Call for papers: 2026 SABR Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference
DECEMBER 16, 2025 — SABR’s Negro Leagues Research Committee will host the 26th annual Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference on June 18-21, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to two days of research presentations and player/author panels, attendees will also enjoy special presentations connected to our theme of “Black Baseball in the Land of the Delta Blues” and the city of Memphis.
This interdisciplinary conference welcomes proposals for oral and poster presentations from all research fields. Previous presenters have included college faculty, public school teachers, graduate students, and independent scholars.
Presentations may focus on any topic related to the theme, or other Black baseball topics. Some possibilities include the Memphis Red Sox, Terry “harmonica” Bean, Laurel Black Cats, Cool Papa Bell, Jackson Cubs, Hattiesburg Blacksox, Dan Bankhead, Blues and baseball, Charley Pride and much more. Proposals should include a 250-word abstract, plus a brief biographical note with contact information. For poster presentations, please indicate the number and size of posters you wish to display.
Please email your proposal as a Word attachment to Dr. Leslie Heaphy at Lheaphy@kent.edu before March 2, 2026. Or send via traditional mail to Leslie Heaphy at: KSU at Stark, 6000 Frank Rd, North Canton, OH 44720.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Leslie Heaphy (Lheaphy@kent.edu). Notifications will go out by March 25.
For conference updates, visit SABR.org/malloy.
Originally published: December 16, 2025. Last Updated: December 16, 2025.