My First Ballgame with Bryan Hoch

Episode 9: Joba Chamberlain

June 20, 2022 Bryan Hoch Season 1 Episode 9
My First Ballgame with Bryan Hoch
Episode 9: Joba Chamberlain
Show Notes Transcript

We are joined by Joba Chamberlain, who spent 10 seasons pitching in the big leagues from 2007 through 2016 with the Yankees, Tigers, Royals and Indians. In the first half of a two-part interview, Joba joins us in the DeLorean to revisit his Major League debut pitching for the Yankees on August 7, 2007, called up as a 21-year-old and entering in relief to face the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. We'll discuss his meteoric rise to fame, his thoughts on the "Joba Rules," playing for manager Joe Torre in a star-studded clubhouse that included the likes of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, plus -- of course -- the unforgettable incident with a swarm of Lake Erie midges during the 2007 American League Division Series in Cleveland!

Bryan Hoch:

It's my first ball game we're sending you back to the future Welcome to the My first ball game podcast where every week we pile into dark browns DeLorean and revisit a classic baseball game of the past. I am your host, Brian hook alongside me as always laughing and giggling and my terrible impression is my beautiful wife and co host Connie Schwab hog. Hi.

Unknown:

The listeners don't know, you took you gave yourself a little summer break. You took a couple weeks off, and we've had to rerecord that intro and out three times. And each time the dark brown has gotten more intense. Just like your faces getting right like you. He puts it all out there. He empties the gas tank for you people. So I hope you appreciate it.

Bryan Hoch:

I think they do. I think they also need to know that I had to revisit an old podcast to remember where I dropped the doc in there.

Unknown:

For bed. We left that on the cutting room

Bryan Hoch:

close. Like where do I say the doc How do I even set this up? I am so excited. We have a great episode here. We're gonna chat with Joba Chamberlain, one of my favorite X Yankees. I was there. I was there in 2007. That was my first year on the Yankee beat. So I got to see the meteoric rise. And I mean, it was a it was a phenomenon Joba jumping on the C, Joba rules. Everybody had the T shirts. And that was a big deal in New York City. And if you were if you might be too young to remember that like it was a big deal when Joba Chamberlain came up and exploded on the big leagues.

Unknown:

Like if you think Aaron judge made a splash when he became a part of the Yankee roster. it pales in comparison to the phenomena of Java Chamberlain No,

Bryan Hoch:

because if you think about Judge, all right, he got called up in 2016. And yes, he does hit a home run and his first at bat and he was a thing but then Aaron got hurt. And the Yankees didn't really go anywhere that year.

Unknown:

But like Java was like a pop culture icon like he infiltrated beyond just the Yankee fan base.

Bryan Hoch:

If you're in New York City at that time, like you knew about this kid who got called up from Nebraska, who came from Nebraska got called up from triple A rocket into the big leagues. He's 21 years old. And I think I said this to job on the thing. He was the most dominant automatic out pitcher there. I mean, it was like Joe Torre could just push a button and say get out of inning free. And I mean, and we talked about it in the interview. Tori wanted to pitch him every single day because Joe I mean Joe probably knew the writing was on the wall that was gonna be his last year. It was a cheat code. It was great and Pittston one oh point three eight ERA ridiculous Nintendo slider and just striking out everybody and we've never really seen anything quite like it.

Unknown:

No, absolutely. I mean, it was my first year full time to the Yankees to so to be able to be front and center for watching all of that unfold. It was it was just insane.

Bryan Hoch:

So what were your days like? There in 2007? You mentioned it's your first year in the Yankees PR department we knew each other but kind of not really. Because I you are just

Unknown:

that weird beat writer that typed with one finger. That was the only thing I really knew about you in 2007. But yeah, no, I actually I started as a runner for the for the Yankees in 2006. I was still in school. I was still at Rutgers at that point. So I'm pulling double duty there. I'm doing my classes in the morning. I'm you know hustling into Yankee Stadium to work those night games, helping them out in the postseason there in oh six 2007 came along that spring semester. I'm also doing double duty. I'm interning with Conan O'Brien during the afternoons and then heading over and working those night games. And then I graduated in May and then I was full time work in the Yankees but yeah, 2007 definitely a blur.

Bryan Hoch:

It's gonna be a blur. Like when did you sleep at that time?

Unknown:

I didn't really because I was still I was pulling five classes a day i Luckily a lot of my professors were very understanding to the fact that I was also interning for Conan and I was also interning for the Yankees. So I definitely may have skipped a class or two sorry mom and dad. But um, yeah, I wanted to have you know, you always talk about never letting that door close and I had two doors cracked open one at NBC and one with the Yankees and I gotta muscled my way in there one way or

Bryan Hoch:

another man you look back at that oh, seven Yankees team and it's just a who's who of baseball. Yeah, I know. They didn't win the World Series, but just go around the infield and it's Jorge Posada, behind the plate and they've got Jason Giambi at first and Robbie Cano Don't you know is a second of course the left side of the infield is Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez and you know, that's the first year where they don't have Bernie Williams and center field but I think you've got Bobby Brown now feel you got Johnny Damon out there. Little Johnny. It really is and and then Roger Clemens showed up one day and was just on the team. I was there for that one. Were you. Were you at the stadium the day that Roger climate?

Unknown:

No, I remember, I was so upset. That was my day off. And so like, I'm still listening to the game, obviously at home. And all of that happens, all of that unfolds. And I'm going I'm in the PR department. How did I not get a heads up? I mean, it was just an intern. So I'm down at the bottom of the totem. Nobody thought to let us interns know that that was

Bryan Hoch:

it and run it by you there. Roger was coming out of Texas. Come

Unknown:

on. No one's gonna give me a heads up. You might not want to take your off day tomorrow. But that was so cool. The theatrics

Bryan Hoch:

of that I know, huge deal. And yeah, that was my first year on the beam. It's kind of like nobody's ever dealt with anything like how do I handle this? I can write a game story. And I can go talk to a player. But in game it was in the middle of seven pennant appears in George Steinbrenner Xbox and says, Hey, all like gaming got me out of Texas. And I'll be seeing you soon. That was a crazy year. And then we talked with Java, of course about being on the team with Roger Clemens and the Menges the images in Cleveland. I was there for that and got to live that in real time. And Joe Torre always talks about that was his one biggest regret as a manager was not pulling the Yankees off the field there and it was pretty gross. We talked about it with Java. And he said, he told me that he went on nightmares. He well, it gets brought up to him every single day. And he went back in after the game and Jean Monahan was there, the trainer, and then he's saying, I still feel something in my ears. It was in his ears, and like they got in his eyes, like, didn't

Unknown:

they just bite? Like, was he getting better? Or were they just swarming?

Bryan Hoch:

I didn't ask that question. I think they just kind of

Unknown:

skeeto were like, they're also Yeah, I don't think they bite. I

Bryan Hoch:

think they're just annoying and they just burrow into you and but they were all over him. And of course the one thing that the Indians now the Guardians knew that the Yankees didn't know at the time was that bug spray does not help you. Bug spray just attracts them more really. So if they had sprayed vinegar that would have been helpful interesting course the Cleveland team wasn't going to help you know, obviously off series. So if you're ever in that situation about a cheat code, or if you're ever in that situation, go run for some

Unknown:

save Yankees are in Cleveland and a couple of weeks you better be raiding my cabinet they're

Bryan Hoch:

gonna get some white vinegar, which we use in the dishwasher because the hard water gets rid of it. That's all kinds of life hacks on that's a that's a helpful hand. I found that one on the internet that and it works so Alright, it's 2007 we're going to jump into DeLorean with Doc Marty and Java Chamberlain. So Connie hit me with some pop culture for two that I've set

Unknown:

the stage here are a top five movies of 2007 we've got coming in number five, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix number four Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End number three transformers to Shrek the Third. Finally something I've signed no real okay, I guess we have some homework to do and coming in at number one at the box office and she doesn't seven SpiderMan three,

Bryan Hoch:

I think is that like the Andrew Garfield one or is that? Is it still Tobey Maguire? He's Tobey Maguire and the final one and then we're all the blonde girl

Unknown:

KEARSON dance.

Bryan Hoch:

That's right. Yeah, she is. Yep.

Unknown:

Alright. 2007 popular TV shows number five CSI for house three Desperate Housewives to Dancing with the Stars and number one American Idol. And you know, I have to say all of those interning hours I was not up to date on any I

Bryan Hoch:

mean, I think that the reason why this is kind of like a blind spot here is I think we were both just underwater. Yeah. Trying to figure out how the heck to be in our early 20s and to latch on in this Yankee universe. I am upset though that I'm looking here. You didn't mention I Am Legend, which is a great. I love that one. And it falls off in the third act. But Will Smith in the post apocalyptic New York City every time we walked by in Washington Square Park, Washington Square Park the arch. I always point out to you, I'm like, Look, that's where Will Smith lived and I Am

Unknown:

Legend. I know it's so good. And I have to say like you said, I watched a lot of baseball in 2007 and a lot of Conan skits so I am up to date on all of my 2007 Conan O'Brien references but I asked

Bryan Hoch:

you something. Alright, first of all, did you get to meet the pimp up 3000

Unknown:

most time with Triumph and the masturbating bear. And I'm sorry and horny manatee.com was a big part of the 2007 Conan stuff so saw a lot of porn humanities as well. Wow. We can go Go into that we can go into that more I top songs of 2007 There is a lot on here we've got before he cheats by Carrie Underwood. Oh I know that one Hey There Delilah Plain White T's buy you a drank with T PAIN Big Girls Don't Cry Fergie The Sweet Escape who wants to funny umbrella Rihanna an irreplaceable Beyonce and I will say, because I was because I was commuting a lot in 2007 car No, I did not have a car at that point. I was doing a lot of NJ Transit at that point. So a lot of these on my little iPod back in the day, but I definitely had a lot of Fergie on there so

Bryan Hoch:

big girls don't cry.

Unknown:

What was in them? No, absolutely not. Let's see quick facts from 2007. V. iPhone and tumblr were launched

Bryan Hoch:

Tumblr on Tumblr, Tumblr. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Wow. Do you remember? The old school internet? Sure. Yeah. I don't think I had my first iPhone and oh seven. I think I was still using like a Blackberry type thing with a keypad. I remember. I had I will never get an iPhone because it doesn't have keys on it. Like I can't type on it. I was so adamant that no, I need to be able to touch a button to type in words and so I was stupid. I'm slow to adapt to change.

Unknown:

I definitely still had a flip phone at that point. So phone.

Bryan Hoch:

Yeah. Oh, I have like a Blackberry that you could get your email and stuff. Wow.

Unknown:

Well, listen, I did not but let's see what else what else wouldn't a pop culture moments do we need to hit you with she doesn't have the Cupid Shuffle was the most popular dance slam song out there since 1998. The charts can you do either

Bryan Hoch:

one of those? Absolutely not. But when it comes on at a wedding or something that's my time to run to the bathroom or go to the bar.

Unknown:

But you You are a big wedding dancer like you will be out on that dance floor. Yeah, from the first song until they shut it down or freestyle. Freestyle is one way to describe it. For sure.

Bryan Hoch:

I noticed here on your list. There's one other thing the most famous person in America is Steve Jobs. I don't think that's true necessarily. Like live Brian, he the most famous person maybe most recognized I will tell you is the funny guys were frank Kelly and Bill. Kelly.

Unknown:

I don't know where I found this list. So no, Frank Caliendo. And his interesting impression was, were idle at

Bryan Hoch:

that time. He was everywhere. He did great W Bush and that was a big thing at that time that I remember, like our first trip to Vegas together. Kelly anda was in the lobby like performing. I assume in a theater or maybe he was just on floor where ads everywhere. We went the oh man that was like, Can we see a and this is definitely in the Obama.

Unknown:

2010 Yeah, it's

Bryan Hoch:

past W Bush, Frank Caliendo prime. We were kind of like, oh my gosh, he's here. Like,

Unknown:

I was like, Oh my gosh, she's here and you were like,

Bryan Hoch:

Oh my gosh. It's big. It was on TBS all the time. Very funny. Okay, all right, John. Our guest this week on my first fall game, Java Europe. My guest this week spent 10 seasons in the big leagues from 2007 through 2016. pitching for the Yankees Tigers, Royals and Indians. his rookie season with the Yankees is still one of the most dominant performances I've ever seen from a relief pitcher. Java Chamberlain. Welcome to the podcast.

Joba Chamberlain:

Thanks for having me. It's It's been a while so it'd be nice to Nice to catch up.

Bryan Hoch:

Absolutely. Yeah. What's been going on your world the I know we've texted in DM a little bit but haven't seen you in person for a while. So what's the Java Chamberlain up to now?

Joba Chamberlain:

Well, Jason Carter. He plays three sports tennis, basketball and baseball. So it's there's no no rest for the weary that's for sure. You know, we we have today off but he had basketball this morning. And then we play Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. And then he's doing some umpiring, which is which has been pretty interesting. He's actually he's actually enjoyed that. So now, you know, I don't have to pay for gas so much because those umpiring fees are a little bit higher than they used to be. So I'm not complaining,

Bryan Hoch:

either. So that's awesome. You're out in Nebraska. You're back home.

Joba Chamberlain:

Yep, yep. Carter is now a junior high school and driving which it's, it changes a lot of things when they when they start driving, you kind of you kind of have a little bit more free time during your day. So you're not playing with everything around practice or school or what events going on. So it's been kinda nice. And you know, he loves having the freedom of just getting in and going and hanging out with his buddies. Larry wants to.

Bryan Hoch:

That's cool full time, dad. So the podcast is my first ball game, which means you're coming with me in the DeLorean. We're going to punch a time circuits go all the way back to your first day in a Yankee uniform. So that's August 7 2007, against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. What stands out to you about that day?

Joba Chamberlain:

Oh, um, well, it's an eventful day. You know, just from the butterflies coming in and getting off the bus. And there's cameras following you in to the fact we cleared benches twice that day. And the first one, I mean, I was so nervous, I couldn't eat. So in Toronto, there's a back way where you can go into the clubhouse and take care of business. So all of a sudden, I come out and everybody is going crazy. And I'm like, what just happened? And then Nardi Contreras was our pitching coordinator. He's like, you might want to run out there. So not the best not the best first impression of having guys in the bullpen, like Farnsworth and Ron villone. And those guys that this rookie kid that they know nothing about, wasn't in the bullpen when we play benches the first time, right. So now I'm like, oh, goodness, this is this isn't what I wanted. Like, this is not the impression so I'm like, well, then we clear again. And I was out there for that one. So but I was still in the clubhouse. I hadn't made it back to the bullpen yet. And Roger had got thrown out. There have been mornings. And then so walk back to the bullpen with my tail between my legs. And all they just gave me the business for a good three or four innings. And then the phone rings and then they tell me to get up in the eighth inning. And I I couldn't tell you I don't remember warming up. I have no idea. I just remember they said my name and get going. And the next thing I know. I do my warm up pitches and Angel Hernandez was the umpire and comes out flips me a baseball and he goes, Hey, warnings have been thrown out if you hit somebody you're rejected and tossing me the ball and says but good luck. So I'm like oh sweet. All right, here we go. And so now I'm like nervous to even throw a ball inside because I'm like that's exactly what I want and my debut is hit somebody knowing it's not on purpose and get thrown out of the game. So then ended up shaking off Jorge on a three two pitch to get to a slider and striking out re all NATO and they threw that ball in and I think that was the one time of mini that I started checking out for that.

Bryan Hoch:

That was the first batter your face rail. Mito, you're 21 years old, correct me if I'm wrong. You weren't in big league camp that spring. So this is kind of first time you're around these guys. So what was it like walking into that clubhouse and seeing Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens?

Joba Chamberlain:

It was it was weird, because I got to know Roger a little bit because that was when he came in the half season. So he was he came down to Tampa and I was rehabbing. I was rehabbing a hamstring that I pulled in spring training. So I didn't even get started in Tampa and a ball tell. I think it was May, middle of May somehow. And then I actually would have they My goal was to get to double A my goal was was sat down with Chad during spring training. And I was like that, that'd be a huge goal to get to Double-A at that point. And so when I got there, I think I was more nervous, honestly, like in Double-A and AAA just because of the fact like, you know, he was he was there and then he was he blew his hamstring out because he had a no-hitter in Texas. And then this hammy went down. I was actually watching it at the Cheesecake Factory. And he so I got to know a couple guys just not the way you want to buy just being hurt together. So and then AAA, you know, it's like, holy crap. I'm so close. Like there's only one more level like, and I'm like this as a win. I mean, here we go if I get there. Awesome, if not great. I made a triple A and I've only spent two months in the minor leagues like I'll call it a win. And so then it was you know, just the clubhouse wise. It's like you've had dudes that played in the big leagues. You've seen guys on TV and but I think it wasn't as bad when I got to the big leagues because I think that was me not being in camp and them not knowing me. I think made it easier in a way which sounds really weird to say. But it was like there was no expectation. They didn't know me. Obviously I know them. And it was super coming. Super easy from that aspect because there was okay this kid throws 100 like that. What Have they seen in spring training and looking back, like, as I say that it sounds ridiculous, but for me, I think it was because now it's like, which is a great thing being invited to big league camp because you know, now you get comfortable and you're in a in a less stressful atmosphere. So, you know, you, you can jack around early in the mornings and get to know somebody's personality, and so on and so forth. So, it, it makes it easier. But I think me being my first year with organization only spending a couple of months in the minor leagues, and then all of a sudden, was a, it was kind of just go in and get after it. Because there was really, I mean, other than probably what they've heard, there was really no expectation. And when you get there you you necessarily don't feel like you'd be long there yet. But once you finally step on the field and do things, you're like, Okay, I got here, I know, I can compete, and it kind of just was pretty, it was a pretty easy transition. I mean, other than not owning suits, and only owning like five collared shirts. It cost me more to get to the big leagues. And then I think I made my first check.

Bryan Hoch:

Yeah, people don't realize that. Yeah, there is a price that comes with traveling with a big league squad. Was there somebody on that team that helped you and kind of showed you the ropes and tell you what to do and who to tip and all that?

Joba Chamberlain:

Oh, well, actually, it was it was kind of nice, because God is rehabbing his foot in AAA. And so that's when and then he ended up staying an extra like three or four days because they I guess it had this plan. And obviously I didn't have any idea. The first time that it was even mentioned to me, we were playing the Louisville bats, and they had Votto and Jay Bruce, and actually Jay and I went to lunch before the game. And I ended up punching out like 11 or 12. I mean, decent start, you know, expect a couple of reporters. But there was like 50 at my locker, and I'm like, What is going on? I was like, it was a good, good start. Nothing crazy. And then everybody's like, congratulations, congratulations. And I'm like, What are you talking about? And they're like, You got called up and I'm like, I'm like looking around and not that I've heard of. And so finish the interview, whatever. Jeff Karstens. He was hurt as well and got to know him. And he was he was in AAA at the time. And, and he had been to the big leagues before. And so I just kind of was like, I went up to him. Because he was about the only one I knew, really, and was like, hey, what do I do here? Like nobody's thing to me. I don't want to be the new guy. Like, oh, the reporter said, I'm going to the big leagues. You know, let me talk to somebody like what's going on? So I didn't think anything about it, hang out afterwards. Then get to the yard the next day, and I'm on the treadmill, and I get called off the treadmill and Mark Newman, God rest his soul. He he was like, hey, I need to talk to you. Well, at that point, you hear from somebody like that. You're like, oh, no, like, like, what did I do? Yeah, I'm like, I know. I didn't get in trouble last night. Okay, so here we go. Um, but he was like, Hey, I just didn't want it to happen that way. But what you heard is true. And I go, wow, he goes, congratulations, but and I'm like, what, what? We're moving into the bullpen. And I've never thrown out of the bullpen ever. So they're like we're gonna give you these five days to recruit. And then we'll, we'll transition you never said like, how many appearances I'm going to do like you got so I have no idea. And at this point, like, I walked outside of the weight room, shed a few tears, but then I'm like, I can't tell my dad, I can't tell anybody. Because, you know, God forbid something happens. I get hurt, like, you know, and I didn't want to let myself down either. It's like, hey, just go about it, like figure it out. So for four days, I sat in the bullpen and just I had no idea like, Ross Ohlendorf would drink this certain drink Jose Varus, rub this and I'm like, I don't know any of this. If it works for me. Then one day, I was like, Yep, I take for Advil and I'm like, Okay, so there's just a whole chemistry set that has to go through on on the bullpen. And I was like, You guys are a little different. I mean, I did get really good at flicking pumpkin seeds, though. So it was just, it was just kind of an accumulation of all guys. And then once Jason was there, and I got to know him a little bit, he was one of those guys that was, I mean, give you the shirt off his back. I mean, just an unbelievable human. And he kind of you know, he kind of took me under and like, every time that he would go to eat on the road, he always makes the he always called me kid and I was like, Okay, you can call me whatever you want. But if you're paying for dinner I'll be there. So, he always and it'd be, you know, it wouldn't even need to be going out. Like he would, he would literally be like, Hey, we're eating dinner in the room, you know, when they get back to the hotel, and then, you know, we're just talking, you know, the biggest thing is, is, you know, taking your tipping, just people always remember that, first of all being nice. And just, it was, it was kind of the transition of the new old school and new school kind of things where, hey, you don't go to the hotel bar. And so you're five years, and you know, just certain things like that, that as my career progressed, that just kind of all thrown out the window. So it's kind of that transition, but it was always just, you know, respect and, you know, just the little things. And I think, just understanding just those, those little aspects or having somebody, you know, say, Hey, we're not going out to dinner, we're going to have dinner in the room. And then, you know, it turns into conversations of like, hey, in certain situations, you know, what do you do? Who do you ask, you know, where do you go? Is there certain things to ask for? To not ask for like, and it just, when you get somebody that's just completely honest and transparent about like, certain because I was like, Can I ask for like, to do my dry cleaning? Or hey, you know, driving in, I'm almost empty on gas. Can I ask things like that? Or is it like, you know, you're being an ass? Because it's like, oh, just because you're in the big league. So, yeah, it was just, I never felt really underprepared as far as like certain things is like going out and you know, taking care of people and understanding situations, like, don't go out after a night game up. And then you got to do a game and just like certain, certain, not rules, I guess, but like, just certain understanding of have to take care of yourself and do all the other stuff. So yeah, it was, it was nice to always have somebody, I mean, literally, I sat right in front of Derek in the old Yankee Stadium. And, you know, just just watching how they prepare, and, you know, the certain things to get ready for a game. And it was, I think there's a little bit of everybody that you take something from in certain aspects as far as in the game and the clubhouse, you know, outside of the game and in certain things. So it was, I had some really good guys to look up to that. I mean, it's been very fortunate to play with some really, really great dudes, great baseball players. And, you know, I think I think more so of all the guys that I played with, and in, you know, there's a handful of them in the Hall of Fame. I think they were just better humans. And, you know, that's, that was very fortunate that I got to play with some of these guys.

Bryan Hoch:

That's awesome. Go back for a second. I never heard that rule about you got to be a five year vet to drink at the hotel bar.

Joba Chamberlain:

I think it was something like that. But it was like, and I don't remember who said it. But it was one of those things where it was like, that was where the coaches and the old guys had,

Bryan Hoch:

I have heard that you stay away from the coaching staff and the manager because, yeah,

Joba Chamberlain:

right. Then that yeah, that was like that's their sanctuary because they're obviously not going out. That's where they, you know, chill out and hang out. And so I honestly, I didn't, I didn't go to a hotel bar till probably my sixth year. Because I was like, Man, that's one of the first things I heard. I'm like, I'm not gonna mess this up. Like, I don't want to be that guy where you know, there's 10 year veteran there with, you know, the manager, pitching coach, whoever else and then you'd like go to talk to him. They're like, What the hell are you doing? Like I just until somebody invited me to go. I was like, I'm not going. Yeah. And then I don't remember who it was. But yeah,

Bryan Hoch:

smart move. So you grew up in Nebraska. I did you go to a lot of games as a kid is this game at the Rogers Centre your first time in a big league Park?

Joba Chamberlain:

No, my first game actually was the when we were 14 years old. We played in a baseball tournament in Houston. And we went to the old Astrodome, and the my first actual big league game was the Guardians. And the Astros and Manny Manny was playing, playing right field and he didn't even have any hair. So yeah, that was, what, 1011 years ago. Yeah. Yeah. I was 14. So 2021 years ago.

Bryan Hoch:

We're going back then. Wow. Yeah. So you're a fan for that. That game. They sent you down to the Astrodome while you're you're playing? You're playing on a youth team and you guys got to go check out the Astrodome.

Joba Chamberlain:

Yeah, it was sweet. I mean, other than we were by the cannon, and they hit like three home runs. And that thing was really, really loud in that dome.

Bryan Hoch:

Wow. All right. So that's your first experience of Big Lake Park a little different from the playing field, I'm sure and especially from the mound. In this game here. You pitched against scoreless eighth inning. And then they bring you back for the night. This is a to inning, save to lock this down here in this. I mean, you must have been jumping out of your shoes.

Joba Chamberlain:

Well, it was it was weird because I hadn't. It was my my last outing was against. It was the Guardians. And they had like Asdrubal Cabrera Ben Francisco, who later became a teammate. And some guys that were getting ready to get called up as well. But I hadn't allowed a runner. So I I hadn't thrown out of the stretch. So that was kind of the last thing getting going. So I had done to innings before. So and obviously I had started all year. So it wasn't the preparation aspect. But the one the one thing that I found to be the hardest. And it caught me a couple times actually, one time when we moved back to Toronto, what happens? Were trying to find the balance of okay, I'm playing catch, I've got to work out, get my stuff done, but then I still may have to compete in the game. And that was probably the hardest balance to try and find when you actually come from a start, you can just kill yourself in between. So then I come out one outing, and I don't I don't think I throw a pitch over like 94 something. And Joe came up to me he's like, you're right. And I was like, I think I overdid it I go my legs were jello. So that for me was probably the hardest balance of knowing get to the field came my lifting today. Okay, what do I gotta do? Okay, then I gotta go play catch. And then I love BP. I love shagging fly balls is something I'd love to do. And so then, you know, you go get after it for a little bit. Chase and fly balls and proven to the outfielders that pitchers are athletes. And then it's like you rest. And then it's like, Okay, shut it down mentally a little bit, you know, get some food lay on the couch. Then it's like, Okay, now it's like, here's the game, now you're gonna compete, you're gonna have to get ready again, mentally. And then physically, obviously, and I tell I tell everybody I go, the physical part of getting ready is easy. But the minute you shut it down mentally, you're, you're done. Like, because you physically can get ready. But if when it's mentally, ill, you just once you're gone, you're gone. And so I think just like those aspects of okay, well, then it became the job of rules. Okay, I knew that. So I pitched to innings, and I had to innings off, and it was like, it was to the point where they're like, don't even put your spikes up. We're not that your, there's no chance you're throwing. And I couldn't tell you how many times Joe called and was like, Hey, can Java pitch day? I'd come in. He'd be like, hang on a minute. It's like I'm calling upstairs. And it was one of these after every time and I just walked down, walk down the dugout.

Bryan Hoch:

Well, I'm glad you brought that up. Because as the my understanding at the time was a Tory wanted to pitch you every single day. And he was in this kind of war with Brian Cashman in the front office where they're trying to protect you and, you know, want to ease off there. So how aware of you? Were you at that time? And what was going on? What did you think of it? How did you handle it?

Joba Chamberlain:

Well, I mean, it's your spent two and a half months in the minor leagues, and you're in the big leagues, there's not much you're saying, you know, it's like, okay, you want me to fold towels? You want me to wash cars, but I'm playing for the New York Yankees and I'm in the big leagues. Sure. So they were very, they were very transparent about it immediately. Like, okay, this is what's gonna happen. I don't know when exactly they told me that the rules are coming. But I think it was, it was before I pitched because, or it might have been right after in Toronto. And they're like, Well, this is how we're going to do since you haven't done it. If you throw one inning, you get a day off. If you throw two innings, you get two days off. So going into that is I mean, it's what it is, because it's not like I am in any position at that point to say, No, I want to pitch every day like right. No, I'm literally nobody even knows who I am at this point. So I'm, I have no leg to stand on. And I will like I said, I go I'm in the big leagues, like I can't, I can't say now. If I'm in my eighth year, ninth year, whatever, then then you have a leg to stand on and be like, God, this ain't the way gonna work. We're gonna figure something else out. But yeah, it was. I mean, it's never happened before nobody got ever got to the big leagues that fast in New York and especially in the situation and you know, just trial and error because they'd never done it before. And, you know, it's and then next year, I went back and forth. I really started beginning spring training and moved reliever, relieved and started and just, it was just that that was the hardest part like Once we got going into that was, then again trying to find the balance of okay, you're gonna pitch today, but we're gonna keep your earnings down, so you're not gonna throw it for another 10 days. And it's just, it's hard to get that feeling of having run on second. And third, it's in the fourth inning, you know, key point in the game, you know, I can throw and work out and kill myself and whatever. But it's just being in those situations is the only way to replicate it. And so I was just trying to find the balance of Shoot, we're here. All right, like, a day. So how am I gonna? Am I gonna throw a sim game on my throne, two sides. And like, it was just all like I said, trial and error. And some sometimes it works. Sometimes it didn't. And it just, I mean, routine is the biggest thing. I think that was, you know, the, the key to being successful in my, in my eyes. So, but yeah, it's, it was pretty early that they told me so. And like I said, he definitely asked more than more than a few times, that's for sure.

Bryan Hoch:

What did you think of Tori as a manager? I mean, obviously now he's in Cooperstown in the Hall of Fame, and he had won a ton of a bunch of World Series there. What was it like getting to play for him?

Joba Chamberlain:

Oh, it was great. I mean, obviously, you know, it's his resume speaks for itself. was obviously, his style of managing was completely different than anybody else I've had. And, I mean, the crazy part is I've had a lot of catchers as managers. And right. So they, yeah, I mean, it was it was pretty easy, because the guys he had on his team. I mean, they, they pretty much dictated everything. And, you know, he, he kind of that's just I mean, I only had him for that short time. But just from, you know, paying attention to watching it, it was like, you know, he let the he let the players take care of the players. And you know, he did everything else and basically just manage the whole unit.

Bryan Hoch:

Yeah. So that's the start of a dominant half season for you. The Yankees I don't think make the playoffs without you coming up there in August that year. The numbers are just sick point three eight ERA 34 strikeouts and 24 innings. 12 hits allowed you gave up one home run where it was going. So right for you. Why Why were you so good in 2007?

Joba Chamberlain:

I don't know. But that one home run, I think is still going Mike. Well hit that ball so far. I remember. Yeah. I'll never forget, as a first run, I'd given up I set the Yankee record for to start a career or whatever. And Roger, Roger had started that game. And he was out, I came in after giving up the home run. And he slaps me on the back. And he's like, nice job. And he's like, but it's still not that easy. You only given up one. He goes, there'll be plenty more. And I was like, Yeah, I know. I know. I know. I mean, it was just I mean, once you, you have that feeling, I guess. And obviously I have been I haven't been pitching that long. And obviously, I hadn't been in the bullpen, but a couple of weeks. So. But then once you finally get in situations and use see the success, and it was like it was able to, you know, throw multiple pitches for strikes. And I think it was just, you know, being being the new kid, and not many people see me in that. You know, it was, like I said, it's kind of the transition of seeing like tail technology and everything that has come to fruition. And, you know, there was there was obviously video, but nothing like it is today. Sure. So I think that was a little bit of a vantage too. But it was just I mean, everything clicked. It was even even in the minor leagues. I've never forget that one time that they're like, hey, Reggie, and cash and I think stick. They were coming to New Britain. And they like they want to see you pitch. And I was like, Tony Franklin is my manager. He's like, Yeah, there's gonna be some guys in here to see you blah, blah, blah. And I was like, Oh, that's cool. Like, whatever. Because I was happy just to be in double at that point. Right? And so we get rained out. And I'm like, crap, now they're not coming back. Like why would they not making two trips to New Britain? Like, what the heck. And I haven't given up a homerun all year. I mean, I just said everything had gone well. Well, now they're all their first two hitters of the game back to back on back to back pitches. And I was like, Oh, this is the impression that I'm giving right now. Yes. I'm like, I got no shot. And then literally, right after that, I got called up to triple X. So but I just I think I think confidence was huge too. I think once I finally got settled and comfortable Go in the big leagues, and I don't necessarily say comfortable, but a better understanding. Because the pace is so different, the game is faster, the game can speed up on you really fast if you can't, if you don't slow it down. So yeah, I think it was, it was all just a accumulation of of knowing you can compete, then seeing it to SAS, and then, you know, getting an understanding of the certain aspects of the business, because every time you went up, it got a little bit faster, you had guys there, and now it's like, it was it's just different, but you, you can't let it get to you that way. You gotta be like, Alright, I'm still this is still 60 feet six inches. Mind you, it's a little bit different hitter. And, but they still gotta hit it. Right, they're still, the great ones are gonna fail 70% of the time. And that's the easiest thing I say, all the time. But I'm like, we can say that. But at the end of the day, I still gotta throw it over 17 inches of a plate too. So, I mean, it's, it's amazing. When you know, you now everything's so analytical and spin rate and where do you get the, this, that and another thing so I had, but it's, I was never one of those guy like I just I pinched off feel like there were there were times where I'd get a little out of whack. And I'd go watch, you know, video and see what happened, you know, with my delivery and things. But yeah, I just, you know, I obviously follow it. And you know, I'm pretty sure MLB networks on my TV, but 92% of the time, I appreciate and always always, you know that I always just, you know, the the dynamic of, you know, the different perceptions and the types of shows that the network creates and how you still see, you know, you still see some guys that are old school that are like I put his fingers down, I do it. This is where we go. And then you got some that are crazy analytical about certain things. And, you know, I think you know that there's a spot in the game for both of them, I believe. And yeah, it's a it's one of those things where you, you use them all together. And I just think that year is like it was like, It all happened so fast. Where I don't think I had time to even catch up sometimes because you're like, Alright, you're here, you're here. Finally, I would get settled in whatever town we were living in. And then it's like, boom, you got called up. So it was like, there was never time to actually relax and get comfortable because everything happened. And I think that took the thinking out of it. Because it's like, Oh, crap. And mind you that it's like I'm trying to plan because I just had Carter, and obviously want him last time I saw him was spring training, because then every time that we had planned to see him, they get called up. And I don't know where to live like people people don't understand. Well, it's better now with with how minor leagues are taken care of with housing, but they forget, it's like you're responsible for that. Like, the only thing they give you is like, hey, here you go. You need to be to well from Tampa, they're like you need to be to Trenton by Tuesday. And so it's like, and mind you, if my family was down there, it's like okay, now you gotta load them up. Right? Everything ready. Now try to find a place to live, call the call to training because the training is the one that kind of sets everything up. Like, hey, this is where we're going like, Okay, you have a choice of this roommate, this roommate and it's, yeah, it was never, never a time to get comfortable and like, get settled and be like, okay, like I said, I wanted to get to WA and once I got there, I was like, boom, alright, here we go. Well, then literally, I'll never forget this. I just went spent like 200 bucks. And mind you, I was getting paid $300 every two weeks. And I spent like $200 on one of those nice air mattresses. And I was like, Oh, finally, everything's hung up. Nice air mattress, boom, it was all right. And then literally slept on it one day. And they're like, you just got caught up triple. I'm like, dammit, I just finally got settled. And now it's like, now at this point. They're like, where do you want to stay? And they're like, We have a team hotel is like perfect. Give me a hotel. Like, there's literally a month left for the season. month and a half maybe and I'm like, alright, and it was like 26 bucks a day to stay at the Hampton Inn. So I wasn't complaining at all do Yeah, yeah. It was a free breakfast too. I mean, hurt that adds up. Minor League. I mean, you're grinding so that that hot continental breakfast, you'll wake up a little bit early for that and you can go back to sleep, that's for sure. That's right.

Bryan Hoch:

But you're suddenly a big deal in New York City. You don't have to stay at the Hampton Inn for $26 anymore. Everybody wants a piece of the job of story. How did you handle that off the field?

Joba Chamberlain:

It was, it was something every day. And he Oh, it was, it was something I think I was talking to my dad and I go, you're never gonna get a first time again. And then I probably do a little bit too much looking back to where not to say I didn't enjoy it because it was it was awesome. It was the mean, you'll never forget your first of anything. And so anything that came up, I don't care what it was. Yep, I'm going Yep, I'll do it. Yep. What time do I need to be there? And it's like, then sometimes you you'd let like I said, you let all that go. Next thing, you know, it's like, it's the offseason you're like, Well, that went by really fast. Oh, that was a cool event. Oh, yeah, I did this too. And that's like, I tell a lot of a lot of young players and even, you know, people that I talked to, I was like, sometimes it's okay to say no. And sometimes it's okay to be like, This is really cool. Like, this is something that I can take a step back and be like, Man, that was awesome. Like, and I don't think that happens enough. Sometimes. I think it's just with the world we live in today. I think everything is just go go go where sometimes it's it's okay to say no, and be like, hey, you know what, I'm just going to chill, take a night off, order a pizza or watch a movie or you know, just go do something hang out with my family. But on the other end, too, it's like, you're never going to get a first again, you may never get a chance to do this signings of this much money. So I was I mean, looking back, I do wish I would have said no more. But at the same time, I wouldn't have changed because I got to do some really cool events. I got to meet some really cool people. Yeah, I mean, it just mean the next year it was. I was one of the four people that were hosting the ESPYs there was Will Ferrell that ended up doing it. But it was me being a Serena and Jeremy Shockey and literally crazy. Oh, it was awesome. It's like we had to do a special talent. And then knowing it was just a skit for it. And seeing Jeremy Shaggy, just pound shots at like 1030 in the morning. I'm like, oh, boy, this is aggressive. And so. And then like, next thing I know, I get this huge package. And I'm like, it's like all the swag stuff from the ESPYs and all this other stuff. And I'm like, like, just things like that, that I would would have never imagined my wildest dreams. And now it's like, you did a little skit. Now. You're getting all this and I was up for the weirdest moment with images. And there was one other one. But yeah, it's, you know, just those things. And it's like, not to say if I didn't do him what it would have happened? No, but it's just like a cool experience to have and like, you know, just sitting there at the W Hotel. And he's like, Let's go is like, I'd have to be up there. He's like, now you can be late. I'm like, I don't I don't want to like I'm new to this. I'm I'm not you guys. Like, I'm the new kid on the block. I'm not trying to mess this stuff up. And my agents there. So I'm like, Yeah, ribbon shots at 1030 with you in the morning. That's a real good impression.

Bryan Hoch:

Maybe I'll get back to the midges in a second. But now that you're right, and not everybody gets to go to the ESPYs. Not everyone gets a t shirt with their name on it. What was your reaction? The first time you saw a job? A Royals t shirt?

Joba Chamberlain:

Why getting paid for it? And where are you? I didn't make $1 off those days. What? No. I mean,

Bryan Hoch:

I'm like,

Joba Chamberlain:

I'd say I guess I take that back. Indirectly I did. Not directly because I ended up signing with modells with Mitchell. Okay, and he had the job of real stuff. And but yeah, I mean, looking back that I've probably made some money I think so made I don't know how I would go about it. I was like, but that's my name. Like it's a play on the words like so directly. I didn't get paid for it. But indirectly with signing with Mitchell at modahaus was the way I got paid. But yeah, it was. It was interesting. It was uh, I still on Twitter going through and, you know, talking to people. It's still like, people still have them, which is crazy.

Bryan Hoch:

I see him at the stadium once in a while. Yeah, I mean, yeah, we're saving them. Yeah, they're a collector's item now. And that was back then.

Joba Chamberlain:

Oh, yeah. I mean, it's it was it was crazy, like the bracelets. And I remember I remember that Christmas. Mitchell had sent a I mean, this package weighed about 40 pounds. And it was like Christmas hats, ornaments chains like it first of all, it was creepy for me because it's like just looking at your face is weird. But I think we I think we gave that for Christmas presents like five years in a row. I think my dad still had has some of them. And you're just like, you didn't realize the magnitude of what it was. And then because I would see the shirts, and I would see stuff, but then when he sent it, and I was like, You really made all of this stuff, like, there's no way that this will go over and like, you just didn't, you don't really understand it. Like, it's so weird. Coming from here, I mean, we don't have a professional team. We don't you know, we live for Husker football on Saturdays. So you don't understand that the reach that it gets, you know, I remember when I first got to New York, and we were on the road to start and then getting back trying to figure out where I'm gonna live, get no idea what I'm doing. Then you're walking down the street and people start honking at you. You're like, this is weird. But people are yelling, and then now it's like, well, shoot, I can afford this dinner now. And now it gets paid for it. I'm like, Well, damn, where are you at when I couldn't afford this? Like,

Bryan Hoch:

when you made everybody wants to pick up the tab for you?

Joba Chamberlain:

Yeah, I'm like, Man, this is this little backwards to me. I go, I'm not complaining. But I'm like, okay, like, alright, I'll take it. Then. I'm like, Man, this would have been a lot cooler, like, three years ago, and I was in college and had to wait till three o'clock. So I could eat a$5 meal at the cafeteria.

Bryan Hoch:

Or when you spent most of your paycheck on an air mattress down in Trenton, that would have been good, too.

Joba Chamberlain:

Oh, yeah. I mean, you're you don't necessarily Beggars can't be choosers, but sometimes a ham sandwich or a turkey sandwich just doesn't cut it. So you know, it's I was fortunate enough to get a decent signing bonus. But you know, it's I give so much credit to those kids in the minor leagues that grind because people don't understand how hard it is. I mean, the game is hard itself yet, you know, you're traveling or getting called up, down trying to start a family not getting paid crazy amounts of money. And so yeah, it's one of those things that people don't understand really what that grind is and what what guys go through, you know, for that whole year.

Bryan Hoch:

Alright, so let's get to the majors. I can't let you out of here without asking about it. All right, Game Two alts. In Cleveland, bugs are everywhere. You actually came in the seventh inning there. And now it's the eighth bugs are coming in off Lake Erie throw a couple of wild pitches, couple of walks, you hit a guy? What if anything, do you wish you could or would have done differently there?

Joba Chamberlain:

I'm not nothing really. Um, maybe better advice. Not use bug spray that attracts me even more? No, because I came in for Andy in the seventh got out of that. And normal normal bugs for a night game, you know, nothing, nothing crazy and then go out for the eighth and I'm just like, it's just a normal, like, I've never seen this. And so I'm trying to throw and then it's then it's getting worse. And I'm already I'm already sweating enough. And so then I'm like, keep hitting the bugs. And then Gino comes out. And last Diaz was behind the play, too. And as we all know, foreign substances now, like technically what Gina was doing was illegal to put the bug spray on you. Yeah, because it gets sticky. Oh, okay. Yeah, right. Sure. And so and but he's spraying it over everybody. And then which it backfired? Because then they're, they're attracted to the moisture even more. So now I'm sweating on top of it. I got bug spray. And come to find out it's dryer sheets or vinegar. That gets them away. Well, that had been nice to know at the time.

Bryan Hoch:

Not something you typically have in a big league dugout during a game. Yeah, but yeah,

Joba Chamberlain:

that's that's usually not that's in the case. There's there's two things that probably vinegar Yeah. So yeah, no, I mean, the frustrating part for me was just not executing pitches, like the bugs or the bugs whatever I don't care that's no excuse to to have wild pitches and give up the game and we end up going to extras and losing but ya know, it was just I don't think there's anything to change like I mean, Joe's obviously came out and said as it's his one regret as as a manager but you know, it's it's one of those things to where I should take responsibility as well and be like, hey, this we gotta let these go because the next inning if you if you look and was his name was fastball at the time, right? Pasa Carmona? Yeah. Right? Is that it was Roberto Hernandez after that. I was like, I'm pretty sure it's fast when I pitched against him there. But yeah, he came out and they weren't bad. So obviously they they knew the secret and And not to say that it would have changed anything. But yeah, I mean, I was frustrated with the fact that I came in with the lead and I left when it was tied. So that that was the frustrating part. And I was just glad they didn't bite because I would have been miserable.

Bryan Hoch:

Like, it was gross, just to watch it on TV like they're in your eyes are in your mouth, like they really are on you.

Joba Chamberlain:

Yeah, it was literally I got up into the clubhouse and a deck, he was warming up and like he, because you noticed it. But I never watched the game for like, a few years, then, and then always gets brought up. Literally, we played in will play in six or seven tournaments, Carter, we played in one this weekend. And it was it's three or four times a day that it gets brought. Like, they'll say, hey, and then it's like, Oh, I'll never forget that game with all those bugs on your face. And it's like, it's honest to goodness in a tournament, throughout the tournament, there will be four or five times that it's never it never fails. It's always one of those things. And it's like, I guess you could always be remembered for worse things. So and it's like every year there's the baseball playoffs. What do they show every year? I mean, the funniest thing I think they have that what they did was make a commercial out of it. That was that was pretty creative for the for the next year baseball season. But yeah, it was finally watching it. It definitely, it definitely was worse than I thought. Like, it was bad just being there and and thinking about it. And then actually, when I looked at it was like you couldn't even see, like literally almost the back of my neck was covered. And then Matsui literally hits me in the back. And I mean, they all go everywhere. And it just when I finally watched the video, I go Yeah, that was that was gross. I mean, yeah, I literally there was probably about two hours where it's like, I felt like one was in my ear. And then like I've tried to dig it out, get a Q tip, but I'm like the game wasn't over yet. So I'm waiting for Gina and Steve again. I was like I think there's there's one of these things in my ear like, I mean, they're in my eyelids like it was there wasn't a place that they weren't. Let's just put it that way. So that was one I'm usually a quick in and out shower guy. That one did a little scrubbing because I was like first of all, I don't know what the hell images anyways,

Bryan Hoch:

right? Whoever hasn't been before that night. Unless you're Cleveland I guess.

Joba Chamberlain:

Right? Well come to find out we mind you. We're literally live in the middle of the country. But we have a lake here. And literally, the same thing happened in the story and they use me as the story cover to still have they still have on the windows in Cleveland to keep them shut back and then they give the story.

Bryan Hoch:

That's right. I've stayed at that hotel. There's a renaissance right there it says yeah, Yankees pitcher Java. Chamberlain. So you made your mark. There you go. Your your forever party

Joba Chamberlain:

history. Yeah, um, I guess Yeah, it's always gonna be there. Yeah, it'll never change. Yeah, there. It was. Like I said, When I finally watched it, I was like, Ah, this it was bad being like, physically there. But then at TV it's yeah, it was just the noise as you can hear him there in everywhere. You're trying not to open your mouth and swallow them. Yeah, it was. It was interesting.

Bryan Hoch:

I that is the first part of the Java Chamberlin

Unknown:

interview. i.that.to be continued with a lot of

Bryan Hoch:

ground to cover with Java. And I don't feel like it would be fair to just throw it all out all at once. So we're gonna get to more next week with Java. But a pretty good first part there. I think we covered a lot of ground about 2007. And man, that was just a fun time to be around. The Yankees

Unknown:

is of course, the first two part episode of this podcast is you in Java? I mean, like, I could have called that one of the two of you just like two children. You both yapping, I could, uh,

Bryan Hoch:

those were good times. I mean, I mean, absolutely. There was a lot going on back then. And then some stuff we can't even talk about on this pot. There's

Unknown:

a reason we didn't start dating until 2009 2007. hokey and Java. I mean, I mean,

Bryan Hoch:

we were just kids in the clubhouse, and we kind of bonded that time. So it was it was definitely fun to be around. And they've definitely have a lot of good memories and some things I don't even remember that I believe. Yeah, no doubt. So that is the first part of our Java Chamberlain interview. We'll have more Would Java next week and we'll get into some more about his career in pinstripes and what it was the

Unknown:

beanie, give us a tease or what, what it is?

Bryan Hoch:

Yeah, no, you're just gonna have to come back next week, we'll talk about the oh nine World Series. Of course, mission 27 is still available, by the way, wherever fine books are sold. And Java was, of course, awesome with providing us some stories that Mark feinsand and myself got for that book. So if you're, if you have a copy, and you go flip through it, pretty good chance that some of this stuff you got an error came for. I can't name my sources. Of course I can't. But we have a lot of good relationships with guys from those teams. So a lot to talk about with Java next week, a lot to talk about what you can. I love talking pop culture and everything with you. And I think we we definitely covered a lot of ground there in the mid aughts

Unknown:

while we hit Frank Caliendo.

Bryan Hoch:

Can I just say that again?

Unknown:

We talked about t.com Frank Caliendo I mean,

Bryan Hoch:

I follow Frank Kellyanne do on on tick tock, tick tock very much, but I do use it to find impression errs or impressionists. There's also a guy who does a great almost Schwarzenegger that I send you clips from all the

Unknown:

time. I went to Tom Hanks is it Tom? Hey,

Bryan Hoch:

yeah. Oh, no, that's a different guy.

Unknown:

Nobody go to Brian's followers on Tiktok

Bryan Hoch:

they're all just dudes doing impressions of

Unknown:

doing mediocre impression. They're very good. They're Brian will probably rip off and use on this podcast to entertain all of yours. So

Bryan Hoch:

well. The day is still young,

Unknown:

what better on know to wrap it up on

Bryan Hoch:

All right, let's wrap it up. This has been my first ball game. We'll talk to you next week with more with Java Chamberlain.