Since I joined the SweatSox in 1998, there have been approximately 60 NCBL meetings. I’ve been to none of them. That’s never stopped me from quickly figuring out what happened at these meetings though, especially now that I have dozens of sources throughout the league. The 2015 Kick-off meeting was this past Sunday morning, and while traditionally it’s the least exciting of the 3 annual meetings (where the final i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed for the upcoming season), I’m hearing there was definitely some drama. Specifically, several teams let their internal issues leak out into the open, which I of course will now expose.
If I’m going to spill the secrets of prominent NCBL teams, I might as well start with the most esteemed organization of them all: the mighty SweatSox…
@SweatSox who's the decision maker of your esteemed organization?
— Panthers (@PMA_Panthers) April 22, 2015
SweatSox: While there’s always been a certain amount of in fighting amongst SweatSox, I couldn’t be more disappointed in both Craig Cornell and Cory Bond for their actions, or lack thereof, during the kick-off meeting. They both knew how much I wanted to be NCBL Secretary, and yet when the Commissioner asked if anyone wanted to step up and be nominated, they said nothing on my behalf. As far as I’m concerned, they’re both now dead to me.
Moosehead’s Acadians: The Acadians were the only team missing from the kick-off meeting, but that’s not too surprising from a team with just one representative on the NCBL contact list. If a team isn’t organized enough to send someone to the meeting where fees are paid, there are obvious leadership issues. I believe Moosehead vouchers for the league would be a good start at reparations.
Kanata Athletics: On the other hand, you don’t want too many hands in the cookie jar. The Athletics lead the way with 5 team contacts, well, actually 4 now that it was announced that Graeme Nichols has been pushed off the Athletics and forced into retiring from the NCBL. The 6th Sen will be interning for Don Brennan (Knights) at the Ottawa Sun for a few months before moving to Cornwall to open up a brand new pulp & paper mill. Good luck G.
Braves: I’m hearing the jealousy amongst the Braves is at an all-time high, so much so that the Tier 2 President nearly ruined relations between the NCBL and Baseball Canada during the meeting. Upset that one of his teammates (likely Martin Masson) got a free hat at the Baseball Canada sale last week and he didn’t despite spending twice as much, Brian Samuel demanded restitution otherwise the Braves were done with the league. I’m still waiting confirmation on whether or not he got the free $5 hat.
Winchester Sox: The SweatSox are like a family, always looking out or taking care of each other whenever possible. For example: if someone on our team needs emergency surgery, a paternity test, hospital supplies, specialty burgers, bar food, anything from Brockville, your taxes done, transportation anywhere in Canada, non-sequential unmarked bills, access to the Canada Post servers, a drawing, a power generator, a supply of children, or a sit-down with the Prime Minister, someone on the team can hook it up no questions asked. FYI- if someone on the SweatSox needs premature access to City of Ottawa fields, we do not have a contact for that. At the kick-off meeting, it was revealed that Winchester doesn’t necessarily have that same kind of arrangement with each another. You guys should take a good, hard, one hundred and eighty degree look at your priorities. Baseball > Business.
PMA Panthers: Sporting a stylishly fabulous black & blue suit, the award for best dressed at the kick-off meeting goes to NCBL All-Stars manager Panther Tim. By all accounts, Gautam appeared calm, cool, and collected, but behind the scenes we now know that the Panthers are falling apart; so much so that they are open to recruiting SweatSox!?!
@SweatSox btw we are short on position players this yr so if any of your guys make a good impression friday, we may try to poach them
— PMA Panthers (@PMA_Panthers) April 27, 2015
Don’t get me wrong, some SweatSox may indeed have a shot at getting called up to the big leagues, assuming the Panthers only scout us off, not on the field. See you guys Friday.
Nepean’s Brewers: One Brewer, who may have been a Hurricane if not for them folding, was asking around what the deal was with the “No Brewers Club”. It’s simple: any one Brewer can attend the SweatSox-Panthers practices, just not multiple Brewers. We know how much mischief those Brewers get into when they’re paired together.
Dukes: No team in NCBL history has ever been more dysfunctional than the 2015 Dukes. When Lawrence Pawelek stepped down as Dukes manager to focus more on procreation, he thought he left the team in good hands with Stef Leclair, Mike Pignat and Curtis Brown’s brother Steve; perhaps not. The 2014 Dukes’ claim to fame was an “Undefeated Hyjinx”; but after they announced at the kick-off meeting they were bailing (forfeiting) on our exhibition game next Wednesday, I’m not sure anyone will take them seriously ever again. In fact, they’re not even worthy of using the word “Hyjinx”, either out loud or in print, any more. Call us when Lawrence is back in charge. #lostthehyjinx #wonthetomfoolery?
Not only did the Dukes lose the ball game tonight but apparently we lost the hyjinx too # remtatch2014 pic.twitter.com/JqacoJfgVE
— dukesbaseball (@Dukesbaseball) May 7, 2013
Here’s the updated SweatSox practice schedule that reflects the Dukes surrender:
1. Friday, May 1st – Kinsmen – 6:00pm-7:40pm
2. Monday, May 4th – Southgate – 8:30pm-11:00pm
3. Friday, May 8th – Trillium – 6:00pm-7:40pm
Please stay off sports fields & ball diamonds for the next little while #ottcity. Wet fields can be easily damaged. http://t.co/cYRUxRBhqc
— City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) April 21, 2015
Next up for the SweatSox is our “first” practice on Friday, May 1st, conveniently right here in Kanata.