January 15th, 2017

Larry Dierker SABR Chapter members:

We had a big turnout at our meeting last night with 40 members and friends including new member Scott Barzilla who also provided our trivia quiz. Thanks Scott.

Since we were unable to participate in the Astros Fan Fest last Saturday Mike McCroskey volunteered to look into venues for a local SABR Day in America activity on January 27th. Details to follow.

Our first speaker was Jim Breazeale a former player with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox. Jim, a local Houstonian, was originally drafted out of high school in the first round of the 1968 draft Jim (8th overall.) He discussed his 11 year professional career from backing up Henry Aaron at first base for Atlanta and hitting a home run off Larry Dierker in spring training (and Larry was with us) to managing and playing in the minor leagues. He, as most former players, had lots of great stories to tell.

Next came Lisa Carter a content producer for KHOU channel 11 television in Houston who had the unique experience of covering the 2017 World Series for her station through still photographs. A life long Astros fan she worked from a social media perspective having complete access to the clubhouse and ballpark. Her presentation was terrific.

Bill Brown then reported on his new book "Houston's Team, Houston's Title 2017 World Champion Astros" which was very well received. He sold his inventory and graciously autographed each copy.

Since Spring Training is fast approaching we watched a documentary "The First Boys of Summer" which focused on Hot Springs, Arkansas and the many teams and personalities who trained there starting the late 1800's using the hot mineral springs and other recreational activities available. They even got in some baseball.

Robert Beck repeated as the trivia winner, having won 2 of the last 3 contests

Our leadership team studying the chapter's organizational structure and responsibilities will meet on January 25th at 11:30 AM at the Spaghetti Western Restaurant and we welcome suggestions from all members.

The Astros' FanFest is scheduled for Saturday, January 13 and twelve members signed up to help work the SABR booth. More details to come.