Larry Dierker Chapter meeting recap – 6/22/2015

Larry Dierker Chapter SABR Members:

This past Monday, June 22, 2015, 28 chapter members met and thoroughly enjoyed a presentation by former Houston Astro Charlton Jimerson which was both historical and inspirational. Carlton grew up under the worst possible circumstances in Oakland, California and he didn’t pull any punches when discussing his dysfunctional family. With the love and dedication of his older sister Charlton was able to develop a strong and positive attitude that led to a college education, the 2001 MVP award at the College World Series and an opportunity to play baseball in the majors.

When asked Charlton took us on a second by second recreation of his first major league at bat, where he pinch hit for Roger Clemens and literally rooted for teammates Adam Everett and Brad Ausmus to make outs so he could get his chance. And what a chance it was!

Jimerson has written a book “Against All Odds – A Success Story” and speaks to youths on a regular basis on the consequences of making their own decisions and choices. Anyone interested in contacting Charlton for appearances,or motivational talks can do so by contacting him at 281-509-1558 or www4againstallodds@gmail.com.

Tony Cavender reviewed the recently published book on Ty Cobb which he highly recommends and Mike McCroskey spun a few great stories on some of his baseball experiences. Mike also presented the most creative trivia contest of all time based on the July 4th holiday which was won by Greg Lucas.

This coming Saturday we will represent SABR at the Astros-Yankees game to present a $2,500 SABR scholarship to a deserving high school senior.

Thanks to Bill McCurdy, Mike Vance, Jim Kreuz, Greg Moore and Brian McTaggert for volunteering to make presentations at future meetings. We welcome any and all volunteers.

Our next meeting will be on Monday July 20th at the Spaghetti Western.

Also, on Saturday June 27th, Mike Vance will give a presentation on the History of Black Baseball in Houston from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the Gregory Library, 1300 Victor in Freemen’s Town.

— Bob Dorrill
bdorrill@aol.com