Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter meeting recap – 11/2/2022
On November 2, 2022, members of the Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter gathered in the Legends Room at Glory Days Grill in Tallahassee, Florida, for their monthly meeting. In attendance were:
- Matt Keelean, Chapter President
- Jim Wolf
- Rick Swain
- Brent Kallestad
- Glenn Robertson
- Bruce Grant
- Chuck Rosciam
- Frank Alarcon
- Jim Turner
- Renee Watters
- Matt Hudson
- Ben Gaddis
- Brian Logan
- Arnie Cooperman
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 PM. Matt opened the floor for discussion on topics of interest to the attendees. Subjects raised included Aaron Judge and his pending free agent status, beloved legendary players from attendees’ childhood, regardless of team, and the ongoing 2022 World Series. Regarding the World Series, attendees considered Dusty Baker’s decision to leave Lance McCullers, Jr. in even after giving up multiple home runs early in Game 3, and speculated on what Bryce Harper might have said to Alec Bohm before he hit his home run.
Next, Matt introduced two new attendees, Brian Logan and Arnie Cooperman, and asked each to share a little about himself. Brian comes to the Chapter as long-time resident of the Tallahassee area, originally from the Portland, Oregon, area, and so comes by his Mariners loyalty in an honest fashion. Arnie also is a long-time Tallahassee resident, but long ago shifted his loyalties to the Braves, with George Steinbrenner having completely beat the Yankees fandom out of him.
The attendees next reviewed the MLB Predictions standings. With the Astros and Phillies currently engaged in the World Series, only two competitors were still in the hunt. If the Phillies prevail, Bruce Grant would take the prize; if the Astros storm back and capture the trophy, Jeff Lickson would be crowned champion. All other competitors were left to ruminate over ill-advised decisions made in the early days after the settling of the CBA negotiations.
Further discussions regarding the World Series followed, then shifted to the pending Hot Stove season. To no one’s surprise, the Yankees’ plans for the off-season were first up, followed by a few new managerial hires made before the off-season commences – Bruce Bochy to the Rangers, and former FSU Seminole catcher Pedro Grifol to the White Sox. Topics such as the new playoff format (favored by most in attendance) and elimination of the defensive shift (not so universally beloved by attendees) also were raised and examined.
Matt then shifted discussion to the ongoing Chapter Board reorganization. He introduced Renee Waters and Brent Kallestad as the new co-Communication Directors for the Chapter, expressing his appreciation for their willingness to take up the responsibilities of the new position. Matt also mentioned that the new position of Vice President remains open, and that anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to him directly to discuss it further.
Next, attendees played a round of Who Am I. Before the contest could get going, the first clue prompted an immediate correct guess/answer from Brent – Bob Gibson. Attendees then briefly discussed number 45’s great career, noting his very impressive accomplishments detailed in the accompanying slide show.
The meeting closed out with the highlight of the evening, Chuck Rosciam’s presentation on Brother Batteries in the majors. Originally done as a poster presentation many years ago at SABR National, Chuck retooled his information into a slide presentation enjoyed by all in attendance.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
— Matt Keelean