On Cheesesteaks, Chicken Wings and a Japanese-Made Eating Machine
Last week many of you might have noticed that Steiny ran the show for a few days, while I was conspicuously absent. Anyone who might have cross-checked that with my Twitter feed might have noticed random pictures of places in Philadelphia, photos of competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi at Wing Bowl or me holding a giant check. What did that have to do with TheJetsBlog.com?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing at all.
But I wanted to take the time to explain something that’s been rattling around in my head for some time and is starting to seep out of me creatively. I love this site, and I intend to keep on doing it for a long time, but I hoped to share another passion I have because I know you have it too and because I’m going to need your help. Bear with me and I’ll explain below.
So where does this story even begin?
For years, I’ve been lucky enough to take some time from my real job to get up close and personal with athletes. Even today whenever I get the chance to talk with Jim Leonhard by phone, or scribble down notes at Dustin Keller’s locker, I realize what an insane dream world I get to live in. It was always fascinating to interact with these people, and in some way it’s become quite addictive. It’s also something that I feel honor-bound to share with you, hoping that readers get to vicariously live through me during something like Draft weekend, or inside the ropes at training camp … so that in some way you own the experience just as much as I do. No bullshit, there’s a responsibility there for me, one that I take seriously and I hope comes across to readers.
Still, with all that, I get that I’m still an interloper. I’m not there doing this every day of the year. So time and time again, while the hordes of reporters would swarm one way, I’d try to skirt another. For example, back in 2008 right after the slim victory to the Chiefs in the Meadowlands, I remember approaching Calvin Pace. Pace was alone and changing at his locker, I asked if he’d talk. He said sure, I asked him about why it was such a close game … the Jets were the better team? Why was the win so hard to come by? Pace took a deep breath, arched backwards, looked up at the ceiling and exhaled. I knew this was going to be good.
Pace started talking about how the Jets were making it hard on themselves, and in seconds the bee swarm of reporters enveloped us. It was really that quick. While he never backed down off what he said, his demeanor was already changing as the crowd attracted a greater crowd. More cameras, more pens and pads. I felt self-conscious, and jostled my way out of the crowd. Just like that, our little moment of genuine personal exchange was gone. Discarded on the floor like so much athletic tape.
No for real. If you’ve never been there, the floor of the locker room after a game is like walking on flypaper. It’s crazy tacky.
The problem of course is that when athletes have a camera and microphone shoved in their face that is tethered at the other end to news outlets with millions of viewers, then amplified by a three day ESPN echo chamber of sports analysts, their guard goes up … way up. This holds true for most athletes, maybe with the exception of Bart Scott.
The Jets season of Hard Knocks was the turning point for me. My interview with HBO Sports’ Ross Greenburg planted a seed in my brain. Seeing what the lives of athletes are like behind the scenes was revelatory. Sure, I’d seen Hard Knocks before, but it made all the difference in the world because I cared about the Jets. Even if I didn’t care, I realize how powerful telling these stories are to people who are less attached. There’s a reason the Olympics does those magazine pieces on the down-on-his-luck member of the US Curling team. I wanted to know more about athletes, and I started thinking about ways to become part of that process beyond my writing. There had to be some way for that to link up …
Fast forward a year and a half.
The Jets season is a smoldering heap, and I’m starting to talk to people trying to feel out a concept I’ve been thinking about since last October. How about a documentary style web-based series on the lives of athletes following them during an interesting day? I started lobbing calls to my Blogs With Balls / Hugging Harold Reynolds pal Don Povia since he’s a walking rolodex. I wanted to stretch myself and get away from the Jets. How far could I get? I tell Don my idea, he thinks about it and asks …
“Hey, why don’t you come up to Philly and follow Takeru Kobayashi around during Wing Bowl?”
Wing Bowl? Competitve eating’s version of the Convention of the Juggaloes? With Takeru Kobayashi? The non-native English-speaking Nathan’s hot dog vacuum? That’s certainly about as far away from the Jets as possible … what could possibly go wrong?!?
Two weeks ago, I had no camera crew. I had no video production expertise. I know nothing about competitive eating. I’ve got no idea what I’m doing … how do you plan for something like this? How stupid is this idea for someone like me to try and make happen?
After a few panic attacks and many phone calls to people much smarter than I who told me they liked the idea of the project, followed by some mad scrambling, I got a few awesome camera people to help. Frank, David and Rich were all eager, and rose to the challenge. We meet in Philly, linked up with Takeru Kobayashi and the rest of Team Kobi on his way to destroying the Wing Bowl record. We followed him around for more than a day, accumulating tons of footage as he readied himself for Wing Bowl: meeting fans, getting weighed in before the event (he weighed 138 pounds, less than half of many of his opponents), discussing business with his manager, and hanging with pals like owner of the East Village’s Crif Dogs, and one of Philly’s proudest sons, Tony Luke.
One of my favorite moments was when I asked Kobi what his proudest record was. He told me during a competition he once gained about 26 pounds. I’m thinking he did it in days, and followed up.
Over how long a period?
“45 minutes”
Of course there were challenges, but in the end, we had a great time, and now we’re in editing to come up with the pilot for this series. I honestly can’t wait to share it with you. Even if you don’t care about competitive eating (I didn’t) it’s going to be good. I just know it. Once editing it down is done, the next step is going to be getting this “out there” … see what the response is and then of course doing this again and again and again with other athletes in other sports, in other cities (New York?). This could be really, really fun.
So this is where you all come in. I’m going to need all the support you can muster. I am personally asking you if you are reading this to help me with this process.
It would be good it if you will watch the final product, but I would love it if you can help me get this out there on Facebook or Twitter once we drop the video. It would be otherworldly if you know a story I should know. It would be intergalactic if you can connect me to your childhood best friend who now happens to play for the Chicago Blackhawks and might be up to being the subject of another episode. You guys are my network, and I’m going to need all the help I can get. Trust me, every little bit will help, every tweet, Facebook link share and we are going to succeed with this project together.
If you have any suggestions, let me know. Email me at thejetsblog@gmail.com if you can think of a way to help. No idea is too small, we’re going to need all the help we can get, and my hope is that you will be a big part of it.
So that’s it for now.
More very soon and I’ll try and keep from tainting TJB too much with this project, but I didn’t want this to be a big secret or anything like that either.
I want you to be part of the adventure with me, just like all our other adventures together. I really hope you’ll come along for this ride … it’s going to be a lot of freaking fun and I can’t think of anyone better to share it with.
77 Responses to On Cheesesteaks, Chicken Wings and a Japanese-Made Eating Machine
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thanks Dawg! Much appreciated. I’m going to need it and I’m going to need your help too!
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Dawg1331 says:
I retweeted your post my man
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Brendan says:
Pretty cool dude. Keep it up.
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kd bart says:
Good luck with this. Unfortunately, I’m not friends with any pro athletes.
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guy incognito says:
So wait which one’s the japanese made eating machine? Haha im kidding of course, its the one on the right
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Haha I kid. But seriously, I’ve been aware of this guy kobayashi for a while. The dude trains for this like a real athlete. Anyone else see him at the glutton bowl? At any rate ill def be following this story as it develops
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he ate 40,000 calories of wings during the competition. that’s got to go somewhere. I told Kobi he needs to do a workout video. lol
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May I add if there is one thing Jet and Giant fans can agree is on, it is our distaste for all things Philly sports related.
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Oh trust me … last week didn’t exactly convert me. We were literally accosted at 4:30AM by drunk and shirtless meth-heads as we tried to get into the Wells Fargo Center. Not a great moment. lol
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If you come to Jersey I will make sure you get accosted by drunk and shirtless Meat-Heads instead
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MattyG says:
Good luck! You’re a phenomenal writer. I work in Hanover and see many of these players/reporters during the season and always thought it’d be a fascinating lifestyle. I’m sure the new project will be great.
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cb says:
Cool, Bassett. Good luck!
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I know feel bad for mocking your Kobayashi question on Twitter (even though my Hunter joke was funny) lol
It actually sounds awesome B. Good luck and let me know if I can help in anyway.
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Bent says: Obviously it goes without saying that we should all be wishing Bassett every success with this, but it has to be said:
What a great article!
Kudos.
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Thanks bro! I’m going to need your help in getting in contact with England’s football manager Fabio Capello …
Um … nevermind.
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Bent says:
Well, that was a weird way to find out about that!
(Crap, that means England will poach Harry Redknapp so Spurs are screwed).
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jetsman24 says:
youre a spurs fan bent?
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Bent says:
Habitual underachievers that play in a huge media market with a devoted fanbase that is jaded after all the times they’ve been disappointed by bad luck or last minute heartbreak?
Who else could I support?
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Lam Jones says:
West Ham!
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BB –
As always, I wish you the best with this project, and will try to help in any way possible.
As I said when I saw the pics on your Twitter—I hope you didn’t have to pick up the check for Kobayashi’s lunch!
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levi says:
Good luck. Im looking forward to reading it. I used to hangout with Erik Cole of the Montreal Canadiens when he was in college but hes gone and to busy now I guess. But good luck just the same its an interesting idea.
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thanks levi! Good looking out and will definitely keep everyone informed of the process when we’re closer to sharing the video.
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clarkgaines1979 says:
Best of luck to you. I hope it is a great success. I’ll think if i know anyone. If this was 3-4 years ago when i worked at topps, i might have had a few in roads.
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alas! Much appreciated and any help is positive. Even if it’s just sharing it on facebook or something like that … it’s all good in the ‘hood!
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juunit says:
I’ve had thoughts similar to something like this while watching ESPN play the exact same things over and over all day. Because doing something like this also allows for us to get an inside view with players that aren’t necessarily the big stars, which I think would be really interesting. Unfortunately though, I don’t have any way to get into contact with my buddy Silas at Penn State. Especially with all the stuff going on over there, that’d make a great story. I can ask him if I see him next time I’m home. Although, the school might not allow something like that. I imagine they’re a little wary of the press right now.
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I appreciate you thinking about it, and glad to know you think I’m onto something, that’s just the sort of reinforcement that lets me know this is a good direction!
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This was on twitter: @RichCimini Francesa on @WFAN660 incapable of praising Giants without ripping Jets. Clearly, Rex is in his head. #beajournalist I agree with cimini
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Ferraro41 says:
Yeah, except it’s the pot calling the kettle black. Cimini has been doing the same thing the last few weeks, covering the SB and taking cheap shots at the Jets.
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I know you wanted to get away from football but what about following a boarderline draftee up to and including the draft and seeing what they go through trying to chase their dream
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Joe, 100% agrree. the thought has absolutely occurred to me. the trick would be getting someone who’s going to NYC for the Draft on Day One, but not have too much hype attached to them.
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reality jet fan says:
Congrats and good luck to BB. Sounds like a great idea.And i will let all my friends know and yes i do have friends.
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:D
“I told two friends … and they told two friends … ”
#YOUNGHEATHERLOCKLEAR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcskckuosxQ
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JetsFanDan says:
This sounds like an awesome idea Bassett! Really looking forward to the finished product.
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OldRich says:
Whatever happened to Joey Chestnut?
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oh he’s around. but Kobi is out of the Major League Eating because they had a crazy restrictive TV contract. They wanted him to agree to never being on TV unless they said he could and it was like only for their events.
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Best of luck Bassett!
Wow!! Bulking up 26 pounds in 45 minutes…maybe we can introduce Mr. Maybin to Mr. Kobayashi.
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Boston University JET says:
Harsh!!
#howardeskin: Saw and talked to Plaxico Burress at Super Bowl and told me he wants to play for Eagles. Badly
http://twitter.com/howardeskin
Alright, so there’s no way we can bring back Plax now. I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing, but we need guys (especially WRs) who want to play for this team and do everything possible to win…
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Bent says:
And I’m sure he will play badly.
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It is interesting though, how WRs seem to hate playing here, at least recently. Cotchery wanted out, Burress wants out, Mason wanted out, Holmes gave up.
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Holmes’ willingness to mend the fence tells me that the issue (in his eyes) isn’t Sanchez. Let’s hope that’s the case.
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I agree, I believe it was 100% Schottenheimer who caused the issue with Holmes to arise. He could also be responsible for Cotchery’s, Burress’ and Mason’s exits as well. Even if he isn’t, it’s still fun to find things to blame him for.
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Randy says:
Holmes just misses Braylon.Clear indication we should bring Braylon Back.
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This doesn’t really surprise me, he and Vick are really close having gone through similar ordeals. Oh, and Andy Reid might actually throw a back-shoulder pass to him, so that’s probably enticing all by itself.
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Sounds like a great idea Brian…good luck with it! Not sure how I can help, but if you need any assistance in the DC area, let me know, happy to do what I can!
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thanks bud! all help will be appreciated, even twitter / facebook / pinterest / you name it love!!
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Jeremy Lin is that you?
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You’d have to get really lucky, but how cool would it be to be with a AAA baseball player or an NHL player on a day they get unexpectedly called up/traded and have to travel in what they’re wearing & suit up on their way out to play.
You hear those stories from time to time, but seeing it happen would be amazing.
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I think that’s a good idea. Maybe if I was to work with the team more than the specific player and then (like say for baseball) when the roster expands, be ready at the minor league level to follow the player up.
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kalvesta says:
Good luck, Basset. Happy to help you however I can. You are a talented fellow: do your best.
J
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I second the Jeremy Lin idea. If you are friendly with the other SNY blogs then maybe TKB can get you a contact.
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C Low says:
wish I had kobayashi’s talents. I don’t think I can stomach another one of these seasons….
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Sim Phony says:
“Nothing. Nothing at all.” pretty much sums up this post.
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xtremestarzz says:
good luck bassett. I’m totally on board with this idea. Ill retweet this also.
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EpidemikE says:
Ill definitely spread the news on Facebook, twitter and Google+.
Would you rather stay away from athletes fro. “Mainstream ” sports?
I could never compete in a Triathlon but it’d be interesting to see what their daily life is. Especially if they are not a pro. How do you juggle work and training?
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Ep, that’s awesome, I will really appreciate it!
To be honest, maybe because there is going to be a commercial interest here, I am going to have to do mainstream sports, but hope to balance them with either some lesser known players in those sports, or athletes from some “other” sports too.
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thanimal says:
I can probably get you connected with some professional water skiers who could desperately use some attention to our sport. (I’m a competitor but not a professional. It’s a sport with a long history [first Nationals was in the 40s], yet most people have never even heard of it.)
Send me email if interested (I am assuming you have access to my email even though it is not published).
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Cook says: Consider my feelers out… that came out all wrong… so did that… can’t weight to see… see what I did there? Congrats and I’ll be in touch.
-ps – i think you nailed the locker room post-scrum shame pretty well.
Sounds cool, good luck with it bub