Boston Chapter meeting recap – 11/7/2015
The SABR Boston Chapter held its fall meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at The Non Profit Center in Boston.
The meeting was a treat for anyone who attended, and ’tis a shame many were unable to attend. We could do another meeting without repeating much and could spend more time talking about the subjects that came up. David Kaiser gave us a much appreciated dose of stats garnished with theory with “Park Effects and Dynasties: The Pitching and Hitting of Yankees and Red Sox.”
Stephen McKelvey presented his “Labor of Love,” a fascinating collection of memorabilia and memories about his father’s vast baseball collection, now available in his book.
Dixie Tourangeau gave us a preview of the upcoming 1871-1875 Red Stocking book and told the story of “a bunch of Boys who whooped it up at the Parker House saloon.” Now we know.
Bob Brady reminded us of the 100th anniversary of Braves Field with a very impressive video showing the field as it was and what it looks like there today at BU’s Nickerson field.
The ultimate speaker was former Red Sox pitcher Ken Ryan, who gave an entertaining, classic story of his career rising up through the minor leagues to the majors, a journey that was not easy, sometimes not fun, but very remarkable and poignant. He brought along his father who as written a book about Ken’s career, and he spoke as well about his experience watching Ken develop into a major league pitcher and the challenge he faced writing about it.
Word was received from the Red Sox front office requesting if anyone managed to snap a photo of Ken, please let me know, as they are interested in a copy for their alumni newsletter. This brings to mind that we need an “official” photographer to record such moments, and if you have a photo, you’ll get a byline in their newsletter! So check your cameras. Let me know if you are the winner.
The next Chapter meeting will be held, as usual on MLK Day, January 18, 2016, at The Baseball Tavern. Stay tuned for updates.
— Joanne Hulbert
Photos courtesy of Dixie Tourangeau: