As we celebrate our 10th anniversary at AngelsWin.com we've focused our attention on our writers, mods, contributors & website members. Today we put the spotlight on Nick Mancini, one of our forum moderators, member on our advisory team and event contributor. Nick, or Mancini" as we call him, is such an amazing helper and overall great teammate at AngelsWin.com. Nick has even transcribed some of our long audio and video interviews into text for us over the years -- a tedious task for anyone. As a moderator, which is never an easy job, Nick has received high marks from our members and is on top of eliminating posts that violate our code of conduct, while jumping on spammers/trolls quickly.
Let's get to know Mancini a bit more in today's Member Appreciation Interview.
AngelsWin.com: When and how did you first come to AngelsWin.com?
Nick Mancini: I was a lurker on the MLB board. They made a format change that a lot of people didn't like. So someone posted a thread linking Angeswin. I clicked on the link, and never went back.
AngelsWin.com: What keeps you coming back to the site?
Nick Mancini: Ummm, because I'm a Mod! J/K. There are many reasons why I come back every day; to talk baseball, get the latest news, or just laugh.
AngelsWin.com: What have been some of your favorite articles and threads?
Nick Mancini: There have been many great articles and the one that recently stands out is Dave Saltzer's memoriam to Jim Fergosi. As for threads, I wouldn't call this as my favorite but most memorable. The thread about Adenhart's sudden passing. It was a total shock and that thread allowed an avenue for the Awin community to remember, grieve, and celebrate Nick's life. That thread alone helped me cope with his passing.
AngelsWin.com: What in-person events have you attended from AngelsWin.com (Spring/Summer Fanfests, Charity Golf, Charity Softball)?
Nick Mancini: Countless events! Been going to Fanfests for 4 years now. Also helped organize the Cubs trip, A's doubleheader in Oak and the Suite at Petco. I think next year I will bring back another group trip.
AngelsWin.com: Why is AngelsWin.com your internet home for the Angels?
Nick Mancini: It's a one stop place to get everything Angels. The news is lightning fast along with exclusive content. I have made many friends on the site and enjoy hanging out with them on the board. The sarcasm and banter is contagious.
AngelsWin.com: In your opinion, what is AngelsWin.com’s best feature: the articles, charitable events, game-day chat, message boards, Fanfests, podcasts, etc?
Nick Mancini: Fanfests! I've seen it grow from small group at a sports bar to now filling up a banquet hall. Being able to interact with players and angels FO is an invaluable experience. I look forward Spring Fanfest every year and have now made it a family trip. I also enjoy the game day chat!
Lighter Side
AngelsWin.com: Where do you live and what do you do?
Nick Mancini: I live in Huntington Beach. I work for The Office Express which is an online restaurant marketing company. I manage the day to day operations with our restaurant partners and corporate clients.
AngelsWin.com: Why are you an Angels fan?
Nick Mancini: I grew up in Central California (Visalia) and the only media coverage at the time were the Dodgers and Giants. I never found an identity with either team and was a fan of baseball, not so much a team. I went to UC Irvine for college and when I wanted to watch baseball, I would go to the Big A. It was by far the closest. But during the 2002 season I began to find a passion for the Angels. It was an exciting regular season and the postseason was surreal. Sitting in RF when the Angels clinched the World Series was an amazing experience. You can say I jumped on the bandwagon in 2002, but have never jumped off. I firmly have my seat on this bus.
AngelsWin.com: What was your first Angels game that you remember? Who’d you go with?
Nick Mancini: When I was very young we took a family trip to Disneyland. One of those days we attended an Angels game. But I couldn't tell you what year it was, the outcome of the game, or even who they played. I just wanted to watch a baseball game in a major league stadium. All Visalia had were the Visalia Oaks (Single A).
AngelsWin.com: Who have been your favorite players? Why? Any great stories or interactions with them?
Nick Mancini: Vlad!!! Guy is arguably the best pure hitter of his time. He didn't need to talk a game and just let his bat silence his critics. During the photo day at the Big A, my wife got a great picture with Vlad.
Torii Hunter would be my 2nd fav. I enjoyed hanging out with Claude in RF holding up the ToriiTown signs. It was easy to root for a guy like Hunter.
AngelsWin.com: How do you survive the offseason?
Nick Mancini: Offseason? That no longer exists now with Angelswin and media sources. There is ALWAYS something to talk about now. There is the Baseball season and now the Hot Stove season.
AngelsWin.com: What’s one thing you’d like everyone in AngelsWin.com to know about you?
Nick Mancini: I have to thank Chuck for creating this website. I have made lifelong friends, obtained my job, and have countless baseball memories all thanks to the AWin community. I know people come to Angelswin because of their passion to talk Angels Baseball, but it can be soooo much more. Come out to the events and get to know the people you interact with on the board.
