We’re thrilled that our efforts resulted in an article in Alzheimer’s Today magazine. We hope that this will improve our outreach to other organizations and parts of the country. Check out the article here

July 16, 2022 meeting

In case you missed our meeting and want to view it now, https://vimeo.com/735565096/cb6f1fc5b3

We recorded our last meeting in case anyone missed it and wants to view it. https://vimeo.com/712444082/e8e8ef8123

Organization’s “Baseball Memories” Sports Reminiscence Program Serves Families Affected by Dementia-Related Illnesses

NEW YORK (May 10, 2022) — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) welcomed The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), based in Phoenix, to its national network of member organizations. SABR offers a “Baseball Memories” sports reminiscence program for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers.

“AFA works closely with our member organizations to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and connect them with programs, services and support,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “We are very excited to have the Society for American Baseball Research as part of our member network and look forward to working with them to serve people living with Alzheimer’s.”

Scott Bush, CEO of the Society for American Baseball Research, said, “SABR is excited to partner with AFA and works with its network to expand and improve our reminiscence programming across the country.”

SABR’s Baseball Memories program utilizes baseball reminiscence to promote socialization and improve the quality of life of participants living with cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Individuals and their care partners are encouraged to gear up for the sessions in their team’s attire, share artifacts, and talk about their favorite players. Each session is customized to the specific interests of attendees and their community. SABR works with partners like the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s San Diego, and the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute to operate programs in Los Angeles and San Diego, CA; Cleveland, OH; Las Vegas, NV; Central Texas; Phoenix, AZ, St. Augustine, FL, and Westchester County, NY.

Baseball historian Jon Leonoudakis, national chair for SABR’s Baseball Memories program, started facilitating programs with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles in 2018. “Caregivers and some of our memory care partners tell us Baseball Memories has had a magical impact on participants, who are stimulated, open up, and come to life, sharing stories and engaging with others in the group. It’s been remarkably rewarding to witness the impact and build community with people in memory care.”

Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, SABR is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster the study, discussion, and understanding of all aspects of baseball. SABR members include fans, major and minor league baseball officials, broadcasters and writers, as well as numerous former players.   

AFA works hand in hand with its member organizations to provide resources to families affected by Alzheimer’s, especially through its National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) where licensed social workers can connect callers with services in their area.

More information about the services AFA and its member organizations provide can be found by visiting AFA’s website, www.alzfdn.org or calling AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484. The Helpline is available seven days a week.

Read about our meeting notes here, Meeting Notes

The next group Zoom conference is Saturday, May 21, 2022,
at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern time. An agenda and Zoom invitation will be
forthcoming.

Twenty five SABR members and guests attended the January SABR Baseball Memories chartered community conference. We heard reports on chapter activities, new program outreach, research study status, and other exciting efforts. All the news (well, except for the Covid-19 spike) is encouraging.

Read more about it in these meeting notes:

Our next group meeting will be Saturday, March 12 Saturday, March 19 at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern time. Mark your calendars. Reminders, agenda, and a Zoom invitation will all be forthcoming.

SABR Baseball Memories chair Jon Leonoudakis was interviewed on “Alzheimer’s Speaks”. Jon’s interview, by Alzheimer’s Speaks founder Lori La Bey, aired on Thanksgiving Day.

Twenty two SABR Baseball Memories chartered community members met at the November group conference. We heard reports on chapter activities to start new programs, as well as status updates on our research effort, 2022 budget, and online presence. All the news was very encouraging!

Read more about it all in these meeting notes:

Our next group meeting will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 – 1pm (pacific) / 4pm (eastern). Mark your calendars. Reminders, agenda, and Zoom invite will also be forwarded to you in advance of the meeting.

Our November 2021 chartered community meeting date has been changed! The new date is Saturday, November 13 at 1pm (Pacific); 2pm (Mountain); 3pm (Central); 4pm (Eastern). An agenda and Zoom invitation will be forthcoming in advance of the meeting.