Barry Larkin's Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Cooperstown, NY

I had always said that I wanted to be there if Barry was ever enshrined in Cooperstown, and once Barry received the call, Pranav was a hero for figuring out our travel plans and making our trip to the induction a reality.  We flew into Binghamton, NY on Saturday and headed straight to Cooperstown for the presentation of the Ford Frick (broadcasting) and Spink (writing) Awards to Tim McCarver and Bob Elliot, respectively.  The ceremony was at Doubleday Field, and the dais featured all the Hall of Famers in attendance.  We were star struck from afar.

The awards were followed by a parade of Hall of Famers down Main Street before they went to their banquet at the Museum. We were super excited!

I'll spare you all the parade pics and subject you only to the good shots (with a couple of exceptions).  New inductees Tim McCarver and Bob Elliot:

Casey!  "Who's Casey??" - Pranav Kothari

Exception one:  holy smokes, it's Willie Mays' back!  WILLIE MAYS!!!

Bob Gibson.  It was awesome how up close and personal we were, and there was no need for (and no sign of) security/police.

Frank Robinson:

Cincinnati legend Johnny Bench:

Another Cincy guy, Joe Morgan:

Rollie Fingers.  Still sporting his signature mustache.

Exception two:  Cincy hero Tony Perez's back!

Wade Boggs looking right at us:

Chicago legend Ryne Sandberg.  He always reminds me of the story of when Michael Jordan's son was wearing a #23 necklace, and he was asked by a journalist (who was fully expecting to hear the cute story about how  the necklace was to honor young Jordan's daddy) why he was wearing that number.  To the journalist's complete surprise,  young Jordan answered "because Ryne Sandberg is #23."

The late great Tony Gwynn:

Ricky!

Andre Dawson.  One of my faves.

The man of the hour, looking every bit a Hall of Famer.

 A sea of Reds fans:

Barry presiding over the Hall of Fame and Museum.

Cooperstown has very few hotel rooms and they are all packed during induction weekend. We spent the night about 45 minutes away at a spectacular bed and breakfast and farm in Amsterdam, NY.  

Heading into town the next morning:  induction time!

 Adorable.

Three of the greatest champions and gentlemen of the game, on and off the field.  Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente.

Barry attended college at Michigan, so we felt some Michigan gear was appropriate for the occasion.

Another sea of red.

So many Larkin jerseys.

The captain arrives to give his speech!

Neha and Rob's Wedding in Dearborn, Michigan

Neha and Rob got married at the beautiful event space at the Henry Ford Museum. Neha was one of my pre-orientation advisers when I started law school, so she was actually the second person I met at Michigan.  She has remained a dear friend and public interest inspiration ever since, so it was an honor to attend her wedding.

The happy couple at the sangeet:

Rob has a musically talented family, and his family orchestra (!) played during both the sangeet and the ceremony the next day:

Neha's stepdad also performed at the sangeet:

Rob arrived at the ceremony in style.  One of the perks of getting married at the Henry Ford Museum.

Neha's mom greets Rob.  Neha's mom had survived a bout of very advanced cancer in 2006, so it was lovely to see her so happy on this day.  Sadly, the cancer returned within weeks after the wedding, and she passed away within the year.

VARP and the Chandrans.

The bride arrives.  Neha looked perfectly regal.

The ceremony featured competing officiants.  The Hindu priest spent 1.5 hrs officiating; the Christian pasteur spent 5 minutes. Classic.

The event space at the museum had the look and feel of a turn-of-the-century mansion. Its elegance was perfect for the union of this classy couple.

Hitting the dance floor with Rena and V.

After the reception ended, we received the fun news that Neha and Rob's wedding announcement had made it into the New York Times!

Vijay and Divya's Wedding in Augusta, GA

I made a 24-hour trip to Augusta, Georgia for Vijay's welcome dinner and wedding ceremony before heading to Columbus for Simar and Pohul's OSU graduation.  It was a quick trip, but long enough to experience Augusta's charms.

Some Wash U blasts from the past:

With the Wash U guys' significant others:

Vijay looking relaxed on wedding eve:

The wedding was very traditional South Indian: