Wahoo’s on First Heads Into a New Era

Apr 22, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Nick Swisher (33) reacts in the dugout prior to the game against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

One Editor Passes the Torch on to the Next

A year ago yesterday, I took over as editor for Wahoo’s on First. After serving first as a staff writer and then a senior staff writer under the leadership of Lewie Pollis, I considered it an honor when I was asked to take control when he accepted an internship with the Cleveland Indians. Well, after a year spent at the helm, it comes with a heavy heart to announce that I am officially stepping aside as the editor of Wahoo’s on First.

Before I get into explaining why, let me just start off by saying that I am extremely proud of the work the staff and I have accomplished over the past year. We took the already high bar that was established under Lewie and raised it even higher. The site went to new heights and reached thousands of new readers each and every day during my time as editor.

In addition, Wahoo’s on the Mic went from being an experimental, “let’s see what happens” podcast, to one of the best produced podcasts on the Fansided network. Of course, Trevor Bauer rapping our theme song helped things just a bit. The day we went viral with “Gutter to the Grail” will go down as one of the best days in the site’s history.

Not only that, but we saw the Indians return to the playoffs, regardless of what Kenny Lofton might say, and experienced one of the best seasons the Indians have had in years. It was one hell of a ride. One that I wouldn’t have traded for anything in the world.

With that said, the time commitment required to keep this site running up to the exceedingly high standards we have established has simply gotten to be too much. Combine that with the countless hours spent pushing the site and our content to all sorts of new places and quite simply… I’m burnt out. It’s time for a much needed break and to be honest, now is that time. The site is in a good place and is ready for the next editor to take over and make it bigger and better than it already is,

Enter Kyle Downing.

Kyle has been a staff writer here at Wahoo’s on First for quite some time and has stepped up to assume the role of editor. He has a lot of great ideas and is ready to accept the challenge and running this site to the standard that has been established by the editors that have come before him. I have all the confidence in the world that he will do a great job. All I ask is that you give him the chance to be successful. There are sure to be growing pains, but over time he will make Wahoo’s on First even better than it already is today.

But what does that mean for me? Well, while I’m stepping aside as editor, I am not walking away completely. I am remaining on as a senior staff writer and will continue to have an active presence here at Wahoo’s on First. Taking this step back will give me the opportunity to focus once again on quality content and try some things I’ve been wanting to do for a while now with my writing. I’m legitimately excited for the chance to get back to the basics and provide real, in-depth analysis.

So with that said, I would like to thank Lewie for thinking highly enough of me to give me the chance to be the editor of Wahoo’s on First for the past year. I also want to thank the staff for their help in making this one of the best Indians sites on the internet. Yes, I ran the show, but without you and your work this site wouldn’t be anywhere near as great as it is. I couldn’t have done it without you. And thanks to Kyle for stepping up and taking the reigns. You’ll do great.

And thanks to you, the readers, for coming back every day and giving me the motivation to be the best editor I could possibly be.

With all that said… Roll Tribe!

Editor’s Note:  Brian has done great things for this site.  I know I speak for all of us here at Wahoo’s on First when I say that we are grateful for his leadership and contributions.  I will do my best to continue the work he has done and keep improving on what he has helped put in place.