President's Page: Take me out to the ballgame - and Annual Meeting

John Grimm 
John Grimm, 2021-22 Missouri Bar president, practices with The Limbaugh Firm in Cape Girardeau.

As I write this column, we are about a month into the 2022 baseball season. My favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals, are near the top of the National League Central division. My second favorite team, the Kansas City Royals, are near the bottom of the American League Central division.

As a native of Southeast Missouri, I have always been a Cardinals fan, but I did not attend a lot of baseball games as a kid. That changed when I moved to Kansas City for law school in 1984. It was a great time to watch the Royals, with dominating players such as George Brett at third base and Bret Saberhagen on the mound. As I recall, bleacher seats cost less than $10, a price even law students could afford on occasion.

My friends on the western side of the state don’t need to remind me about the outcome of the World Series in 1985. Nor do we need to re-hash the equities of Game 6. While I was disappointed the Cardinals lost, at least they were beat by a team I really liked. After graduating from law school in 1987, I moved to St. Louis and watched the Cardinals compete in another World Series. The following spring, I found some friends to share season tickets, and we’ve had them ever since.

The start of baseball season tells us that summer is right around the corner. Hopefully, summer allows each of us to take some extra time off work. Perhaps you will go to a ball game, go to the lake, or take a vacation. Regardless, spending time away from the rigors of law practice is vitally important to our well-being and emotional health. And don’t forget, Missouri lawyers benefit from access to a variety of travel discounts through the bar.

For many, baseball evokes memories of time spent with families. You may have played youth baseball, coached your daughter’s softball team, or sat in the stands watching your grandchild. Even though these activities can sometimes be grueling, the quality family time that comes with it can never be replaced.

By the time this column is published, Mother’s Day will have passed, but Father’s Day will be just around the corner. I urge you to take a few extra minutes to think about your own special memories with family members. If your parents are still living, maybe you’ll have a chance to pay them a visit or talk by phone. Alternatively, consider contacting someone who may live alone or who doesn’t have family nearby. I assure you it will be worth your while.

I’m also excited about baseball season because it reminds me of The Missouri Bar’s Annual Meeting Sept. 14-16 in Springfield. Why? Because in addition to quality speakers and CLE programs, there will be some outstanding social opportunities. In particular, the Best of Missouri reception will be held at Hammons Field, home of the Cardinals’ AA affiliate. This event always receives high marks from attendees, and I am confident this year will be no exception. Registration for Annual Meeting will open within a few weeks.

Finally, baseball season means hope. Hope for a winning record for our Missouri teams. Hope for the playoffs. Perhaps even hope for another World Series win. And hope you will join us at Annual Meeting!