Bob Broeg St. Louis Chapter meeting recap – 2/23/2016

Seventeen members and guests of the Bob Broeg St. Louis Chapter gathered at The Original Crusoe’s Restaurant in South St. Louis on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.

Chapter president Brian Flaspohler called the meeting to order and spoke about the Hot Stove Luncheon that was held on SABR Day, January 30. A large majority of the comments from those that attended were very positive toward the venue (Favazza’s on The Hill), the guest speakers, the menu, and the research presentation on Chris von der Ahe. Flaspohler also challenged possible presenters to begin thinking about research topics for this year’s chapter research conference on August 30.

Items noted in “Today in Baseball History” was the 1888 signing of James “Pud” Galvin for $3,000 with Pittsburgh, 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 the 2011 announcement of Adam Wainwright needing to have Tommy John surgery and missing the entire upcoming season.

Flaspohler recommended that the annual Baseball Prospectus continues to be one of the essential books to add to ones baseball library every year and discussed the evaluation of this year’s Cardinals in the 2016 edition.

General discussion topics included the improved strength of the Chicago Cubs and whether it will transfer to the field of play, and the Hall of Fame credentials of Yadier Molina.

Bob Tiemann’s trivia topic was “Individual Crowns” on batting average, home run, and RBI leaders in the National League. It was won by Mark Stangl who answered 35 out of 42 possible.

Next month’s meeting will be Monday, March 21.

— Jim Leefers, Secretary