About

The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) strives to be the essential community for the world of baseball through our global membership, inclusive events, and all-encompassing research.

The organization began in Cooperstown, New York. It was the brainchild of L. Robert Davids, who on August 10, 1971, gathered 15 other baseball researchers at the National Baseball Hall of Fame to form the organization.

From this modest start, SABR membership has broadened steadily. A decade later, it had reached 1,500; today, it totals more than 7,500 worldwide. Who belongs to SABR? Many major and minor league baseball officials, broadcasters and writers, as well as numerous former players. Primarily, the membership consists of “just plain fans” — anyone interested in baseball can join. While the original purpose of SABR was to band together baseball historians, statisticians and researchers, it is not necessary to engage in research to become a member.

Ernie Harwell, the late Detroit Tigers broadcaster, said: “SABR is the Phi Beta Kappa of baseball, providing scholarship which the sport has long needed. … An excellent way for all of us to add to our enjoyment of the greatest game.”

SABR members have a variety of interests, and this is reflected in the diversity of its research committees. There are more than two dozen groups devoted to the study of a specific area related to the game — from Baseball and the Arts to Statistical Analysis to the Deadball Era to Women in Baseball. In addition, many SABR members meet formally and informally in regional chapters throughout the year and hundreds come together for the annual national convention, the organization’s premier event. These meetings often include panel discussions with former major league players and research presentations by members.

The Spring Training Committee is one of many SABR research committees. The committee functions more like a community of interest. Our members have varying levels of interest regarding spring training. Membership is open to any SABR member.

For more information, contact our committee chair: david.pegram@paradisevalley.edu

To join SABR, visit sabr.org/community/