Step into the room of Brian Smith ’12 and Timothy Butterfield ’12 and you will step into a bona fide hangout area, complete with a futon, coffee tables, an HDTV and multiple gaming systems. The entertainment setup includes six consoles: Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Gamecube, Sega Dreamcast, XBox and XBox 360. They have each system connected to its own power source, making it easier to switch from one gaming console to another. Their favorite system is the Nintendo 64, but if you happen to drop by while they’re gaming, chances are that they’ll be playing MVP Baseball 2005 for the XBox. That’s not even close to the limit of the gaming possibilities in the room though, as they boast a collection of over a hundred games at their disposal. “Whatever the case, we have the best environment to play in,” said Smith.
Video games and baseball are not the only things for which the two use the TV. They also connect their computers to the bigger screen using a VGI to DVI adapter. “It’s really nice,” said Smith, “especially for videos we need to watch for class.” External speakers purchased at the beginning of the year make sure that all of this can be heard with clarity.
Smith and Butterfield might have a cozy living room area, but the two are no couch potatoes. “There are several posters of some awesome runners and running events on our walls,” said Smith. “They prevent us from playing video games too much and remind us to go outside every once in a while.” A bike and bike stand that sit behind the futon support his statement.
As you might have guessed, the roommates are big baseball fans. It doesn’t take a genius to figure this out; walk into their room and you’ll see countless examples of their devotion to the sport. For one, try to sit down on the futon and you might notice the Minnesota Twins fleece blanket demonstrating Smith’s support for his hometown team. There’s the huge New York Yankees banner that hangs on a wall, displaying Butterfield’s allegiance. And depending on when you go in, you might notice baseball gloves sitting on top of their dressers. In short, they’re serious about their baseball.
More than anything though, the roommates have strived to create a welcome living room area and to open their room to others. Any first-time visitors will be greeted with a black poster board and silver sharpie that serve as a sign-in sheet. Little knick-knacks are scattered for the purpose of entertaining visitors, from a “Where’s Waldo?” book to a molecular model representing the purest form of cocaine. So, drop by Morris Pratt 432, talk baseball with the residents, enjoy the gaming set up and remember to autograph the sign-in sheet before you leave!