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It was supposed to be an opportunity to meet the author of the new book about the Jays' 2003 season and talk a little baseball. Rob Bradford, nearing the end of a long road trip of promotional appearances, with a solo drive home to Massachusetts ahead of him, had graciously agreed to join about 20 Bauxites for lunch at Alice Fazooli's. Few authors are willing to upstage themselves at a book signing, but Rob had arranged a very special treat for us — a guest appearance by J.P. Ricciardi.



"In the cutthroat world of media, scouts and other executives, there is no more genuine person in any business than J.P.," says Bradford in his Chasing Steinbrenner acknowledgements. "Ricciardi is the 'star' of the book," Craig Burley states in his excellent review. I'm sure those who got a first-hand impression of the club's GM yesterday will agree that J.P. is both sincere and charismatic.

The buffet of crudités, bruschetta, calamari and pizzas — all first-rate — had been served, and we were milling about the bar and the patio, getting to know Bradford (and each other) better, when the "real" celebrity arrived; all conversation abruptly stopped. Here's a Keith Talent photo of J.P. at center stage answering a question, while Rob relaxes out of the spotlight.



For those who weren't able to attend the event, too bad you missed it, and I wish we could share a transcript with you. However, it was informal and off-the-record, making it all the more interesting and memorable. Mike Wilner of radio fame was there, though not in a working capacity; apart from his on-air mention of the event, which we really appreciate, you won't be hearing any details on The FAN 590, either.

It's not as if J.P. was giving away secrets or scoops. There were no huge revelations, merely a candid discussion of the season so far, the roster, the farm system and whatever else we wanted to know. With no risk of being misquoted, the GM was relaxed and friendly. His visit, obviously an endorsement of Bradford and the book, was also a tremendous gesture of support to Batter's Box. "For the most part, you guys get it," Ricciardi told us.

Especially considering that his family is in town, and it was a game day, J.P. was very generous with his time. "I can only stay for 15 minutes," he warned, only to stick around for much longer, apparently enjoying himself. When he and Wilner finally had to leave for the Dome, most of us were more energized than disappointed, peppering Rob with questions for another hour.

A better finish to the ball game would have made it a perfect day, but you can't have everything — where would you put it? The first few innings were exciting, and the Cheer Club always has a good time, win or lose. It was too hot and sunny in the 500 level for a few of us, who moved to shadier seats, while Moffatt's Ted Lilly "collectible" thingy had the best perch in the house:



For me, it was great to meet several Bauxites for the first time, and to see old friends again. Thanks to Tom Altosaar and his staff at Fazooli's for the ambience and the grub. We're very glad Mike Wilner was able to drop in on his way to work and say "hi" to some of his biggest fans. Most of all, we're indebted to Rob Bradford, for writing such a terrific book about our favourite team, for being so accessible and personable, for getting his publisher to help out with some of the costs, and for twisting J.P.'s arm to join the party. And of course, we're grateful to J.P. for coming to sign books and chat with us. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.

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_Brent - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 09:11 AM EDT (#52601) #
when the "real" celebrity arrived; all conversation abruptly stopped.

What a memorable moment this was. When JP first entered the room, I didn't really notice -- a fine conversation was brewing at that point. I remember turning around just as JP announced himself to the room, and I remember the silence. Everyone was standing in a half moon around "the man", mouths open in disbelief. It took a good 20 awkward seconds before people started to ask him questions.

I certainly didn't believe he was there. I mean, how cool was that?
_Moffatt - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 09:18 AM EDT (#52602) #
An absolutely amazing event. Thanks for putting this together, Coach. It's something I won't ever forget.

It was great to meet so many of you in person for the first time. Many of you seemed genuinely surprised to learn that, yes, I do leave the comptuer once in awhile.

Like everyone there, I really enjoyed meeting Messrs. Bradford, Ricciardi, and Wilner. You couldn't ask for a classier group of guys. I'm a bag fan of Wilner's, so I get a real kick out of knowing that he likes to guess the song of the day. I'll work on making the song choices a little less "esoteric" in the future.

I guess the baseball gods were made that I made a false idol out of the Ted Lilly candy dispenser. I've learned my lesson. I still think it's kind of strange the candy comes out of his crotch, though.

So once again, I'd like to thank everyone involved. Thanks to our guests of honour, thanks to the good people at Alice Fazooli's, and thanks to everyone who made it out. You made my month.
_Moffatt - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 09:20 AM EDT (#52603) #
I certainly didn't believe he was there. I mean, how cool was that?

Unbelievably cool. I got there late, so I didn't see him show up. He was behind the table signing everyone's book, and all I could think was gee, Rob Bradford looks a LOT like J.P.! Turns out Bradford was the guy talking to Coach and Wilner when I came in. :)
_Rob Bradford - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 10:28 AM EDT (#52604) #
I want to thank everyone for making yesterday's event possible, especially Coach. Those at Batter's Box should feel fortunate you have such a quality person to lead you through your Blue Jay internet fandom. What's better than talking baseball with some diehards, listening about baseball from J.P., and then talking some more baseball. My only regret was not getting a chance to head back to SkyDome, but unfortunately a nine-hour car ride and subsequent NH book signing awaited. I encourage anyone who is reading the book to email me with any questions or comments (the good, bad and Kielty). Thanks again for a great time.
Mike Green - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 10:50 AM EDT (#52605) #
Thanks, Coach, for organizing this event. It was a pleasure to meet Rob Bradford, and many fellow Bauxites. I'm sorry I was too late to meet JP. Next time.

Let me second Craig's recommendation for Chasing Steinbrenner. I've made a good start on it, and it seems to be a fine summer read. The porch, patio, deck or cottage, one's favorite beverage and an engrossing but light read. Other than a doubleheader, what could be better!
_lurker - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 10:57 AM EDT (#52606) #
Greetings all. I don't post here much (you may remember my love for Jeter over A-Rod), but I do read quite a bit.

Since J.P. has arrived here, not only has he formed an organizational identity, but he has also started the ball rolling on a true baseball interest in Toronto. With the help of BB of course, which kind of serves as J.P.'s philosophical medium/extension to his message. Even though I think things can get out of hand here at times with the obsessive breakdown of the most inane stats, you guys deserve a lot of credit.

Well that's enough of that, on to my idea. Gabe Gross appears to have proven he can handle AAA pitching now. Assuming Delgado is traded/leaves as a FA, what do you guys think about converting Gross to first base? He's got good size and his athletic ability should allow him to learn the position quickly. His arm troubles may be pointing to that position anyway, and I don't think anyone would argue next year's OF should be anything other than Reed/Vernon/Alex.

Do we have any takers?
Gerry - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 11:40 AM EDT (#52607) #
Thanks Coach, a great time was had by all.
Coach - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 11:59 AM EDT (#52608) #
I should think you had a good time, Gerry, particularly when J.P. asked who did the minor-league reports, then singled you guys out for doing such good work. Well-deserved praise, I might add, and it's too bad all your colleagues weren't there to bask in their share of the glory.

Lurker, I'm sure that converting Gross to 1B/DH would be considered, but only as a last resort. It's expected that he'll have offseason surgery to clean up that elbow, so let's see how he responds before assuming he will have a chronic problem. Gabe might make a nice platoon partner for Sparky by this time next year if he's healthy.

Rob, you're too kind. The pleasure was ours.
_Kieran - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 12:28 PM EDT (#52609) #
Damn. I was humming and haw-ing about coming down and didn't end up making it. Looks like I missed out on a really cool experience.

I ordered my copy of CHASING STEINBRENNER a couple of weeks ago from Chapters.ca and it has yet to arrive. I'm getting antsy now.

Keep up the good work guys. I've been a daily visitor to this site for almost a year now, and I am continually impressed. I'm glad the site is getting noticed by people like JP and Wilner, whom I have a lot of respect for.
_Mylegacy - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 01:58 PM EDT (#52610) #
Since I found Da Box last year I come here every day, year round to see what's cookin'. This is a brilliant site. JP coming to your little bash is a clue that even the high and mighty appreciate the serious work being done here.

Keep it up, keep it up, keep it up!

A quick word about JP. Shove the ugly image of Moneyball. JP is NOT a stat obsessed geek. LOOK at some of the gems he's found in the draft. Guys that don't have great records, in some cases, but when they get in the system to start to show what JP and the scouts saw that set them apart. This might be the three best drafts in the history of the draft.

To Da Box.... I love ya bums!
_Niles - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 02:17 PM EDT (#52611) #
Did the subject of getting a new turf in the Dome come up at all with JP?
_Matthew E - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 05:14 PM EDT (#52612) #
http://www.bluejayway.ca
Did the subject of getting a new turf in the Dome come up at all with JP?

I don't remember if it did, but he's commented on it before on the radio. They want new turf, Godfrey's trying to make it happen, and we'll see.

It was a good day. The game itself was kind of a pooch, but not without its points of interest. Got a free Ted Lilly candy thing. I enjoyed renewing my acquaintance with the other Bauxites, and meeting Messrs. Bradford, Ricciardi and Wilner. I consider it well above and beyond the call of duty for any of them to show up and spend time with us, and I appreciate it.

I got all three to sign my copy of [i]Chasing Steinbrenner[/i] (also appreciated). Mike Wilner was somewhat taken aback by the request, saying something like, "Why do you want me to sign?" I forget exactly what I said, but what I meant, and should have said, was, "For the same reason you think this event is worth your time." Thanks to all who organized and participated.
Named For Hank - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 07:11 PM EDT (#52613) #
Hey, Moffatt, I have your candy thingy. You left it taped to the railing.

What a fantastic day, other than the game.
_StephenT - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 07:45 PM EDT (#52614) #
For those who weren't there (which includes myself in Ottawa), you can probably get 3 full days like this (in a sense) by attending the SABR conference in Toronto next year (2005).
Thomas - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 10:28 PM EDT (#52615) #
Thanks to everyone involved, from Coach to organising it to Mike Wilner, Rob Bradford and JP for stopping by. As has been stated above, it was a pleasure to talk with all three of you and I'm quite appreciative of the time you gave up to come to the event. In the words of the Pet Shop Boys, it was "Absolutely Fabulous."
_Keith Talent - Sunday, July 11 2004 @ 11:14 PM EDT (#52616) #
In the words of the Pet Shop Boys, it was "Absolutely Fabulous."

nice.
_jim854 - Monday, July 12 2004 @ 11:50 AM EDT (#52617) #
The Saturday afternoon get-together with JP, Rob Bradford, and Mike Wilner was great! I appreciated their showing up for this event. When we arrived my wife asked if JP was going to be here and I of course replied that he was probably too busy to attend small events like this. Was I ever wrong - as usual according to my wife. Unlike some newspaper sports writers - names withheld to protect the guilty - I am glad that JP is manageing the Jays. He is a class guy and not afraid to speak his mind. I like that. To blame this years difficulties on Moneyball and not injuries is to completetly ignore the facts. But since when did the facts ever get in the way of a story in the Toronto Star. That's why I cancelled my subscription 5 years ago.

I am reading the book s•l•o•w•l•y so that I can enjoy every page, and even rereading sections of it. Its a great read on a hot sunny day with a glass of wine.

Thanks to you, Coach, for arranging this book signing / party - the food was terrific and we plan to go back for dinner at our next game. Nice to meet many fellow Bauxites. Hope we can do it again soon.
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