In our last story, I explained how it would be impossible for me to attend any and all NCBL meetings, including the one that took place yesterday. I then asked for those attending to send me a couple notes to shaun.keay@sweatsoxbaseball.com, and you guys came through. I received approximately 14 emails over the past 24 hours, and after going through them all I can honestly say it feels like I was actually there, sitting in the first or second row.
I’ll now do my best to recap the events of yesterday’s meeting, using only what I have to assume is the accurate information sent my way. I apologize for any misinformation or misinterpretations that may come up; again, I wasn’t there.
Pre-Meeting Shenanigans
Several people noted that before the meeting was called to order, the SweatSox delegation was doing some last minute strategizing off to the side. I’ve learned that they were still discussing whether or not to actually make a pitch to stay in Tier 2. Their idea was that if Cornwall were going to make a pitch to stay in Tier 2, we’d drop to Tier 3. If Cornwall went up to Tier 1, we’d stay in Tier 2. It was simple economics: Cornwall is far, so we’d all save a bunch of money on gas. The Dukes then walked into the meeting room, and the SweatSox realized they didn’t want to see their ugly faces twice a year, so they decided to make the pitch to stay no matter what. Commissioner Beelen also made an appearance in the SweatSox circle, wondering if anyone new on our team has died recently.
Tier Structure
Once the meeting began and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved, it was time to figure out which teams were going to play where. The Cardinals, having finished last in Tier 1 last year, officially dropped to Tier 2. Also switching Tiers without a fight were the Knights (T3 to T4), and Bombers (T4 to T3).
Cornwall River Rats
Next up were the intentions of the Tier 2 pennant winners, the aforementioned Cornwall River Rats. Everyone held their breath as manager John Flannigan announced they wanted to stay. He explained that for various reasons they were losing several key players this year, including:
James Amelotte, Pedro Lopez, Chris Poirier, Tyler St.Denis, John Kalivas, Sean Hickey, Brandon Daigle, Ryan Daigle, Brad Giroux, Al Johnson, Nolan St.Denis, John Cosgrove, Tanner Casselman, Dylan Casselman, Aaron Seguin, B.J. Al-Gahtani, Todd McLaughlin, Phil Marleau, Darryl Beck, and Todd Duhaime.
What was left with the depleted Cornwall roster was a handful of Flannigan’s, and the voters conceded that they probably weren’t ready for Tier 1 just yet. Cornwall won their pitch to remain in Tier 2.
The SweatSox
The SweatSox pitch was next, and I’m told it was shortest and most backwards pitch in the history of pitches: “We expect to be better now that we got rid of Trepanier”. The SweatSox remain in Tier 2.
The River Hawks
The 2014 Tier 2 Champion River Hawks were up next, and they easily convinced the league that they were ready for Tier 1. While the River Hawks may have won that battle, with Trepanier on the roster it’s only a matter of time before their war is lost.
The Orioles
The Tier 3 Ottawa Orioles had a spectacular 2014 campaign, winning both the Tier 3 Pennant and Championship. Everyone assumed they’d make the jump up, especially after seeing how the River Hawks faired this year in Tier 2 after moving up last offseason. For whatever reasons, the Orioles didn’t want to and made a pitch to stay. Their manager rattled off a couple players who “may” not be back this year: basically the starting right fielder and third-string third baseman, but it wasn’t enough to convince Tier 3 they should stay. The Orioles join the Raiders and Red Sox as modern day teams to get booted out of their tier against their wishes. Welcome to Tier 2, you guys will be fine.
The Budget
Treasurer Craig Cornell presented the 2015 budget, while everyone else nodded and pretended to know what all those fancy numbers meant. While it was a pretty good budget, it could’ve been better as noted by the sitting (not standing)-ovation he received. Cornell then received additional praise from the commissioner, who promised a future NCBL award in his honor, once he died (which could happen soon on sweatsoxbaseball.com – RIP).
Playoff Scheduling
Several emails told me about a playoff proposal made by the Panthers. The proposal was well thought out and made a lot of sense, but it’s too big for me to explain fully. Instead, I’ll try and summarize it in one sentence:
“Shut the fuck up and play when you’re told”.
The Outlaws Proposal
The Outlaws want to watch baseball while they drink on Canada Day.
Ottawa Champions Proposal
The Ottawa Champions were scheduled to submit a proposal, but didn’t get in done in time for our meeting. Word on the street is they apparently want to make Saturday’s “NCBL Night” at the ‘ballpark nobody knows the name to’. Here’s a counter idea: let us all in for free whenever we want and just assume we’ll spend big bucks at the concessions.
The Secretary
It was announced during the meeting that longtime SweatSox supporter Phil Taylor (formerly the Gryphon Boss) has stepped down from his role on the Operational Committee. Current NCBL Secretary Brett Stott is the Commissioner’s choice as his replacement, which means a spot on the NCBL Executive is open.
Here’s my idea: I, Shaun Keay, nominate myself as a candidate to be the next NCBL Secretary. I’d love to do it; the only problem is I can’t go to the meetings, but Cory Bond can and he could take the required notes for me. Here me out, although it may seem silly and completely pointless, yet sometimes hilarious, to have my name on something but have Cory do all the heavy lifting, I think it could work! Consider this post my resume. Let me know. Shaun Keay OUT.
