Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter meeting recap – 11/1/2023
Members and guests of SABR’s Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter assembled on November 1, 2023, at the Florida State University Baseball Complex, Tallahassee, Florida, for a very special meeting. In attendance were:
- Matt Keelean, President
- Matt Hudson, Vice President
- Renee Watters. Communications Co-Director
- Brent Kallestad, Communications Co-Director
- Rick Swain, Treasurer
- Kent Putnam, Secretary
- Frank Alarcon
- Susan Allen
- Franklin Billingslea
- Gar Chisenhall
- Connor Evora
- Diana Kampert
- Jeff Lickson
- Brian Logan
- Jason Maine
- John Nogowski
- Mark Pelt
- Jim Turner
- Andrew Waber
The evening commenced when we gathered in the third base dugout at Howser Stadium, home of the Florida State University Seminoles. Assistant Coach Micah Posey and Quality Control Analyst Rob Collison greeted us. We strolled across the field, noting the natural grass and dirt playing field surrounded by artificial turf in foul territory. We entered the cages down the first baseline. Posey and Collison showed us the batting and pitching cages and explained how technology is being used to help the players perform at their best.
Access to the FSU baseball suite was through the Griffin Family Clubhouse and the Mike Loynd Tradition Room; the facilities and hardware were very impressive. Head Coach Link Jarrett welcomed us and shared his philosophy: the object is to win games and you do that by scoring more runs than the opponent. In addition to offensive strategy and execution, it is also important to limit opponents’ scoring with sound defense. After sharing his experiences coaching in indoor facilities in colder climes, he gave us an in-depth talk on how positioning defensive players helps the team win games.
Following this presentation, Jarrett answered questions about calling pitches, recruiting, technology, the MLB season, the comings and goings of former FSU players, and his plans for the future of the program. Posey and Collison concluded the meeting with a presentation on pitching metrics, their application in pitcher development, and a brief review of the current FSU pitching staff. They also entertained questions from Chapter attendees.
Upon completion of the presentations Chapter members expressed their appreciation to Coach Jarrett and his staff for sharing their valuable time to entertaining and enlightening us. We then adjourned at approximately 8 PM.
On a personal note, the undersigned very much appreciates the time and attention Coach Jarrett and his staff devoted to making this a memorable evening. I have little doubt that other Chapter members were similarly impressed.
— Kent Putnam
Chapter Secretary