Editor's Message: Play Ball!

The 2018 Major League Baseball season just got underway a few days ago, and with it, opportunities for component manufacturers across the country to get together, share best practices, learn about new trends, socialize and relax.

“Baseball stadiums are great places to hold chapter meetings,” says Gene Frogale, president of the SBCA Chapter of the Capital Area. “We can have a short get-together before the game and then sit in the stands, talk and root for our favorite team.” Last August, the chapter chose a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals that led to some good-natured banter throughout the game.

The Capital Area was not alone. Minnesota hosted a chapter meeting at a Twins game for the first time in 2017. Eighteen members of the chapter participated, which made it the most well-attended event of the year. “Baseball isn’t a fast-paced sport, so there are plenty of opportunities for good discussion and for chapter members to learn more about each other and share ideas,” says Bob Mochinski, treasurer of the Minnesota Chapter.

Following its neighbor’s lead, in 2018 the Wisconsin Chapter of SBCA is transitioning away from its annual golf tournament to hold its summer meeting at a Milwaukee Brewers game. “This will give us the chance to stay together throughout the event instead of being separated into small groups,” says chapter president Steve Szymanski. “I’m looking forward to establishing a new tradition.”

Of course, not to be outdone, the Truss Manufacturers of Texas (TMAT) held a meeting at a Rangers game last June and 43 members attended. TMAT past president Eric James says, “Kent Pagel [SBCA’s legal counsel] gave us a timely update on I-9 audit best practices just prior to the first pitch. It gave us something to talk about all game long.” Business wasn’t on the minds of all the attendees though. Jack Dermer brought seven of his employees along, “It was a nice way to get them out of the plant and reward them for their hard work.”

Even the SBCA board of directors couldn’t pass up an opportunity to catch a game. During their June meeting in Baltimore, the group caught a night game at Camden Yards and spent the evening under the stadium lights swapping stories and strengthening relationships.

So bust out your Cracker Jack and make plans to enjoy America’s favorite pastime together with your fellow manufacturers and suppliers.