Local Voice Joins “The Team”

I’m Brady Farkas. (That seems like too boring of a start.)

I’m the new guy. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to write for this website, working with the boys who patrol the airwaves all afternoon by providing you with an additional voice.

While calling myself the “new guy” is my attempt at being trendy, it is a bit misleading. I grew up in the area, and have lived here for some time. I played my high school sports here, and I’ve coached in the area. I’m really not that new.

Sure, I went away for college (Oswego State), and spent another year and change working out of the area, but now I'm back. I just couldn't stay away.

I love the Capital Region, and I love all of the sports that you love. My goal is to bring you - the fans of the 518 - some local love. Sure, we’ll talk national stories; you’ll get my take, and I’ll get yours - the usual. But my goal is to provide opinions and commentary on local sports that you care about.

I’ll get the disclaimer out of the way now: I played baseball and basketball for Shenendehowa through my graduation in 2008. Hopefully that doesn’t make you stop reading right here. As long as you don’t hold a grudge against the Plainsmen, my hope is that you’ll find you find me engaging enough to come back.

Some of you may even remember me as a player at Shenendehowa (which, come to think of it, I’m not so sure I want). Ideally you remember me hitting threes from the corner, or as the tall, skinny guy who looked like Randy Johnson on the mound---without throwing nearly as hard.

That’s how I choose to remember my former playing days. Not as the guy who hit the side of the backboard against Schenectady with a chance to win the game at the buzzer during his senior season.

My second disclaimer: Prior to living here, I lived in Seattle. I love Seattle sports just like I love local sports. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl, and I'm ecstatic. But you're getting me as we head toward baseball season. Be prepared for some Mariners whining. I'll try to refrain from it, but it's unlikely to last for long.

Enough about me. Tomorrow you’ll get my first thoughts. I’ll ask for comments, and the debates can start. But for now, let’s just welcome each other aboard.