Congrats to our lord and savior Benjamin “Iced by an Inter” Katz! After willing his team to an undefeated regular season, Katz dragged their worthless shells to an undefeated playoff run! To cap off a wonderful playoff weekend, Katz and the New York Empire thrashed the Roughnecks and the AlleyKatz in back to back games.
While we at Ben Katz Official Website enjoy a good gloating session, Katz, as always, remained a loyal team mate, a spirited competitor, and a good sport. Off the field, he could be seen high fiving his team, providing the coaches with detailed analysis of each point, and teaching life lessons to the young fans on the sideline.
Before we hear from our esteemed Kolleague Katz, a word from some of his lesser known Teammates:
Ben Jagt: Honestly Katz taught me how to throw both a flick and a backhand. Before I joined the Empire, I had to just hand the disc over to a handler. Thanks to Ben, I can now throw 30 feet with a flick and backhand. Also I am the lesser Ben
Harper Garvey: Whenever I get nervous on the field, or start to think twice about throwing a full field hammer, I remember the first thing Katz ever said to me: “Dos lebn iz nit mer vi a kholem—ober vek mikh nit oyf.” “Life is no more than a dream- But don’t wake me up!” With this in mind, I let it fly, knowing that Katz will always have my back. I owe everything to him…
Grant Lindsley: I have been playing Ultimate for a long time, and whenever I step on the field, I feel that I am the best player out there. It isn’t ego- it is just a fact. The only time that changes is when I am out there with Katz. Katz reads between the lines of the game of Ultimate- Everyone else is basically playing school yard kick ball, and Katz is out here playing 10 dimensional chess. He makes me feel threatened, excited, and inspired all at the same time.
Jeff Babbit: When I started college at University of Amherst, I was a lost soul. In the morning I would wake up, and instead of going to class, I would just gaze across the pond on campus, searching for direction. Day after day I would stand by that pond, while life continued for everyone else throughout the college, my fellow students busying around like ants on an ant hill. I knew I had to start my life, but I could not figure out which path to take, so I stood by the pond, waiting and watching the ducks.
One day, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I turned around to see a short man with kind, grey eyes looking back at me. “Hi, my name is Ben” he said. “You look tall and fast; ever thought about playing ultimate frisbee? The rest is history.
Beau Kittredge: I was recruited to the NY Empire with two simple words. “Ben Katz.” Ever since I jumped over that dude I have been the most famous ultimate player alive. The fame changed me. Before I came to the NY Empire, I was chasing money, fame, fortune, and power. I was starting leagues, I was ending leagues, I was winning championships, I was losing championships, etc… Some rich dude paid me a ton of money to live in his guest house. I was in better shape then ever before, but I’d never felt so alone. When I had the chance to leave it all behind, and spend my time with Katz, a player I’d always admired from afar, I had no choice but to uproot myself from Santa Fe or wherever and move to NYC.
Ben showed me the way to a meaningful life. He shared the book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice by Shunru Suzuki with me, and highlighted this quote: “The person who can freely acknowledge that life is full of difficulties can be free, because they are acknowledging the nature of life – that it can’t be much else.”
Wow! Inspiring words from some of his proteges on the NY Empire. BKOW reached out to the sister of Katz for some insight into how he became such a Killer on and off the Field and Kourt;
His third word was Ball…
He’s 8… He goes to play Makhanaym (Yiddish Dodgeball), I’m at A and C and a pattern that would mark the rest of our camp life occurs: someone comes to get me because my brother’s been injured in some way. It seems in his eagerness to chase a runaway ball, he ran smack into the light pole. As people tell it, he was running so fast, his arms and legs slammed together around the pole and the light flickered. When he got up, he was VERY upset that they were making him get checked out in the infirmary. He wanted to keep playing... (BKOW Note: This story is a legend at Camp Kinderland, but it has morphed into the light bulb fell out off the pole, to even the entire pole was knocked over)
There’s also the time where during a race, he separated the ligaments connected to his hip. He injured himself on the turn, and completed the race in second place…
…As a kid, we went to the YMCA after school, where they had a pool table and ping-pong table. Ben quickly out-grew playing his peers and moved on to playing (and beating) the counselors.
What a man! Thank you to P Katz for the stories.
While Ben Katz did not give an official quote for this story, we would like to call out Ultiworld, The AUDL, and the R/Ultimate Reddit community for not believing in our friend, Ben Katz. Any Bozo watching the championship game could see that Katz is the glue that holds the NY Empire together. We don’t know what is next for Katz, but we hear that he recently started an instagram account, and most likely will begin selling pre/post workout shakes on there!
The Body of an Accountant. The Heart of a Lion: The Soul of a Champion
This is Ben Katz. This is Vindikation. This is the AUDL King without a Krown, rightfully selected for the AUDL all star team.
Our only question; What took you so long?
Ben Katz Official Website is proud to announce that our boy has been selected as an AUDL all star, along with three other unknown NY Empire players.
Congrats to him, and to us for sticking with him all this time!
In this post, we will alter from our usual lazer sharp focus on Ben Katz and the world of Ultimate, and shift our focus to a different sport: NBA Basketball. I have become ensnared in a bet to write up a deep look at the upcoming season of the Philadelphia 76ers. Here we go!
First, I would like to put the 76ers into context for some of my non basketball devoted followers. The 76ers, to me, are the epitome of a bubble team, outside of a few interesting years. In the 2000’s they were good, led by Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala, and a couple other great players. They made it to the championships one year with Allen Iverson, and never made much noise after that.
Eventually, they came under the leadership of a wonderful and insane man named Hinkey, who was sick of middling results. He wanted stars, and he wanted to win championships.
Unfortunately in the NBA, it is very difficult and expensive to convince stars to play on your team. So Hinkey began what is known now as “The Process.” This meant he traded/sold off every single good player on his roster, in order to be bad. He got a ton of draft picks, which would be high picks due to how bad the team was. He somehow in this process convinced his fans to enjoy losing, knowing it would lead to future victories. The fans would cheer losing teams, and eventually it panned out, with some pretty solid picks coming through for them. They have developed a couple of high picks into quality players (in a way), and traded assets for good role players.
This brings us to now: I will look at the roster for the 2019/2020 season, and go into some detail on each player, with my initial thoughts on them, alphabetically. I will watch the first youtube video that comes up after a simple search of each players name, and read their nba.com Bio for context.
Jonah Bolden: Bolden was a rookie last year, also for the 76ers. He is from Australia, which I like, as Australians tend to be tough, no nonsense individuals. His father was in the NBA, I beleive as a journeyman. Right away this tells me he has some potential, but some players who have been spoon fed don’t end up that good.
Bolden played two years of college ball in the USA, one as a red shirt at UCLA, the other as a bench player even though he had good size/athleticism. He was upset by his lack of playing time, so he decided to go pro in SERBIA?! He was then drafted after two years to the 76ers, but was still stashed overseas, and played another year with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and won a championship there.
Wow! A lot going on with the first player here. My thoughts after watching one youtube video: He is quite tall and thick, and has a pretty good three point stroke. His career 3pt stroke is 35%, but his FT % is 48. This is abysmal, and unless he gets better at shooting free throws he won’t do much on the court. He also seems pretty flat footed and slow, which will hurt him in any real defensive situation.
Jonah Bolden: I don’t love him.
Trey Burke
A former Knick! I love Trey Burke, and I hope he has great success on the 76ers. He also played at the University of Michigan, a college program I enjoy watching, due to my friend Mike Katz.
When Trey was on the Knicks, he was known as Mini Allen Iverson. It is fitting he is now on the 76ers. He actually went all the way down to the Knicks G League team, after having a pretty rocky start to his career. At a point he was our starting PG! He is very very quick, has a great handle, and a great mid range jumper.
I would say after watching many, many of his games is he would be best as second unit point guard, as he was put on this earth to get buckets. Let him spark your offense, and not feel guilty about shooting. He does not play defense at all.
Trey Burke: No defense played, but I love him.
Joel Embiid: Joel Embiid is one of the most known and studied players in the NBA. I have followed his career closely, as I love Centers. I will say the following statements:
He could be the most dominant player in this era of the NBA (Post Lebron)
He is at serious, serious risk of losing the future of his career if he does not keep injuries, playing time, weight, and conditioning under control.
He shoots unnecessary threes, BECAUSE he is not conditioned to drive in/power through every possession. At his best, he could realistically hit a layup, dunk, or get fouled every time he touches the ball. Instead he wastes time at the perimeter, when is is a below average shooter and passer.
I love his energy, I love his competitiveness, I love his drive for the game, I love his willingness to put everything out on the court. This drive and love for the game can actually hurt him if he doesn’t get together the conditioning/injury prevention off the court.
He is clearly the best player on the 76ers, possibly in the entire east.
It’s not that he shouldn’t shoot threes- it should be a counter, where he shoots only if they are forcing him to not drive. Off a kick out to him, why not just pump fake, one dribble, dunk every time? Think Al Horford but much stronger and faster with more hops and more skilled at the rim. Instead we get a smaller Shaq who shoots threes.
Joel Embiid: I love him. I want him to stay healthy. If he gets a torn ACL or fractured vertebrae I will pull out my own hair.
James Ennis: James Ennis is the quintessential NBA Journeyman, who has had a crazy ride. After a varied college career at a bunch of weird California Schools I have never heard of, he was drafted in the second round. As a bubble NBA player, bouncing between the D/G League and the NBA, he was not making enough money, and he needed to support his family. So James played overseas in Perth and Puerto Rico, losing some visibility to make money. What an inspiring man! I feel him, sometimes you have to sacrifice professional opportunities for financial opportunities. In the end, I believe it will make him a better player.
Once he came back to the NBA, he bounced around. He had a good year for the 76ers, and could be a good swingman/defender for them that they can rely on to play some serious minutes, and guard some good 2s and 3s.
I think Wing players like Ennis have a hard time standing out in the NBA, even though every team needs them. I feel for him, and I want him to have a great season!
Tobias Harris: I do not like Tobias Harris’s Game, even though he seems like a funny guy. I don’t really know what it is I don’t like about him- He seems slow, but he’s not that slow. His shot is wet, but looks ugly. He plays like a shitty version of Paul Pierce or Joe Johnson without handles. Phil Jackson would love him because he has a big butt and knows how to use it.
For example: I tried watching the first video I could of his highlights and make it like 90 seconds. This is the shittiest highlight reel I have ever seen and it is eight minutes long WTF
The first youtube comment: “Tobias like Melo.” I guess this is true but Melo had a smooth game and great handle, while Tobias has a horrible handle and I hate it. They do look similar when they get to the rim and have stockier frames.
Also this guy is on a FIVE YEAR 180 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT ARE YOU INSANE 76ERS!?!?!?!?!? To me this is the worst contract in NBA history.
Extra: I really do like his friendship with Boban: Please google it, it is really sweet. Tobias Harris: I do not love him at all.
Al Horford: I have gotta say I do like Al Horford, though at times I have not liked him. For those who don’t know, this will be his 11th season, and he has been an ultra reliable, solid offensive and defensive center. He transitioned to a more touch/three point shooting game as he got older, and he is genuinely enjoyable to watch. He also left the Celtics which I love. Al Horford was on the back to back national champion Florida Gators with Joakim Noah who I hate, and I hate Florida.
He is on a 4 year 109 million dollar contract, which I don’t think is great, but I see why the 76ers signed him. He also seemed to be the best in the NBA at guarding Embiid, and now they are teammates. It will be very interesting to see if getting Horford can give Embiid a little bit of a break.
He just seems like an all around great guy, and I am happy he no longer is on the Celtics so I can enjoy watching him. His contract is a little much, making 25 million four years from now? Not sure that will be great.
Al Horford: A little pricey but I love him.
Furkan Korkmaz: Only real NBA heads will even know who this dude is. He is a 22 Year Old Turkish Shooting Guard, who has played a lot overseas. He is not very interesting to me. He did score 40 points in the 2018 summer league, which is apparently pretty high up there in all time summer league scoring.
Mainly I like his name. If I were to make fun of him, I would call him Fuckin Christmas, or Fuckin Korkmaz. Not sure which is funnier, but both make me laugh.
Edit: I just watcheda video of him getting 18 points he is taller than I thought, but still trash.
Fuckin Korkmaz: I don’t love him
Isaiah Miles
This dude was good on St. John’s, and hasn’t really played in the nba since then. I love St. John’s and he’s kinda big so I like him. Has been on the summer league team for the 76ers for the last two years, but not nba roster. Life must be strange for players like this- killing 95% of people on the court but still not being that good in the nba. I would not have the patience and dedication, so more power to him! We all should follow our dreams! Isaiah Miles: I love him
Malik “Shake” Milton
I was not familiar with this guy, but I looked him up and he went from G league to 4 year deal? Fuck yeah shake Milton. Great nickname, great player, great story. I am with it! I like the journeymen, the bench mob, the grindstone guys!!! Congrats to Shake!! Also pro tip don’t bet against SMU in first round of mm tourney they always win.
Shake: I love him!!
Raul Neto
Not gonna lie I’m getting tired of this activity. I never thought I’d be sitting in the doctors office writing about Raul Neto. He’s a shortish Brazilian point guard who is money in the Olympics. Good shooter but not great athlete. I guess he’s fine should be good to have a real pg on the roster cause Simmons is a bum!!!
Raul Neto: who cares
Kyle O Quinn: KOQITTPFITNBANQA!!!!! Look at his twitter account that’s all you gotta do. He was my Facebook cover photo for like two years. He’s my boy totally underrated such a boss!!
In all seriousness: a little slow for todays game, but he is built like a boulder, a consummate teammate, a wonderful passer, and can spread the floor. His mid range jumpers are cash!! His rebounding is fire!
76ers treat him well, I am sorry to say he never achieved success with the Knicks, although he was certainly this fans favorite. Also his twitter is insane! KOQ I LOVE HIM
Norvell Pelle: Next up in the Top Name edition of this preview is Norvel Pelle. Norvel is an interesting cat: He was a top High School recruit as a center, yet was academically ineligible for college. The man ended up skipping college and skipping the NBA draft as well due to wart injury (?). He was drafted to the D league, and after that played ball overseas and in the D League until this year.
First: I hate the NCAA, and this guy should have been allowed to enter the NBA right out of high school.
Second: what a wild ride he has had! He has high, mid and low level played basketball in: Delaware, Dacin (Taiwan), Homenetmen (Lebanon), Pallacanestro (Italy), and now Philadelphia. He was invited to play for the Lebanese national team. He is also a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, Lebanon, and the United States. What a cool guy!
I have watched his highlights, and I am here to tell you that he has bounce!! He is like a stronger and worse Mitchell Robinson!
Norvel Pelle: Great name, Great Story, Medium player with no jumpshot. I love him!
Josh Richardson:
A 3 year college player out of Tennessee, he had a great past two seasons for the Miami Heat, and joined the 76ers in the Jimmy Butler Trade. Last season he had a 38 point game? Six foot Six, smooth jump shot, great bounce, smooth game, I love it! ALso a 10 mill/year contract. Also a good defender. He looks like a great fit for the 76ers, and I like his game. Reminds me of Robert Covington, who the 76ers traded away for NOTHING!!!! He is a much better fit than Jimmy Butler, as he doesnt need the ball to score. Really nice going left even though he is a righty, which I like!
To be pleasantly surprised and watch a fun reel of his plays last season, watch this
Josh Richardson: I love him!
Michael Scott:
Mike Scott is a forward in the NBA- He has played for many teams. He gets rebounds, shoots threes, plays defense. Has had some good games, has disappeared a lot of games. Pretty much a good player that doesn’t make much noise.
When he checked into the game or had a good play when he played for the Atlanta Hawks, the in arena keyboardist played The Office Theme Song. He can definitely get hot from Three! Good player good fit.
Michael “Date Mike” Scott: I love him!
Marial Shayok
2 way G League and Rostered player- Played for two colleges, Virginia (I am not a fan) and Iowa State (I am a fan). My sources are telling me he scored 19 points in a summer league game. Pretty good size for a 2 guard, but not good speed. Good Shot. Won’t play much behind all the Sixers 2s and 3s.
Side Note: the 76ers Affiliate G League team is in Delaware. I swear until I started this profile, I have not thought of the state of Delaware in well over two years, maybe 5 years. Have you. I am going to say it out loud now. Feels weird.
Marial Shayok: Ottawan, which I like.
Ben “the walking brick” Simmons
Ben Simmons is a 6 foot 10 Point Guard. He is very, very athletic, very good in transition, and makes fancy behind the back passes to shooters for corner threes. There is just one problem. This dude has no idea which hand is dominant, and therefore is a horrible shooter who will never be good.
Watch this video, which has taken the Internet by storm, as he is the most overhyped player in the nBA currently.
This video is supposed to show how he has become a good shooter. Give me a BREEEAAAAK!!! His shot looks worse than it ever has! He is fading right, shooting with his left hand, with his right foot planted!?!?! What the heck!
His first two years, I liked him. I really did. I thought, this dude will get a shot together, he will be fine. NO!!!! His shot is still awful. In todays NBA it is ridiculous to not be able to shoot threes.
On top of that, outside of the transition game, he really does not have good instincts. His physical skills are there as a passer, which gives him some highlight plays, and he works the transition so well, he picks up a lot of assists.
I am sorry Philadelphia. He seems like a great guy, and I like his attitude towards the game. I like his fashion. I like his transition game, which is maybe best in the NBA outside of Lebron. But he is Not a Franchise Point Guard.
Ben SImmons: I want to like him, but I don’t.
Zhaire Smith
This dude is gonna be good, but was out all last year pretty much with a wheat allergy or something? Seriously he was super sick, and almost died. He lost tons of weight and had to be in the hospital for weeks. I bet he would come back pretty well in a season or two, he has a lot of skills and a good shot. Maybe he will be Franchise PG when SImmons moves to the Three or is traded to the Magic when the 76ers perform badly this season.
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a french artist who had amazing colors in his work, and is known as a revolutionary printmaker, painter, and a friend and rival of Picasso. He is perhaps the best known artist in the Fauvist movement, and his paintings are celebrated all over the world in collections of modern art. When he became too sick to paint, he became a wonderful Collagist.
Matisse Thybulle is a rookie this year, selected in the second round, who is best known for being a tenacious defender on the Division I University of Washington. While I like defense, he is already 22 so I doubt will have much ceiling in the NBA. Probably will get minutes. Like a more athletic Frank Ntilikina? Maybe better comparison is Iman Shumpert.
Henri Matisse: Love him. Matisse Thybulle: Hoping for the best!
Side Note: I think the time period 1869-1954 would have been an absolute insane time period to be alive, especially as a super famous rich french artist. Probably had a dope life!
WOW! What a journey into every single player on the 76ers roster. After reading a lot about every player, here is my take on how the season will go.
The Eastern Conference has gotten a lot worse over the past season and playoffs. Lets look at the playoff teams from last season, with a quick summary from my memory if they gotbetter or worse.
1) Bucks: They will be really good again, but have some deep flaws, which is why they did not get to ECF.
2) Raptors: Got much worse, but I was into their young core. I think if they develop well they could still compete.
3) 76ers: will assess later
4) Boston Celtics: Lost Al Horford, Lost Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward is Trash, Jason Tatum is trash, they suck and I am so happy they suck. In your face evil celtics assholes, I bet you feel like IDIOTS for trading Isaiah Thomas!!!!!
5) Indiana Pacers: Sadly Oladipo will be out most of this season so they got a lot worse. Bogdanovich or whatever on this team is sneaky good.
6) Brooklyn Nets: They have KD, but he is out for this whole season. I am not sure Kyrie is upgrade to Deangelo Russell. I like Caris LeVert. They will do about the same and be number one in east in two years.
7) Orlando Magic: About the same, I like them. They have Markelle Fultz who the 76ers took WITH THE NUMBER ONE PICK, OVER JASON TATUM, DE’AARON FOX, LAURI MARKKANEN, DONOVAN MITCHELL, OG ANUNOBY, KYLE KUZMA. Wow.
8) Detroit Pistons: They have Blake Griffin and Reggie Jackson, I cannot name any other players on their team. Blake will get worse as he gets more and more hurt, so I can’t say they will get better.
I don’t see any team really improving that didn’t make the playoffs unless the Wizards use an actual wizard to make John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Isaiah Thomas all play the best basketball of their careers the whole season.
76ers
Looking at a stagnant, worse east, I think the 76ers could probably be the 1st or 2nd seed depending on if Embiid gets Healthy. They will probably make the ECF, but I could see the Bucks improving and beating them in the ECF, or even the Raptors. If they face any Western team in the Finals, they are def losing in 5 games.
In terms of how they will play, it will be ground and pound- Not a lot of shooting in the starting five, which I guess will be
Ben Simmons
Josh Richardson?
Tobias Harris
Al Horford or Kyle O Quinn?
Joel Embiid.
I think their bench may be interesting if ZHaire Smith, Mike Scott, Trey Burke, James Ennis, And Fuckin Korkmaz can do some damage. But that seems like an awful bench to me. If they can use Horford as a backup to Embiid and limit his minutes, should be a good season. If Embiid is injured this year, you are paying a lot of money for Simmons to pass to Tobias Harris who will take contested mid range jump shots all season. Kinda Bleak!
Favorite player on roster: Josh Richardson.
Least favorite: Tobias Harris
Most fun to research: Malik Shake Milton and Henri Matisse.
Could be fun: Josh Richardson completely blowing Tobias Harris out of the water, SImmons getting a jumpshot (will not happen) and being top five player in NBA, Embiid losing thirty pounds this summer and dominating east, with Horford spelling him for many minutes, spreading the floor nicely.
Could suck: Simmons keeps getting worse at shooting losing his confidence, Embiid tears ACL or Fractures Toe, or reignites Back Injury. Al Horford is in and out all season…
Overall outlook: If Healthy, a very strong starting five/6, and very tall and strong. Almost no lights out shooters. East is so bad they will probably go deep into the playoffs.
Also if you head to Philly for a game, make sure to go to the Philly Art Museum! It is the best art museum I have ever been to by FAR! Also the Barnes Gallery is cool too.
And that’s it! My repayment to Matt Sexton and Ethan Giles is complete.
All Worship our supreme leader, Ben Katz! The Prince of Cambridge, the Sultan of Somerville, the New York Neophyte bravely led the Pride of New York (PONY) to decisive victory over the dishonorable Revolver in the United States Ultimate Association Mens Championship Game. Before the game, there were more questions than answers… Will the dominant Revolver Offense be stopped? Will the Proud PoNYmen live up to their dreams? Could Ben Katz enter the Parthenon of Ultimate Frisbee greats with this final viKtory? Answers were quick to be had, as PoNy made swift work of the Revolver Squad.
Katz led his team in blocKs, assists, goals, and Katches throughout the game. Whenever they needed a turn, Katz got it. Need a dump? Katz is there. A break side inside out backhand to the far corner? Kommander Katz reporting for duty. There was simply nothing that Katz Kan’t do on the field. Even when Eli Kearns dangerously collided with Ben’s friend, Katz was unplussed, and expressed Koncern for both players. He is empathetic, honorable, and embodies the Spirit of the Game.
Victory is only sweeter in the face of naysayers. Revolver was the favorite going into the game, nay- the tournament- nay – the season. From Ultiworld’s preview to the game:
“Revolver is what they are known to be: a team with unmatched roster depth and a wealth of championship experience.”
What folly. After a few points, it beKame clear that Revolver was outmatched- out gunned- out defended by Katz and his band of beautiful boys. Pony dominated the remainder of the game, led by King Katz, and waltzed to viKtory.
What is next for Katz?
This leaves us with just one question. What will Katz do next? He has won the Triple Krown Tour. He has led three seperate professional Ultimate teams to the AUDL and MLU playoffs. He has trotted throughout the globe, spreading the spirit of the game and good cheer. We asked the man himself via text message:
BKOW: So what now dude? What’s next for the New York Neophyte?
KATZ: “Hahahaha just moved into the city so I think I’m staying there for at least a little while. Looking forward to Goalty now. I still want no legal association with Putbackamerica.com.”
There you have it folks. Katz is headed off to become the top Goalty player in the country. Katznation cannot wait to see what you do next!
Fresh off his inaugural AUDL post season run with the New York Empire, Ben Katz finally gave the people what they have been waiting for; the prodigal son’s return to the USAU club circuit. And what a return it was. Katz dominated the pitch throughout the weekend, serving as the binding glue for PONY. Our hero played stifling defense on the opposing teams best player almost every point he was in the game, and was a reliable handler when the D line got a turn. After playing the majority of points in the championship game, Katz was rewarded with sweet victory, defeating Revolver almost single-handedly.
In the words of Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Katz was Dumping and Pumping, Hucking and Chucking, Laying and Slaying, Swinging and Ringing, Handling and Gambling, Cutting and Rebutting, Diving and Thriving, Catching and Kvetching, Shrewd, Clever, Slick!
Katz may not be a showman, like the shaggy Jimmy Mickle, or a scoring machine like Keegan, Garvey, or Jagt. Nevertheless, he is unarguably the most vital cog to the PONY defense and offense. He is the bloody, beating heart of this PONY team, who seem like a whole new group when he is on the field, or even on the sideline.
The only questions that remain: Can Katz drag this team of mismatched stars and journeymen to the height of the Ultimate Parthenon? Can they complete the sweep of the Triple Crown tour that most Ultimate players only dream of? Will Evan Lepler and the Ultimate Frisbee announcing crew shout out Putbackamerica.com or Ben Katz Official Website on the air? (On the broadcast of the championship game, the announcers finally conceded that Katz was a “fan favorite.”). Will Ultiworld finally end the Ben Katz Boycott, and write the in depth profile of him that we all want?!?!?! (or pay us to write it?!?!?!)
When asked for comment on the weekend’s casual domination, the unflappable Katz simply responded: “Just really happy to get a tournament under my belt, and proud of the team for how well it went.”
Dear Reader: Stay tuned for the next chapter of Katz’s miraculous journey. Don’t move the remote as we wait to see what the New York Neophyte will have in store for us next!!!
Sholem Freiheit Emes
In a shocking turn of events, current AUDL MVP Frontrunner, World Champion, and Camp Kinderland Hall of Fame Athlete Ben Katz has been signed to the Pride of New York (PoNY) USA Ultimate club team. This is a marquee signing for PoNY, as the once contenders have been looking for a spark to light the competitive fires. We can only presume that Katz will walk in as the top “dog” of the team.
What makes this so interesting is the sudden shift to New York based Ultimate from Katz, especially after so many years as the top player in Massachusetts. Katz was a standout player at UMASS Amherst, Slow White, Garuda, Shot First Shower, and Ironside. Could he be looking for a new challenge? New territory? Or maybe the Massachusetts competition was getting too weak. Maybe he was just looking for superior pizza, bagels, sushi, public transportation, drivers, general quality of individuals, landmarks, entertainment, and hiking?
No matter the reason, we at Ben Katz Official Website are happy to see Katz move on to greener pastures- and we are sure his team mates are singing songs of joy and solidarity.
When asked for comment, Katz simply stated: “No comment.” He is the strong silent type.
This has been the most challenging several months in my professional, and personal life. I love Boston, and I grew up in Somerville. The people, the Ultimate, the Boilers I have been working so diligently on- All of these things mean a lot to me. The kids all over Southie that I am a role model to. The team mates that I may disappoint with my upcoming decision. My family, who loves having me nearby to watch games. I took all of these factors into my decision on where to play in the upcoming season. At this time, I would like to announce that I will be joining the New York Empire for the 2018 AUDL Season.
There comes a time in a mans life where he has to expand. Create. Set out on his own. Evolve. Upgrade. As I set out to find a place to play ultimate frisbee this season, I had two mandates. Grow as a player, and win the AUDL championship and the USAU Triple Crown Series. I know that my new teammates will welcome me with open arms. I know that with time, my former Boston teammates, fans, and family will understand this decision.
It pains me to know that some will be upset or unhappy with my choice. But I believe I am doing what I feel is the right thing at this point in my life and my playing career.
I will miss Boston and Montreal, and the role I have had in building these remarkable teams. I will forever cherish the relationships within the organizations — the friends and teammates that I went to war with on the field for years, and all the fans and people of the community. They have always had my back unconditionally, and I cannot be more grateful for what they have meant to my family and to me.
Thank you Boston; Thank you Montreal. And Hello to New York City!!
Good Evening Katz Lovers! Ben Katz Official Website (BKOW) here with the exclusive interview with the man himself, where he gives us a look inside the New York Empire training camp, living quarters, and some in depth analysis into their strategy for the upcoming season. His responses have been slightly edited for clarity and hilarity:
BKOW: Ben, welcome to the blog, great to have you here in the good old blogosphere. First of all- how’s it going? How’s training? How’s your lifting cycle going?
KATZ: Wow it is sure great to be here BKOW! It’s pretty good. Putting in the work with a new team is always good for bonding and building together. Excited to get out there tomorrow though.
BKOW: What are some differences between playing in New York and playing in Canada? (Editors note: Last season Ben Katz became the all time franchise leader in scoring and assists for the Montreal Royal- and they actually shut down the team for good when he left).
Katz: Actually playing in New York and working out and practicing with the team is huge. Everyone speaking English is pretty useful as well. (Editors Note: Ben Katz is also fluent in Yiddish as well as English). Not bringing a passport for home games is probably the best part. Also I was getting sick from all of Montreal’s famed pastrami and smoked meat!
BKOW: Care to comment on where you have been living? Word in the ultimate community is that you have been living in Bacchanal with Beau and the other Empire Boys at the owners playboy mansion.
Katz: Hahaha not quite. I think we should keep the location off the record.
BKOW: Any team drama that our readers would love to eat up? I heard that there is some competition between you and Jake Price over who has the most spirit and is also the shortest/fastest cutter…
Katz: Stop trying to tear this team apart BKOW!
BKOW: Also any update on the style of play the Empire will adapt this season? It should be interesting to see the influx of athletic players onto the team with you and that old guy Beau Kittredge:
KATZ: I’d expect it to be unstoppable. I am coming for you MLU!!
BKOW: How do you feel about playing on the Empire, your regional rivals as a born and bred New Englander?
Katz: Not sure there was much of a rivalry. It is weird to have pinstripes on the jersey though.
BKOW: As Ultimate Athletes, you naturally feel a disconnect between the unspirited wild west of the AUDL, and the tranquil spirited pastures of the USAU club season. Walk me through your decision to move to NYC, where there is not a team competing for nationals. (Editors note: Ben Katz singlehandedly dragged Slow White and Ironside to a national championship and contention for a national championship in back to back seasons). Is there any truth to the rumors that the Empire guys are planning to create a super team in NYC to compete for a national championship? Will you be trying out for PONY, your past rival and whipping boy?
Katz: I plead the fifth. I have no idea what I’m going to do yet. I am just focused on Toronto.
BKOW: Who would you say is your closest friend on the team?
Katz: Jeff Babbit
BKOW: Who has been the toughest player you have had to guard in your career so far?
Katz: Cricket
BKOW: Who has surprised you the most in practice?
Katz: Matt Stevens. Didn’t know him at all before this. Great timing, selfless cutter.
BKOW: Thanks for the interview Katz. Good luck on Saturday!
Katz: I love you BKOW, thanks for all the work you do to grow our sport.
Ben Katz Official Website 
