Strat-O-Matic Celebrity Q & A with Ken Singleton

Strat-O-Matic Celebrity Q & A with Ken Singleton

Strat-O-Matic caught up with Ken Singleton, a commentator for the New York Yankees on the YES Network and former 3-time MLB All-Star who played for the Orioles, Expos and Mets. Singleton is a noted Strat-O-Matic gamer who was once quoted as saying “You know you’ve really made it as a ballplayer when you see a Strat-O-Matic card of yourself.”

Question: When did you first start playing Strat-O-Matic? Who introduced you to the game?

 

Ken Singleton: I believe I was about 9 or 10 years old when I started playing Strat-O-Matic Baseball. Most of the time I would play on the front porch of my house. When I wasn’t playing some form of baseball with my friends, Strat-O-Matic was my game of choice. I believe I first read about Strat-O-Matic in the Sporting News and thought I would give it a try.

 

 

Q: How often did you play the game growing up as a kid?

 

Ken Singleton: I played as often as I could. In particular, during the cold winter months I played quite a bit to remind me that spring would eventually come and I could get back outside to play the game again.

 

 

Q: Did you continue playing Strat-O-Matic when you got to the Major Leagues? If so, did you ever play with any teammates?

 

Ken Singleton: I can only remember playing once while in the major leagues on a plane ride with our broadcaster, the great Jon Miller. [Jon] had the game on a flight and he and I took on Cal Ripken Jr. and another teammate in a game. If I remember correctly, Jon and I won.

 

 

Q: Do you still play Strat-O-Matic today? When was the last time you played?

 

Ken Singleton: I have not played the game in years, although I would be interested in playing again. Especially the games with players from my era.

 

 

Q: All-time favorite card to play with?

 

Ken Singleton: My all-time favorite player is Willie Mays and his skills were reflected in his Strat-O-Matic card. Willie could do it all. I think he was the best player ever.

 

 

Q: Whose card from the current season are you most looking forward to seeing?

 

Ken Singleton: The current player who reminds me of the skill and flair of Mays is Mike Trout of the Angels. Mike is a well-rounded player just like Mays.

 

 

Q: Do you believe Strat-O-Matic has influenced or helped change the game of baseball at all?

 

Ken Singleton: When I was young Strat-O-Matic brought the game of baseball to life when I could not play the game myself. Strat-O-Matic certainly enriched my love for the game of baseball.
 
 
Published: July 30, 2014