March 8-9, 2008
For the 16th consecutive year, the Flame Delhi Chapter hosted their Annual Spring Training Weekend. On Saturday, March 8, about 30 members and guests enjoyed a pre game tailgate party followed by the Cubs vs. A’s contest at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Saberites watched as the A’s scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to upend the Cubbies 7-6 is a split squad contest.
The next day, 26 members and guests gathered for breakfast and baseball conversation at Tempe’s Fiesta Inn Resort. Jim Odenkirk, one of the chapters original founding members, spoke about his beloved Cleveland Indians, reminding the group that the famous rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox once also included the Indians. Jim talked about the three cornered pennant races between those clubs and recalled the days of Bill Veeck and Lou Boudreau.
Next, two time Major League Executive of the Year Roland Hemond addressed the group recalling his more than 50 years in baseball and telling his own stories about Veeck.
Doug Flanagan, Publications Manager for the Diamondbacks then talked about D’Backs Insider and new media vs. old media and fielded questions about the challenges faced by paper publications in the internet age.
Finally, incoming chapter president Rodney Johnson closed the meeting by unveiling plans for the chapter to host an Arizona Fall League Conference next November.
August 2, 2008: Summer Meeting
Twenty-two members and guests enjoyed an Arizona (rookie level) doubleheader at Tempe Diablo Stadium and feasted on a sub-sandwich meal. Prior to the first game, Dick Schofield (the younger) chatted with the group and fielded questions. Rodney Johnson pitched his plan for realignment and expansion that would eliminate the wild card and allow only division winners into the playoffs. Bill Staples informed the gathering about the 65th anniversary (October 1943) of two semi-pro teams from Phoenix that went into Gila River to play against the top Japanese American team, the Butte All-Stars, led by Kenichi Zenimura.