On Saturday, January 29, a total of 156 SABR members and friends gathered in Arlington, Virginia for an all-day event headlining Nationals Park architect Marshall Purnell and New York Times best-selling author Jane Leavy.

Marshall Purnell DC meeting
Marshall Purnell

 

Purnell, partner of the firm Devrouax + Purnell, brought early drawings of the ballpark project and discussed some of the events that changed that design into what was unveiled in 2008. He was entertaining in his views of the political process as well as the give-and-take required to complete a $611 million project.

Leavy discussed her new book, The The Last Boy, Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood, along with SABR member and physicist Alan Nathan. They showed the results of their research into the famous Mickey Mantle home run hit out of Griffith Stadium in 1953 off Chuck Stobbs. Leavy, a member of our chapter, conducted many interviews, including talking the man who found the ball as a youngster in his neighborhood. Nathan used a scientific approach to determine how far that ball actually travelled.

Jane Leavy DC meeting
Jane Leavy

No less entertaining were the four local SABR members who made presentations.

The current slate of chapter officer up for election were all re-elected by acclamation:
– David Raglin as Vice-President
– David Paulson as Treasurer
– Barry Sparks as Board member at large
(The chapter has placed no restriction on the number of Davids who can hold office simultaneously.)
A baseball trivia quiz composed by trivia maven T. Scott Brandon was also presented.
Those present participated in a straw poll showing which major league teams they support, particularly as demonstrated by the apparel they were wearing. The results, though somewhat predictable, were nonetheless interesting (totals are approximate):
  • 60 – Nationals
  • 50 – Orioles
  • 12 – Yankees
  • 11 – Phillies
  • 10 – Red Sox
  • Also receiving multiple endorsements were the Tigers, Pirates, Giants, Indians, Dodgers, Cubs, Mets and Cardinals. A single hand each was counted for the Braves, Rays, Twins, White Sox, Reds and Padres.

A delicious buffet luncheon was served and many acquaintances were renewed and friendships established.

(Photo credit: David Vincent)

SABR Day with the Bob Davids Chapter 2011