The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) celebrated its first SABR Day in America on Jan. 30 at 34 locations around the world, including Armadillo Willy’s restaurant in Dublin. SABR is a member-driven nonprofit organization made up of nearly 7,000 members who are fans of baseball and its rich and varied history. Although a sizable portion (about 10%) of the membership comes together for SABR’s national convention each year, with 55 chapters scattered through the US (as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and Japan), it would impossible to gather the entire SABR community in one place at one time. The organization’s alternative solution was to have as many members as possible come together on the same day—regardless of where they live.
And come together they did. In Canada, Puerto Rico, New England, the Atlantic Seaboard, the Great Lakes region, the South, and up and down the West Coast, baseball enthusiasts broke up the sport’s winter hiatus with a day devoted to celebrating America’s Game. Typical events included trivia contests, member research presentations, book raffles, guest speakers from local teams, visits from former big league players, and historic baseball videos. Twenty SABR members and guests enjoyed half-price hamburgers and fellowship at the Dublin gathering.
The group discussed some recent research members had completed, including biographies of Joe Pignatano, Ralph Branca and Ed Roebuck and further research on the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles. Doug McWilliams of Berkeley shared his collection of Lee Sussman baseball cartoons, including game-day scorecard covers for the Oakland Oaks and Oakland Athletics. McWilliams, a professional photographer who shot baseball cards for Topps among other clients during his career, also announced that his personal collection had been accepted for the archives of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
As a member of SABR’s national board of directors, I moderated a spirited trivia contest won by Mike Tormey of Alameda, with 24 correct answers of 33. Tormey won the book Mathematician at the Ballpark and a box of Cracker Jack. I also shared recent board developments and answered member questions. Topics covered included SABR’s financial state and 2010-2011 convention planning for national gatherings in Atlanta and Los Angeles. For the last hour we settled in to watch Game One of the 1979 NLCS on The MLB Network.
The organization plans to continue SABR Day in America every year on the last Saturday in January, on top of regular events held by its 55 local chapters and its 24 research committees and the annual convention held one long weekend each year between mid-June and early August. SABR also distributes three or four original publications each year sent to every member at no additional cost beyond the annual dues of $65.
If exploring such subjects as the history of spring training, women in baseball or the history and lore of ballparks appeals to you, you can explore joining SABR by visiting www.sabr.org or calling the national office at 800-969-7227.
SAMPLE SABR TRIVIA QUESTIONS
Try your luck with these trivia questions asked during SABR Day in America at Armadillo Willy’s restaurant in Dublin.
Which three players made up the starting outfield for the American League in the 1955, 1956, and 1957 All Star Games?
Ted Williams, Al Kaline, and Mickey MantleWho gave up the Will Clark’s National League Championship Series winning hit that put the Giants in the 1989 World Series?
Mitch WilliamsWho was the last A’s pitcher to start an All Star Game?
Dan Haren (2007 at AT&T Park)In 1973 Nolan Ryan threw two no hitters. Who were his two catchers?
Jeff Torborg and Art Kusnyer