, yeah, it’s difficult. But we do our best, you know? I do whatever I can every day. Our team has been having a great year, and I’m happy I get to be part of it. I just do whatever I can to help us win every day, no matter what. They’re paying me pretty well, and it’s fun even when my back hurts, so I’m up for it.
GJ: What about you, Mr. Bernard? Is the daily grind taking a toll on you?
AB: Yeah, a hundred games is a lot. That’s what we’re here for, though, so I’m ok with being a little sore or whatever.
GJ: OK, guys. One last question. Are you surprised by the success of organized baseball this year?
AB: No. We’re pretty good at this. I’d watch us.
AT: I’m not surprised either. I’ve been playing for a long time now and I’ve seen the joy baseball brought people wherever we took it. I’m happy to be here at the beginning of this thing. I hope it lasts years and years.
GJ: Thank you, gentlemen. Good luck tonight.
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