Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter meeting recap – 3/6/2024
Members and guests of SABR’s Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter gathered on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Casa Grande Margaritas & Cocina in Tallahassee, Florida, for their monthly meeting. In attendance were:
- Matt Keelean, President
- Renee Watters, Communications Co-Director
- Brent Kallestad, Communications Co-Director
- Rick Swain, Treasurer
- Kent Putnam, Secretary
- Frank Alarcon
- Gar Chisenhall
- Fred Dunphy
- Ben Gaddis
- Bruce Grant
- Jeff Lickson
- Randy Neil (guest of Fred Dunphy)
- John Nogowski
- Chuck Rosciam
President Keelean called the meeting to order at approximately 6:08 PM. Fred introduced his guest, Randy Neil, a long time Cardinals fan whose allegiance has been moving toward the Braves in recent years. Next, attendees expressed sorrow over the recent passing of Judge James Joanos who made a memorable presentation at one of our meetings in the not-too-distant past.
Chuck reminded us of the approaching deadline for the Chapter’s prediction contest, refreshed our memories regarding the applicable rules, the unique scoring system, and the tie breaker.
We next considered the question of Chapter members as a group attending baseball games in our vicinity. FAMU’s home game against Alabama A&M on April 19, starting at 5 PM, was selected. Unfortunately, no TCC game meets our criteria.
Dates for our upcoming meetings are April 3, May 1, June 5, and July 10. There will be no August meeting (deferring to the National meeting in Minneapolis) and then back together as a chapter on September 4.
Those who have attended SABR National Conventions in the past spoke highly of their experiences and encouraged members to attend this year’s event on August 7-11 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. President Keelean also described the benefits of joining SABR’s committees.
Then it was time for the Chapter’s annual Trivia Contest. Rick Swaine, armed with 25 difficult-to-near-impossible queries, moderated while President Keelean kept score and the undersigned served as referee. When the dust settled John Nogowski emerged as our winner. He accepted the traveling trophy from last year’s victor, Frank Alarcon, as photographers recorded the moment.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kent Putnam, Chapter Secretary
John Nogowski accepts his trophy from Frank Alarcon as the trivia champion at the SABR Buck O’Neil/North Florida Chapter meeting on March 6, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida.