SABR DAY WITH RIO GRANDE SABR IN ALBUQUERQUE

Photo credit Evan: Isotopes Park n January 2012

Saturday January, 28 was SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) day across America.  Rio Grande SABR held it's meeting yesterday at Isotopes Park.  The meeting had three guest speakers, and a guided tour of Isotopes Park.

Photo credit Evan: Albuquerque Isotopes General Mananger John Traub

The first of the three guest speakers was Isotopes GM John Traub.  John talked about his journey as a kid in Los Angeles then starting in baseball with the California Angels, that took him through working for the Dodgers during the 1988 World Series then up to Canada and finally brought him to Albuquerque.

One thing I have learned about John while talking to him is he is a baseball fan just like us.  He has great knowledge of the game.  He probably had alot more to say and I could have listened to him all day.  We can't forget how generous he is with Rio Grande SABR by letting us hold our meetings at Isotopes Park. Thanks for everything John!

Evan and Max Walla of the Brewers organization

The next guest speaker I met walking from the parking lot, that would be Max Walla.  My first impression of Max was he is a very respectful young man.  I think he is very mature for his age (20).  Max was the 73 pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009.  Max who is an outfielder, grew up in Albuquerque and attended Albuquerque Academy High School.  One thing Max talked about that I thought was very interesting was how the transition to wood bats.  Max said "It's like hunting with shot gun and then using a rifle". 

We are going to have to keep our eye on Max this season.

Photo Credit Evan:  Left Red Sox Minor League player Blake Swihart right Brewers Minor League player Max Walla

The next guest speaker was the first round pick 26 overall for the Boston Red Sox Blake Swihart.  Blake is a switch hitting catcher from Cleveland high school in Rio Rancho New Mexico.  Blake talked about taking batting practice at Fenway Park,and his trip to the Dominican.

Evan and Red Sox Minor League Player Blake Swihart

I am going to post updates on all local players once a week once the season starts. I have a feeling we are going to see more local kids get drafted in the years to come.

Next we took a tour of Isotopes Park.  I had never been up in the press box before and that was pretty cool.

It was a great SABR meeting and can't wait till the next one.