Round.Pick	Player
Keeper	Kurt Warner
Keeper	Shaun Alexander
Keeper	Stephen Davis
1.10	Peerless Price
2.05	Garrison Hearst
3.10	Rod Smith
4.05	Marc Bulger
5.10	Jon Kitna
6.05	D'Wayne Bates
7.10	Lamar Gordon
8.05	Billy Miller
9.10	Robert Ferguson
10.05	Mike Anderson
11.10	Olindo Mare
12.05	Steve Smith
13.10	Washington Redskins

---

CBL Championships
2001

Division Titles

1998

2000

2001

Season Records

Year	Regular Season	Playoffs
2002	8-5	0-1
2001	9-4	3-0
2000	9-4	0-1
1999	6-7	n/a
1998	9-4	0-1
1997	8-6	n/a

 

---

Press Releases

6/26/2003
Samuel Adams to be Forty's Presenting Sponsor
by Dr. Steve, CBL Correspondent

They are not just the Mickeys Forty anymore. They are now the Mickeys Forty presented by Samuel Adams.

In an unprecedented CBL move, the Boston Beer Company, maker of Samuel Adams, paid an undisclosed amount to be the Mickeys Forty "presenting partner" for the next 12 years. The Boston Beer Company is based in Boston, MA but recently opened a second brewery in Maltville, OH.

Steve "Two Fist" Green, the Forty coach and GM, told Knight-Ridder that the deal would bring "a new level of corporate partnership to the city of Maltville and the CBL."

"Samuel Adams will bring its customers and our fans new opportunities and enhanced services," Green said.

The specific amount the brewery is paying the team wasn't disclosed..

A commercial tie-in is nothing new for the Forty. Founded in 1997, the team was named for the fine malt liquor that bears the name "Mickeys".

As part of this new deal, Samuel Adams will get signs all over the stadium, advertisements on Forty's radio broadcasts and non-game television programs, a presence at training camp, and a sponsorship role in the team's community outreach efforts, which include player and coaches' birthday parties, designated driving programs, and a Mickeys Forty party house which has been set up for the players to "relax and unwind" after games.

Rumors of Boston Beer installing a tap for Sam Adams kegs in Coach Green's office have not been confirmed.

On rare occasions, sports teams have had presenting partners before. It has been commonplace for golf events, tennis tournaments and college bowl games to have them, as well. However, this is a first for a CBL team, and it is one with an extremely high profile.

While the Forty are very excited about this new sponser, some experts are calling it a grave mistake.

"This strikes me as a dangerous precedent, maybe one step too far," said Tony "Satchmo" Kornheiser, ESPNRadio personality. "We've reached the point where to generate more revenue, everyone's diving into what seems to me to be a gray area."

"It allows us to associate ourselves very closely with the team," said Jim Koch, Boston Beer Company founder. "It's really about visibility. Here at the Boston Beer Company, we've always been a fan of football. And we've always been a fan of good beer. So why not bring the two together?"

When asked if this new sponsership program will conflict with the current tie-in with Mickeys Malt Liquor, Coach Green stated "Absolutely not. The Forty have always had a close relationship with Mickeys and will continue to do so in the future. They've always been our primary sponsor and that's not going to change. Our stadium will still be called BigMouth Field. I still remember finalizing our sponsorship deal with Mickeys in 1997 at the Wild Wing Cafe in Hilton Head. A plate of wings, a bucket of Mickeys BigMouths, and shooting the shit with your friends. That's what the Mickeys Forty is all about."

 

7/8/2003
Forty Sell Out Season Tickets
by Dr. Steve, CBL Correspondent

Maltville, OH — The Mickeys Forty confirmed on Tuesday that season tickets have sold out for the upcoming 2003 season.

"This really speaks to the excitement this team — everybody — has created in Maltville and throughout the state," Steve Green, Coach and GM, wrote in an e-mail to club employees and media outlets.

With a waiting list in excess of 15,000, the team has reached a point at which only 1,000 seats will be available for each of the Forty's regular season home games. Single-game tickets, priced at $34, $44 and $56, will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

"We wanted to give as many fans as we could a chance to see the team play," said Green. "The demand has exceeded our supply, which, for us, is a good problem to have."

The 2003 Forty are currently in training camp, preparing for the upcoming season and hoping to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Although the Forty went a respectable (8-5) last year and made the playoffs, many considered it a disappointing season after coming off a CBL Championship in 2001.

This reporter caught up with Coach Green recently while he took a break at training camp from the sweltering Maltville heat. "We've set the bar pretty high here in Maltville," Green said while sipping on a cool, refreshing Samuel Adams lager. "This franchise has had a lot of success and the fans are used to winning. We're sure as Hell going to do our best to make sure they get their money's worth. Now that we've sold out our season tickets, none of our games will be blacked out in the Maltville area, giving all of our fans, even the ones who can't come to the games, the opportunity to support this team."

 

8/7/2003
Forty Running Back Collapses During Practice
by Dr. Steve, CBL Correspondent

Maltville, OH -- It was a scary moment in Maltville yesterday as
Mickeys Forty running back Shaun Alexander collapsed due to the
excessive heat. The veteran player had to be removed from the field on
a stretcher at the end of the team's afternoon practice.

Ironically, Coach Green had cut short the session by about 40 minutes
because of the threat of lightning and storms in the area. The practice
actually had concluded when Alexander went down to one knee, then began
to cramp and spasm. He never lost consciousness.

The temperature in Maltville at the time was 82 degrees and the heat
index was 86 degrees. The 90-minute practice, which followed a
torrential downpour, was not an especially taxing one.

"I don't really know how to explain it," a perplexed Coach Green said
while sipping on a cold, refreshing Samuel Adams lager. "We didn't
have any reason to believe there would be a problem."

"I just know we've done a lot of running the last three days," fellow
running back Stephen Davis said. "A lot of players are kind of hurt ...
with all sorts of nicks and dings. Maybe that contributed to it, I
don't know. Coach runs a tough practice, but we've never had this kind
of problem before."

Just last week, quarterback Kurt Warner was overcome by the heat and
went down in morning practice. Team doctors chalked it up to
dehydration, though, and Warner was back on the field that afternoon.

Alexander, 28, was down on the field for about 19 minutes as the
Mickeys training staff administered intravenous fluids. He tried to
sit up at one point, then fell back again, and finally was placed on a
stretcher and rushed to a waiting ambulance. He received treatment at
Rona Hills Medical Center and was released this morning.

A Forty spokesman said that Shaun would return to practice and that his
availability for Saturday's exhibition game against the Fairborn
Skyhawks would be determined Thursday or Friday.

Shaun Alexander was drafted by the Forty two years ago and has been an
integral part of their offense ever since, helping lead the Forty to
the playoffs last year and also in their CBL Championship season in
2001.

 

******** CORRECTION ********
In the previous article, it was incorrectly reported that Shaun
Alexander is 28 years old. He is actually 25.

Dr. Steve
CBL Correspondent
******** CORRECTION ********

 

8/29/2003
Dr. Steve's 2003 CBL Preseason Power Poll

Ahh, the start of the season is almost here. I can't tell you how
inundated I've been with emails from CBL owners asking for another one
of my infamous preseason polls. It appears you just can't get enough
of Dr. Steve's insight and vast football knowledge. But who can blame
you?

This year, I've run all the statistics through my complicated
prognosticating algorithm to come up with the most accurate predictions
you can find anywhere. And all this for one simple price... NOTHING!
Where else can you find such valuable football wisdom for free? But
enough rambling, here it is. My long awaited, much anticipated, 2003
Preseason Poll. Enjoy!

Dr. Steve's 2003 CBL Preseason Power Poll

#1 Miami Trail - The Trail were ranked second going into last year but
ended up a disappointing (5-8) and missed the playoffs entirely. You'd
think Dr. Steve would have learned his lesson, but how can you ignore
the triple threat of McNabb, Portis, and Tomlinson? Throw in Torry
Holt and the emerging Koren Robinson and it all adds up to a number one
preseason ranking. But Trail fans had high hopes going into 2002 as
well. If Coach Leaming doesn't get this team off to a good start, the
fans may run him out of town.

#2 Apollyon Hordes - Coach Frain always has this team in contention.
How does he do it? Good coaching? Quality drafting? Divine
intervention? Who knows, but this year is no different as the tandem
of Favre, Holmes, and Taylor return to take holy vengeance on last
year's CBL Bowl loss. The big question for this team is can Fraud
Taylor and Priest Holmes remain healthy. If the answer is yes, then
this team will be a force. If not, then the Hordes will probably be
left behind in the playoff hunt.

#3 Uno Amber - A few years ago it looked like the Amber were on their
way to becoming a dynasty, winning back to back CBL Bowls. But they've
lost some of their swagger the past couple of seasons. Coach McMillan
is eager to prove he isn't the washed up has-been some have made him
out to be. This could be the year he makes his triumphant comeback.
Culpepper will have to regain his old form for this team to have a
shot, though.

#4 Mickeys Forty - This team is looking to prove their 2001 CBL
Championship season was no fluke. The Forty started out strong last
year but faded down the stretch, unable to overcome the off the field
controversies that have plagued this team for years. Is this the year
Coach Green finally sobers up and stops acting like a buffoon? Don't
count on it. This team has the talent to make a championship run, but
it all starts at the top. Their week 4 matchup against the Knights
will be key, as it will be their first time at Knights Park since Coach
Green's unfortunate arrest there last year.

#5 Newcastle Knights - What can you say about the Knights? They were
the class of the CBL last season but then laid an egg in the playoffs.
They come back in 2003 with high hopes and two of the best running
backs in the league, Ricky Williams and Deuce McAllister. The big
question with the Knights, though, is whether or not Rich Gannon has
any gas left in his tank. Coach Anspach's slogan is "The Future is
Now!" Well, it better be, because who knows how many more games this
grizzled vet has left.

#6 Schlitz Blitz - The Blitz had a rough year in 2002, finishing a
woeful (3-10). To be fair, though, their division was the toughest in
the league. They'll see some marked improvement this season with
Bledsoe, Green, and a great set of wide receivers on their roster.
Coach Yu may have a bit of a target on his back, however, as he's been
ruffling some feathers in an attempt to change the CBL draft rules.
It'll be interesting to see how some of the CBL "Old Schoolers" take to
this upstart owner.

#7 Kentucky Bourbons - Is Dr. Steve nuts? Why are the defending champs
ranked 7th in the league? Well, the Doctor isn't convinced Coach Utz
has enough talent this season to repeat as CBL champs. Curtis Martin
is returning, but how long can this aging veteran carry the load? The
Bourbons will make some noise this year, but a playoff berth will be
tough to come by.

#8 Chicago Baderbrau - The Baderbrau took a dive last year to (4-9)
after making it the CBL Bowl the year before. Dr. Steve sees them
rebounding in 2003 behind Trent Green and a reinvigorated Randy Moss.
If Donte Stallworth becomes the stud I think he could be, this team
will surprise a lot of people.

#9 Moosehead Mudcats - The Mudcats bit the big one last year, finishing
a dreadful (3-10). Coach Adams has his hands full this season, not
only trying to win on the field, but also to win back the frustrated
Mudcat fans. The firey Coach Adams is a great motivator, but sometimes
his over the top antics have this sports prognosticator scratching his
head. Dr. Steve isn't sure what to expect from the Mudcats this year
and their unpredictable coach.

#10 Ray's Redlegs - Coach Jarvis always fields a competitive team, but
the Redlegs may not have enough depth to make a serious run this year.
Marshall Faulk will carry the Redlegs again, but question marks
surround the health of franchise quarterback Jeff Garcia. Rumors of
Coach Jarvis' excessive gambling may distract the Redlegs on the field.

#11 Kickin' Heiney - The first 3 or 4 games will be key to the Heiney
this year. Can they win without their stud quarterback Mike Vick? Dr.
Steve says NO! Vick is the key to this offense, period. The Heiney
will struggle with Vick sitting on the bench. And even when he
returns, will he be the same Vick from last year?

#12 60 Minutemen - Coach Stigall's squad might deserve to be ranked a
bit higher, but I'm not convinced William Green and Emmitt Smith can
carry the load. If this team wins, they'll do so because of their
great set of receivers, Donald Driver and Plaxico Burress. But will
that be enough? The Doctor doesn't think so.

#13 Denver Beer Boys - It was a disappointing season for the Boys in
2002, finishing (5-8). Coach Hardy improved his running back corp by
trading for Eddie George in the preseason, but can George stay healthy
in 2003? For the Beer Boys to have any chance, he'll have to. Coach
Hardy seems to have jettisoned his strategy of a Denver-Only squad this
season.

#14 Harrington Hornsbies - Someone has to be last and this year that
dubious honor belongs to the Hornsbies. Peyton Manning returns and
will be a stud yet again, but the Hornsbies look to be going with a
running back by committee this year. And the two Jerrys, Rice and
Porter, will be fighting each other for catches all season. The Doctor
sees a long season ahead for Harrington's squad. Sorry, Coach.

9/3/2003
An Interview with Coach Green
by Dr. Steve
CBL Correspondent

I had an opportunity to sit down with Mickeys Forty Coach Green
recently and asked him about the upcoming season. As always, the
controversial coach was very candid about the Forty's struggles last
season, his chances of regaining the CBL championship this year, and
the many off the field problems that have plagued his career.

Dr. Steve: I'll cut right to the chase. How do you feel about the
Forty's chances this year to return to the CBL Bowl?

Coach Green: I feel pretty good about it, I'll be honest. We have a
good core of players here in Maltville and assuming everyone stays
healthy, I like our chances.

DS: Speaking of staying healthy, Kurt Warner's injury problems last
season were a huge factor for this team. With Marc Bulger waiting in
the wings, is there a quarterback controversy?

CG: Of course not. Two years ago, Kurt was the MVP of the league and
also of the CBL Bowl. A year later, the guy gets hurt and everyone
wants to run him out of town. Injuries happen. I remember in 2001
Jamal Lewis tore his knee up in the preseason. But I stood by him
because he was my guy. I'm going to do the same with Kurt.

DS: Actually, Coach, you cut Jamal Lewis after he got hurt.

CG: Uhhh... Oh yeah. Whatever.

DS: Coach Frain commented recently that last year's first round
playoff loss proves you're nothing but a mediocre coach who just got
lucky in 2001. How do you respond to that?

CG: Anyone who claims the Forty didn't earn their CBL Championship two
years ago is nothing but a sore loser. Frain likes to make these kinds
of outrageous comments because he hopes it'll distract people from the
fact that he can't win the big game. What's Frain's CBL Bowl record?
0-2? I don't think I need to say anything more about that.

DS: When the CBL schedule was first released, the Forty weren't
scheduled to play the Uno Amber. But the schedule was adjusted a
couple of weeks ago and now the Amber will be travelling to BigMouth
Field in week 7. Any truth to the rumor that you pressured the
Commissioner's Office into adding your hated rival to your regular
season schedule?

CG: I wouldn't know anything about that. But I guarantee we'll be
ready for McMillan when the time comes. Damn, I hate that smug
bastard.

DS: A lot of people are pointing to your week 4 matchup against the
Knights as a pivotal game for the Forty this year. Do you have any
reservations about returning to Knights Park, the site of your
embarrassing and humilating arrest last season?

CG: That incident was blown way out of proportion, Dr. Steve. As you
know, the charges were eventually dropped and nothing came of it. As
far as I'm concerned, Coach Anspach still owes me an apology for how
his redneck fans behaved that day. But you know, I'm above that sort
of thing and I've let bygones be bygones.

DS: On a lighter note, I hear you attended the preseason CBL Poker
Party over the weekend. How'd that go?

CG: Pretty well. The highlight for me was knocking McMillan's dad out
of the Hold'Em Tournament. Damn McMillans. Also, Coach Utz seemed
pretty annoyed that he was ranked so low in the preseason power poll.
I found that amusing as Hell.

DS: You're not pulling any punches today. Shots at Coach Frain and
Coach McMillan. Even a dig at the usually reserved Coach Utz. Any
particular reason? Have you been drinking?

CG: Hey, I'm just calling 'em like I see 'em. *hic*

DS: It's no secret that you've had your share of off the field
problems. Being arrested last year, gambling problems, and rampant
alcohol abuse are just a few examples. Rumor is that the Forty
organization has added a "Moral Clause" to your contract this year.
Any truth to that?

CG: I'm not at liberty to say. But I can tell you that my party like
attitude is way behind me. I've recently found myself and have decided
to give up booze and gambling altogether. Living that kind of life is
just a one way ticket to the gutter and I really want more for myself.

DS: Really? Are you being serious?

CG: Hell no, man! Being an obnoxious drunk has gotten me to the
pinnacle of my sport. Why change now? You're such a sucker.

 

9/4/2003
Coach Green's CBL Championship Hat Stolen, Then Returned
by Dr. Steve
CBL Correspondent

Maltville -- In an bizarre story, Coach Green admitted today that his
CBL Championship Hat, which he won in 2001 after leading the Mickeys
Forty to their first ever CBL Title, had been stolen earlier in the
week but then returned this morning.

According to the police report, Coach Green reported the hat stolen
Monday morning. The report states that Green had been at a Maltville
tavern with friends celebrating his birthday. As a joke, he brought
along his prized championship hat to show off a bit. Somehow, the
coach lost track of it during the night but didn't notice it missing
until the next day.

"Coach Green was pretty upset about it," said Forty spokesman Richard
Munch. "This is his CBL Championship Hat we're talking about. It's
worth a lot of money, certainly, but more importantly it has a lot of
sentimental value for him."

Oddly enough, the hat turned up at BigMouth Field this morning, left in
a plastic baggie by the front gate of the parking lot. So far, the
police have no clues about the perpetrator, but can only assume the
thief returned the hat after getting scared of being caught, or perhaps
he just felt guilty. Rumors have been circulating today that Coach
Adams of the MudCats may be behind the scandal, maybe hoping to
distract Coach Green before their week 1 matchup this weekend. The
Maltville Police aren't commenting on the rumors and have admitted
they're not optimistic about finding the culprit.

Coach Green led the Mickeys Forty to the CBL Championship in 2001. The
attached picture shows CBL Commissioner McMillan passing the
Championship Hat to Coach Green after his CBL Bowl victory.

 

9/5/2003
Mickeys Forty Expands Sponsorship Deal With Boston Beer
By Dr. Steve
CBL Correspondent

Maltville -- The Boston Beer Company, maker of America's world class
beer Samuel Adams, is proud to announce that it has agreed to be the
sole beer provider at all Mickeys Forty games at BigMouth Field.
Before this season, Forty fans were only able to purchase Mickeys Fine
Malt Liqour during the games. Now, with this unprecedented partnership
between Forty ownership, Mickeys, and the Boston Beer Company, fans
will have a choice of drinking the fine malt liquor of Mickeys or an
award winning Samuel Adams lager.

Beginning with this weekends home opener, fans will be able to purchase
Mickeys Malt Liquor in forty ounce plastic bottles, or Samuel Adams
Boston Lager, Sam Adams Light, or Samuel Adams Octoberfest on draft.
Samuel Adams Winter Lager will also be sold at the stadium once it
becomes available in late Fall.

"We think having only plastic bottles and draft beer will provide a
more fan friendly and safe atmosphere for everyone involved" commented
Richard Munch, Forty Spokesman. "Also, we've worked hard with both
Mickeys and Boston Beer to make sure beverage prices remain reasonable.
After all, who wants to go to the game and be forced to shell out five
bucks for piss water like Bud Light? Here at BigMouth Field, we're
going to provide quality brews at affordable prices."

"We're really excited about our sponsorship deal with the Mickeys
Forty," said Jim Koch, Boston Beer founder. "After all, what's better
than sitting back, enjoying a CBL game, and drinking a good beer?"

9/9/2003
Mickeys Forty Fumble Season Opener
by Dr. Steve
CBL Correspondent

Maltville -- Surely the Forty faithful deserve better than this? In a
dubious start to the 2003 CBL season, the Mickeys Forty fumbled away
their season opener to the division rival MudCats on Sunday, 96-66.

Solid performances by running backs Shaun Alexander and Stephen Davis
were wasted as the rest of the team failed to provide any kind of
offensive support. Forty wide receivers were almost nonexistent and
defense and special teams might as well have not shown up at all. The
most astounding display, however, came from one time CBL MVP Kurt
Warner, who fumbled the ball six times, lost three of them, and had one
interception. Warner had an atrocious, mistake filled first half,
making poor throws, terrible decisions, and repeatedly fumbling the
rock. He was able to rebound somewhat in the second half, but by then
the damage had been done and the game was out of reach.

After the game, it was reported that Warner had suffered a concussion
early in the first quarter, which may explain his poor performance.
Why Coach Green didn't yank him at halftime, however, is a mystery. At
the post game press conference, Green, enjoying a cold, refreshing
Samuel Adams lager, stated that he'll probably start backup quarterback
Marc Bulger next week. "Unless something unexpected happens during the
week, I'm going to count on starting Marc," Green said. "I'm going to
err on the side of caution in this situation."

When asked if he regrets designating Warner a keeper in the offseason,
a clearly inebriated Coach Green muttered "What I know I can't explain.
But I feel it. I've felt it my entire life. That there's something
wrong with the world. I don't know what it is but it's there, like a
splinter in my mind driving me mad. Do you know what I'm talking
about?" And with that insightful but completely useless response, the
coach stumbled out of the room.

The Forty face off against another divisional opponent next week, the
Denver Beer Boys. It's too early to be calling it a must win, but
losing two straight divisional games at the beginning of the year will
put this team in a huge hole. Coach Green has faced adversity before
with amazing success, but one has to question whether he's mentally
stable right now, let alone sober enough to bring this team back from
this disappointing loss.

9/24/2003
The Mickeys Forty have started the season a dreadful (0-3) and were
blown out this past week by the Heiney, 94-31. I had a chance to sit
down with the always controversial Coach Green and we discussed the
Forty's disappointing season so far.

Dr. Steve: The Forty have really performed poorly so far this season
and have yet to win their first game. Is there any panic in Maltville
right now?

Coach Green: There's a sense of urgency, sure, but no panic. This
team has faced so much adversity in the past, we know we have the
talent and capability to come back from this.

DS: So even after dropping to (0-3), you still think you can make the
playoffs?

CG: Playoffs? Playoffs? I'm just concentrating on this week's game,
for Christ's sake. But yeah, I don't see any reason this team can't
still make the postseason.

DS: C'mon, Coach. You're (0-3) with two of those losses coming to
division opponents. That's a pretty big hurdle to overcome. Do you
seriously think this team can make a run?

CG: Absolutely. In fact, if this team doesn't make the playoffs, I
just may quit coaching altogether.

DS: Well, Coach, there are a lot of people who'd like to see you out
of this league, that's for sure.

CG: Of course they would, the filthy beggars.

DS: You had some minor controversies this week, with Shaun Alexander
showing up late to the game and Rod Smith being ejected for punching a
ref. Will those two receive any kind of punishment from the team?

CG: I imagine the Commissioner's Office will have something to say
about Rod. But you know, he was out there being aggressive and it just
happened by accident. I'm not about to tell him to go out and play
conservatively. As far as Shaun goes, he was late because his wife was
giving birth. I have no problem with that. In fact, I've given him
this week off so he can be with his family.

DS: So Shaun won't be playing this week? That's surprising
considering how much this team needs him right now.

CG: Well, we have pretty good depth at running back. Either Garrison
or Lamar will start in his place this weekend.

DS: Speaking of this weekend, you travel to Knights Park, the site of
your humiliating arrest last year. Any concerns about returning to the
scene of the crime?

CG: What crime? Those charges were dropped, dammit! Don't you people
ever let up?

DS: In a recent survey, Coach Anspach of the Knights said, and I'm
quoting, "Coach Green is a washed up has been." Do you have any
response to that?

CG: I'll respond to that on Sunday by kicking his sorry team all over
the field.

DS: So you think you'll be able to win against the (3-0) Knights?
Most people are assuming you'll get blown out.

CG: Think I'll win? Hell, I guarantee it.

DS: Wait a minute. Just so I'm clear, you're guaranteeing a Mickeys
Forty victory this week against the undefeated Knights?

CG: You heard me. It's a lock. Anspach can cram it as far as I'm
concerned.

So there you have it. Coach Green still thinks this team is a
contender and is actually guarenteeing a victory this week at Knights
Park. Can Green be the Joe Namath of the CBL? Will he actually quit
coaching if the Forty don't make the playoffs? Only time will tell.

Dr. Steve
CBL Correspondent.