|
About
SABR / South Florida (SFL) Chapter
The Raymond Gonzales News & Notes
Chapter
Meetings
FL
Teams
FL
Baseball History
FL Researchers
Resources
Recent
Books
Contact
Us
SABR
|
September 10
South Florida Chapter Meeting
Our keynote speaker was writer and fellow SABR member Dennis Corcoran and author
of
Cooperstown: A History of the Baseball Hall of Fame Ceremony.

Wade Berstler shared his thoughts on what was covered/presented at the recent Frederick Ivor-Campbell Conference on 19th Century Baseball
George Gelda, The Dominican Connection, a book about the rise of Dominicans in the Major Leagues since the late 1950’s. He is now completing a second book titled, Cuba-The Audacious Revolution. The book highlights the daily struggles of Cubans, among other things, and includes a chapter on Cuban baseball. George’s topic was Baseball’s evolution in a revolutionary society-The Cuban example.
Dennis and Sam Zygner, co-chair South Florida, and Tito Rondon and George
South Florida Chapter Spring Training, March 26 - Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter
St Louis Cardinals vs Florida Marlins


And the winner - The Marlins with three runs in the bottom of the 9th.
South Florida Chapter on SABR Day Saturday, January 29,
2011,
Joe Dimaggio Legends Game, Ft Lauderdale Stadium
South Florida Chapter

Minnie Minoso and Oil Can Boyd

Bill Lee and Cookie Rojas
October 9, 2010
The South Florida Chapter of SABR was proud to have, as their Keynote Speaker, the pre-eminent
Marlins Beat Writer from the Sun Sentinel, Juan Rodríguez.
Juan discussed, to the delight of all in attendance, Sabrmetrics and the media and how coverage of
baseball has changed with the advent of Twitter, Facebook, and other new technologies.

Juan Rodriquez
Also presenting was Co-Chair of the group, Sam Zygner, who presented a slideshow and discussed "The One and Only Greatest Game Ever Played in the Orange Bowl", involving the 1956 Miami Marlins.

Sam Zygner
Barry Deutsch presented his experiences in SABR sponsored Arizona Fall Conferences.

Barry Deutsch
SABR member Alberto "Tito" Rondon, thanked Sam Zygner for being the catalyst in his receipt of the
2010 Eduardo Valero Award for outstanding contributions to SABR's Latino baseball committee's publication, LA PRENSA DEL BEISBOL LATINO. SABR presented the award to Tito at the SABR 40 in Atlanta.
We had a lively question and answer period during the 2 1/2 hour meeting and members stayed afterwards to continue talking baseball with Juan Rodriguez and the rest of their fellow SABRites.
We thank Juan Rodriguez, "Tito" Rondon and Barry Deutsch for their participation, as well as all the members who attended, donated and who continue to loyally support their chapter
.

Juan receives an engraved pen from Sam
as an appreciation gift
from the
South Florida Chapter members
June 19, 2010
(Night at the Ballpark)
It was an evening to remember, for all those in attendance at our most recent,
South Florida Chapter Night at the Ballpark. Although the sound of horns probably
resonated in our ears for a couple days from the onslaught of Vuvuzele’s, it didn’t
dampen the excitement of an exciting 9-8 victory had by the visiting Tampa Rays.
All-in-all the weather was cooperative and provided a comfortable evening for all
the SABR members in attendance. The only regrets were that more baseball
conversation couldn’t be shared. Some of our fellow SABR members came
from as far as the Tampa area, and northern Florida to participate in the event.
Thanks to all who attended and I look forward to seeing everyone at a future get together.
Many Happy Innings
Sam
March 13, 2010
Cesar Lopez pinch hit on short noticed, drove in the winning run, and
throughly briefed us on the evolution of the Cuban baseball cards.

Like
the American baseball cards, tobacco companies originally sponsored Cuban
baseball cards.
To
learn much more, see Cesar very informative web site at www.cubanball.com
And as promised, we watched and enjoyed the DVD Behind the Scenes view of major league baseball narrated by
former Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians star outfielder, George
Case, Jr.

The film
is an unusual look into major league baseball during the years immediately
prior to WWII and concluding in 1946, a year after the end of the war.
This is what life was like in the major leagues from a ballplayer’s
view.
We will see
the following:
- President
Franklin D. Roosevelt throwing out the first ball
- At least
15 Hall of Famers in their playing days including Bill Dickey, Joe DiMaggio,
Jimmie Foxx, Hank Greenberg, Lefty Grove and Ted Williams
- Footage
from spring training, bus rides, train travel, pre-game promotions and
clubhouse scenes
This DVD
was filmed by George Case, Jr., and it is from original 8mm Color Films.
Around
the League 1939-1946. George Case, Jr. was the Major League stolen
base leader 1939-1943 and the American League stolen base leader 1939-1943,
and 1946.
It is was
entertaining, and in some cases, we saw never before seen footage.
For further
information on George Case, Jr., see the word press web site at http://case123.wordpress.com
George Case,
III, may be contacted at case67@verizon.net
November 7, 2009
Dante Plassio, Miami
Diamantes
and
the Florida Winter Baseball League
(FWBL)
Dante
provided us with insights to the forming of a first year league and team:
The signing of the players; the travels; and the accomodations for the
team. The FWBL is one of the very few leagues that employ players that
are both independent and affilated. This is the first year of the league
and Dante promised more to come in the future with possible expansion
into other parts of Florida. To learn more of the league, the teams, including
the players, click on FWBL and the Miami Diamantes above. Tickets are
not only reasonable, they are cheap at $5 per game.
Dante, a native of Pennsylvania, also has worked for the affiliated teams
Fort Myers Miracles and Charlotte Stone Crabs.

Sam Zygner, South Florida SABR Co-Chair, on the left,
and Dante on the right.
Lyle
Spatz
Lyle,
recipient of the Bob Davids Award for the year 2000, and the
Chairman of the SABR Baseball Record Committe presented Dubious
Memories. Lyle
presented examples on how memories differ from the records. For example:

What
really happened is that Ron did not bat until the second inning
and he fouled out to the catcher.
Paul
Proia
Paul
the author of Just a Big Kid: The Life and Times of Rube Waddell,
promised a twist to the topic The Best Hitting Team in Baseball
History and Paul fulfilled his promised.

The
best hitting team in baseball history were the opponents of the PhiladelphiaPhillies
of the 1930' aided by just plain bad Phillies' pitching and the above
hitter friendly Baker Bowl.
For
more of Paul's gems, see Paul's Mighty
Casey web page and for more on the Phillies of the1930's, see Tom
Raune's article on the Retrosheet
Lyle
on the left, Sam center, and Paul on the right
And
finally and most important,
The South Florida SABR Chapter
World Council
Committee Meeting
Solving the World's Most Crucial Problems.
   
Will the Marlins, Rays, Twins, Cubs, Pirates, and Nationals make the
playoffs in 2010? Will the Yankees finish last in the American League
East in 2010?
Stay tuned for the answers to these critical questions of the Council
!
**For larger images of the Council, please click through
each image.
June 6, 2009 Meeting
FLORIDA MARLINS HOST SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Place: Land Shark Stadium - By Sam Zygner, Co-Chair South Florida SABR
Chapter
Not even the drizzling
rain that greeted us at Land Shark Stadium could dampen the anticipation
and spirit of all of the SABR members, family and guests in attendance.
It was an evening that all who participated in will not soon forget.

May Abrams
The
Chapter event was kicked off in style by May Abrams, wife of late major
league baseball star Cal Abrams (1924-1997), who entertained everyone
with tales of her, and her husband’s experiences during the Golden
Age of Baseball. Although all was not roses, May said, “If I had
it to do over again, I wouldn’t change a minute of it”. May
graciously shared many a fascinating story including Cal’s fabulous
1956 season with the then AAA Miami Marlins when he earned the team’s
Most Valuable Player Award. As most of you remember Cal came up with the
Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949, and along the way during in his eight year MLB
career also roamed the outfield for the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates,
Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox.
 
Jeff Conine on the left and Larry
Beinfest on the right
Marlins
General Manager, Larry Beinfest, and Mr. Marlin Jeff Conine then
followed and shared many
interesting insights into Marlins player development, scouting, and frank
discussion about current Marlins personnel. Many questions were posed
to Larry and Jeff who both provided upfront and informative answers. Much
to the chagrin of all Marlins fans, Jeff joked that he was planning no
Bret Favre - type comeback.
Despite
a rain delay, everyone enjoyed the Marlins victory over the San Francisco
Giants 5-4. The baseball banter was flying, and in addition to having
been entertaining, everyone enjoyed the excellent company and shared many
hardball memories. The camaraderie was enjoyable to watch.
Matthew
Keelean, wins the award for most stalwart SABR member. Matthew drove from
Havana, Florida, that is near the Florida-Georgia border, to attend the
meeting. Matthew is currently pursuing starting a new Chapter in Northern
Florida and we look forward to seeing the Chapter coming to fruition.
I wish
to express my sincerest gratitude to the members who attended, and who
have throughout the last couple of years, supported the re-establishment
of the South Florida Chapter. Thank you and see you at the next Chapter
Meeting.
Many
Happy Innings
Sam

February
21, 2009 Meeting
The
Tamarac Library played host to our South Florida Chapter meeting. For
all those in attendance it was an interesting day, to say the least.
Leading off the festivities
was Mike Berardino, nationally known South Florida Sun-Sentinel sports
and beat writer covering baseball and the Florida Marlins. Mike’s
insights into such topics as Hall of Fame voting, steroids, and behind
the scenes perspectives set off some lively questioning and debate from
the enthusiastic capacity audience.

Berardino thoroughly
enjoy answering all of the questions that were posed to him and expressed
how happy he was to meet with so many baseball fans that shared his same
passion.
Next up to bat was
Pete Palmer, who shared many fascinating facts concerning the history
of statistics. Although many of us consider baseball statistics to be
quite accurate, Pete’s ongoing research has uncovered many discrepancies.
Palmer shared many interesting anecdotes. Some of Pete’s major finds
were early 1900’s batting and fielding statistics. Palmer shared
some lesser know corrections such as Wayland Dean’s (1926 Phil NL)
ERA being lowered from 6.09 to 4.91, to cup of coffee Tom Patton (1957
Balt AL) being correctly credited with the proper interpretation of his
batting line.

In addition, we were
also were honored to have in attendance, Tom Hufford, one of the original
sixteen founding members of SABR who is currently also a SABR Director.
He and his wife Nan split their time between Marietta, Georgia and Vero
Beach Florida.
We would like to thank
both Mike Berardino and Pete Palmer for being so tremendously generous
with their time and regaling all of the SABR members, family and friends
in attendance, with a meeting that we all will not soon forget

On a personal note,
I would like to thank all of those in attendance that made a donation
to help defer some costs. It is greatly appreciated and I look forward
to seeing everyone at the next meeting.
Many Happy Innings,
Sam Zygner, Co-Chair
South Florida Chapter
SABR

September
27, 2008
Sun-Sentinel
Article
October
23, 2008
The
Tamarac Public Library once again served as the home park for our South
Florida Chapter. As promised, we had a full slate of activities. All enjoyed
a day of fellowship, good speakers, and a little trivia added for spice.
  
Photo 1: Paul Proia:
Author of Just a Big Kid: The Life & Times of Rube Waddell
reads a passage from his book.
Photo 2: George Gedda: Baseball in the Dominican Republic.
Photo 3: Co-chair Sam Zygner presents Tony Zardon the photo plaque by
South Florida SABR Chapter on September 27, 2008. The inscription reads:
Jose A. Zardon (El Guineo) South Florida Chapter, SABR 2008 -
Photo courtesy of Cesar L Lopez www.cubanball.com
Chapter
Co-Chair Sam Zygner kicked it all off with announcements. In addition,
a Thinking of You card was passed around the room for each member
to sign and express their best wishes towards fellow South Florida Chapter
SABR’ite (and one of 16 original SABR members), Raymond Gonzalez.
He is recuperating from a recent illness. The card will be given to Ray
in person in the near future. In speaking with him telephonically, he
said that he always believed that he was born with little baseballs
running through my veins. It was very touching. So goes his love
of baseball, baseball research and the Yankees.
- Our first speaker
was George Gedda, retired AP diplomatic correspondent. George shared
his thoughts on Dominican baseball, and how conditions have changed
for the better, for the players from this poor country who are seeking
the American dream. George also discussed how many early Latin ballplayers
suffered numerous indignities while trying to forge a career in the
U.S.
- Our keynote speaker,
Paul Proia author of “Just a Big Kid: The Life and Times of
Rube Waddell”, regaled the audience with stories and insights
into the life of probably the most colorful baseball personality to
ever grace the diamond. Paul separated fact from fiction concerning
many of the myths that surround Waddell and offered a unique perspective
into his career and life, both of which came to too early of an end.
Paul was a dynamic speaker that kept the members in attendance mesmerized
with his talk.
- Our special guest,
Jose Tony (El Guineo) Zardon was honored and presented
with a photo plaque highlighting his long-time international baseball
career. Tony was a member of the 1945 Washington Senators; a star player
in the Florida International League, played professionally in Cuba,
Mexico and Venezuela, and was a member of various minor league teams
in the U.S. including the Chattanooga Lookouts, and Charlotte Hornets,
among others. The inscription reads: Jose A. Zardon El Guineo,
South Florida Chapter, SABR 2008.
- Warren Klein,
concluded the meeting with a trivia contest that challenged the most
ardent of baseball aficionados. It was most unique and entertaining.
The winner of the contest with a score of 9 out of 10 was Mets fan and
motivational speaker Wade Berstler, who took away the and prize. Everyone
needs to start putting on their thinking caps as Warren will be hosting
the trivia contest at our future meetings.
Thank you to all
those in attendance, as well as our speakers who did an excellent job.
Thank you also to our former major leaguer Jose A. Tony Zardon
and his wife Marlene for attending..
 
Photo 4: Sam Zygner,
Co-Chair South Florida SABR Chapter, Jose A. Tony Zardon (El Guineo) and
SABR member, collector and historian Cesar Lopez.
Photo 5: Sam Zygner, Co-Chair, fellow SABR members Peter Carlson, author
Paul Proia, Howard Wasserman, bottom row: Cesar Lopez, Tony Zardon (holding
his photo plaque) and his wife Marlene Zardon.

Photo
6: Tony Zardon, former Washington Senator, shares a story with author
Paul Proia of batting against Bob Feller.

Photo
7: The infamous photo plaque.

Sam Zygner, Co-Chair South Florida SABR Chapter

John Virtue
John
Virtue
May
24,2008
Author
of South
of the Color Barrier
The account
of the adventures of the dashing, ambitious, and wealthy entrepreneur
Jorge Pasquel. Pasquel is best known for his attempted raids on major
league players and the signing of high profile Negro League stars. The
book not only puts integration of MLB baseball in context with with which
most readers will be unfamiliar, it reviews the historical relationship
between Mexico and the U.S, in a way that will make most readers cringe,


A
Day at the Roger Dean
Stadium in Jupiter
March 9, 2008
Roger
Dean Stadium is the the only stadium that hosts two major league spring
training teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins;
and two minor league teams Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter
Hammerheads, Florida State League teams of the Cardinals and Marlins.
Set up
by Sam Zygner, we enjoyed the Marlins hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Included
was a great buffet lunch. No speaker; just a lot of good conversation
with fellow South Florida SABR Chapter members.


Bonnie
Crosby and Jean Pierre Roy
November
10, 2007
Bonnie
Crosby is the co-author of Through
a Blue Lens and is the daugher of the late Brooklyn Dodgers
photographer Barney Stein, who was the official photographer from 1937
- 1957.
Jean
Pierre Roy pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Montreal
Royals, Rochester Red Wings, the Mexican League,
and the Cuban Winter League. After his playing days, Mr. Roy
was a successful commentator for the Montreal Expos from 1968
- 1984.

Susan
Dellinger
August 18, 2007
Dr. Susan
Dellinger, author of Red
Legs and Black Sox and grandaughter of Hall-of-Fame outfielder
Edd Roush, focuses on the 1919 World Series from the Cincinnati Reds perspective,
as told by her grandfather star of the 1919 Reds. Edd Roush was one of
the most interesting players of the game from the early era.

|
|