Taking the Sports World by Storm

I write online sports articles. I write product descriptions. I write hockey cards. I write... a lot. Why not add a blog to my arsenal?

Yes, this is my first post on my personal blog. I won't waste your time with background on me or anything. If you're interested in that, check out the following websites:
The Hockey Writers (author page)
Hockey Podcast Directory (personal site)
Twitter: @jponder94

This post is mostly directed to those that already read my work, follow me on Twitter, converse with me on a regular basis or simply troll me on Reddit. I've got some new things in the works that I couldn't think how else to release the info except for opening a blog. Then it got me thinking (scary, I know), you should have a blog anyway. I mean, I do proclaim myself as a writer.
(courtesy SnapCall)


Part 1: For the Cardinals fans

First note goes out to the many people who have told me to get into baseball writing. I live in St. Louis, I'm a sports fan, so I should be writing about America's Pastime, shouldn't I? Well, I took your advice. It's not your typical type of writing... it's actually something much cooler and much more interactive.

I began work this month for SnapCall, a company that prides itself on converging live TV with real-time gaming. It's a smartphone app that allows you to get involved in the game. How is this possible?

If you download the SnapCall app, you will find a schedule of upcoming events that are being covered by the company. All that you have to do next is tune in to the game on your TV and join the event on your phone. Next, you will receive notifications with 12-20 second questions, involving trivia about players, predictions about upcoming plays and the ability to make the call on possible outcomes of the next few innings! 

For example, you may receive a question like this:
(courtesy SnapCall)

How many batters does Shelby Miller strikeout today?
A) 0-2
B) 3-5
C) 6-8
D) More than 8

Or this:

Before joining the Athletics and Cardinals in 2009, Matt Holliday spent the majority of his career with which NL team?
A) Milwaukee
B) Colorado
C) San Francisco
D) Atlanta

The questions can even range from what the batter does that at bat to which pitch type the pitcher throws next.

I write up your questions, send them out and calculate the winners at the end of the show (points are distributed to correct answers). Winners can receive cash and prizes, but, for me, the fun is in finding a new way to enjoy a baseball game. It's a creative idea that is quickly garnering attention across the country.
(courtesy KSDK)


Part 2: For the Blues fans

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you know about something that has, in a way, blown up overnight. I began working with KSDK a few months ago, allowing them to pull my content from The Hockey Writers and post it on their site to add some Blues content. The sports page has grown since that time, warranting more coverage on the high-flying hockey team. Enter the St. Louis Blues Face Off Hockey Show.

I worked with a St. Louis radio station in the past, providing Blues commentary on a few different shows. I've also podcasted for multiple shows that received outstanding feedback from its listeners. I gotta tell ya, performing in front of a camera is a whole other ballgame.

Along with good friend and fellow writer Mike Poepping, I have recorded two shows to this point and both have their high points. Each show runs between 5-10 minutes and is web-only as KSDK moves into the virtual world and attempts to take an early lead in the internet-news circuit among St. Louis stations. Considering how well this show is put together, it's obvious who will cross the finish line first.

(courtesy KSDK)
The link for Episode 1 is here and Episode 2 here. Expect a new episode in the late afternoon of every Blues game day.

It is an absolute honor that KSDK trusts me with relaying the good word on a team with high Stanley Cup aspirations. I feel like this is an out-of-body experience when I watch myself talking Blues hockey. I can't thank KSDK enough for the opportunity and I will do my best to represent the station as the top choice for hockey fans when they are hankering for some NHL coverage.

--

That wraps up the first blog. Thanks to SnapCall and KSDK for the tremendous opportunities. It's going to be a wild ride.

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