Several weeks had passed since the incident at the Iron Boot, and things were starting to return back to normal in the office. Sara was back at work, the players we wanted under contract were, and the visit from Inspectors Popes and Thomas I was expecting never took place.
I assumed that Inspectors Popes and Thomas suspected I had a hand in the incident at the Iron Boot, but that the Las Vegas Police Department had decided to keep the matter quite. Well, that, or neither of the Inspectors were as bright as I had given them credit for.
What did come as a surprise was the teams owner Mr. Boyer walking in.
"Hello John."
"Hello Mr. Boyer, what unexpected surprise." I said, standing and shaking his hand.
"Sorry to drop in un-announced John, but, I wanted to meet with you concerning some changes that will be forthcoming."
"Changes? Should I be concerned Mr. Boyer." I asked.
"Oh no, no, no, John, I am quite happy with the teams performance, well except for the playoffs. I have..."
Mr. Boyer was interrupted from continuing his thoughts on the playoffs by Sara's knock on my office door.
"Excuse me Mr. Smith, but there's a Mr. Trenton here to see you and Mr. Boyer."
"Sara, I don't believe I have an appointment with any such fellar." I replied.
"It's ok John, I asked Mr. Trenton to meet me here." came Mr. Boyers response.
"Well then Sara, show him in."
"Yes Mr. Smith."
A young fellar walked in, sharply dressed, a gold chain hung from his vest pocket, his shoes nicely shined. His left hand holding a black derby hat that was obvisouly new, as he shook Mr. Boyers hand enthusiastically.
"John, I want you to meet Frank Trenton. Mr. Trenton is fresh out of Harvard and a fine young lad."
"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Smith." he said, taking my hand and giving it a firm shake, before taking a seat across from my desk and Mr. Boyer.
"Can I offer you something to drink Mr. Trenton."
"No thank you, and please call me Frank."
I got up and poured a drink for Mr. Boyer, who I knew would never pass up a chance to have some Kentucky Bourbon. After handing Mr. Boyer his drink, I returned to my seat and waited to see what this sudden meeting concerned.
Mr. Boyer took a few sips of his bourbon, and then cleared his throat before speaking.
"John, I've been thinking about the past events concerning Bill's passing. I cannot get past that its somehow my fault."
"Mr. Boyer, I hardly think..."
"No, No John, I feel responsible. Had Bill not needed to bring the payroll to the team and the gate receipts to me I dont think this would have happened. As such, I have decided to make some changes."
Mr. Boyer took another sip from his glass, as both myself and Mr. Trenton waited for him to continue.
"John, I have decided its time to build a new ballpark for the team."
"A new ballpark?"
"Yes, a new ballpark. It will contain offices for the paymaster, staff, and of course myself. I want everything related to the team to be together, so we dont have a repeat of what happened with Bill. I have also decided that Mr. Trenton here will be our new director of sales, and handle..."
"Sorry to interrupt Mr. Boyer, but I handle the advertising sales."
"Not anymore John. I want you to concentrate on the team, Mr. Trenton will concentrate on advertising and sales. The new ballpark will be completed by the opening day of the 1912 season. Frank, show John the plans for the new ballpark please."
"John, the new ballpark will have room for close to 20,000 individuals, almost four times the capacity of the current park. Mr. Boyer has spared no expense on the ballpark, it will be built with brick and mortar, unlike the current park that is currently of aging, and dry rotted wood. There will be additional room for more staffing and storage. It will be the finest ballpark in the NABA." Frank said proudly.
An artist rendering of the Boyer Park.
"More importantly John, it will be completed before Raleigh's new ballpark, and the league's new commishoner, Steed, has guarenteed me that we will host the NABA All-Star game next year if its completed by opening day."
"The All-Star game? Mr. Boyer, no NABA team has held the All-star game in their city, its always been played in cities that don't have a team."
"Yes, true, but that is going to change. Commishoner Steed feels that it would benefit the league more to hold the All-Star game in cities that have teams."
"I see."
"Raleigh's owner is also building a staduim, and the commishoner has told me that they will get the All-Star game if our stadium is not ready. I intend for ours to be, I don't think that Raleigh needs another feather in their cap by being recognized as the first NABA city with a team to host the game."
"I agree."
"So, Frank will handle the advertising, and you, John, concentrate on getting me that NABA World Series title. I taint getting any younger you know."