46,481.
I had to know the actual number.
13 years ago, I walked into the RotoWire office for the first time. A few days later, under the watchful eye of Mike Doria, I posted the first of 46,481 player updates to let the fantasy world know that Sean Burroughs was recalled from Triple-A to back up Joe Randa in September.
RotoWire had just completed a move to Madison from Los Angeles that summer (2005), and with the office located adjacent to the University of Wisconsin campus, the company's internship program was drawing a lot of interest. Mike was one of four full-timers working in the RotoWire office at that time, and he wasn't sure if they would have the time to properly train and work with a group any larger than the initial round of accepted applicants. I saw the internship posting on an actual cork board inside Vilas Hall, sent in my application, and hoped for the best.
Tim Schuler convinced Mike that they could take on one more new intern, and that one more was me.
Without Tim opening the door for me, I have no idea where I would be today. If you told me then where that internship would lead me, I never would have believed you.
Friday is my last official day with RotoWire, but today (Thursday) I hosted my final RotoWire shows on SXM and made my final RotoWire podcast appearance.
Thank You to Tim, Jeff Erickson, Chris Liss, Peter Schoenke and Herb Ilk for everything they've done to build a company that has given me space to grow and make a lot of lifelong friends in the fantasy community. They've been very gracious with opportunities – most notably, sharing the airwaves when the RotoWire shows were launched with the start of SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio – while allowing to me to write and talk about something I deeply enjoy. It's been a pleasure to work with them, and with everybody in the Madison office over the years, along with the many remote writers who contribute a lot of the great content on the site.
The decision to pursue another opportunity was completely my own. RotoWire is doing very well, and I wish everyone the best as the company continues to grow in the years ahead.
As always, Thank You. For reading, listening, engaging, and pushing me to do great work.
As for what's next, keep tabs on me @DerekVanRiper on Twitter. I'm very excited about my next opportunity, and look forward to sharing the details soon.
- DVR