Getting past Ian & moving forward to RHWS 2023

It has been some time since I last posted.  No legitimate reason other than I was not sure what to say about all that has transpired since September 28, 2023.  And we were communicating with our baseball clients through royhobbs.com.

The shock of shutting down the 2022 RHWS and the corresponding financial impact, repairs to our home and the onward march of Father Time have all taken their toll on us.  The adage that my “get up and go has done got up ‘n went!” has never been more true for me than in the last 6 months.

Roy Hobbs Geezer

Despite the rough patch since Hurricane Ian’s visit, we have survived and have the pleasure to report that the 2023 Sunshine Classic was as good as ever.

Wish I could write that all is normal here in Fort Myers, but it’s not true.  Away from the Barrier Islands – Estero, Sanibel, Captiva and Pine – life is relatively normal, expect perhaps for the tens of thousands of blue tarps on roofs throughout Lee County.  As for the islands, many beaches are open, more and more restaurants and watering holes are reopening, and folks are working feverishly to get lodging facilities back on line.  Renewal is a work in progress.

Obviously, ball fields are ready; among the Twins, Red Sox, Roy Hobbs and high school games, all the fields are operational although there are still repairs to be completed to the infrastructure.

The Sunshine Classic was a great solace to me personally.  One of the things I am particularly proud of with Roy Hobbs’ history is that we bring people together with a common passion and love of the dugout.  It’s the “Teammates” concept.  I am renewed just sitting and watching players and fans away from the field sharing a meal, visiting favorite local watering holes, building relationships and promising to meet again here at a Hobbs event or elsewhere.

Preparations for the 2023 RHWS are proceeding well – response thus far this week to reservation invitations for this fall has been gratifying.  This will be our 34^th event – a redoux from 2022, and 31^st year in Lee County.  We’ve been blessed to work on this baseball celebration for 31 years.

An elephant rumor mill …

However, as we prepare for the 2023 RHWS, there is a need to address the elephant in the room, that is, the rumor that Roy Hobbs is for sale.  

It’s true. 

There were 75 candles on my last piece of cake, and I am pooped from carrying he fire extinguisher to put them out.  Given my medical history over the past 25 years, some of this is a minor miracle.  But it’s time to slow down and check out the roses along my path – keep in mind we are never promised tomorrow.

Don’t get me wrong, I love what we do.

But there is more to life than just working.  I’m just having a hard time with that concept.  A very hard head I guess …

Therefore, it should be said that selling Roy Hobbs is not about having a fire sale.  We will not give it away and are willing to work with new leadership.  Our goal would be a comprehensive and smooth transition, one that continues a bright future and opportunities here in Lee County for those who love this game to keep competing and celebrating the ability to play the greatest of all team games.

Suffice to say, we know this is going to take time, and I fully understand I am not going anywhere soon – at least, I hope not.

I remain committed to the future of Roy Hobbs Baseball, it’s events and all of our baseball colleagues.  It’s my goal to continue as long as I can do it right and maintain the “teammate” standards that have brought us this far.

I’m happy we have been able to grow old(er) together doing what we love.