Cleveland-area PEBA get-together (Part 1: Picking a day)

[John]

This is something I've been meaning to get going for quite awhile now. This ridiculously busy offseason has continued to push back my planning efforts, but I'm finally ready to tackle the process of organizing a PEBA get-together in the Cleveland area.

Looking at our Interactive Owner Map (a link to which is available when you're logged into the homepage), we have four PEBA owners (besides myself) living within Ohio:

• Tyler of West Virginia
• Chris of Tempe
• Brad of Canton
• Joel of Duluth

Another thirteen PEBA owners live within 8 hours of Cleveland:

• Dan of Arlington
• Bryan of Omaha
• Jared of Yuma
• Matt of New Jersey
• Bobby of Kalamazoo
• Jon and Aric of Bakersfield
• Benjamin and David of Gloucester
• Duane of Kentucky
• Dean and Bill of Crystal Lake
• Paul of New Orleans

I'm realistic about this: it would be fortunate to be able to arrange for just the Ohio owners to meet, let alone getting all the out-of-staters involved. Let's just see what we can come up with.

The plan is to construct a get-together primarily around a Cleveland Indians ballgame. I've picked out a number of dates in the month of May and I'd love to hear back from you guys on which of these dates you might possible be able to make it to Cleveland. The game time and opponent is listed next to the day (all times PM and ET). Dates in green feature the cheapest tickets, dates in red are the most expensive, and dates in purple are in between.

• Friday, May 8 (7:00 - DET)
• Saturday, May 9 (7:00 - DET)
• Sunday, May 10 (7:00 - DET)
  
• Tuesday, May 12 (7:00 - CWS)
• Wednesday, May 13 (12:00 - CWS)
• Tuesday, May 26 (7:00 - TB)
• Wednesday, May 27 (7:00 - TB)
  
• Friday, May 29 (7:00 - NYY)
• **Saturday, May 30 (7:00 - NYY)

** - Rounds 1-7 of the PEBA amateur draft are scheduled for the 30th. If a get-together were to happen on that day, owners in town would make their picks here with me before going to the game.

Note that although the header says "PEBA get-together", LRS owners are more than welcome to join in! The difficulty in organizing LRS owners is that I have none of you mapped. Not knowing where you live, it's difficult to plan around you. If you happen to live within driving distance and can make one or more of these dates, though, feel free to jump into this thread and make it known.

Right now I'm planning on a one-day gathering where owners will head back home as soon as the get-together is finished. That will change if some of our more far-flung owners want to get involved; I'm happy to make space for you at the house.

In addition to the game I have a few other potential plans in mind. For now, though, let's just see what everyone's availability is. So sound off! Let us know if any of these dates work for you.

[Tyler]

I will be living in Cleveland over the summer, so I remain within RTA distance of the stadium.

Weekend dates work best for me, but I could probably make most any of these. I could not do the May 13 day game. Games from May 8-12 may be tricky due to personal plans that may have to take precedence (but it's pretty up in the air right now).

Although the tickets would be expensive, an "in-person" amateur draft capped off by a Yankees game that night would be pretty f-in' epic.

[John]

Hey Tyler, when you say your May 8-12 plans are somewhat up in the air right now, does that include your movie plans for that week? Not that I'm hoping they're on shaky ground (I'm definitely not since I know what all is involved), but if it turns out your special engagement falls through I'd certainly be interested in hooking up to see an opening night showing of a certain film we both have a vested interest in.

[Tyler]

Hey Tyler, when you say your May 8-12 plans are somewhat up in the air right now, does that include your movie plans for that week? Not that I'm hoping they're on shaky ground (I'm definitely not since I know what all is involved), but if it turns out your special engagement falls through I'd certainly be interested in hooking up to see an opening night showing of a certain film we both have a vested interest in.

Oh, I'm definitely going to a midnight showing with the gf and whatever school friends are around (the movie opens the day after finals end - could it get any more perfect?). I'd certainly want to see it again.

[Matt]

The amatuer draft thing sounds like it might be something I could work out, depending on Tempe's plans that weekend and how evil my dispatcher is feeling that week....

[klewis]

That would be fun with a live draft during the get-together. I highly doubt I could make the trip though

I don't really have much free time to take off work. We're kinda understaffed so I can't take a lot of vacation. But I would love to see you guys take some pics of Jacobs' Field! Is that what you still call the park? I know with corporate sponsoring and all... I wouldn't be surprised if it is named something else now...

[John]

Yeah, it's unfortunately corporately named "Progressive Field" now. No reason we can't still refer to it as "The Jake", though.

[Alan Ehlers]

Im up for it, i might even bring my brother from our fantasy league because I owe him tickets to a game anyway

[John]

Im up for it, i might even bring my brother from our fantasy league because I owe him tickets to a game anyway

Which dates are you up for specifically, Chris?

[Alan Ehlers]

may 27th, 29th and 30th any of those dates are fine

[John]

Alright, so far we've gotten nibbles from Tyler, Chris and (tentatively) Matt. Saturday, May 30 seems to be the date generating the most interest. A meeting on that date would coincide with Day 1 of the Amateur Draft, meaning those getting together would draft live with me.

Any other interested parties? Remember, LRS owners are very welcome to join us as well. I realize you guys are new and may not have as good a feel for the PEBA group, and that could lead to some cold feet when considering possibly meeting up. I assure you that we're (relatively) well socially adjusted individuals who won't leave you regretting the encounter. If nothing else, you may get some decent food out of it. I'm not an altogether terrible cook...

If you'd like to have a non-league member friend or two accompany you, that's more than fine. Just let me know in advance so I can plan around it. I may be bringing a friend or two of my own. One guy in particular I have in mind... he's from Africa and has never seen a baseball game, so I'm keen on indoctrinating him into this wonderful game. Oh, and if you have a single lady friend... my buddy is pleasant, eligible and chiseled (I kid you not). She may appreciate the invite.

[Cole]

If its a weekend - I may be in for it. My dad lives in Pittsburgh so I could couple it with a visit to him.

[Alan Ehlers]

Im good for May 30th, I will check with my brother if he can make it if not I will. Hmm maybe I can make a get togehter for our fantasy league also

[John]

If its a weekend - I may be in for it. My dad lives in Pittsburgh so I could couple it with a visit to him.

Yes, this would be a Saturday. Pittsburgh is just a quick 2-hour jaunt from Cleveland. I made the trip regularly several years ago - very easy.

[Alan Ehlers]

before the trip you should collect the money and then buy the tickets so that way we can all sit together. My brother and son are coming. Also Ryan my friend from college and Johnstwon Johnnies wants to come. My brother said he was going to bring his new girlfriend but I do not think it would be such a hot idea. Also we should have a plan for designated drivers in case. I will stay sober so I can be a taxi. I know I worry but I would not want to see anyone get hurt on what is forming up to be a great day