This has been a wonderful gathering over the years. I haven’t been in several years, and maybe the attendance has dwindled to 60, but I think it has been closer to 100, at least on occasion.
I could give you a flavor of what goes on by describing some of my athletic prowess-- throwing Walter Berns out at first base after grabbing a hard-hit ball, chasing a Gary Schmitt line drive that went into another picnic area, narrowly avoiding a hard-sliding Jim Williams, etc. I think I once caught a pop fly hit by Irving Kristol, but those who know me will scoff that I’ve never caught a fly ball in my life, and that I am beginning to spin myths. But I did see Diana Schaub play a flawless game at first base, that I’m sure of.
I need to stop before I turn this into a "Battle of the Books."
I can’t recall any speeches, however.
All I want to know is, how do I get invited?
Just show up. Bring Vaseline.