Hanlan’s Point Chapter meeting recap – 9/14/2019

On a sunny Saturday, September 14, 2019, Hanlan’s Point SABR Chapter members travelled to beautiful Beachville, Ontario, home of the first recorded baseball game. Joined by members of the Tavistock and District History Society, we were treated to a lecture by Brian ‘Chip’ Martin, author of Baseball’s Creation Myth (McFarland Books), followed by lunch and a game of old-time baseball on the grounds of the Beachville District Museum. While the game tested the flexibility and reaction time of several of our players, it was great fun and we’re indebted to the curator of the Backhouse Historic Site, members of the Woodstock Actives, and the London Tecumsehs for their assistance with the rules and scoring.

Back in the museum after the game, Allen spoke on the 2019 SABR convention in San Diego, planned expansion of the chapter executive and plans for the chapter. Anyone interested in serving as chapter treasurer or the new positions of coordinator GTA and coordinator SW Ontario should contact Allen at atait4@cogeco.ca

Scott Crawford provided an update on the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Andrew North gave a progress report on the 4th annual Canadian Baseball History Conference, scheduled for November 9-10 in London. The conference will include a tour of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.  Chip Martin advised he will be speaking about the London Tecumsehs on October 16 (7:30 PM at the Old Court House, 399 Ridout St. London). 

A representative of the Tavistock and District History Society advised Allen Tait will be speaking about the Black Sox Scandal on October 23 (7:30 PM at Grace United Church, 116 Woodstock St. N. Tavistock).

There is a new feature on our Hanlan’s Point group page on the SABR website where we have added photos to the gallery from the event. This new feature will allow Barry to add all photos from previous Hanlan’s Point events. As always, photos are on our Facebook page.

Thanks to all who attended.

— Allen Tait
atait4@cogeco.ca