[ifspuds]

First Annual Midseason Meetings of the Bay League
City of Tifton, The Outposts

John Baxter surveyed the room as the clock struck ten. Each of the team owners had brought entourages, save for Carroll Eichhorn. The man would never learn. He already projected servile weakness, and showing up all by himself to the first gathering of the league since its inception wasn't the way to overcome his image. "Is everyone comfortable? More coffee before we get started?" said Baxter. He had to lift his voice above the general din to be heard.

Benjamin Chin, the Deepvale owner, snorted. "Not if my life depended on it, John. How you can stomach that vile concoction is beyond me."

A chuckle rolled through the room. The poor quality of Outpost coffee was almost cliche by now. "Point taken, Ben. Then let's get started." Baxter settled into his chair at the head of the table. The other seven owners sat at the table as well, while the hangers-on orbited the eight primary figures.

"The health of the league appears strong. We have competition for the top spots, we have good attendance in most towns, and there are extenuating circumstances in those towns that are lagging behind," said Baxter, his hands folded calmly atop the table. The Allison Spelunkers owner, Timothy Martin, inclined his head in recognition of his own team's extenuating circumstances. The Spelunkers closed half their seating for a time due to earthquake damage. "Furthermore," said Baxter, "we have other towns asking whether their local teams can join the league, the best indication yet that all seems well in the Bay League."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," said David DiStefano, the Elliott Springs owner. "What happens when the novelty wears off and interest wanes? It'll cost us all a lot more money, and some of us are already having problems in that direction."

Michael Hernandez from Silver Beach shook his head, "Capitalize on the popularity. Maybe we don't bring them into the league as full-fledged members just yet, but perhaps we should sponsor some of the smaller, local leagues with an eye toward the future."

There was a great deal of nodding and murmuring over this idea, around the table and the secondary layers of attendees both. "Fine for you, Hernandez," grunted Gentry Hills' Martin Greenberg. "You've got plenty of cash lying around."

Hernandez frowned just slightly. "I suggested the idea for the league as a whole, Martin."

A laugh burst from Patrick Murphy, the Lorris Greens' founder. "And since when have you been interested in anything but your own benefit, Michael? Even if we undertake this... sponsorship as a league, no one here doubts you'll be doing everything in your power to turn it to your advantage."

Hernandez stood up from his chair. "I will not sit here and be insulted!"

John Baxter cleared his throat. "Spare us, Michael. You're the most competitive man among eight very competitive men. Don't pretend otherwise. It's a worthwhile idea. I suggest we explore it further. Martin, Michael and Benjamin will lead the committee to gauge interest and feasibility."