Join us for a chance to talk a little baseball during Akron’s January chill.
Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Sheldon Ocker will speak at the Akron Press Club’s luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 13, at the University of Akron’s Martin Center. There will be the opportunity for questions following the speech.
Ocker has seen a lot of baseball since he began covering the Indians full time for the Beacon Journal in February 1981. That includes two World Series appearances by the Tribe in the 1990s and the opening of Jacobs Field in 1994.
In his own words:
“Baseball season never really ends. The long schedule bleeds into the buying and selling phase over the winter, which segues into spring training, when the cycle starts again.
“This isn't news, just a reminder that the Indians are not a static organization. They are either a work in progress or a work in regression. The trick for people outside the organization (and sometimes inside) is to figure out which.”
Ocker is a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America and has served as the association’s national chair. His popular “The Write Stuff” Sunday column – where readers get to ask questions directly to Ocker and he answers just as directly – predates the Internet.
He joined the Beacon Journal in 1967 after graduating from Buchtel High School and The Ohio State University. He has covered high school sports, the University of Akron and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also served as an assistant sports editor. He covers Ohio State football games after the baseball season.
Future Press Club speakers include Akron schools Superintendent David James in February, Summit County Executive Russ Pry and Keep America Beautiful President and CEO Matthew McKenna in the spring. Check the Press Club’s web page, www.akronpressclub.org, for updates.
Details:
Speaker: Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon Journal sports writer.
Time: Buffet luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 13. Program follows.
Place: Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, University of Akron campus.
Cost: $15 for Press Club members, $20 for non-members.
Reservations requested: Call 330-564-4211 or e-mail RSVP@cmoresearch.com
