While Eric Berg, Dave Rueck, Thomas Fulton and I are preparing for next April’s Prairieland tournament here in Champaign, I started to think, “What does it take to run a successful APBA tournament?” With all of the fantastic tournaments that have been held recently, we want to make sure the Prairieland tournament hold its own in terms of awesomeness.
Then, in talking to Jim Fraasch of the Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament, I had the idea of virtually talking to all of the tournament organizers and getting their thoughts and reflections on putting a tournament together. This I how my new project got started. I’m calling it the Tournament Organizer Roundtable.
I’m still in the middle of the project now but the response so far has been overwhelming. A total of eight APBA fans who have organized APBA tournaments are participating. I’m even working with Skeet Carr from the APBA Game Company. In less than a week since I proposed the idea to them, I’ve already received written content from six of the tournament organizers. Obviously, they are all anxious to tell their story. Their input has been detailed and includes anecdotes, tips and even photos. Each person has have an important, unique story to tell.
I’m really looking forward to putting this all together so you all can read it. Stay tuned.
Great idea, Tom. I have attended four tournaments since March (Michigan, Chicago (twice), and Toledo) and all have been great. I look forward to your write up.