Bob Broeg St. Louis Chapter meeting recap – 2/23/2015
Fourteen brave members and guests of the Bob Broeg St. Louis Chapter gathered at The Original Crusoe’s Restaurant in South St. Louis on Monday, February 23, 2015, despite the frigid temperatures outside.
Chapter president Brian Flaspohler called the meeting to order.
Treasurer Wayne Hebden gave a financial report from the Hot Stove meeting on SABR Day, January 24, 2015. Those present who had attended the Hot Stove were, for the most part, positive on their remarks about the program that day.
Flaspohler announced a change on the proposed date for next month’s meeting. The meeting will now take place on Tuesday, March 24. He also announced once again the research conference that will take place in July. Monetary prizes will be given for the best research projects and this will be an open competition.
Bob Tiemann gave a presentation on the Cardinals’ longest winning streak (14 games) since joining the National League in 1892. It took place in 1935 and started July 2 with the final win coming on July 18. Brooklyn pitcher Johnny Babich ended the streak the following day, blanking the Cardinals 3-0.
Items noted in “Today in Baseball History” was the 1934 signing by Brooklyn of new manager Casey Stengel to a two-year contract, the beginning of the demolition of Ebbets Field in 1960, and Wade Boggs losing his arbitration case in 1986 with the Red Sox, but still being awarded the largest contract via the process to date with 1.35 million.
There was some good discussion on the new speed-up rules for the upcoming season. Our resident ultra Cub fan, Burton Boxerman, gave his optimistic views for the improved north-siders this coming season.
John Schoon gave a brief report on the book entitled, “The Baseball: Stunts, Scandals, and Secrets Beneath the Stitches” by Zack Hample which prompted several in the group to share their personal foul ball and home run ball stories.
Bob Tiemann’s trivia topic was “So Last Year – 2014 National League Leaders”. It was won by Mark Stangl, who answered 27 out of 39 possible.
Once again, next month’s meeting will be Tuesday, March 24.
— Jim Leefers, Secretary