I want to take the time to reflect on 2018, wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to a fantastic 2019!
The past year was full of countless regional tournaments. Probably more than I have seen previous. That is great to see. The good news is that there are new ones springing up adding on to the ol’ veterans which keep plugging along. Some like Ken Schulz’ Slippery Rock, Rob Spatz’ Chicagoland, and Pastor Rich’s Greater Michigan tourneys are now bringing in over 40 participants each!
Hey, guess what? My Twin City Thunderchickens in the Illowa APBA League won’t have the first pick in the 2019 rookie draft! We’re not going to make the playoffs either but I take pride in that we avoided the cellar for once. With 9 games left in the season, we have a 71-82 record.
This year, APBA’s online venture named APBA GO made its debut. It already has a dedicated following. I am giving it a try. I’m still a die-hard cards and dice guy but I feel APBA GO has potential. If you haven’t already, give it a try.
I feel the APBA Company itself has made progress in customer service. I point to the weekly newsletter. Thanks to Randy Coryer for his work on this. He works hard to fill the newsletter with items of news that are relevant to fans such as tournament info, league news and of course, APBA set release dates!
In addition, the Company has worked with John Asalon and his This Week in APBA show which debuted in 2017. John brings on guests to talk about APBA.
On The APBA Blog front, the biggest change was bringing Kevin Weber on as a contributor. To be honest, my decision to ask Kevin help with The APBA Blog was made on a whim. It worked out so well! Not only does Kevin write well (check out his stuff!) but he engages so well with everyone and we get so many interactions because of him. I am so glad I decided to ask him to be part of The APBA Blog team. Thanks Kevin!
I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and many 66s in 2019!
Tom
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Thomas! It was great meeting you this year!
Steve, it was a blast meeting you and the rest of the TBL crew in person. You have been with The APBA Blog from the very start and I am glad to have had the chance to chat with you. Now that my daughter is attending college out your way, I hope to do it again!!
PS Thanks Walt for the book!!
Without a doubt, it’s my pleasure to be part of The APBA Blog team. I’m grateful to you, Tom, for inviting me to join the blog. Over the last year, the APBA community has become a very enjoyable part of my life. I hope it continues to be in the years to come.
Merry Christmas, Tom and all others associated with this great website!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year my friend…..and thank you for all you do for APBAnation here at the Blog!