Society of American Baseball Research - ?

by soco on Aug 3, 2009 2:34 AM EDT

So I was reading through the New York Times tonight, and there was an article about the annual convention for the Society of American Baseball Research, specifically about their World Series of Baseball Trivia. Now, this isn't the first time I've heard of SABR, but it got me thinking again about the organization. The average age, according to the NYT article, in SABR is somewhere in the mid-50's, which is understandable but at the same time a little odd.

We, the people dedicated enough to a team or a sport to not only go the internet to talk about our passion, but to talk about it passionately, are effectively the prime examples of the person who would be willing join. I suppose what I wonder is how many, if any, of us are in SABR?

Another thing I noticed after poking around SABR's website is that there is a local Phoenix chapter, but if it's active in any capacity, then they don't spend any time updating their website.

Now, I'm not trying to get everyone join up, though I'm seriously considering it, but I thought I'd throw out the information in case people are interested in the organization. If anyone is already in SABR, it would be nice to hear from you about what is like.

What: A national organization dedicated to baseball research and history

Cost: $45 Under 30/$65 "Standard"/$45 Senior

Okay so what do I get: Free copy of the two publications of SABR, Baseball Research Journal, The National Pastime; eligible to take part in research committees, SABR lending library, access to SABR online encyclopedia, discount on annual convention, and other fun things!

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Comments

it only struck me just now how fitting the acronym ‘sabr’ is for such a geeky club.

"Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America."
-- Bruce Catton

by njjohn on Aug 3, 2009 5:39 AM EDT reply actions

I guess

my brain isn’t working right now, but how do you mean?

You are both wrong, for I, SOCO, am the BIG Anime Fan!!

by soco on Aug 3, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Sabermetrics.

by Azreous on Aug 3, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

That's

how sabermetrics got its name, yes, but I guess I was expecting a different joke.

You are both wrong, for I, SOCO, am the BIG Anime Fan!!

by soco on Aug 3, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, beyond the obvious,

I have no idea what John’s crazy mind may have been cooking up. Let’s just assume it was hilarious and laugh heartily.

by Azreous on Aug 3, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

i was thinking more like saber— as in light saber. okay, not relaly that funny, but i could imagine if this club and a star wars club met side by side at the marriot, it might be hard to distinguish the constituent groups.

"Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America."
-- Bruce Catton

by njjohn on Aug 3, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

A significant portion of SABR members aren't into sabermetrics.

It’s more of a history club, digging up old documents and stories.

Beyond the Boxscore Not a member? Sign up.

by Sky Kalkman on Aug 3, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

And

trivia!

You are both wrong, for I, SOCO, am the BIG Anime Fan!!

by soco on Aug 3, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I've occasionally thought about joining

But there is so much data available now, on the Internet, that SABR seems a bit of an anachronism, at least from the statistical side. If I joined, it’d be more for the historical stuff, and as a Diamondbacks fan…well, there isn’t much of that.

Though I was tidying up stuff from the move today, and came across my 2001 post-season ticket-stubs from the NLCS and NLDS… That was a nice blast of nostalgia.

"Win, or die" -- Marquise de Merteuil

by Jim McLennan on Aug 3, 2009 5:39 PM EDT reply actions

Well

I don’t know how much influence, if any, SABR has on the statistical side anymore. The pure depth of historical information at your disposal is very enticing, though. Like you said, though, if you’re mainly looking for your team (especially a new team like the Diamondbacks) then it’s probably not quite as interesting.

I am curious about the two journals they produce; that seems like something I would buy if available even without a membership.

You are both wrong, for I, SOCO, am the BIG Anime Fan!!

by soco on Aug 3, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions