We Won't Be Playing Outdoors This Year

A Nor'easter hits on the first day of the Convention, making travel difficult for Convention attendees. Phil Grabar is delayed about 12 hours, arriving at 3 AM at the hotel, having to wake up Mitch Caren to get into the room. Charlie McDonnell and Brian Hoyt are delayed a couple of hours crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge. Still, everyone eventually arrives safely.

Seems Like I've Done This Before

For the second year in a row (and dressed suspiciously similar to last year), Phil Grabar manages his Highwood Grays in the World Series via Team Viewer. His opponent this year is Chuck Bennett's Twin City Tigercats and the result is also the same as last year as HG fails to win a game and is swept in four games.

I'm not wearing this shirt next year

For the second consecutive year, Phil Grabar receives the runner-up trophy. The bad news is it's not the championship trophy. The good news is it will fit in his suitcase. Perhaps he should try a different t-shirt next year -- at least it will force us to take new photos.

The BLT has Lettuce & Tomato this year

Convention lunch with hoagies from Subway. Most went for the Italian BMT but at least one braved the BLT which last year consisted of just a bacon sandwich.

Around the table are Jerry (posing with the empty bag of chips), Brian (the only one drinking Dr Pepper this year), Charlie (ready for dessert), Mitch (hoping his family is not looking at these photos), Tim (who will be eating 2 Wawa hoagies if Mike doesn't show up soon) and Phil (alternating between his sandwich and his laptop).

Is it 2:00 yet?

With lunch completed promptly, the managers await the start of the Free Agent Draft. Around the table are Brian Hoyt, Charlie McDonnell (enjoying the last day of his computer mouse's life) and Mitch Caren.

Looking for a 2nd Round Pick

With Jerry camping out in the dining room this year, Mike Perry and Tim Weidman use his desk for the Free Agent Draft.

I still need a Backup Outfielder

With the Free Agent Draft completed, Phil Grabar seeks to fill the remaining holes on his 2018 roster.

I've Never Won One of These

No ET player has ever won the ABA Most Valuable Player Award -- until this year. The 2017 Most Valuable Player is David Ortiz. In his final season, "Big Papi" had many big hits, closing out his career with a homerun in the All-Star Game.

I'm Keeping This Guy

Brian Hoyt traded away a few key players at this Convention as part of a rebuilding effort but he'll be holding onto 2017 Pitcher of the Year Jon Lester.

I Like Cardinal Shortstops

Having won the Rookie of the Year Award with 2016 Cardinal shortstop Aledmys Diaz, Mitch Caren will be on a quest to get the 2017 Cardinal shortstop Paul DeJong.