August 2025 Newsletter
By Gilbert D. Martinez
Thirteen chapter members and guests were treated to a deep dive about the pitchers who have thrown no-hitters and the catchers who caught them throughout MLB history at the August chapter meeting on Zoom.
Kevin Hurd, a member of the SABR Banks-Bragan Chapter in Dallas-Fort Worth and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, has long been intrigued by no-hitters. In fact, as a high school senior, he witnessed San Francisco Giants pitcher Ed Halicki’s no-hitter at Candlestick Park in 1975, which, in part, inspired him to research and write about no-hit games.
After retirement, he’s devoted four years to writing and publishing two volumes called “From Randy Johnson to Dallas Braden: No Hitters Beyond the Box Score.” His books addressed things he was curious about, such as whether no-hitters were attributable to skill or luck (his conclusion: both). He was also interested in examining no-hitters by eventual Hall of Fame pitchers and journeymen who were among the unlikeliest pitchers to author a no-hit gem.
His book includes descriptions of no-hit games, interviews with pitchers and catchers and informational tables to offer insight into these games.
In Volume I, he assesses the greatest no-hitters in history. In Volume II, he identifies the most unlikely no-hitters of all time.
For the Hornsby Chapter, he included a brief discussion and lists of no-hitters by Astros and Rangers pitchers.
See below for a recording of his presentation:
Hurd’s books are available at local bookstores and online sellers. For more information about Volume I: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHYHBQ5W
For more information about Volume II: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHYP3J46
Many thanks to Kevin for joining us for our August meeting!
Baseball memories program seeks volunteers, baseball props for sessions
By Larry Rice
Fellow SABR Members,
Do you have any old baseball gear or equipment sitting idle in your garage or attic? Do you enjoy browsing at garage sales, yard sales or estate sales?
As you may be aware, several Hornsby Chapter members are associated with the SABR Baseball Memories program and, in particular, I volunteer with other Hornsby Chapter members to provide monthly presentations and visits to veterans with long-term mental and physical disabilities at the VA facilities in Kerrville and San Antonio (Audie Murphy). These visits are very enjoyable and therapeutic to both volunteers and patients.
For use in these presentations, I’m interested in obtaining some used (as in low/no cost) baseball gear to use as “show and tell” items. Letting these vets hold, grip, touch and see some of these items can be powerful memory motivators and bring back thoughts and joys of a simpler, happier time in their lives and – if able – they usually want to tell you all about it, a great way to gain some social interaction.
If you have or obtain any such items that you would be willing to donate and think I might be interested in, feel free to contact me at ukisno1@gmail.com. I’ll be out of the country until mid-August and still putting thoughts together about the fall programs, so there’s no immediate rush; I just wanted to make you aware of this opportunity.
Speaking of opportunities, there’s also plenty of opportunity to participate in the visits as well. If you live in the Kerrville/San Antonio and surrounding areas and wish more information, just let me know at the email address above and I’ll be glad to send you more information.
Next meeting: Sept. 20
Join us for the next monthly chapter meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Hurricane Grill & Wings (2701 Parker Dr. in Round Rock).
Looking ahead, please save Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, for the 20th Annual Bill Gilbert Winter Meeting! We’re planning another fun day of baseball chatter at Texas State University.
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