January 18, 2016

Last night, we had 36 attendees including a few visitors who came to "check us out" as we began our very busy week that includes 3 SABR activities.

We remembered our good friend Monte Irvin who passed away last week and received reports on two members who are currently under the weather; Larry Miggins and "Red" Mahoney. Please keep both of them in your thoughts and prayers.

Our first guest was Julia Morales of ROOT Sports Southwest, who entertained us with behind-the-scenes stories about her interaction with the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets players. Julia, a former Kilgore Junior College Rangerette, gave us the lowdown on how she was able to dodge numerous Gatorade dunks during player postgame interviews. She also gave us a review of ballpark food around the country. Julia's enthusiasm, positive attitude, and professionalism is contagious.

While many female reporters now take entering clubhouses for granted these days, Marie Wynn reminded everyone that the first female reporter to enter clubhouses and change player attitudes was Houston's own Anita Martinez.

Julia was followed by Evan Drellich, the Astros beat writer for the Houston Chronicle. Evan pinch-hit for Brian McTaggart who was called out of town at the last minute. No problem—Evan hit a home run with his commentary on the team, the responsibility in voting for Hall of Fame candidates, and his travels to get to his current position. He is a very interesting and intelligent person.

Thanks to those who volunteered to work at FanFest this coming Saturday. And please don't forget that many of us will attend the Skeeters Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday.

The trivia contest prepared by Tom White was won by Larry Wimberly.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, February 15th.

Bob Dorrill
bdorrill@aol.com