The minor leagues

I have known President Warch in many capacities over 25 years, going back to my membership on the Search Committee that recommended to the Trustees that Rik be hired as President. We have had many official and professional associations, and they’ve been rewarding and important in my life. But looking back on it all, I have come to realize that the most meaningful aspect of our relationship is a common bond that we share: We are both obsessed with the names of minor league baseball teams. When I pick up my ringing telephone and the voice on the other end of the line says “Is this the New Britain Rock Cats?” or “This is the bullpen of the Albuquerque Isotopes… do you want a lefty or a righty?” I know it can be only one person. It’s become a cut-throat competition to see who can come up with the most obscure name, but I just want everyone to know that as good as Rik Warch is at most things, I’m way ahead in this battle. And as he walks out of his office door for the last time this June, he’ll know that I’ll be leaving him a message at his cottage phone number, from the manager of the Jupiter Hammerheads.