Mr. Paciorek,
This is coming from David Karpinski at basebalalroundtable.com Not sure if you got my message through your blog site. I just wanted to make sure you are still okay with the Baseball Roundtable’s John Paciorek Award (honoring players with brief, but in some way historic, MLB careers). The next one is due in May. Spoiler Alert: The honoree will be OF/1B John Miller. Miller played in just two MLB seasons (1966 Yankees/1969 Dodgers) – 38 total at bats 10 hits and two home runs – but made those homers historic. Miller hit one in his first at bat in 1966 – making him the first Yankee to homer in his first at bat. Hit his next (and last) MLB homer in his last at MLB bat – making him one of only two players to homer in their first and last MLB at bats. If you are still okay with being the inspiration for the Award, I will, as always, promote you, your blog and your books each time. I add that I really enjoyed Baseball: A Perpetually New Story. Always have felt it was appropriate for the long baseball season to open in spring – a time of new beginnings. Thanks for your consideration and inspiration. David K

Mr. Paciorek,

Thanks for your positive response to the John Paciorek Award. I will be sure to include a mention of your books and blog as new recipients are selected. (If you’d like I can replace the reference to your blog with a direct link.) I am a life-LONG baseball, with a much passion for the game’s past as for its present and future. The blog post under the YILBB link on my blog (baseballroundtable.com) summarizes my attraction to the game. I have a couple of questions: 1) Where can I obtain copies of Socrates and Plato: Baseball’s Wisest Fans”? I’d like to purchase two copies, one for myself and one to use as a prize on an annual baseball tour (BallPark Tours) for which I serve as unofficial “Kwizmaster.” 2) If I manage to get ahold of a couple of copies, could I send them to you to be signed? Also, and this is a no pressure request, if you ever have the time and inclination I’d like to invite you to write a guest post for my blog. (I will fully understand if you decline.) The topic could either be “Why I Love Baseball” (You can see my post and other guest posts on tis topic on the YILBB link on my blog) – or a first-hand account on the experience of that first MLB plate appearance. (Most of my followers would mortgage the house for one at bat and one everlasting entry in the Baseball Encyclopedia.) Also, I did visit your blog (and will continue to do so). I especially liked: “A most inexcusable act of responsibility …”; Baaseball’s continuous rebirth …”; and “Infield Play.”

Thanks again for your comments – and the JPA inspiration,

David K