2025 Conference Presentation Guide
Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Keynote Speaker
“Life in the Big Leagues and Beyond”
Red Sox Hall of Famer and current Savannah Banana, Lee is a Southern California southpaw who pitched for the Boston Red Sox (1969-1978) and Montreal Expos (1979-1982). Lee is known for his “Leephus Pitch,” long time in amateur baseball, and charity work. He’s run for Governor, been the subject of two films, operates a baseball bat business, married the same woman three times, and still ticking at 79 years young, pitches whenever he gets the chance.
Phil Dixon
“Journey of Negro Leagues Statistics to MLB”
“As I enter into my 45th year as a Baseball Historian, specializing on African Americans in this game, and others, believe me, I’m having more fun than ever imagined. I’ve seen lots of changes since my first book, but I certainly know the best parts of this baseball story are yet to be shared. Believe me!” Baseball’s quintessential barnstormer is a designation he embraces. His latest release, “The Dizzy and Daffy Dean Barnstorming Tour; Race, Media and America’s National Pastime,” continues that tradition.
Dr. Leslie Heaphy
Associate Professor of History, Kent State
2024 Henry Chadwick Award recipient
“Historic Struggles of the African American Ball Players”
Associate Professor of History, Kent State 2024 Henry Chadwick Award. Leslie’s impact on Negro League research reaches beyond SABR. A voting member of the landmark Leslie’s impact on Negro League research reaches beyond SABR. A voting member of the landmark 2006 Baseball Hall of Fame Negro League committee, she had a hand in electing seventeen players and executives for inclusion in the Hall. She is the founding editor of the journal Black Ball, editor of The Encyclopedia of Women and Baseball, and author of The Negro Leagues, 1869-1960.
Eric Miklich
“The History of Baseball’s Strike Zone”
Eric Miklich began playing 19th century base ball player in 1998 and since has fielded all positions and played in more than 450 games primarily with the Mutual Base Ball Club of New York at Old Bethpage Village Restoration and throughout the U.S. Miklich is founder and owner of 19cbaseball.com - a source for equipment and knowledge of the early game and a longtime member of the SABR Nineteenth Century Committee.
National Baseball Hall of Fame
Special Exhibit
The Black Baseball Initiative
Honoring and Celebrating the History of Black Baseball
Through a new exhibit, events and outreach programs, the Black Baseball Initiative is inspiring people by sharing the stories of those who overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges to play the game they loved while fostering an exploration of the deep connections between baseball and Black America.
