Bleacher Report Exclusive: Meet Cubs' Senior Writer, Bob Warja

Bob Warja is the senior writer on this website and is known for his professional articles, insightful comments, and his extraordinary knowledge of the game of baseball.  Bob was kind enough to answer a few questions for the Bleacher Report’s Chicago Intern Sam Wenk.

BR:  Have you always written about sports or are there other topics you enjoy
writing about?

BW:  Well, in addition to the story above, I found that I always did well on essay tests and it wasn’t until later on that I found that many didn’t share my enthusiasm for essay questions. That’s when I realized how much I liked to write. I’ve mainly posted comments on political blogs, and articles where I either agreed strongly or vehemently disagreed with the author’s message.  Sports, of course, generates a lot of passion, but I am a very opinionated person and so whatever subject piques my interest at the time is fair game. But Bleacher Report is my first attempt at writing articles for anyone, so in that sense I am very new to writing.

BR:  Did you major in journalism in college?

BW:  No, I actually majored in Marketing.  And I work in IT, so go figure. I wanted to pursue journalism or broadcasting, but was talked out of it by people who said it was too difficult to make a living, the whole starving writer scenario, you know. But my message to everyone, and my kids especially, is to follow your dreams.  Do the work you love.  You’ll not only be good at it, but you’ll never actually “work” a day in your life.

 

BR:  How long have you been a fan of the Cubs and baseball?

BW:  As long as I can remember.  I am 46 years old, and I remember watching Cubs games on WGN with my Dad since I was little.  So, even though I’ve always lived on the South side, I’ve never been a White Sox fan like most of my friends.  I became a long-suffering Cubs fan courtesy of my father.  He’s 86 now, and I’d really like to see them win this year so he can enjoy it while he’s still here. He can remember listening to the playoff games on the radio while coming home from WWII the last time the Cubs were in the Series, in 1945.

BR:  What other sports/teams do you like watching?

BW:  I’ll watch any baseball team if I have the free time, that’s how much I love baseball.  But I also enjoy football – Da Bears of course – and basketball, although I gravitate more toward college basketball, especially during March Madness.  I used to love going to Blackhawks hockey games at the old Stadium.  And in his prime, I would have paid to watch Greg Maddux pitch.

BR:  Care to share any personal information?

BW:  Sure, I am married with three children: Nicole, Bryan and Jennifer, ages 14 –13 – 9.  Watching them play sports and other activities takes up a lot of my time right now. I am currently working as an IT consultant specializing in disaster recovery and business continuity.

 

 

BR:  You currently have 37 fans on the Bleacher Report. Why do you think so
many people enjoy reading your material?

BW:  Well, I’m not completely sure, but I am glad that they do enjoy reading it as it feeds my passion to write. I’ve actually been humbled by some of the compliments I’ve received since I started writing; I wasn’t sure how well I would be received. Especially since I will write some tough things about the Cubs, for example.  I am definitely a true blue Cubs fan, but I tell it like it is. 

I think it may [also] be because I try to inject a little humor where possible, and I am opinionated and not afraid to speak (write) my mind and argue my case well. You may not agree with me, which is OK, but I think you walk away understanding why I believe what I believe.

BR:  What are some of your hobbies or other interests?

BW:  I play fantasy baseball and spend time with my family, in addition to writing and watching sports. Music is an old love of mine, too.  I play guitar, though not very well or as often as I’d like to.