SABR 54: Hear from Cleveland Guardians executives, ‘Major League’ film director
JANUARY 28, 2026 — At this summer’s SABR 54 convention on July 29–August 2, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, attendees will have a chance to hear from the creator of an iconic baseball movie and top brass from one of baseball’s most forward-thinking front offices.
Here’s our initial group of speakers, with player panels and more to be announced soon:
- David S. Ward, writer and director of Major League, who will lead a Q&A session following a screening of the classic 1989 baseball film
- Sky Andrecheck, Assistant General Manager, Cleveland Guardians
- Keith Woolner, Principal Data Scientist, Baseball Analytics, Cleveland Guardians
- Kyle Burris, Director, Research & Development, Cleveland Guardians
- Stay tuned for more speakers and panelists to be announced!
Please note: All speakers are subject to change depending on availability.
Along with a fantastic speaking lineup, here are more highlights to look forward to at SABR 54:
- Cleveland Guardians vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game on Friday, July 31, featuring a pregame buffet for SABR members that will give attendees a great opportunity to socialize and network.
- Exciting optional programming including a bus tour of historic Cleveland baseball sites, featuring a stop at League Park (former home of the Indians and Buckeyes amongst numerous others) where you’ll be able to play catch on the same grounds where Babe Ruth hit his 500th home run.
- Upgraded Welcome Reception featuring great food, drink, and SABR award presentations.
- Expanded Closing Ceremonies featuring our famous Trivia Contest, which will again include the popular “Immaculate Feud” segment and expanded opportunities for participation.
- Social gatherings, including coffee talks on Thursday and Friday morning and an Open House at the Cleveland Public Library, to help first-timers and veterans alike make the most of their convention and SABR experience.
- A fantastic hotel property at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, conveniently located within walking distance of Progressive Field and other downtown attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Whether you’re attending your first SABR convention or returning as a longtime regular, this is a great year to be part of the experience. Newcomers will find plenty of opportunities to connect and build baseball friendships, while veteran attendees can look forward to a richly layered event. It promises to be an unforgettable week of baseball fellowship in “The Land,” and we hope you’ll join us!
Conference and hotel registration for SABR 54 will open on Tuesday, February 3 at SABR.org/convention. All baseball fans are welcome to attend!
- Reminder—Call for presentations: SABR invites all members to give an oral or poster research presentation at SABR 54 in Cleveland, Ohio. Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 22. Click here to learn more or to submit an abstract.
Originally published: January 28, 2026. Last Updated: January 27, 2026.