SouthFloridaBaseballMeetings

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.

South Florida Chapter Spring Training, March 26 - Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter
St Louis Cardinals vs Florida Marlins

South Florida Chapter on SABR Day Saturday, January 29, 2011,
Joe Dimaggio Legends Game, Ft Lauderdale Stadium

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.

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.

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.

Juan receives an engraved pen from Sam
as an appreciation gift from the
South Florida Chapter members

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

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

John Virtue
May 24,2008

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 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.

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.

Society for American Baseball Research

South Florida Chapter

Baseball for South Florida

Home

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.

John Virtue
May 24,2008

A Day at the Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter
March 9, 2008

Society for American Baseball Research

South Florida Chapter

Baseball for South Florida

Home

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.

John Virtue May 24,2008

A Day at the Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter March 9, 2008

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.

John Virtue
May 24,2008

A Day at the Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter
March 9, 2008