Neither monster rains nor flooded streets could keep 37 SABR members from our meeting last Saturday at Minute Maid Park, including Gilbert and Reanne Martinez from the Rogers Hornsby SABR Chapter.

After announcements, the first order of the day was an in depth interview of Houston baseball icon Jimmy Wynn skillfully handled by Houston Astros Broadcaster Dave Raymond. While Jimmy told many humorous tales about his lengthy major league career, he also spoke passionately on the subject of leadership and it's impact on the success or failure of a ballclub. To prove his point, Jimmy provided us with numerous examples of what he called good and bad leadership. It's no wonder Joe Morgan, Jimmy's roommate for seven years, recently called Jimmy the leader of the Astros during his time there.

Nest, Mike Acosta, the newly appointed historian for the Astros told us about Astros Authentics and the plans underway for the team to develop a Houston Astros/Colt 45's Hall of Fame; hopefully on the grounds o Minute Maid Park.

Finally, baseball author and researcher Scott Barzilla talked about his forthcoming book and his Hall of Fame Index by providing us a preview of his top 25 pitchers, catchers and first baseman. His selectons generated lots of discussion.

Due to time restrictions the trivia contest was postponed and we all went into Minute Maid Park to see the the Astros defeat the Reds.

There has been a lot of discussion this past week about Jackie Robinson's break through in April 1947 when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, and rightly so. But what happened to the first baseman he replaced? At our next meeting, that man, Ed Stevens, will be our guest.

Come to Molly's Pub at 7 pm on Tuesday May 12th and hear Mr. Stevens talk about his time with the Dodgers and Pirates. It should be interesting.