The timing of the FOCS conference in late October often overlaps with
the World Series and on rare occasions they happen in the same city at
the same time. Checking back through the 48 previous FOCS only once
before in 1997 FOCS was in Miami Beach October 19-22 with Game 2 of
the world series October 19th with the Florida Marlins losing to
Cleveland at Pro Player Stadium in Miami.
A couple of other close calls. In 1992, I had tickets to a potential
series in Pittsburgh but I've told that sad story before. In
1999, FOCS was held in New York October 17-19 and the Yankees hosted
Atlanta a week later in the series. Last year FOCS was held in
Providence October 20-23 and just a short drive up I-95 the Red Sox
beat the Rockies twice October 24-25.
This year we have a perfect overlap. The 2008 FOCS Conference runs October
25-28 in downtown Philadephia and Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) of
the Series between the Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays will be held
October 25-27 three miles south in Citizens Bank Park.
But I'll miss the fun and won't make FOCS this year. I'd love to hear
from any FOCS attendee that manages to snag World Series tickets and
gets to enjoy the two great fall classics.