Tragic news for the sabermetric community today as it was learned that Doug Pappas has passed away in Texas.



Doug was, simply put, a great friend to baseball, to baseball analysts, and baseball fans. He was a writer for Baseball Prospectus, chairman of SABR's Business of Baseball Committee, and a prominent analyst and blogger. He was also a passionate photographer and chronicler of America. Ironically, he died in one of the National Parks that he loved, from heat prostration while on vacation in Big Bend National Park in Texas.

No one, in my opinion, has done more to advance the regular fan's agenda in the world of baseball studies than Doug Pappas. He was smart, dedicated to his craft, and also the type of engaged, committed lawyer that I myself aspire to be. He loved baseball, loved its fans, and wanted more than anything else to ensure that people understood the game and its future.

Like many people in the SABR community, I've exchanged e-mails and ideas with Doug a few times, and I always felt privileged to have done so. He will be sorely missed by SABR and by all students of the baseball business.

Please help keep Doug's spirit alive by visiting his websites and some of his great work. His devilish Bud Selig Fan Club Blog appeared last April Fool's Day. His articles and photos, linked to above, are a great way to spend an hour. Best of all, take in a ballgame this weekend if you can. Doug would have wanted it that way. I wonder if baseball doesn't have economics where he's going; anyway, I think he'll have more fun just watching the games.