Chapter Steering Committee

Dan Boyle, President
Andy Strasberg, Vice President
David Kinney, Treasurer
Tom Larwin, Secretary
Pete Meisner, Liaison - Public Library
Jay Walker
Greg Funk
John Green
Michael Metzger
Anna Newton
Bob Hicks, webmaster

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Summary of Programs and Projects, as of Spring 2009

The San Diego Ted Williams Chapter of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) was initiated in 1990. Most of the activities of the Chapter relate to the regional meetings that are normally held twice each year, in January/February and July/August. In addition, our Chapter has completed several unique research projects. A summary of Chapter programs, projects and special events is provided below.

      All-Time Padres Team, by Position, Pacific Coast League (PCL) and National League (1996) - our Chapter was asked by the San Diego Padres to provide our selections for all-time PCL and National League Padres teams, and the list was featured in an article in a 1996 summer edition of Padres Magazine.

      Baseball Film Series (1998) – this was a related part of our City of San Diego Library Project and was held at the downtown San Diego library. It was a four-film series (i.e., four different full-length films) held during April (one night each week for four weeks). The movies presented a range of eras and types: “Headin’ Home” with Babe Ruth, “Stealing Home” with Jodie Foster & Mark Harmon, “Damn Yankees” with Tab Hunter, and “Fear Strikes Out” with Anthony Perkins.

      Baseball Hall of Fame Electronic Field Trip (2005) – four Chapter members participated with Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and representatives from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in an educational forum for students from San Diego’s High Tech High related to 19th Century Baseball. The purpose was to help students with research for a radio program they will produce in spring 2005 on the subject.

      Baseball Hall of Fame Partnership (2006) – in 2006 our Chapter acquired over 200 microfilm files from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. These files can be accessed in our Baseball Research Center Guide (Microsoft Excel), and include:

	The Sporting Life (1883-1917) and Baseball Record (1885-86)
	Black Sox scandal records (1914-1969)
	Major League Baseball player questionnaires (1940s-1980s)
	Tom Burlin Collection of Questionnaires
	Official Averages, various leagues (1880s-1890s)
	Minor League Contract Cards (ca. 1900-1980)

      Baseball Reliquary Exhibit and Presentation (2003) – we coordinated with Terry Cannon, head of the Baseball Reliquary, to organize an exhibit of baseball artifacts in our central San Diego Library along with memorabilia from the Reliquary's permanent collection. Cannon also presented a slide show and video tape of unique baseball items and past Reliquary events, and the event concluded with Anne Oncken performing old-time baseball songs on the piano.

      “Books on Parade” (1992-current) – this review of new baseball books has been a periodic feature at our meetings. This review has been held at various meetings and has involved numerous members. The purpose is to provide first-hand information on new books before you buy the book!

      Book Sales and Raffles (1996-current) – at most of our regional meetings we have book sales and raffles.

      Boynton Baseball Research Award (2002-2004) – initiated in 2002, and named in honor of founding Chapter member Bob Boynton, this award is given to recognize baseball research conducted by San Diego County High School students. Awards given to date:

	2002—to Martha Aquilar (Vista HS), “A Look at the Creation of Modern Baseball, The Formation and Contributions of the Negro Leagues” (view HTML, view PDF)
	2003—Nathan Hicks, (Ramona HS), “If You Build It, Will They Come?” (view HTML, view PDF)
	2004—Nathan Hicks (Ramona HS), “Ted Williams, The Last .400 Hitter...Ever?” (view HTML, view PDF)

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      Comprehensive Game Reports (1998 and 1999) – we produced this entitled Facets of the Diamond: An Examination of One Game From Many Angles, May 13, 1998. There were written contributions from eight Chapter members who attended a Padres-Mets game on May 13, 1998. The articles were from the different perspectives of each member. Individual scorecards are included, along with media reports. Also included is various information surrounding the game of a “behind the scenes” nature. A second report was published the next year that covered a game on May 11, 1999 between the Padres and the Marlins.

      Focused Interviews (1998, 2001, 2003) – we have had a single subject regional meetings where the subject was interviews with Hall of Famer Jerry Coleman (1998) and Buzzie Bavasi (2001; view HTML, view PDF) conducted by SABR member and local broadcaster, Bob Chandler.  Coinciding with the meetings, reports were prepared that contained biographical material of their multi-faceted careers.

      "How to do Research" (1998) – this was a panel of four Chapter members discussing their various research interests, and tips on how to do research.

      Interview with Umpire Doug Harvey (2009) – on January 2000, former National League umpire Doug Harvey was interviewed at our regional meeting. The full interview was transcribed and can be found HERE.

      Joint Meetings with the Allan Roth (Los Angeles) Chapter at ‘The Diamond’ in Lake Elsinore (1996,2002) – in May 1996 we had a joint meeting at The Diamond ballpark and then stayed for a minor league game between the Lake Elsinore Storm and Modesto A’s. Activities included: a tour of the ballpark by Storm General Manager Kevin Haughian, a discussion with Storm 1B/OF Tony Moeder, and a presentation from Cece Carlucci, former PCL umpire. Our 2nd joint meeting was held at The Diamond in May 2002 and Storm Manager, and former major leaguer, George Hendricks headed the program.

      Lane Field Historical Marker (2003) - our Chapter raised monies for a marker that has been placed at the site of Lane Field, home of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) San Diego Padres, 1936-1957. Former PCL Padres player Max West joined as for the dedication ceremony in March 2003. The marker is located at the corner of Pacific Highway and Broadway in downtown San Diego.

      Major League Players Living in the San Diego Region (2008) – this is a list, in Excel format, of MLB players (and managers, coaches, and umpires, too), past and current, who are living in the San Diego region—a total of 178 (current through the start of the 2007 season). The table has information on their first year and last year in the big leagues, how many MLB games they played, and their zip code and community of residence. Check it out at our Chapter’s web site — it can be found on the bottom of the “research center” page or by clicking HERE (Microsoft Excel).

      Most Influential in San Diego Baseball During the 1900s (2001) – this report (view HTML, view PDF) was published in early 2001 and listed the 26 most influential individuals in San Diego baseball history during 1900-1999.  This list was the result of a survey of Chapter members.

      Participation with the Padres at their “1^st Pitch Weekend” (1997, 1998, 1999) – we have had an informational booth at several of these fan events, promoting SABR, selling publications, and raffling off certain items for fund raising to support our library project.

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