Society for American Baseball Research
Our August lunch meeting will be once again held at the birthplace of the Rogers Hornsby Chapter – the County Line BBQ located at 5204 Ranch Road 2222 in Austin (a short distance east of Hwy 360 on 2222) at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18. Members, guests and baseball fans in general are welcome to attend.
Please RSVP to Jan Larson at jan.a.larson@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Fourteen chapter members and guests gathered for a potluck meal with a main dish of afternoon baseball games on Saturday, July 27.
Hosted by Ryan Pollack, we enjoyed a sandwich platter with a variety of side dishes and desserts. Many thanks to Ryan for hosting and to Linda Cely and Raeanne Martinez for bringing delicious homemade desserts. Thanks to everyone for their potluck contributions.
The first game of the day featured the Tampa Bay Rays hosted by the Toronto Blue Jays, giving us a chance to watch several rookies with famous names (Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio). Early on, it seemed that the Rays had the game well in hand, leading 8-2 after five innings. After a vote of attendees, we opted to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers-Washington Nationals game. The Nats took a quick 2-0 lead on Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. But by the fourth inning, the Dodgers took the lead 4-2 on their way to a 9-3 victory.
Before long, we noticed that the Blue Jays had battled to a 9-5 deficit headed into the bottom of the ninth, so, we switched back to see if the Jays had a comeback in them. Sure enough, they did! Guerrero led the charge with a three-run home run to pull the Jays within one, and then Brandon Drury homered for the second time in two innings to tie the game. It took another three innings, but the Blue Jays prevailed with a solo home run by Teoscar Hernandez (former Astros player!), his second of the game. In fact, this game did not lack for home runs – Biggio hit his seventh of the year in the second inning.
This was the 152nd consecutive month that the chapter has had a meeting, a streak dating to 2006. We often gather for weekend lunches to talk baseball. We sometimes meet at the Dell Diamond to watch the Triple-A Round Rock Express. We also host baseball playoffs and World Series watch parties in October. This meeting is one of the few in which we gather to watch andtalk baseball.
Next meeting will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at County Line Bar-B-Q on the Lake (5204 FM 2222).
Our July get-together will be held on Saturday, July 27 at the home of Ryan Pollack starting at 1:30 p.m. Ryan has graciously offered to host a baseball watch party (games start at 2:00 p.m.) and will supply a sandwich platter. Attendees are requested to bring along a favorite side dish and/or dessert along with your favorite beverage.
For privacy reasons, Ryan’s address is not posted here but will be given to those that indicate that they plan to attend.
Please RSVP to jan.a.larson@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
The Express topped the Iowa Cubs 2-1 in 10 innings at the Dell Diamond. It was the first time many of us saw the new extra inning rule in which a runner is placed at second base to start every inning until a winner emerges. The base runner is the hitter in the order previous to the leadoff batter in extra innings. The public address announcer explained the new rule at the top of the 10th inning, prompting at least one of our members to boo heartily. It caused a good amount of disagreeable grumbling among our group. The Cubs were unable to score their runner, while the Express walked it off with a Lorenzo Quintana base hit.
Many in the group were hoping to see 20-year-old Yordan Alvarez, who has 20 home runs on the season, but he had a rest day. Still, we kept an eye on the dugout for Hug Watch in case an Alvarez call-up was imminent.
Another hot prospect for the Astros, right fielder Kyle Tucker, who has 16 home runs, had a quiet night at the plate, going 0-4 with two strikeouts.
The most recognizable name on the Cubs’ starting lineup was Carlos Gonzalez, the former Colorado Rockies slugger and National League Batting Champ in 2010. He was most recently with the Cleveland Indians, who signed him this season, but after a lackluster performance, released him. He joined the Iowa Cubs on May 30 in an attempt to return to the big leagues. This game was his debut with the Triple-A team; he went 0-4 with a strikeout.
Some of us stuck around for the post-game fireworks. And, for completeness, Chicken White won the chicken race, granting our section coupons for five free wings at Plucker’s.
Prior to the game, 10 of us gathered for bbq dinner at the Salt Lick. Because of other reservations, we were not able to make our own reservation, but they were able to seat our group within a half hour and we made it to the game just prior to first pitch.
This meeting was the 151st consecutive month with a chapter meeting. The July meeting hasn’t been scheduled yet, so look for an announcement later this month.
Our annual chapter outing to see a Round Rock Express game with a pregame meal of barbecue is scheduled for Saturday, June 1. We have a block of 24 tickets priced at $14 each reserved for the game. If more than 24 people wish to go, additional tickets are available for $22 each (including convenience fee).
If there is a strong demand for tickets, I will limit each Hornsby Chapter member to two tickets before I force anyone to buy a high priced ticket.
We will meet at the Salt Lick BBQ which is located across the parking lot from the Dell Diamond. We will meet promptly at 5:30 p.m. The operative word is “promptly” as the Salt Lick’s policy is to not seat incomplete parties. Also, BRING CASH, as the Salt Lick has a “one check” per party policy.
After eating we will proceed to the Dell Diamond for the game between the Express and the Iowa Cubs. Our seats are in the upper rows of sec. 121 so we should be out of the sun, at least for the majority of the game.
Deadline: I need to have a count of the number of people in your party that will be (1) eating at the Salt Lick and (2) needing game tickets no later than Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day). I will be making a reservation at the Salt Lick and ordering the exact number of tickets that we need first thing on Tuesday, May 28. Please send your information to me privately at jan.a.larson@gmail.com.
Once tickets have been ordered, I will deliver them to each purchaser via email with a pdf file attachment. You may pay by either cash or check on the day of the game if you wish. Note that if you order tickets and subsequently cannot attend, it is up to you to find someone to use your tickets. The Hornsby Chapter does not offer a ticket brokerage service.
BE SURE TO PRINT YOUR TICKETS AND BRING THEM WITH YOU!
Fifteen chapters members and guests struggled with clever but tricky trivia questions at the 150th consecutive monthly meeting on Saturday, May 18.
Dan Walsh, author of the “Sliders, Curves and Junk” quiz, stumped many of us with a mostly multiple-choice quiz that had us swinging and missing. Mike Dillon dominated the quiz, scoring 12 points and winning a triple bobblehead featuring Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Roy Campanella. Tom T. and Ira tied for second with 10 points each. Try your hand a Dan’s filthy pitches by clicking here: http://www.sabrhornsby.org/2019/05/dan-walshs-sliders-curves-and-junk-quiz/
There was a nice variety of ballclubs represented at the meeting. Spring training was represented by Mike D. with an Arizona shirt and Don with a Colorado Rockies shirt. New York was another theme: Ira wore a Yankees shirt; Jan wore a Mets cap; and guest Tim wore a Mariano Rivera jersey. Dan wore a Pirates shirt; the die-hard Dodgers fan explained that he purchased the shirt for a presentation at the chapter’s baseball reminiscence program. The Astros were well-represented: Linda wore an Astros jersey with the rainbow stripes on the shoulders; Tom T. wore an Astros shirt; and I wore a George Spring jersey with a World Series champion patch. David paired a Mike Trout Angels shirt with a FDNY cap. Tom M. wore a Cleveland jersey and cap. Other notables: Mike D. wore a San Juan Caribbean Series cap; Ryan wore a Marvel Comics shirt; and Tom W. wore a “Cool Summer Nights” shirt from the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
This was the 150th consecutive month in which the chapter has had a meeting, a streak that dates to December 2006.
In other news, Predicatron impresario Jim Baker presented Dan Walsh with a certificate for winning last year’s Gilbert Martinez Division.
I also brought two Japanese newspapers published in New York at the end of March to share with the group. The newspapers featured stories of Ichiro Suzuki’s retirement after the two games in Japan to kick off the 2019 season.
Our next outing will be Saturday, June 1, at the Dell Diamond to watch the Round Rock Express host the Iowa Cubs. More information will be coming soon.
1. Which of the following players was not born in Texas?
2. Which of these players batted right-handed?
3. Which one of these managers has the best career winning percentage? 4. And name the one who has a losing record (below .500) as a manager?
5. Which of the following players was the tallest?
(a)Tiny Bonham
(b)Wee Willie Keeler
(c)Bryan Little
(d)Pee Wee Reese
(e)Chris Short
6. Which of the following players was a dentist in the off season?
(a) Doc Cramer
(b) Dock Ellis
(c) Doc Gessler
(d) Doc Gooden
(e) Doc Medich
(f) Doc White
7. Which of the following pitchers hit 2 HRs in one game the most times?
(a) Babe Ruth
(b) Don Newcombe
(c) Red Ruffing
(d) Tony Cloninger
(e) Wes Ferrell
8. Who was the last pitcher to hit two HR in a game?
9. Which of the following players was actually named after a “Moose”?
(a) Walt “Moose” Dropo
(b) Moose Haas
(c) Bob Moose
(d) Mike “Moose” Moustaksas
(e) Moose Skowron
10. Which one of these players hit the most “dingers” in his career?
(a) Buddy Bell
(b) Derek Bell
(c) George Bell
(d) Gus Bell
(e) Jay Bell
11. Above“The Mendoza Line”: Only one of the following players has a career batting average above Mario Mendoza’s career average(minimum 1000 plate appearances). Who is it?
(a) Dave Duncan
(b) Eric Munson
(c) Joey Gallo
(d) Chris Carter
(e) Dick Tracewski
(f) Dave Nicholson
12. Which of these players received the most votes when elected to the Hall-of-Fame?
(a) Ken Griffey, Jr.
(b) Greg Maddux
(c) Cal Ripken
(d) Mariano Rivera
(e) Tom Seaver
13. Which one of the following players was manufactured (born) in Detroit?
(a) John Dodge
(b) Whitey Ford
(c) Tim Hudson
(d) Billy Pierce
(e) Charlie Maxwell
(f) Mickey Stanley
(g) Jim Nash
14. The Rafaels: All of these Dominican natives played shortstop; however, one of them started more games at a position other than shortstop. Name him.
15. Which of the following players spent part of his playing career in “The Windy City”?
(a) “Stormin’ Norman” Cash
(b) Storm Davis
(c) Sammy Hale
(d) Rich Gale
(e) Roy Weatherly
(f) Mike Blowers
16. Which one of these players is the shortestin height?
(a) Josh Towers
(b) Andy High
(c) The Big Unit
(d) “Stretch” McCovey
(e) Dale Long
17. During the past 10 years, all of these players won a batting title with the Colorado Rockies. Which one had the highest batting average in the season he won his title?
(a) DJ LaMahieu
(b) Carlos Gonzalez
(c) Charlie Blackmon
(d) Michael Cuddyer
(e) Justin Morneau
18. Which one of these players had the most stolen bases in his major league career?
(a) “Rapid Robert” Feller
(b) Tom “Flash” Gordon
(c) Bob Hasty
(d) Speed Martin
(e) Bob Rush
(f) Fleet Walker
19. Which of the following players drew the most walks in his major league career?
(a) Eddie “The Walking Man” Yost
(b) Dixie Walker
(c) Curt Walker
(d) Larry Walker
(e) Neil Walker
(f) Todd Walker
(g) Walker Cooper
20. A cup of coffee -or -Who ate his Wheaties? All of these guys played professional ball at some level – which one had the longest stint in the majors?
(a)Eddie Bacon
21. Which of the following guys played the majority of his career with the Cincinnati Reds?
22. Which surname has the most players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?
23. Which of the following pitchers had the most Victories in his career?
24. Which of these players appeared in the most games in the “junior circuit”?
(a) Junior Gilliam
(b)Junior Griffey
(c)Junior Kennedy
(d)Junior Ortiz
(e)Vern “Junior” Stephens
25. Who had the most stolen bases in the major leagues during the 1950’s (1950-59)?
26. Name the player with the most RBI in the major leagues during the 1960’s (1960-69)
27. Who hit the most home runs in the major leagues during the 1970’s (1970-79)?
28. Who had the most base hits in the major leagues during the 1980’s (1980-89)?
29. Name the pitcher with the most saves in the major leagues during the 1990’s (1990-99).
30. Name the pitcher who had the most wins in the major leagues during the 2000’s (2000-09).
Total Score____________________________
Tiebreaker:
Name the only 3 players who hit more than 500 HR and more than 100 triples in their careers?
ANSWERS
1. Tex Clevenger
2. Lefty Williams
3. Mike Matheny
4. Bruce Bochy
5. Chris Short
6. Doc White
7. Wes Ferrell
8. Zack Greinke
9. Bob Moose
10. George Bell
11. Chris Carter
12. Greg Maddux
13. Billy Pierce
14. Rafael Landestoy
15. Norm Cash
16. Andy High
17. DJ LaMahieu
18. Speed Martin
19. Eddie Yost
20. Jack Coffey
21. Red Lucas
22. All have 3 players each
23.Victor Aldridge
24. Junior Griffey
25. Willie Mays
26. Hank Aaron
27. Willie Stargell
28. Robin Yount
29. John Wetteland
30. Andy Pettitte
Tiebreaker:
Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, and Jimmie Foxx
Twenty participants, volunteers and family from the baseball reminiscence program enjoyed an evening at Dell Diamond in Round Rock on Monday May 13.
In a “rematch” (of sorts) of the 2017 World Series, the Astros and Dodgers AAA affiliates squared off. The Express prevailed 5-2 over the OKC Dodgers.
A big “THANK YOU” goes out to United Heritage Credit Union for arranging the use of their luxury suite plus food and drink. Thanks, as always, to our great sponsors at Alzheimer’s Texas. A good time was had by all.
A belated Cinco de Mayo Hornsby Chapter lunch meeting will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 12:30 pm at Serranos-Mopac at 5030 Highway 290 West, Austin, TX 78735 (near intersection of MoPac & 290). Please RSVP to Jan Larson at jan.a.larson@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Seven chapter members were treated to Italian fare and a fun animal-name themed baseball quiz by trivia master Tom Thayer on Saturday, April 14.
Thayer – winner of many chapter quizzes and a member of the runner-up quiz team at SABR 44 in Houston in 2014 – devised a quiz with clues for players whose names and/or nicknames are also animal names. The players made up three teams – Team Aquatic, Team Terrestrial and Sky Team.
Jim Baker took top prize with 25 points, and Jan Larson was runner up with 20 points. For his efforts, Jim took home the Robert W. Creamer biography, “Stengel: His Life and Times.” To try your hand at the quiz, click here.
With a smaller group, we still had a nice diversity of of clubs represented. Jan had the cap of the meeting featuring the cartoon logo for the Baltimore Orioles in honor of Chris Davis ending his record 0-for-54 hitless streak the day before. In usual fashion, Tom Wancho wore a non-baseball shirt – this time representing the Cleveland Caveliers of the NBA.
Jim wore his Fukuoka Daiei Hawks cap. Mike Dillon wore a Rangers cap and nice Arizona spring training Rangers polo shirt. I wore my Norichika Aoki Astros shirsey with “Astros” in Japanese script (アストロズ) on front and Aoki’s name (in Japanese kanji: 青木)and No. 3 on the back. Aoki joined the Astros for the first half of the 2017 season before finishing out the season with the Blue Jays and the Mets. He re-joined the Nippon Professional Baseball last year with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, where he continues to play.
It was the 149th consecutive monthly meeting.
We hope you can join us for the May and June meetings, which have been set. In May, we’ll gather at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Serranos (MoPac and Ben White in Southwest Austin). In June, we’ll have an outing to see the Round Rock Express on Saturday, June 1. Requests for RSVPs and more information will come later.
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