Society for American Baseball Research, Inc.

Overview

The Society for American Baseball Research, Inc. (SABR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the study of baseball as a significant American social and athletic institution. Founded on August 10, 1971, at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library in Cooperstown, New York, by a group of 16 "statistorians" led by Bob Davids, SABR has since grown into a global community of more than 7,500 members[2][3].

Objectives

SABR's primary objectives include:

• Fostering Study and Dissemination: Encouraging research into all aspects of baseball, both past and present, and providing a platform for the dissemination of this knowledge[5].
• Historical Accuracy: Establishing an accurate account of baseball through historical research[5].
• Education and Cooperation: Facilitating the exchange of baseball research information and cooperating with members to safeguard their individual research efforts[5].
• Promotion of Baseball: Stimulating the best interests of baseball as America's national pastime[5].

Membership and Activities

SABR's membership is diverse, including notable figures like Bob Costas, Keith Olbermann, and Bill James, along with fans and researchers from around the world[2][3]. Activities span various research committees focused on specific topics (e.g., Negro Leagues, Women in Baseball), regional chapters for networking and collaboration, and annual national conventions featuring panel discussions and research presentations[2][3].

Publications

SABR publishes The Baseball Research Journal, a twice-annual publication containing original baseball research by members, and The National Pastime, which focuses on baseball in the regions where annual conventions are held[1][3]. Additionally, they produce numerous books and e-books, contributing significantly to baseball literature.

Projects

Notable projects include the SABR Baseball Biography Project, which aims to collect biographies of major league players and managers; the Games Project, documenting significant games; and the Oral History Collection, featuring interviews with historical figures in baseball[1][2].

Conventions

SABR holds an annual convention in different locations, hosting hundreds of attendees and featuring prominent baseball figures. Recent convention sites include cities across North America[1][2].