I get a lot of email and comments to the blog from people who dig what we do (or hate what we do), but on occasion we get some information in a comment that warrants a diary in its own right.

This is one such comment, from Max Weder, husband of Nat Bailey facade artist, Jennifer Ettinger:

capilanos-51.jpgGreat blog on the Canadians. Thanks as well for the nice comments on Jennifer’s art at the stadium; it’s much appreciated (my spouse has all the talent; I’m just along for the ride)

We organize a baseball meeting each summer in Vancouver for SABR (Society for American Baseball research – www.sabr.org). This year, the meeting will be at Nat Bailey on Saturday, August 25 at 2 pm (there’s no game that day). We’ll have several speakers, including [Vancouver Canadians GM] Andy Dunn, and I’m trying to line up a couple ex-ballplayers to talk.

In the past, we’ve had Kit Krieger (sort of a ballplayer), Ernie Kershaw, Bill Whyte, Phil Filiatrault (played in Pirates system), Ray Crosato and others. I’m always looking for others interested, so if you think of any, send an email to us at art@ettinger.ca (I’m really interested if anyone has a contact for Hal Rodd, former announcer for the Capilanos).

Anyone interested in baseball is welcome to attend, and you don’t have to be a SABR member. There’s no admission charge and we also will have a bbq at our house afterwards to which all are invited.

Thanks again,
Max Weder

Folks who are on the fence about going to this should take note, I went to one of these meetings at the BC Sports Hall of Fame a few years back, and it was an amazing day. Extended chats with old time Vancouver ballplayers, C’s management, and a collection of uber ball-geeks that will make you realize how little you know about the game… or at least how little you know about who played third base for the Pirates in 1965, and what Reggie Jackson’s lifetime OBP was.

I’ll also say, if you think what’s on the outside of Nat Bailey Stadium is a great taste of old time ball, you should see the inside of Weder’s house, just five minutes from the stadium. Even if only for the barbeque, I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Saturday August 25th at 2pm, no cover charge – see you there!