Chapter Steering Committee

Dan Boyle, President
Andy Strasberg, Vice President
David Kinney, Treasurer
Tom Larwin, Secretary
Steve Wheeler, Liaison from San Diego Public Library
Jay Walker
Greg Funk
John Green
Michael Metzger
Bob Hicks, webmaster

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Summary of Programs and Projects, 1990-2005

The San Diego Ted Williams Chapter of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) was started 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. Many of the projects and programs described below take place at these meetings. However, there are other past and current activities that the Chapter has been engaged in related to baseball history and research. A summary of these projects and programs is listed below:

      Baseball Film Series (April 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 Reliquary Exhibit and Presentation (August 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” (ongoing) – this review of new baseball books has been a regular 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 and ongoing) – at most of our regional meetings we have book sales and raffles.

      Boynton Baseball Research Award (2002-2004) – initiated in 2002 this award is given to recognize baseball research conducted by a San Diego County High School student. Three awards have been given to date for these papers:

	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)

      Celebration of “The Kid” (March 2003) – we organized a day-long meeting at the San Diego Hall of Champions celebrating the life and baseball career of San Diego’s Ted Williams. A wide-ranging group of presentations were given covering Williams’s military service, his baseball camp, and his minor and major league career. Former players Ray Boone, Jack Harshman, and Max West formed one panel. In addition, some of his boyhood friends and relatives participated in two other panels. Well known baseball authors Bill Nowlin and John Holway also made presentations. A product resulting from the symposium is a book entitled The Kid from San Diego due to be released in March 2005.

      Comprehensive Game Report (May 13, 1998) – we have produced a report with written contributions from chapter members who attended a Padres-Mets game in May 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.

      Focused Interviews (November 1998, October 2001, August 2003) – we have had a single subject regional meetings where the subject was interviews with 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.  In August 2003 we held a special meeting at which author Larry Baldassaro held court. A SABR member, he joined us to talk about his new book, Ted Williams: Reflections on a Splendid Life (edited by Larry with a Foreword by Dom DiMaggio).

      Hall of Fame Electronic Field Trip (February 2005) – four chapter members participated with Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and representatives from the Baseball Hall of Fame in an educational forum for students from 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.

      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 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 George Hendricks headed the program.

      Lane Field Historical Marker (March 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. The marker is located at the corner of Pacific Highway and Broadway in downtown San Diego.

      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.

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

      Participation with the Padres at their “1^st Pitch Week end” (February 1997, February 1998, and February 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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     San Diego Baseball History (1993) – this was a report that our chapter prepared in support of the SABR 23 national convention held in San Diego in June 1993.  There were a number of articles covering all aspects of baseball in San Diego.

     San Diego SABR Baseball Research Center (1997 and ongoing) – we have developed a partnership with the City of San Diego Library system to house the Center in the downtown library. Major acquisitions were initiated in 2001. All of the library’s baseball holdings have been translated to the SABR Baseball Index. A major partnership is under development with the Baseball Hall of Fame for acquisition of unique research materials.

      Selection of All-Time Padres Team, by Position, Pacific Coast League (PCL) and National League (1996), and PCL Padres Hall of Fame (2004) - in 1996 our chapter was asked by the Padres to provide our selections for all-time PCL and National League Padres teams, and the list was featured in their Padres Magazine. Then, in September 2004, our Chapter picked up the dormant PCL Padres Hall of Fame and completed selection of players from the Westgate Park era as well as several others. Plaques of each will be displayed in the Petco Park PCL Club.

      Trivia Contests (1990 and ongoing) – most of our regional meetings feature trivia contests that serve to educate and entertain – and, to reward the winner with some baseball related gift.

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