February 26-March 3

The last few days of February and the early part of March was very quiet, with a week off from basketball and the Royals out of town there was very little happening of any note. The only real highlight was a Sunday night meeting at the newspaper office in Reading. Since 1967 the Philadelphia Phillies' AA affiliate has called the city home, 2016 is the franchise's fiftieth anniversary season. From 1978 to 2012 I was proudly associated with the organization as the team's public address announcer. It was a time in my life that meant a great deal to me, I loved and cared for it deeply. My time there ended in November of 2012 largely because of ego, arrogance and the need for certain parties to push their own agenda with no regard for history, tradition or the concerns and feelings of others. After THIRTY-FIVE YEARS of service to the organization I always thought my departure would be on my terms but sadly that was not the case. Few people know the entire story because I never took it public (and I never will), those who are aware are completely understanding of the bitterness I feel towards those responsible. I realize I'm not the first person who was ever done dirty but that knowledge doesn't make it any easier. I miss the ballpark and the GOOD people I worked with greatly and I would go back tomorrow under the right circumstances but those circumstances no longer exist (and they will not as long as certain people remain involved). The meeting on Sunday night was because the newspaper's baseball beat writer (who I have known for many years) is planning a series of stories spotlighting the fifty greatest players in franchise history and I was invited to be a part of the selection committee. He explained it as something completely independent from anything the organization may be planning. It is heartwarming to know that some people value my feelings and opinions, I can attest from personal experience that it doesn't happen everywhere (especially where it SHOULD but doesn't). The meeting was very productive and it was good to renew acquaintances with some old friends from happier days. On Monday I got a call from Jon Mitchell at McCaskey, he wanted to know if I was interested in doing the PA for the varsity baseball games. A few years ago the playing field was remodeled and a sound system was installed, I have substituted here and there when needed but it was something I really couldn't commit to on a regular basis. Things are somewhat different these days so I told Jon I'd be willing to take it on. There are no schedule conflicts as of now but that could change, we'll work those out as they come about. The ballclub has a scrimmage at home on the 16th, the first official home game is on the 24th. Take care, thanks for reading.