January 12, 2010

We had an unusually large crowd of 37 members and friends attend our January Hot Stove League meeting this past Tuesday where our guests included Chris Sampson and Alyson Footer of the Houston Astros.

The first order of business was for Matt Rejmaniak to preview the DVD he and Bill McCurdy had put together, of the roundtable discussion last December between Monte Irvin and Larry Dierker with Dave Raymond moderating. The 2 hour 2 disc DVD in HD is sensational. Copies can be purchased for $10 be contacting the writer.

Chris Sampson impressed everyone with his very positive "give me the ball" attitude and his competitiveness. His story about facing Albert Pujols for the first time was a classic. Not only is Chris a terrific asset for the Astros but he is giving back to the community by developing and actively participating in the brand new Lonestar Baseball Academy in Baytown.

Alyson Footer made a return visit to SABR and outlined her new duties with the club. She also fielded questions about the recent steroid news, ownership of the Astros and who, in her opinion should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and who should not.

The trivia contest developed by Bill McCurdy, using Monte Irvin's name as a theme was won by Mike McCroskey.

In conjunction with SABR's effort to celebrate SABR Day in America we will have a gathering on Saturday January 30th at Shuckers which is located on the 3rd level of the Houston Galleria starting at 2 pm. Come join us and talk some baseball.

More future chapter activities are listed at the right of this post.

SABR is alive and well in Houston.