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Join us on Thursday, October 8 (7:30 pm) for a Zoom call with Justin McKinney. Justin is the author of The Shortstop Was a Crook, the true story of one Billy Geer, an 19th century shortstop who was more accomplished as a crook than as a baseball player. See Chapter Events for more details.
Join us for Third Thursday at Taco Mac - October 15. Other upcoming events include several Zoom presentations. See "Chapter Events" for more details!
Jim Riley, former SABR President, Negro League scholar and Magnolia Chapter member, passes away at 86. See Chapter News for more details.
The Fall 2026 issue of our Magnolia Magazine newsletter is now available! Read about the death of the Magnolia Tree that towered over the centerfield skyline at Ponce DeLeon Park (and gave our chapter our name); a quick peek at "the sorry state of starting pitching"; our Member Spotlight on chapter trivia master David Washburn; brief looks at Francis Kinlaw's card collecting experiences, Johnny Tallant's reunion with some old baseball friends, and a photo review of Dennis Losin's "7 parks in 7 days" road trip in August. Plus, some news about the Magnolia Chapter's MVP status recognition from SABR, the 2027 SABR National Convention to be held in Birmingham next August, and info on a new book about on baseball in Augusta. Some other tidbits can be found in the Fall newsletter as well!
We're looking (and anxious) for "new blood" for the Chapter leadership! If you are interested in getting involved, go to the "Chapter News" page for more information!
The Society for American Baseball Research was formed in Cooperstown, NY in August 1971. Its mission is to:
* preserve and promote baseball's historical status as a preeminent social and cultural institution;
* establish an accurate historical record of the game and the people associated with it;
* encourage and support research into all aspects of the game, and;
* provide assorted outlets for the dissemination of the research efforts of its members.
One way members can share their love for the game is by joining local SABR chapters and participating in chapter events.
The Magnolia Chapter takes it name from the magnolia tree (left) that once dominated the center field skyline at Ponce De Leon Park, home of the old Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association. Today, the tree still stands behind a shopping center that now occupies the space of the old ballpark on Ponce De Leon Avenue (across from Ponce City Market).
The Magnolia Chapter serves members in the state of Georgia. Our meetings are open to all members regardless of where they live, however, and to the general public as well.
UPDATE: To the sorrow of many in the Atlanta area, the Magnolia Tree fell sometime in early August, 2026, lost to future generations of Atlanta Baseball fans....
The chapter gets through the hot stove period by participating in SABRDay, a Saturday in mid-winter when chapters all over the country hold meetings to hear the latest research from their members and other special guests.
For SABR Day 2026, Babe Ruth's great-grandson Brent Stevens and a family friend, Stu Dressler, talked about the Babe and a new book by Kelly Bennett (with whom they collaborated), Out of the Mouth of Babe. Alas, Brent was unable to shed any light on the called shot controversy (although the family believes in the legend.) Sean Corcoran talked about his grandfather Tommy Corcoran's role in uncovering one of the great sign-stealing scandals in the early days of baseball (September 17th, 1900 at the Baker Bowl in Philadelphia). Roby Barrow displayed and discussed a number of items from his baseball glove collection. Finally, David Washburn, with an assist from Craig Brown, hosted an enjoyable game of baseball-themed Family Feud.
Other meetings (including Zoom meetings) may be held at other times of the year depending on the availability of program participants.
Magnolia Chapter members meet on the Third Thursday of each month to share a meal and engage in some great baseball banter. The chapter's trivia savant, David Washburn, also presents a very challenging trivia session each month (except January). Third Thursday is currently held at Taco Mac in Sandy Springs (inside The Prado shopping center). Parking is free in the deck across from the front door. Come join us!
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