The Keepers of the Sacred Orb.....

We, The Keepers of the Sacred Orb, are a  band of over-enthusiastic Pilots who feel it is important, nay necessary, to recognize the newest class, welcome them, and bestow upon the most junior among them a symbol memorializing their stature on our seniority list. A symbol to make them recognized system-wide, by other pilots.  Through trials and tribulations, much thought and libations, this event has become known as the 8 ball Ceremony!

GOD SAVE THE BALL!!!!


The Ball....

"You are soon to be bestowed the rights and responsibilities of the Sacred Orb, our symbol of affection and respect.  For all Line Pilots love and respect the carrier of the Sacred Orb.  We admire and bestow our best wishes to you because you remind us of our lost youth, lost energy and the enthusiasm  we once had.  You are truly the wind beneath our wings.  And we know that through your good cheer and superior abilities you can keep us out of trouble, out of the flight managers office and will always be willing to do the walk around with a smile."

The Legacy

Sometime in the mid 1990s, Kru Krueger was walking through the halls of the Training Center when he came upon a photo of a new hire class standing on top of the fuselage of a DC-3. Upon closer inspection of the photo, he noticed that the pilot in the center of the photo was holding a bowling ball with an 8 painted on it. The man appeared to be about to “roll” the ball toward the camera.  Thinking this an interesting picture, Kru approached some of the people in the Historical Society office. They informed him that the phot is from the early 50s and that at that time, the most junior pilot was referred to as the “8-Ball”. Kru decided to revive the tradition, and developed the 8-Ball Ceremony to celebrate and welcome the most junior pilot. 

“TO THE LEGACY!”

The Venue...

Every week that includes a new hire pilot class at the Denver Training Center...we will convene that Wednesday  evening at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Stapleton. The ceremony will begin at precisely 18:08:08 ....the 8th second of the 8th minute of the 18th hour determined by traditions dating back decades to be the precise time to transfer the daunting responsibilities and weighty powers of the Almighty 8 Ball.  

GOD SAVE THE BALL!!!

*****ONLY YOU (AND GOD) CAN SAVE THE BALL!*****

Please be aware that this organization and our ability to welcome our new hire pilots is 100% dependent on the pilot group. We receive no monetary support from the company or union. We depend upon YOUR support!