QBC15 (Split from 2014 WS)

[Guest themetfairy]

It was impossible to see everything, but there was a lot to see (in addition to taking time to see all of the familiar faces whom we generally don't see outside of Citi Field).

Here's D-Dad getting an autograph from Mookie Wilson -



You'll recognize a couple of familiar faces in the Meaningful Games panel discussion -



bmfc1 introduced G-Fafif's Q&A with Adam Rubin -



Wally Backman was in the house -



For me the highlight of the event was the presentation of the Gil Hodges Unforgettable Fire Award to The Glider himself, Ed Charles. Ed seemed truly touched by the presentation, and his acceptance speech was entertaining and touching.



The QBC is still an evolving event, and still needs some tweaking in the future. But what it got right was wonderful.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Nice shots!

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I missed the first 2 hours but heard Wally was very revealing and to many looked like a great managerial candidate. Very big on Flores, very down on Puello, probably too so-so on Plawecki to benefit his trade value.

Rubey's interview was pretty astonishing, he basically devotes his life to the beat -- noticed he was not wearing a wedding band. Goes to Binghamton Mets games on his days off so as to establish rapport with players + have an access advantage when they arrive.

My bit was fun inasmuch as being asked to fill 2 minutes got me to thinking about having something to say: I looked into what was going on with the uni-number distributions -- i.e.: multiple first-time issues, primarily of high digits -- and came up with a theory that mirrors evolution of the game itself. Deets on the neglected web site. mbtn.net

I also revealed that Jacob deGrom is 2 hits away from becoming the all-time leader in hits by a guy wearing 48.

Realized I'm a "small wall" guy.

Still not sure whether $35 is the right price for that kind of thing, particularly if there's interest in drawing the non-hardcore/geek element of the base.

[Ceetar]

well..is there anything that would draw the non-geek/non-hardcore/non-signature-hunting crowd to Citi Field in January anyway?

A football Saturday at that?


I mean, more than "Cheese Tasting With Matt Harvey"

[Guest themetfairy]

Thanks Kase

Unless the QBC is ready to move to a larger venue, I wouldn't worry about trying to attract too many more people. The panel room with the decent acoustics is too small to accommodate the crowds they already have, and the larger room has horrible acoustics (and don't get me started on the lighting, which made the photography uber challenging).

Like I said above, what the QBC got right was great. But there's definitely room for improvement, especially if they are looking to expand.

[Guest d'Kong76]

It would be nice if the Mets take on most or all of the
costs of putting on such a thing. Would be nicer if they
held it in one of the stadium clubs. But that's a discussion
for another day.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

We've been through this discussion before, and not to take away from anyone's hard work, but $35 is just sort of a 'sticker-shock' kind of cost for what essentially is a cover charge for an afternoon in a sports bar. I know there expenses involved and the organizers are probably getting killed on it but that's just sort of my opinion. If I weren't a participant I'd have a hard time psychologically justifying that purchase.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: We've been through this discussion before, and not to take away from anyone's hard work, but $35 is just sort of a 'sticker-shock' kind of cost for what essentially is a cover charge for an afternoon in a sports bar. I know there expenses involved and the organizers are probably getting killed on it but that's just sort of my opinion. If I weren't a participant I'd have a hard time psychologically justifying that purchase.

I KNOW about half of the panelists personally, and even if I hadn't had a kids' party for YoungerPooper, I would've had to go to the mattresses with BetterHalfer over this sort of expense for this sort of thing. (We're a little light in the pocket, but still.)

[bmfc1]

To me, the QBC is worth the $35 + the round-trip on Amtrak because I get to see many of you, meet Josh Lewin, Adam Rubin, shake hands with Mookie and Ed Charles, and talk Mets all day. I guess if I lived in New York I'd be less enthused but I don't get to talk with many Mets fans in DC so I loved the experience.

As the themetfairy said, the main "breakout" room is too small so I didn't attend Mookie's presentation. I went to the "Mets executives" talk so I could get a seat in advance of Wally.

These Mets Executives were more concerned with the Kids Club, concerts and tee shirts than getting a shortstop. Hearing their enthusiasm about the concert series and why it was moved to Saturdays was interesting until I read that the Athletics acquired Ben Zobrist. I'd rather have Ben Zobrist in Flushing than Steve Miller. We were told that they are already planning for 30th anniversary events around the 1986 Mets.

Wally was great. JCL summarized it nicely. We learned that the Mets are trying to resign Dana Eveland (BREAKING!).

G-Fafif asked Adam Rubin many good questions and Adam was open (the Mets wanted him to leak that they were concerned about Ike going out drinking with Justin Turner and Matt Harvey--he wrote about it without mentioning his cohorts so not to hurt his relationships with Turner and Harvey). He said that ESPN has one Mets writer while having two MFY writers.

The panel on Uniforms was wonderful. I don't care THAT much about the subject but it was fun and Paul Lukas kept it lively. JCL was sadly underutilized but added good data.

G-Fafif's intro of Ed Charles was beautiful.

I'm hoping that the Mets let us inside CF next year. (300 Mets fans in an adjoining restaurant and the team store was closed--stupid!)

[Ceetar]

bmfc1 wrote: I'm hoping that the Mets let us inside CF next year. (300 Mets fans in an adjoining restaurant and the team store was closed--stupid!)

Well, you might be able to hold your breath on that one. Feels like it might be a possibility.

And yeah, the Acoustics, even with the better setup, weren't great. McFadden's just isn't set up for that and the ambient noise and high ceilings just seem to suck it up. And the light/glare. yikes. so many windows. But I hate McFaddens. I wish they could've somehow put it somewhere with a view of the field. I'd almost say ditch the CF entrance and the whole Mo's Zone and turn that area into a bar/group area.

I don't know the details of the workings of the Mets Executives, but I feel like this was one of those necessary evils type thing. It's obviously just talking heads and a sales pitch.

Anyway, post up any other complaints or ideas and I'll mention them. Unless it's about the bathroom guy/gal in the back bathroom. We can't figure out why McFaddens feels that's necessary.

[Guest themetfairy]

My QBC Festivus list -

The food options were better this year, but still not great. When you have several hundred people at an event for seven hours, having a couple of salad/sandwich/non-fried food options would be nice.

Speaking of options, OMG - does nobody refill McFadden's beer supply over the winter? I have finally gotten into wheat beers, and I had to go back to Coor's Light yesterday.

Over breakfast today, D-Dad suggested that the doors open at 10:00. Have coffee and danish available for purchase, let people show up leisurely to mingle, peruse the merch, etc. Then have programming from 12-5. Then maybe still keep the place open another hour or so for more mingling, another beer or two, etc. That way people wouldn't feel quite as rushed nor would they burn out and leave before the end (it was a shame that more people weren't around at the end to hear Ed Charles, who was so incredibly poignant).

[bmfc1]

The whole crowd should have been there for Ed Charles and G-Fafif. Perhaps have no sessions when Mr. Met arrives so everyone can see him and sing "Take Me Out To The Game" together and then the "Gil Hodges Spirit Award" can be bestowed in front of all of the attendees.

[Ceetar]

themetfairy wrote: My QBC Festivus list - The food options were better this year, but still not great. When you have several hundred people at an event for seven hours, having a couple of salad/sandwich/non-fried food options would be nice. Speaking of options, OMG - does nobody refill McFadden's beer supply over the winter? I have finally gotten into wheat beers, and I had to go back to Coor's Light yesterday. Over breakfast today, D-Dad suggested that the doors open at 10:00. Have coffee and danish available for purchase, let people show up leisurely to mingle, peruse the merch, etc. Then have programming from 12-5. Then maybe still keep the place open another hour or so for more mingling, another beer or two, etc. That way people wouldn't feel quite as rushed nor would they burn out and leave before the end (it was a shame that more people weren't around at the end to hear Ed Charles, who was so incredibly poignant).

no, I don't think anyone refills, or cleans the lines, for McFaddens over the winter. This wasn't quite as bad as last year, but it's pretty clear they don't clean between The7Line Calendar party in December and the QBC. (or probably, after the end of the season)

I do like the mingling idea. I think there's a large subset of people mainly there for autographs/players. But if you had a free time in the beginning with trivia and the mascots walking around and looking at the vendors..that'd probably be good. I did notice it clear out a bit both years after those. Most of those are limitations of McFaddens (food, etc) that will be revisited.

There's a certain cost level associated with renting a place that's not closed for the winter, uncleaned sports bar.

I wonder if the Gil Hodges award should be the kickoff and not the finale.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Ceetar wrote: I wonder if the Gil Hodges award should be the kickoff and not the finale.

Midday/mid afternoon peak, mebbe. (Say, between morning mingle/panels and afternoon signings?)

[bmfc1]

Mr. Met shows up around 3. Do it then. G-Fafif, Mr. Met and the Honoree on stage together.

[G-Fafif]

Like Travis d'Arnaud or Juan Lagares, QBC was much improved but far from fully polished in its second year.

I don't know how the price is arrived at but I know there's much thought devoted to creating a program that's worth it (Mookie and Wally, great guys that they are, don't do it purely out of love for the fans). While intermittently throughout the day I thought this or that person I know should be here, he/she would really enjoy it, I don't think it needed to be more crowded, exactly. Except at the end of the day when the darkened sky seemed to signal to people that it was time to leave.

Scheduling is an art, not a science (just like merchandising or whatever topic I first heard that cliche attached to from). The art needs work, but so do most second-year propositions.

The parts I partook in were wonderful. The parts I didn't, it occurred to me, would have made for a pretty good day, too. The "so much to do" stuff meshes blessing with curse. At least two panels I intended to attend got away from me because I was having a swell time chatting.

As noted, Rubin was amazingly candid without being catty. And I can't say enough about the Glider, who performed like the World Champion he's been for 45 years.

It really was the best Mets day of the winter, up to and including the day they lure Dana Eveland back into the fold.

[stevejrogers]

Ceetar wrote: bmfc1 wrote: I'm hoping that the Mets let us inside CF next year. (300 Mets fans in an adjoining restaurant and the team store was closed--stupid!) Well, you might be able to hold your breath on that one. Feels like it might be a possibility. And yeah, the Acoustics, even with the better setup, weren't great. McFadden's just isn't set up for that and the ambient noise and high ceilings just seem to suck it up. And the light/glare. yikes. so many windows. But I hate McFaddens. I wish they could've somehow put it somewhere with a view of the field. I'd almost say ditch the CF entrance and the whole Mo's Zone and turn that area into a bar/group area. I don't know the details of the workings of the Mets Executives, but I feel like this was one of those necessary evils type thing. It's obviously just talking heads and a sales pitch. Anyway, post up any other complaints or ideas and I'll mention them. Unless it's about the bathroom guy/gal in the back bathroom. We can't figure out why McFaddens feels that's necessary.

I hate to say this considering the crap I get from a certain admin around here, but this is the kind of thing that screams to be held at a Rusty's in mid-town Manhattan-ish.

Maybe get a hold of Foley's for next year, or a similar big bar that has Met friendly owners?

[G-Fafif]

SteveJRogers wrote: I hate to say this considering the crap I get from a certain admin around here, but this is the kind of thing that screams to be held at a Rusty's in mid-town Manhattan-ish.

At which point it stops being the Queens Baseball Convention.

Shea (you know what I mean) is the right spot unless you're going to go Javits Center-size. All Mets fans know where it is, it's accessible by multiple forms of transit; it has, for the occasion, free parking, celebrities flying in from all across America are a short ride away from LaGuardia.

[Edgy MD]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: My bit was fun inasmuch as being asked to fill 2 minutes got me to thinking about having something to say: I looked into what was going on with the uni-number distributions -- i.e.: multiple first-time issues, primarily of high digits -- and came up with a theory that mirrors evolution of the game itself. Deets on the neglected web site. mbtn.net

I liked that essay, and it's good to see the action pick up at mbtn.

(You've got a typo in the word "traditional" in the third-to-last paragraph.)

[stevejrogers]

G-Fafif wrote: SteveJRogers wrote: I hate to say this considering the crap I get from a certain admin around here, but this is the kind of thing that screams to be held at a Rusty's in mid-town Manhattan-ish. At which point it stops being the Queens Baseball Convention. Shea (you know what I mean) is the right spot unless you're going to go Javits Center-size. All Mets fans know where it is, it's accessible by multiple forms of transit; it has, for the occasion, free parking, celebrities flying in from all across America are a short ride away from LaGuardia.

To shea

[Guest d'Kong76]

Ceetar wrote: Unless it's about the bathroom guy/gal in the back bathroom. We can't figure out why McFaddens feels that's necessary.

That was kinda creepy last year, forgot about that.

[Ceetar]

d'Kong76 wrote: Ceetar wrote: Unless it's about the bathroom guy/gal in the back bathroom. We can't figure out why McFaddens feels that's necessary. That was kinda creepy last year, forgot about that.

I don't go to McFaddens during the season (At least I don't pee there?) but I think they have an attendant there too. McFadden's doesn't know if it's playing classy bar and grill or dive bar for angry sports fans.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

If your restaurant name or description includes the phrase "bar and grill," it shouldn't have a bathroom attendant. (Well, not a paid one, anyway)

[Guest d'Kong76]

People watching me pee, rinse my hands, and then offer
me a paper towel for a buck will always be creepy to me.
Five-star joint or a dump like McF's.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Then who the hell's going to tuck and fold my formal pee bib or dispense my anal mints on my next Luger's visit-- you, buddy?

[G-Fafif]

I've never gotten the bathroom attendant thing anywhere let alone McFadden's, but I will say this for the gentleman on shall we say duty yesterday. He was wearing a ballcap with an X on it: Cuban Giants. So I asked him if he's really a baseball fan. He started to tell me about the cap with some enthusiasm. Well, I said, we've got Ed Charles outside, about to get an award, c'mon out and watch, why don't ya? And he did. He took a bunch of pictures and was as into it as anybody, at least until his phone rang and he ducked out.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Cool side story

[Edgy MD]

That's a great story.

[G-Fafif]

Full report from QBC, wherein I claim to have visited extensively with Rogers Hornsby.

[G-Fafif]

Full audio of Ed Charles accepting the Gil Hodges Unforgettable Fire Award. Intensely recommended.