Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter meeting recap – 3/1/2023
Members of the SABR Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter gathered on March 1, 2023, in the Legends Room at Glory Days Grill, Tallahassee, Florida, for their monthly meeting. In attendance were:
- Matt Hudson, Vice President
- Renee Watters, Communications Co-Director
- Rick Swain, Treasurer
- Kent Putnam, Secretary
- Susan Allen
- Obrey Brown
- Gar Chisenhall
- Fred Dunphy
- Bruce Grant
- Brian Logan
- Mark Pelt
- Glenn Robertson
- Chuck Rosciam
- Jim Turner
Veep Matt Hudson took the helm in the absence of Matt Keelean who was unable to be present at the meeting. After introductions Chuck reminded us that it’s time for the Chapter’s annual MLB predictions contest with our best guesses due no later than twelve o’clock noon on March 29. The scoring system was reviewed, including the tie breaker. Chuck shared the outcomes of his computer research re the likely success of all teams in the upcoming season.
Our special guest was Will Cowen, Chief Operating Officer of Rising Spear, a collective that provides NIL opportunities to athletes at FSU. Will explained his background, how NIL works and the role that Rising Spear plays in the process. He answered our questions on subjects ranging from what recruits, coaches, and boosters can and can’t do during recruiting, how funds are distributed between and within the university’s sports programs, and more.
Chapter members were encouraged to attend a FAMU home baseball as a group on May 13, 2023.
Matt reviewed the upcoming changes to Major League Baseball regarding the clock timers affecting both hitters and pitchers, restrictions on defensive alignments (effectively outlawing the shift), and the new larger but lower bases. They will be, the group agreed, interesting experiments. The pitch clock will not be easy to implement but should help speed up the game, a needed change.
Kent told of the taking of his photograph “SABR Night at PNC Park” and how it came to appear on the back cover of Turnstyle #3, a SABR publication.
Matt reminded us that it was Harry Caray’s birthday and Obrey told us of interesting incidents he has experienced over the years due to his resemblance to the late announcer.
Our baseball knowledge was tested by Matt’s trivia questions.
No objection was heard to holding the April 2023 Chapter meeting at Casa Grande.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kent Putnam
Chapter Secretary