Power Pros Forum

The commissioner of Major League Baseball was pacing around his office.
"We have to think of some new promotions! If we don't, we'll be out of money by 2013!" Bud Selig, the commissioner said.

His second in command, Mike Wilson, jokingly said,"Well sir, the world is supposed to end in 2012, so as long as we can make it until then, we should be O.K. Unless those steroids are waaaaaay better than we thought, and users are becoming invincible!"

Bud glared at him."This is a serious situation Wilson! We can't let the MLB just disappear because we run out of money! We have to find a way to get the fans back into the game."

"How 'bout we do what the NFL did?" Wilson asked.

"What do you mean?"

'Well, back in 199-whatever, the NFL added 2 new teams. I don't know if that helped their profits, but they are the richest sports league in America. So maybe we could follow their example?"

"Add 2 new teams, you mean?" Selig asked.

"Yeah. The AL has 2 less teams than the NL, so we could just put in 2 more AL teams. It's worth a shot isn't it?" Wilson asked.

Selig replied,"Wilson, that might be the GREATEST idea you've ever had!"

"I'm flattered sir, but it's not as good as the idea for the soft serve machine in the lobby." Wilson told him.

"One problem," said Selig. "Who's gonna want to own an MLB team?"

Wilson said,"Well sir, you are the commissioner for a reason!"

"I got it!" Selig shouted. "We can have Chambers do it!"

"The owner of the Louisville Slugger company?" Wilson asked, very confused.

"Yes." Selig replied. "He's always pestering me for a bigger role in baseball than, 'THE OFFICIAL BAT OF THE MLB!' So, we give a team, and he can retire from the company, and take care of a team!"

"It' brilliant, sir." Wilson agreed.

"Well, I am the commissioner for a reason!" Selig joked.

"Sir?" Wilson asked. "What about the other team?"

"I'm sure there's some billionaire out there who will buy a team." Selig said confidently.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Louisville, The owner of the Louisville Slugger bat making company, was bored out of his mind.

"I hate this job." said the owner, Bob Chambers.

"Well, you could retire, and let me take over the company." said Bob's son, Jeff, a young 26 year old man, who was studying business.

"And do what? Watch daytime television?" Bob asked.

"Well, that's all you do here!" replied Jeff.

"Yeah, but your mother is at home, and she's not here. THAT'S why I don't retire."

"Well, move to the beach, and get a hobby." said Jeff.

"Hmmm. That's not a bad idea!" said Bob.

"Oh, I'm full of 'em." mumbled Jeff.

"I'll have to mention that to the wife. But, can I trust you to take charge of the company?" Bob asked.

Jeff was shocked. But he shouldn't be with his dad. "I already run 80% of the company!" Jeff said.

"Yeah, but you have me here for guidance." Bob said.

Jeff just rolled his eyes.

There was a pause, then Bob broke the silence.

"I want to buy a sports team." said Bob suddenly.

"What!" Jeff exclaimed. "You HATE running a bat company, but you think running a baseball team would be better?"

"Well, I DO love baseball." said Bob.

Jeff thought, if my dad leaves, then I'll be in charge of the company!! "I actually think it's a great idea!"

"Yeah, just because you'd be in charge of the bat company." Bob said

Jeff sighed. His dad always knew what he was thinking. But, before he could speak, his dad started talking again.

"That's O.K. Jeff, I think you would do a good job running the show here."

Jeff was touched. His dad RARELY gave compliments, and he had just received one! "Thank's dad." He said.

"I think I'll get a team in Florida, or somewhere nice." Bob said, brushing off the thank's. The truth was he knew his son could run the company better than he was. Bob always wanted to play baseball professionally, but his dad wouldn't let him. He was good in High School, and was even asked to play for a minor league team, but his dad wouldn't give in. He said that someone needed to replace him at the company.

"I think you could be a great team owner." Jeff said.

"Yeah, I'm pretty good at everything." Bob said jokingly.

Except showing appreciation to your son, Jeff thought.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


TO BE CONTINUED

Best introduction to a log....ever. Following

Thanks!! I was pretty proud of myself for thinking up all that. It took me almost 30 minutes to think up and type, but it was worth it. I was busy today, but expect an update tomorrow. I'm REALLY excited! Wanna create a character? LF, 3B, and Starting Pitcher/Relief Pitcher are open!

25 views isn't bad! But only 1 post post that isn't mine.

"So, have we got the cities for Chambers narrowed down?" asked Bud Selig.

"Yes, but I thought I'd tell you this first. We've got a buyer for the other team, a man named Dan Myers. He owns a bunch of country clubs in Charlotte, North Carolina. The only problem is, he doesn't want to leave Charlotte." said Mike Wilson.

"Well, I think Charlotte would work. We'll just have to talk to the city to get building rights, and see how much money there gonna put into the stadium." Selig said.

"Myers already talked to them. There willing to pay half of the start up cost." Wilson said.

"Alright. I guess we're having a team in Charlotte. I'll just have to go talk to this guy, to make sure he can run a team. But anyway, back to the cities for Chambers." said Selig.

"Well, the three cities we picked out based on their willingness to help pay, fan support, and how many other baseball teams are nearby, are Anchorage, Alaska; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Boise, Idaho." Wilson said.

Selig gave a small laugh. "Alaska, Hawaii, and Idaho have good fan support?" he asked.

"Surprisingly, yes." said Wilson. "They're all very high in those three categories. None of them have a pro team in the state."

"Alright, I'll call Chambers then. You can go back to work." Selig told Wilson.

"Aye-Aye, captain!" Wilson replied.

Bud Selig picked up his phone, and the dialed the number of the Louisville Slugger company. Not the number where you get put on hold, and you have to talk to a receptionist, but the actual number of the owner. After two rings, the phone was answered.

"Hello?" said Bob Chambers.

"Yes, is this Mr.Chambers?" asked.

"Yep, it is." replied Bob.

"Bob, how's it going? This is Bud Selig, the commissioner of the MLB. I've been meaning to talk to you about something." Bud told Bob.

"It's going, you know. I'm getting up there in age. In a few years I won't be running this company, I'll be retired on a beach, sipping a fruity drink with an umbrella out of a coconut." Bob said.

Perfect! If Chambers was already thinking about retirement, he would be more willing to retire now! "Well, how about you retire now, and watch a few baseball games?" asked Selig.

"Well..." stammered Chambers. He was kind of embarrassed to ask to have a team now. C'mon! If he wanted a team, he was gonna have to man up and say so. "Bud, I want to own a baseball team." Bob said confidently.

This is unbelievable! He wants to own a team already, and I haven't even asked him! "Well, that's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. How would you like to own one of our brand new expansion teams?" asked Bud.

"Well of course I would, I just told you I wanted to have a team. Where are we gonna play at?" Bob asked, eager to know more.

"That's your decision. We've picked out three locations. Anchorage, Alaska; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Boise, Idaho." said Selig.

Bob quickly replied, saying, "Although I'm sure Alaska and Idaho have some nice beaches, they're not the kind of beach I was thinking of. Send me to Hawaii!" said Bob.

"Alright" said Bud. "I'll let the city know right away. Thank you for your time, Mr.Chambers." said Bud, and he hung up the phone. Getting two new teams was easier than he thought.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TO BE CONTINUED

Next time, it'll be about Bob building his team, so we should be about done with Mike and Bud. Hope you enjoyed it!

2 DAYS LATER

"All right then. I guess this is it. Good luck Jeff. I'll see you at Thanksgiving dinner." said Bob. They were at the airport, getting ready to leave for Honolulu. Bob's wife, Rose, had already boarded the plane, and was, "Giving her two men time to say goodbye." Jeff was taking over the company,and Bob was taking the reigns as Honolulu's owner.

"Don't worry, Dad." said Jeff. "I'll make you proud."

"I'm sure you will" said Bob."Goodbye then, son."

"Bye, Dad." said Jeff.

Bob turned quickly and walked onto the plane, so his son didn't see the tears starting to form in his eyes.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6 MONTHS LATER

"Well, this is my new office." said Bob to himself.

He was indeed inside his new office at Louisville Slugger Ballpark, in Honolulu, Hawaii. They had just finished the construction of the park, and had originally wanted to call it Rainbow Beach Stadium. Bob didn't like the name though. It sounded like a tourist attraction, not a baseball park. He knew they were used to naming stuff to attract tourists here in Hawaii. He had to give the crew credit though. They had put together a stadium, and if they could find enough players, they would be ready to play the 2008 season. It was early November, and the Red Sox had just won the World Series. Bob was glad they were going to be in the AL West, probably the weakest AL Division. Charlotte on the other hand, was in the AL East, which was DEFINITELY the toughest AL Division. He had named the team the Honolulu Sluggers, after the Louisville Slugger company. The Charlotte team was named the Flyers.

"I need an assistant to talk to, so I don't go crazy. I wonder if Jeff's old friend, Alex Wilson, is still into baseball.' said Bob to no one.

Bob picked up the phone, and dialed Jeff's number.

"Hello, this is Jeff Chambers, of the Louisville Bat company, how can I help you?" asked Jeff.

"Jeff, you're an owner not a receptionist, so start sounding like one." Bob said.

"Oh. Hi Dad. Why are you calling?" asked Jeff.

"You know your old friend from baseball, Alex Davis?" asked Bob.

"Yeah, I saw him at my class reunion a few weeks ago. He was playing in the Minor's but he got cut. Now he's trying to get a job in baseball. Why?" asked Jeff.

"I need an assistant for my new job, and he came to mind. Would he be interested in the job?" asked Bob.

"I think so. I'll call him and ask, then call you back." Jeff said.

"O.K. Talk to you in a bit." Bob said.

Bob hung up the phone and walked to the big bay window that overlooked the field, and was situated right behind home plate. He thought it was a great idea to build a swimming pool in center filed. It was gonna bring a lot of money, since it was $200 per person, and there was a buffet under a tiki hut that came with the package. In the background there was an amazing view of the ocean and a white, sandy beach. The stadium still looked like an amusement park ride, with rainbow stripes everywhere, but he liked the bright colors. It was definitely a hitter's park though, with center field being the farthest from home plate at only 394 feet.

The phone rang then, and he answered it after one ring. "Hello?"

"Hi Dad, this is Jeff. Alex said he would love to assist you in the running of the team. He is packing his bags."

"O.K. Thanks, Jeff. See you in a few weeks." said Bob.

"Yep, bye Dad." said Jeff.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE NEXT DAY

*KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK*

"Come in." said Bob.

In walked Alex Davis, a young, handsome, raggedly dressed man. By the looks of it, he had been experiencing some tough times lately.

"Welcome Alex. You are now the assistant to the owner of the Honolulu Sluggers." said Bob excitedly.

"Thank's so much Mr.Chambers. I've been struggling financially lately, and there aren't many openings in baseball anymore." said Alex strongly, not ashamed at all.

"Please, call me Bob. I'm your boss, not your baseball coach now. This is a relaxed work environment. That's what baseball is all about right? Having fun." said Bob. Alex hadn't changed a bit on the inside. He was still strong and confident, even though he was struggling to get by. "So, all you have to do is sort of act like a receptionist, but you are also my most trusted and close advisor. Think you cn handle it?" asked Bob.

"Of course, Bob." said Alex.

"Alright. You can go get your desk set up outside." said Bob.

Alex nodded, and went out the door to the small lobby outside of Bob's office, and started to place his few things on his desk.

"I like him." said Bob.

Alex walked back in after he was done placing his things on his desk.

"So, Alex, your first task is to help me pick the uniforms." said Bob. He reached down and pulled out two identical uniforms, except for the colors. There was a strong looking gorilla holding a bat, and Sluggers was written across the chest. One was blue, and one was red. "So, what color should we go with? I've always been partial to blue, but I wanted some options, so I ordered a red and blue sample. Now I can't decide." said Bob.

Alex studied the two uniforms. First he thought he liked the red, but then he realized that the more he looked at them, they became uglier. He then studied the blue. They were sharp, but not too fancy. Then he spoke. "The red looks good on first impression, but then it becomes dull, and plain and ugly. The blue looks sharp, but not too fancy. I'd go with blue." said Alex confidently.

Bob studied the uniforms, then realized that what Alex said was a perfect description. The red did become boring looking, but the blue looked good. "Why Alex, that is perfect!" said Bob. "Blue it is!"
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


TO BE CONTINUED

"Hey, Rudy Fox! How's it going? This is Bob Chambers." said Bob over the phone.

"Good Bob, how 'bout you?" said Rudy.

"I'm good Rudy. It sure has been awhile. Did you hear the news?"

"Yeah. Congrats!" Rudy replied.

"I'll cut to the chase" said Bob. "I know you love watching baseball, and you know all the stats and stuff. So, do you want to be the head scout for the Honolulu Sluggers?"

"Actually, I was a scout for the Yankees a few years back. But me and the rest of my team got fired. Now we're all doing odd jobs to make money, but we're looking for another chance. This is perfect! I would love to. I already have a team of scouts, so all you need to do is hire me, and you've hired 11 scouts!" said Rudy excitedly.

"Deal!" said Bob. "I don't know much about scouting, so I'll let you be in charge of that department. Just talk to me before you offer any contracts." said Bob.

"I've actually been scouting around a little, and I have some I guys I'll check out right away. I'm gonna go tell my boss that I quit. I'll talk to you soon." said Rudy, and he hung up the phone.

"Well Alex, that's how you get a scouting crew with 1 phone call." said Bob.

"Very nice. The organization is coming along nicely." Alex replied.

*Ring-Ring*

"Hello?" said Bob.

"Yes, this is Zack Griffin. I'm the owner of an independent minor league team, the La Crosse Loggers, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I would like my team to be the AAA team of the Honolulu Sluggers." said Zack.

"Why, I guess that wouldn't be a problem. I'll send you some players once we start to fill out our roster and weed out the ones that need to develop." said Bob, still a little surprised at the sudden offer.

"O.K., thank you for your time" said Zack, and he hung up the phone.

'Who was that?" asked Alex.

"That was the owner of our AAA team, the La Crosse Loggers." said Bob.

"Didn't know we had a AAA team." said Alex.

"We didn't until a few minutes ago." said Bob.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TO BE CONTINUED
With the signing of Garret Backe!

This is great. "I didn't know we had a AAA team." "We didn't until a few minutes ago." Love this log so far

THE NEXT DAY

Bob Chambers opened up an e-mail from Rudy Fox, his head scout, titled, "Garret Backe". Bob, who was very interested, opened the e-mail immediately. It read;


Dear Bob,
I've gotten the whole gang back together, but that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. We have to recruit rookies, right? This is one of the kid's I've been scouting for a while, and even though he isn't great, he doesn't have any weaknesses. I grade abilities from A-G.

A=Great
B=Good
C=Above Average
D=Average
E=Below Average
F=Bad
G=Terrible

This is what I got on Garret Backe;

Name: Garret Backe
Position: RF
Number:24
Trajectory:3
Contact: C
Power: C
Run Speed: D
Fielding: D
Error Res: D
Abilities:Durability 4, Consistency 4, Hot Hitter

Description: He isn't great at anything, but he's not bad at anything either, and that's what makes him good. He doesn't get hurt, he's consistent, and if he gets two or three hits in a row, he really heats up and he's hard to get out. He is an average fielder and runner, and his hitting skills are slightly above average.

Summary: Backe is a slightly above average RF, and he's only gonna get better since he's a rookie. I would recommend you sign him, since there aren't that many good outfielders that you come by anymore, and I think he'll do fine in the MLB.

-Rudy Fox

After conferring with Alex, Bob agreed with Rudy, and sent him the following e-mail.

Rudy,

Yes, we can only use rookies on our team. I agree, and think that Backe looks like a good rookie Right Fielder. Send him to me, and I'll give him further instruction, and give him a uniform. Thanks.

-Bob Chambers

Well, I'm hoping it stays good. I feel like I'm writing a book though. I'm enjoying it though. Bob Chambers is actually a substitute teacher at our school. Hope you are enjoying this!

This is really good. Can't wait until the other players are done.

Is this drawing inspiration from PPFan's log?

But anyways,this looks awesome!

Thanks for the shoutout!

But dude, this is great. Me gusta mucho!

This log is the Bryce Harper of logs; tons of potential, caught lots of attention early, but we have to wait impatiently to see if the potential is fulfilled.

^ You should be honored by this, btw

Thanks guys! I'm just glad you all like it. I'll get another update or two in today. Keep reading!