Tomorrow, the biggest weekend in the Illowa APBA League season begins! In three days, we’ll play (or watch) our postseason games, have our annual league meeting, conduct our rookie draft and start our 2015 season. This year is our 41st season of the IAL’s existence and we’re stronger than ever.
First, I am totally excited to be able to see my buddy John Brandeberry who is flying back from Missoula, Montana for the draft weekend. It’s been almost a year since I’ve seen Brando and it will be great to pal around with him. He and I used to make the trek up to Chicago for draft weekends together. This year, I’m meeting him at O’Hare and he’s driving me the rest of the way in his rental car. It’ll be just like old times except it’ll be hard to get lost like we always do in the few miles to the hotel in Downers Grove.
We’re also excited that APBA Blog contributor and Chicagoland Tournament champ Scott Fennessy will be joining us on Saturday. Scott came by for our 2014 All-Star weekend and the league enjoyed his company and I think he had a good time too. We’re looking forward to seeing you, Scott.
This week has been a flurry of league-related emails and texts among the managers mostly containing trade offers and draft inquiries. At the beginning of the off-season, my Thunderchickens were in a precarious situation with holes all over the place. After making four key trades, however, we’ve gotten our team to the point where we can cover our remaining positions with draft picks and still have one more left to do what we want.
The biggest trade was the blockbuster that sent Albert Pujols to the Iowa Oinkers. Some feel I was forced into the deal but I’m still feeling good about it. Really, I am.
The IAL draft time will be after the league meeting on Friday night. The Transcontinental Baseball League and the Mid-West Baseball League are both drafting the next day while the IAL will already be rolling the dice. If I have time, maybe I’ll update everyone on the draft.
If you’re interested, here are the IAL final standings and leaders for the 2014 season.
