“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”
Hebrews 11:1
Apologies for the lack of posts lately, but rather than put pressure on myself to blog, I made the decision to focus on today’s press conference. My plan is to get the entire conference on video and up on Youtube by 3 p.m. (it may take a little longer depending upon the upload and Youtube’s “approval” process). Pictures and audio clips will follow this evening. Neate will also be in attendance this morning, so he may get the first post out confirming the name of the new manager (widely speculated as Ed Nottle), the name of the team and the logo.
You may be wondering why this post is here on the UOLB, and not over on the Can-AM blog. In what seems like an eternity ago, Mr. Wolff achieved what we thought was a hard fought victory. In hindsight, it turned out to be a milestone along the way - a watershed moment to be sure, but not the end of the road. No, the news that broke on November 28 was another important day in a long, seemingly unending roller coaster of moments - many times it appeared that all was on the verge of being lost, only to have things turn on a dime and get back on the rails. Can-AM Ottawa (likely the last time I will have to use that term), found new friends in unlikely places - some of whom I can’t yet name, but principally a true ally in the person of Councillor Bob Monette. Mr. Monette has been, as they say, unswerving in his support and resolute in his efforts to see baseball continue on Coventry Road.
Bruce, “Deep Fly” if you prefer, has continued to keep things on the straight and narrow, alerting Mr. Wolff whenever things were drifting off course (oh hell, sometimes they absolutely veered). What most people don’t realize is the number of personal hours Bruce has invested in this, even with a young family (including a newborn) to take care of. A heartfelt thanks go out to Mrs. Deep Fly as well for picking up the slack. Bruce’s services came at a high price for Mr. Wolff - a $1 year consulting fee (graciously waived), and the opportunity for his son to watch a baseball game in Ottawa.
Mr. Wolff continues to impress me with his determination and strength of character - the man has been absolutely unshakable. News that would have, or should have, provoked confusion and/or anger was met instead with a calm, measured response. No banging of the fist, not a single profanity uttered. Just a quiet, “back to the drawing board” resolve. His recent decisions have been both bold and decisive - but not tactical in the cynical sense of the word. No, it’s just all been part of keeping professional baseball in Ottawa.
Ottawa baseball fans owe a great deal to Miles and Bruce.
Of course, there’s another party in all of this. The Lynx. A few days back I wrote about Kyle Bostwick, and I commented that many of the decent things he had done personally, and that his organization had done, would likely go unreported. Keeping baseball in Ottawa will not be one of those acts. Every so often, news would trickle out from various sources that the Lynx were the problem, the Lynx were holding things up or being the stumbling block - and worse. Each time, it was invariably met with bewilderment and confusion, because the things being ascribed, and the characterization of them bore absolutely no resemblance to the organization and people we know. “That doesn’t sound like the Lynx” was a commonly heard refrain. The Lynx - Ray Pecor and Kyle Bostwick, were people that Miles could count on for support and as supporters of Independent Baseball in Ottawa. Despite all that’s gone on, there’s been an uncompromising stubborness to do the right thing. That they have continued to do so, Ironpigs notwithstanding, makes it all the more honorable.
Gentlemen - Bruce, Miles, Kyle, Mr. Pecor, on behalf of the blogs and my family, my heartfelt thanks, appreciation, gratitude and respect are yours.
Well done.
