Public Apology to Frida Beater
- October 5th, 2010
- Posted in Editorial
- By Pitchit
- Write comment
Public apology to Portia “Frida Beater” Hensley
My comments on the Derby Deeds Daily Wrap – DAY THREE didn’t quite make it out of my mouth the way that my brain intended.
The depth of jammer skill on Rocky Mountain has made it possible for Frida to do the job that she does best, lead the team. Fridas skill set is clearly more conducive to a pivot/blocker position where she can work pack strategy out in real time as opposed to having to focus on the jammer position exclusively.
In the context of the coaching conversation, I was really going after the creator of the RMRG line-ups. Thinking that using Frida Beater to jam was her highest best use is a misappropriation of resources.
Clearly, Frida Beater is a highly skilled and experienced skater. Possibly more importantly, she is a great leader. I have a ton of respect for Frida and the things that she has accomplished in Roller derby. For me to infer anything less would be absolutely insane.
I apologize for the confusion that I have created.
–Pitchit
Very nicely said Pitchit!
I <3 Frida
Well said Pitchit. A good man knows when he’s spoken incorrectly. As much as you bug me, I still consider you a nice guy with the best of intentions. I’m sure you didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings, especially not the wonderful leader and all around great skater that Frida undoubtedly is.
Now we’re just waiting for an apology for the coaching staff of Rocky and Oly.
I am a big fan of Frida’s jamming and I watched the Oly/Rocky game and thought she did great. I was really surprised to hear your commentary. I consulted the stats for the game and below are Frida’s jamming stats:
1. 0 points
2. 4 points
3. 4 points
4. 3 points
5. 0 points
That’s not bad at all. In fact, what you said was wrong when you said she usually did not come out ahead. Usually, she got lead, got her points and called it.
Your commentary made it seem like she was going to make Rocky lose the game.
Frida has historically been–and still is–one of RMRG’s top jammers. In fact, she scored over 100 points in tne of the games at Regionals two years ago. I agree that DeRanged and Urrk’n are stronger jammers. Heck, they are two of THE strongest jammers in the country. But they can’t jam every other jam. Frida is a great compliment because she never seems to get tired and she’s fast as hell.
Frida, if you are reading this, know that you have lots of fans and Pitchit must have taken a crazy pill when he said that.
Frida rocks!
I also want to see more She Who jammer action!
I’m not sure the apology here sounds that different than the original comment. I have two thoughts on that: (1) As an announcer/podcaster/whatever, you are entitled to your opinion. You shouldn’t really feel obligated to apologize. I’m sure Shannon Sharpe never apologizes for criticizing NFL players and coaches! (2) That said, I still completely disagree with your assertions about Frida. RMRG clearly has two off-the-charts jammers in DeRanged and U.J. After those two, Frida, Whipity, A.J. and Psycho are all extremely capable jammers who would be #1′s on most teams in the nation. I’ll never forget watching Frida take over the game against Rat City earlier this year, pulling on the jammer panty for the LAST FOUR jams of the bout. To say that it was a mistake to have her jam was, well, a mistake.
And do you still stand by what you wrote, Pitchit?
@Todd Bradley
Unfortunately, I am in the process of remodeling our offices so I did not get to watch one single game from championships.
I did hear that Frida had some great jams, which isn’t a surprise. I just question if the highest, best use of her skills is in the jammer position. As a jammer and a team leader, I know first hand that you can not lead from the jammer position.
Congratulations to RMRG!