A dozen chapter members and guests met at Iron Works BBQ in downtown Austin for dinner and baseball chatter. It was the group’s first meeting at this location, and most members reported little traffic problems and found convenient parking nearby. One member walked to the meeting from work downtown and another rode his bike to the meeting.
Thanks to Norman Macht and Monte Cely, the tables were arranged in a square so that the group could see each other and take part in a large group conversation. Our location on the back patio plus the pleasant spring weather made for an enjoyable combination.
Several topics were discussed: the New York Mets releasing Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo in recent weeks (and eating their salaries), the update on Albert Pujols’ contract situation with the St. Louis Cardinals (the update is there is no update), the future of data analytics in making game strategy decisions, how the Houston Astros might fare this season, and other topics.
Norman Macht updated the group about Volume 2 of Connie Mack’s biography. It is written and currently undergoing copy editing. He expects the book to be published early next year. Norman is turning his attention to Volume 3. (For those not familiar, you should check out the first volume, “Connie Mack and the Early Years of Baseball,” published in 2007 by the University of Nebraska Press).
This was the 52nd consecutive month in which the chapter has met. Plans are underway for the August meeting, which will be the 57th consecutive month with a meeting, thereby “breaking” Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hit streak.
The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Iron Works BBQ in downtown Austin. We’ll send out a reminder and request for RSVPs closer to the meeting.