Rocky Mountain Chapter meeting recap – 8/31/2013
Last Saturday, August 31, 2013, 22 SABR members and friends of the Rocky Mountain Chapter had the opportunity to visit with Colorado Rockies Pitching Coach Jim Wright and Retire MLB Pitcher/ex-Rockies Jason Hirsh at Breckenridge Brewery and then enjoy watching Todd Helton attempt to obtain that last hit for 2,500 in his career at the Reds vs. Rockies game later that evening.
President Matthew Repplinger provided an overview of recent events and the upcoming 16th Annual Rocky Mountain Banquet being held November 15th, 2013, 6:00 p.m., at the Denver Athletic Club, 1325 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO.
Jenny Cavnar of Root Sports Rocky Mountain was the pitching panel emcee and provided a number of questions to Mr. Hirsh and Mr. Wright about pitching at Coors Field and on the road in visiting ballparks. Both panelists patiently answered any and all questions by the emcee and from the audience, especially addressing the complexity of pitching at altitude. Jason Hirsh provided insight from pitching at Security Service Field, Colorado Springs, CO as compared to pitching at Coors Field in Denver. Discussions lead to Mr. Wright discussing player development, ground ball type pitchers, type of pitchers at altitude, grip on baseballs at altitude, Pre and Post Humidor, pitching angle/ low in zone, pitchers mechanics, foundations, and pitchers mental focus on the Catcher’s mitt and target. Jason Hirsh provide player prospective on the issues provided and responded to by Jim Wright.
Chapter members who attended the event enjoyed the pitching panel members’ insight and explanations. Jason Hirsh and Jim Wright were praised as keynote speakers by all members and guests.
We will meet again for lunch at 12 p.m. noon Wednesday, September 18th at the Breckenridge Brewery in downtown Denver, and don’t forget the last 2013 Game of the Month on September 21st, contact Paul Parker for ticket orders. And save the date, November 15th, 2013 for RM SABR 16th Annual Banquet being held at 6:00 pm at the Denver Athletic Club.
See you then.
John Paul, Secretary
SABR, Rocky Mountain Chapter