by FAaron » Sat Feb 12, 2011 2:48 pm
"It's all Rob K.'s fault" is what my wife said. Yesterday, my friend Rob called to say that he and his son couldn't make it today b/c of a school obligation. So my wife decided to join my son Eliran and me on our trip to the Big City for the 50th Anniversary Celebration. And as fate would have it, we found 3 empty seats in the back of the church, sat down and were promptly greeted by Frank M! In a group of over 600 people, how weird is it that I would sit down right in front of one of the people I was hoping to meet.
Unfortunately, because my wife was along for the ride, we had to leave early (also, my son got tired), so I left at the end of the panels, a full hour before they started giving out cards to the pre-orders (I live near the Glen Head office of SOM, so I had them hold my cards for pickup on Monday). But before I left, we were treated to some great panels on our shared passion for SOM (well shared by everyone there, except for my wife and a guess a few of the gaffers and grips for the film crew filming the event). First, Bill Daughtry, winner of the 1986 invitational league, gave the welcome, followed by a wonderful keynote address by Hal Richman. Next was the Research Panel with Hal, James Williams, Steve Barkan, Len Schwartz and Glenn Guzzo, author of Strat-o-matic Fanatics. Highlight: each panelist giving their favorite season and card.
Next as a statistical analysis panel with Rick Peterson (former pitching coach of the Mets) and John Dewan of Baseball Info Solutions. Hightlight: Rick Peterson asking the crowd to pray for the Mets. This was followed by the Computer Panel (Bob Winberry, Len Schwartz and Gary Brooks) and the announcement of the semi-finalists in the Ultimate Strat-o-matic Fanatic Contest. Then, Doug Glanville gave a spirited Q&A. He also provided the funniest moment when he recalled an NLDS with the Cubs where manager Dusty Baker had Glanville on the bench as a backup middle infielder. Glanville was worried if he played 2B or SS, he'd ruin his defense rating. He said he would be worse than a 5, probably more like a 7. Finally, there was a Pro Panel with Hal Richman, Doug Glanville, John Dewan and Glenn Guzzo.
At this point, I had to leave to drive the wife and son home, so I missed picking up my cards as well as getting to browse the partner expo and meet some of the other TSN SOM managers and Bernie. Thanks anyway to SOM for a great morning and early afternoon. And Doug Glanville, if you are reading this, please let me know how to get into one of your Glanny Family leagues. It would be fun to play against you and your brother.