Many managers have said that managing is a pain in the butt. For most of them, they are right. Lots of time and work off the field as well as on. The paperwork alone is enough to make you hope someone talks you off the ledge, not to mention collecting money, etc., etc., etc.
I wrote a letter in late March that I wanted badly to send to my Giants teammates. But I couldn't - not to these guys. It was my letter of resignation and I was just going to let the chips fall. Part of it was because I was also managing the Hornets of the 46 Division at the time as well. It was overwhelming. Not to mention the politics and bickering going on at the board level, for which I am a member. Scheduling was a nightmare, through no fault of anyone's. Everyone worked hard and did their best. (Many players complain about the operation of the league, but very, very few come forward with solutions or help).
Regardless, it's time like these that I am content with the choice I made to leave the letter in my draft box. I said it last year, and I'll say it again: Everyone of these Giants players kept me abreast of their personal/work schedules and gave me plenty of notice for the games they were going to miss. Guys who wanted to return, but couldn't, didn't leave me guessing. Yes, managing can be a pain in the butt, but managing these guys has been the easiest task I've had since joining CDMSBL in 1999. We never came close to forfeiting and never had to borrow a player. For that alone, I thank my teammates. Considerate, appreciative and caring, not to mention they can play some serious ball, too.
Just before the start of Game 1 of the championship series, Wayne Philips, Bryce Cutler and I were chatting near the Cubs dugout, reminiscing about the days we spent with the Cardinals of the then-28 Division. Pat Alston, also a current Giants player, was also on that team. Bryce said he was thinking about how he'd never been in a championship series before. Well, neither did Wayne, Pat or I. That's what makes this special. It was sort of surreal to see Wayne pitching to Bryce, and me pitching to Bryce as well. Seemed like yesterday we were playing for a pretty mediocre Cardinals team and watching/hearing about all the great players/teams in the league. Well Wayne, Pat and Bryce, you are now some of the best players on the two best teams in the division.
The Giants will have a different look next year. Perhaps even a name change. I hope not. I'd like the Giants to be part of my CDMSBL legacy. But times change, and new managers want, and deserve, to name their team. After all, it's they who are doing the work. And for that, they deserve the little rewards.
Thanx Giants. It's been MY pleasure.
Now on to the Labor Day tournament (Go HOGs (Hornets/Orioles/Giants)), then on to the 46 playoffs (Go Hornets)! Then finally on to Florida in November.
