SABR Research Grants
SABR Research Grants are intended to support original scholarly work that aligns with our organization’s core mission: fostering the study, discussion, and understanding of all aspects of baseball. We invite proposals that deepen our knowledge of baseball from various disciplines, including (but not limited to) history and the broader humanities, analytics, data science, business, law, biomechanics, and kinesiology. Applications that support the completion of a lasting outcome, such as a peer-reviewed publication or public exhibit, are highly encouraged.
Stay tuned for more details on applications for the 2027 funding cycle. In 2026, SABR will award a total of $10,000 in support of up to two research projects.
2026 Research Grant Recipients
- Routine-Oriented Traits and Position-Specific Performance in Collegiate Baseball
Taku Imaizumi, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Japan - Growing Accessible Biomechanics Data and Analysis with Computer Vision
Hassan Rafique, Assistant Professor in Sport Analytics, Syracuse University
Jeremy Losak, Associate Professor in Sport Analytics, Syracuse University
Click here to learn more about their research projects
Eligibility
SABR Research Grants are open to individual researchers or groups of researchers, with preference given to those with terminal degrees in their field of study and/or demonstrated professional achievement in that field. Applicants do not need to be active SABR members to submit a proposal; however, grant recipients who are not members are encouraged to join to take advantage of SABR’s research resources and community of subject-matter experts. Preference will be given to applicants who indicate they will utilize existing SABR resources and publications in their work.
How to Apply
Stay tuned for more details on applications for the 2027 funding cycle. Proposals should include:
- A narrative description of the project and research needs (not to exceed 500 words)
- An overview of your research questions, proposed methodology, and anticipated outcomes.
- An overall timeline for the research plan, including the intended utilization of SABR resources and/or publications.
- A budget detailing the expenses to be covered by the grant funds.
- If the recipient intends to use the SABR grant to fund a portion of the total project research expenses, please summarize the other funds that will support completion of the project.
- Current CV
- For proposals with multiple applicants, a current CV for each applicant is required.
Key Dates
- March 1, 2026: Proposals Due
- April 1, 2026: Project Award(s) Announced
- December 31, 2026: Latest date for Mid-project Reports due to SABR
- October 1, 2027: Latest date for all funds to be spent down by the recipient(s)
- November 30, 2028: Latest date for presentation of findings
For more details or specific inquiries, please contact Paul Zwirecki.
Click on a link below to learn more about selection criteria and other frequently asked questions.
Details on the Use of Funding
- Grant funds must be used to support research conducted between the date of award and October 1, 2027.
- Grant funds are intended to defray research costs directly incurred by the recipient(s). Funds are not to be used for institutional overhead costs or any illegal or impermissible activities that might compromise SABR’s 501(c)(3) status.
- Funds will be dispersed in stages based on the applicant’s timeline and are subject to satisfactory progress reports during the grant period.
- By the end of November 2028, the recipient(s) must share their findings with the SABR membership and public via at least one of the following:
- A SABR Webinar (flexible dates)
- A presentation at a SABR event
- An article in a SABR publication
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed by SABR’s Research Grant Committee and evaluated based on:
- The potential of the proposed research to advance our understanding of baseball.
- The applicant’s ability to complete the proposed research plan on time and on budget.
- The potential for the findings to be presented in a professional setting and/or be published upon completion of the research.