Twenty members and guests gathered at Leonardo's Pizza in Cedar Rapdis for a brief meeting before heading out to the old ballpark (or the relatively new ballpark, in this case).

Two presentations were on tap as the gathering munched down on some pizza. Steve Feller gave an overview of the physics of baseball, explaining such how gravity, air resistance, and other natural factors affect the behavior of pitched and thrown baseballs, and, of course, home run distance. I've always wondered about those factors myself. Hopefully, Steve can regale us with more at future meetings.

Next, up, Tim Rask gave a brief overview of the issues surrounding the "Cedar Rapids Case," as we obsverve (roughly) the 70th anniversary of Commissioner Landis's decision that found C.R. to be in cahoots with the St. Louis Cardinals to create a hidden farm system. Seventy-four players won free agency from the Judge, while Cedar Rapids lost its players and was fined $588.

In the business portion of the meeting, current officers Tim Rask (Umpire-in-Chief), Ralph Christian (Base Umpire), Steve Elsberry (Concessionaire) and Charles Crawley (Scorekeeper) were re-elected by acclamation. For those scoring at home, those fancy titles mean president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary/webmaster, respectively.

Next, the group move on to Veterans Memorial Stadium (which has a new corporate name) for an afternoon Midwest League tilt between the West Michigan White Caps and Cedar Rapids Kernels. The White Caps won in a rout, 9-2. Special thanks go to Charles Crawley, who secured digs in a Vets Stadium suite for us to enjoy the game.

During the early innings, members worked on the trivia quiz, prepared by Darrell Hanson. Darrelly pitched us a toughie, and Tim Rask emerged as the battered winner of the travelling trophy, thanks in large part to knowledge of obscure Iowa-based minor league team nicknames. Steve Elsberry will draft out next quiz for the summer meeting, and Mike Coveyou will take care of the fall.

And speaking of future meetings, the group agreed to explore the possiblility of a July meeting in conjunction with the Iowa High School finals (the finals are July 26, with games at noon (2A), 2pm (1A), 6pm (3A) and 8pm (4A)). I will work on gathering more details.

Enjoy a weekend of baseball everyone!--someone has to fill in for me, as I'll be focused on the Sport of Kings down in Louisville (I hear they have a big race this weekend).

For the fall, we plan to meet again in Cedar Rapids, the first or second weekend of October (by the way, the Hawkeye football team is away the first two Saturdays).

Again, hip-hip-hooray (in deadball fashion) to Charles for setting up the meeting site and game, and to Darrell for his brutal quiz, and a special thank you to Steve Elsberry for passing out one-page comprehensive 2008 MLB schedules).

Tim Rask
Umpire-in-Chief