Chicago

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 2:45 am

I only went for the Main Event. My schedule procluded me from auctions or double plays.

The draft took a looooonnngg time. The facillatators were slow and our 'voice guy' was so meek that his voice was seldom heard. Stuff like this happens though, and it didn't dampen the experience.

I think it should be a 'one and done' for the Cubby Bear.

The auction had a downstairs band to accompany the barking of auction prices, not a good mix. It literally took half an hour for some folks to get out of the parking lot.

The fact that we were across the street from Wrigley was a sidelight since we had to stand at a window to see the structure.

The leagues themselves were packed together too tightly. I was jealous of the pictures from Vegas. Last, if we paid the extra money for the food, it wasn't worth it. The meal and dinner shared with other players after the draft at St Louis was great. This should be looked into for future venues. An open bar during the draft and a dinner setting, discussing the draft with other competitors was a great experience. Wolfing down some grub at our tables during the last break didn't compare.

A bleak outlook on the site and food set-up, to be sure. The saving grace were the people. The folks at the Cubby Bear were extremely obliging and gave us everything we asked for.

Mike and his crew did a great job with the space that they had. Kudo's for well run drafts.

The real stars were the players themselves though.

It was great putting names to faces and meeting the good folks who came to Chicago.

I know I'll leave out some names but Mike, Russel, the David's, Gary, Karl, and Big Ed...it was great meeting all you guys in 'real life'.

JohnP · Post by **JohnP** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 3:22 am

Agree with Dan's assessment on Chicago.

One other highlight was Diedrich coming up the stairs at the Cubby Bear clearly agitated with the fact that someone was double parked in the tight parking lot. All of a sudden we hear him belting out "GMC Canyon, Michigan plates anyone?" Yeah, that's me came the response from someone. "Better hustle out there - tow truck hooking up to it now." The owner hustles down the steps to rescue his vehicle. Jack and I look at Mike and he just has this chitty grin and we all know there was no tow truck.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 3:35 am

great to meet the great doughboys. i think i will keep the 2 power forwards- less than dave and doughboys as friends. 6'5" and 6'7". dan is slightly heavier. our draft was the fastest of the 4 so time was not a problem. i like the cubby bear better than the stephens center. 100 yard walk from car to draft compared to about a mile. i think they planned on 3 drafts and had 4. 3 and it would not have been too cramped. friday was painfull. watching guys like albert get bid up 1 buck at a time was pain. not the auctioneers fault. great job by mike sheets and crew. i agree with dan- have the food mostly after the draft. not the auction though- plenty of time with the bidding so slow.

LOCKED AND LOADED · Post by **LOCKED AND LOADED** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 4:20 am

I AGREE CHICAGO WAS UNCONFRTABLE and would like the event to be at least within walking distance of the hotel the 30 dollar round trip cab ride was another thing i could have done without but on the whole it was an awsome time

Paul Gromek · Post by **Paul Gromek** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 7:15 am

Chicago this year was my first ever main event. I had a blast overall. Drafting next to Mike was fun. He's a great guy.

On the negative side, space was definitely an issue at the Cubby Bear. We were really cramped.

Bull Pen Pugs · Post by **Bull Pen Pugs** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 8:42 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I only went for the Main Event. My schedule procluded me from auctions or double plays.

The draft took a looooonnngg time. The facillatators were slow and our 'voice guy' was so meek that his voice was seldom heard. Stuff like this happens though, and it didn't dampen the experience.

I think it should be a 'one and done' for the Cubby Bear.

The auction had a downstairs band to accompany the barking of auction prices, not a good mix. It literally took half an hour for some folks to get out of the parking lot.

The fact that we were across the street from Wrigley was a sidelight since we had to stand at a window to see the structure.

The leagues themselves were packed together too tightly. I was jealous of the pictures from Vegas. Last, if we paid the extra money for the food, it wasn't worth it. The meal and dinner shared with other players after the draft at St Louis was great. This should be looked into for future venues. An open bar during the draft and a dinner setting, discussing the draft with other competitors was a great experience. Wolfing down some grub at our tables during the last break didn't compare.

A bleak outlook on the site and food set-up, to be sure. The saving grace were the people. The folks at the Cubby Bear were extremely obliging and gave us everything we asked for.

Mike and his crew did a great job with the space that they had. Kudo's for well run drafts.

The real stars were the players themselves though.

It was great putting names to faces and meeting the good folks who came to Chicago.

I know I'll leave out some names but Mike, Russel, the David's, Gary, Karl, and Big Ed...it was great meeting all you guys in 'real life'. Fully agree with Dan's comments... Pleasant, but improvements can be made.. The Mrs. (co-mgr) was really fiesty with almost 2 hr commute from airport to Doubletree and the food expierence... Whew....

However, the Doubletree room was AWESOME!!! Great jobs getting Greg/Tom/Ryan

Dan- pleasure finally meeting you and the Mrs, good luck this year.

Ed

[ March 29, 2010, 02:49 PM: Message edited by: Bull Pen Pugs ]

rkulaski · Post by **rkulaski** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 5:18 pm

I drafted at the Cubby Bear on Saturday too. Completely agree with all of Doughboys comments and, while the staff did a great job, I would definitely be in favor for a change of venue for next year.

JAGUAR · Post by **JAGUAR** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:08 am

Originally posted by Bull Pen Pugs:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I only went for the Main Event. My schedule procluded me from auctions or double plays.

The draft took a looooonnngg time. The facillatators were slow and our 'voice guy' was so meek that his voice was seldom heard. Stuff like this happens though, and it didn't dampen the experience.

I think it should be a 'one and done' for the Cubby Bear.

The auction had a downstairs band to accompany the barking of auction prices, not a good mix. It literally took half an hour for some folks to get out of the parking lot.

The fact that we were across the street from Wrigley was a sidelight since we had to stand at a window to see the structure.

The leagues themselves were packed together too tightly. I was jealous of the pictures from Vegas. Last, if we paid the extra money for the food, it wasn't worth it. The meal and dinner shared with other players after the draft at St Louis was great. This should be looked into for future venues. An open bar during the draft and a dinner setting, discussing the draft with other competitors was a great experience. Wolfing down some grub at our tables during the last break didn't compare.

A bleak outlook on the site and food set-up, to be sure. The saving grace were the people. The folks at the Cubby Bear were extremely obliging and gave us everything we asked for.

Mike and his crew did a great job with the space that they had. Kudo's for well run drafts.

The real stars were the players themselves though.

It was great putting names to faces and meeting the good folks who came to Chicago.

I know I'll leave out some names but Mike, Russel, the David's, Gary, Karl, and Big Ed...it was great meeting all you guys in 'real life'. Fully agree with Dan's comments... Pleasant, but improvements can be made.. The Mrs. (co-mgr) was really fiesty with almost 2 hr commute from airport to Doubletree and the food expierence... Whew....

However, the Doubletree room was AWESOME!!! Great jobs getting Greg/Tom/Ryan

Dan- pleasure finally meeting you and the Mrs, good luck this year.

Ed [/QUOTE]just a quick coment on this post . i was a facillatator for your draft . i did the stickers . it was way to cramped in this small room it was hard to hear . also on the time thing about the draft being slow . we had a 15 min break after 10 . we took about 20 min break after 20 so everyone did'nt have to wolf down there food . so this put us behind 30 min .after everyone in this draft was done eating after 20 it was like they served turkey not chicken . just about everyone in this draft got lazy or sleepy or what ever . from then on they all got slower and slower taking the whole 60 sec almost every time .come on guys take your pick how long did you put into this months or days . next time do a little more studing and a little let complaining on here.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:21 am

A first for these Boards....A facilatator complaining that players take a full minute.

:rolleyes:

JAGUAR · Post by **JAGUAR** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:27 am

no your post read that we were slow. me i was there to.i call em as i see em . i don't care how long it takes i'm getting drinks and food and talking baseball . you in your post said we the facillatators were slow i just told the real story .

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:33 am

Originally posted by JAGUAR:

quote:Originally posted by Bull Pen Pugs:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I only went for the Main Event. My schedule procluded me from auctions or double plays.

The draft took a looooonnngg time. The facillatators were slow and our 'voice guy' was so meek that his voice was seldom heard. Stuff like this happens though, and it didn't dampen the experience.

I think it should be a 'one and done' for the Cubby Bear.

The auction had a downstairs band to accompany the barking of auction prices, not a good mix. It literally took half an hour for some folks to get out of the parking lot.

The fact that we were across the street from Wrigley was a sidelight since we had to stand at a window to see the structure.

The leagues themselves were packed together too tightly. I was jealous of the pictures from Vegas. Last, if we paid the extra money for the food, it wasn't worth it. The meal and dinner shared with other players after the draft at St Louis was great. This should be looked into for future venues. An open bar during the draft and a dinner setting, discussing the draft with other competitors was a great experience. Wolfing down some grub at our tables during the last break didn't compare.

A bleak outlook on the site and food set-up, to be sure. The saving grace were the people. The folks at the Cubby Bear were extremely obliging and gave us everything we asked for.

Mike and his crew did a great job with the space that they had. Kudo's for well run drafts.

The real stars were the players themselves though.

It was great putting names to faces and meeting the good folks who came to Chicago.

I know I'll leave out some names but Mike, Russel, the David's, Gary, Karl, and Big Ed...it was great meeting all you guys in 'real life'. Fully agree with Dan's comments... Pleasant, but improvements can be made.. The Mrs. (co-mgr) was really fiesty with almost 2 hr commute from airport to Doubletree and the food expierence... Whew....

However, the Doubletree room was AWESOME!!! Great jobs getting Greg/Tom/Ryan

Dan- pleasure finally meeting you and the Mrs, good luck this year.

Ed [/QUOTE]just a quick coment on this post . i was a facillatator for your draft . i did the stickers . it was way to cramped in this small room it was hard to hear . also on the time thing about the draft being slow . we had a 15 min break after 10 . we took about 20 min break after 20 so everyone did'nt have to wolf down there food . so this put us behind 30 min .after everyone in this draft was done eating after 20 it was like they served turkey not chicken . just about everyone in this draft got lazy or sleepy or what ever . from then on they all got slower and slower taking the whole 60 sec almost every time .come on guys take your pick how long did you put into this months or days . next time do a little more studing and a little let complaining on here. [/QUOTE]They paid their money and can take the full minute if they like. Based upon your post you should have done a little more "studing" and sniffed a little "let" glue in your spelling class.

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:36 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

A first for these Boards....A facilatator complaining that players take a full minute.

:rolleyes: Hey Dan I have a feeling cubbie bear is not the only thing that will be one and done in this league.

JAGUAR · Post by **JAGUAR** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:39 am

i was a math major not english . could always find some girl to help out with that.like i said i did'nt care if it took all day. i have been on both ends . doing drafts and working them i did'nt know we were in a race to get done . this is why we gave more time to eat . sorry next time stick to the 10 min breaks . got it .

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:52 am

Originally posted by JAGUAR:

i was a math major not english . could always find some girl to help out with that.Cool...next time bring the girl to do the stickers too.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:53 am

Originally posted by Chest Rockwell:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

A first for these Boards....A facilatator complaining that players take a full minute.

:rolleyes: Hey Dan I have a feeling cubbie bear is not the only thing that will be one and done in this league. [/QUOTE]As usual, spot on.

JAGUAR · Post by **JAGUAR** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:04 am

don't worry next year my $ will be a little better. i'll ask greg to put me in your league. as bad as some of the teams looked in your league. maybe i'll just send a girl with my cheat sheet . should be more than enough for you .if i had'nt just bought a new pool i would have played this year . but i'm happy with the sat leagues and a april 1st online team .till next year .

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:11 am

Originally posted by JAGUAR:

i'll ask greg to put me in your league.Pools, girls and edycation.

Sure, ask Greg, I'd be proud to sit next to Jethro Bodine!

JAGUAR · Post by **JAGUAR** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:23 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by JAGUAR:

i'll ask greg to put me in your league.Pools, girls and edycation.

Sure, ask Greg, I'd be proud to sit next to Jethro Bodine! [/QUOTE]nice, if you lived close you could come by this summer for girls/pool/beer .great summer i hope .even watch b and b on the deck .thats babes and baseball .

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:41 am

Originally posted by JAGUAR:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by JAGUAR:

i'll ask greg to put me in your league.Pools, girls and edycation.

Sure, ask Greg, I'd be proud to sit next to Jethro Bodine! [/QUOTE]nice, if you lived close you could come by this summer for girls/pool/beer .great summer i hope .even watch b and b on the deck .thats babes and baseball . [/QUOTE]No thanks.

I've got my girl.

There are three things that come to mind, that folks from the NFBC do not want to see:

1. Me in a swimming pool.

2. Jaguar as a faciitator.

3. More of this thread going off topic.

JohnP · Post by **JohnP** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:58 am

What I learned today from Chicago sticker dude...

- The paying customer taking 60 seconds to make a pick is a sign of unpreparedness.

- Sticker Dude can beat the Chicago competition with a "girl and a cheatsheet".

- Sticker Dude is great at stickers but not so good at spelling.

- Sticker Dude has a pool. Congrats.

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 5:21 am

I gotta say, after participating in NFBC events for several seasons there are a few things that you can count on. One of them is people posting their opinion about the pace and process of the live Main Event. The important thing to remember is that it is just one owners opinion. One man’s slow is another’s fast is another’s just right. And every season you can read all three of those opinions about a single league draft and they fall under the ‘customer is always right” rule.

Considering the varied comments I have always given credit to the NFBC host for just accepting the “criticisms” and moving on. In fact other than Greg sometimes correcting factual misstatements, I think NFBC/Fanball has been willing to let people criticize and they have just responded with a smile and a thank you.

But I think this is unprecedented

, to have the league facilitator dog out the players for using up their time and not being prepared. That’s wrong. I don’t care if you are a NFBC player or not. I think part of the pay you received as a facilitator is to let the customer always be right.

As a side note. Mike Sheets was the Chicago host and was the facilitator for the Friday night auction. He did a great job. I’m not looking for a ‘show’ to be put on, but Mike knows all the players, called out the positions, was very personable and made the appropriate comments during the draft to keep things light. He even had to work harder when the band started playing just under us. Thanks again!

[ March 30, 2010, 11:26 AM: Message edited by: Navel Lint ]

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 5:24 am

Originally posted by Trash Man:

What I learned today from Chicago sticker dude...

- The paying customer taking 60 seconds to make a pick is a sign of unpreparedness.

- Sticker Dude can beat the Chicago competition with a "girl and a cheatsheet".

- Sticker Dude is great at stickers but not so good at spelling.

- Sticker Dude has a pool. Congrats. LOL classic

tdtone · Post by **tdtone** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:29 am

First time player here, so i had nothing to judge my opinion of the main event. I do know that i had a great time and met some very knowlegable baseball people. Only thing i have to complain about is a couple players i drafted.