Eighty-two years ago Tommy Brown, a 16-year-old shortstop for the Brooklyn Dodgers debuted against the Chicago Cubs. Here’s my story from SABR’s book about great games at Ebbets Field. sabr.org/gamesproj/ga...
Bill Pearch
@billpearch.bsky.social
Marketing, communications, business development (AEC) / Baseball historian and researcher / Parks & recreation advocate ⚾️
My favorite sculptures have always been gigantic, oversized everyday items out in public.
I was there for one game over Labor Day weekend in 2003, but after work today, I stopped by. Ten years ago, it was the site of a magical Chicago Cubs moment. ☔️⚾️
How did I spend my All-Star Game break? On Wednesday, I gave a presentation about Chicago's baseball rivalry at the Prairie Creek Public Library District. On Thursday I attended a fantastic session at The Art Institute of Chicago about Norman Rockwell and the Chicago Cubs. ⚾️
The junior staff at work planned Together Week. It’s just a dress code theme for each day. Tuesday is Alma Mater Day, so yeah, I settled on an Elmhurst University baseball shirt. ⚾️
Earlier I mentioned that we're celebrating Together Week in the office. Since today was Team Jersey Day, Cubs fans walked off with these gifts. Ha! ⚾️
The junior staff at work planned Together Week. It’s just a dress code theme for each day. Monday is Team Jersey Day, so yeah, I’ll make it in today. ⚾️
If you're a baseball and haven't become a SABR member yet, join me on Saturday night (6:30 p.m.). I'll be joining members from SABR Central Illinois at the Normal CornBelters-Springfield Lucky Horseshoes game in Normal, Illinois. Here's the link: happsnow.com/event/privat...
The singer Bonnie Tyler died. While I don’t possess deep knowledge of her music, I love the original Footloose (1984). One of her songs features prominently during my absolute favorite scene of the movie. (And yes, apparently there are mountains in rural Indiana.) www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsEj...
Last night I had the chance to lead a special multi-chapter baseball show and tell discussion with @sabrchicago.bsky.social and @sabrelysian.bsky.social. And yes, the pennant I'm holding in that thumbnail was from my first Chicago Cubs game. ⚾ youtu.be/ZoebAamOSqA?...
SABR Virtual: Diamond Discourse with Elysian Fields Chapter/Emil Rothe Chicago Chapter
YouTube video by SABRvideos
youtu.be
Random thought: I’ve never watched any film featuring Minions. No reason. Just haven’t. 🤷🏻♂️
Finally played my first new golf course in years: Billy Caldwell Golf Course. Just a 9-hole course, and only the second course I’ve played in Chicago’s city limits. Played well, too. Two pars, one birdie. But don’t ask about hole #8. 🏌️♂️
Last night SABR Chicago hit the sweet spot where baseball and art intersect as @seank138.bsky.social and I discussed the lives and careers of Chicago legends, Ryne Sandberg and Rube Foster. I was delighted to add the @mightylark.bsky.social finished product to my personal collection. ⚾️🎨
Progress can be slow. In this instance, sloth pace. My family moved to Dwight, Illinois in 1986. Sidewalks are finally going in that neighborhood on Monday. Of course proper street signs didn’t get placed until 1902.
I joined SABR in 2016. Since then I have shared my personal research, promoted chapter events and highlighted the work of my peers. SABR is more than just people talking about baseball. Here is SABR's latest annual report. Flip through and enjoy. ⚾ sabr.org/about/annual...
A 44-year-old artifact from Westchester, Illinois, in my personal baseball hall of fame. ⚾️
A 45-year-old artifact from Westchester, Illinois, in my personal baseball hall of fame. ⚾️
Do you remember that scene with JoBeth Williams from Poltergeist? Just asking because this the new construction next door. 💀⚰️
I dropped off boxes for a local book drive this morning. I miss strike zones on school walls. It made me feel a twinge of 1980s nostalgia. I’m assuming whoever wrote RIP above it felt the same. ⚾️
That’s the closest I’ve come to a hole-in-one in years (Chick Evans #18, Morton Grove, IL). FYI, the ball closer to the flag was my friend’s second shot. 🏌️♂️
When people see me out and about wearing Cubs gear, I often get asked if I’m going to the game. Honestly, it’s just my standard wardrobe. But yes, today I’m going to the game. ⚾️
Family members have complained that I only ask for baseball gifts for my birthday and holidays. Fine, you can add this to the list.
Last night I enjoyed a Kane County Cougars game with a fellow SABR Chicago member and his friends. Unfortunately the Lake Country DockHounds stretched their winning streak to 14 games. ⚾️
I enjoy serving on the SABR Baseball Research Awards Committee. These awards honor outstanding research projects completed during the preceding calendar year that have significantly expanded our knowledge or understanding of baseball. Here are the 2026 winners. sabr.org/latest/2026-...
A crazy thing happened on Hole 15 today at Chick Evans in Morton Grove. All three of us walked away with a birdie (3 on a par-4 hole). We had to document the moment as it’s unlikely ever to happen again. ⛳️
