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January 29, 2007
State SABR Chapter Organizational Meeting
The first meeting of the Nashville chapter of SABR was held in
Sluggers' Sports Bar at Greer Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on
Saturday, January 27, 2007 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Nine members and five
guests were in attendance.
Our guest speaker was fellow SABR member Clinton "Butch" McCord, who
shared his memories as a former Negro Leagues and minor league player.
He gave a lively, entertaining, and thought-provoking account of his
playing career that spanned almost 15 years.
Three members shared their research projects:
Peggy Gripsover shared her studies of the Lakeview neighborhood that
surrounds Chicago's Wrigley Field and how it makes a Cubs game a
unique experience compared to other major league parks. She is also
considering writing a biography of Charles Weegham, owner of the
Chicago Whales (Federal League) and the Cubs and builder of what is
now Wrigley Field.
Jerry Wood discussed his research for a biography of Smokey Joe Wood.
He has met the son of the former Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians
pitcher, who shared with him many interesting documents relating to
his father's career.
Skip Nipper shared photographs of Sulphur Dell ballpark and the
Nashville Vols in a PowerPoint presentation. These and other photos
are part of his book entitled Baseball in Nashville scheduled for
publication this year. He also brought photos of the 1923 and 1924
Paris, Tennessee teams of the Class D Kitty League as well as a Paris
jersey circa 1923 that belonged to former major league pitcher and
Nashville native Jim Turner.
The membership chose Kevin McCann and Skip Nipper to lead the chapter
in 2007 as president and vice-president respectively. The selection of
a chapter name was deferred for 30 days, although it was decided that
it should be known as the Tennessee rather than Nashville chapter to
represent members across the state.
Once the name is chosen, there will be a chapter website constructed
with Skip Nipper serving as webmaster. Members rejected a chapter
newsletter as they felt the Yahoo message board and the website would
provide sufficient communication for the group.
There will be two chapter meetings a year, one in January and another
in June or July. The idea to rotate the summer meeting around the
state at a minor league ballpark with a game afterward was approved.
The meeting concluded at about 4:30 p.m. Special thanks go to Doug Scopel with the Nashville Sounds for letting us to hold our first
meeting at Greer Stadium, Skip Nipper for making the arrangements, and
to everyone who attended our first meeting. It was great to meet and
talk with you!
Respectfully,
Kevin McCann
President, SABR Tennessee Chapter
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