I hadn't planned on returning here, but I received an email about this specifically from another member, and I wanted to pay homage.
Dick and I were friends for several years after meeting here, and this is quite saddening to me personally. Even though I hadn't requested it, Dick asked for my address and sent me a copy of his biography on the Ferrell Brothers personally. I learned about as much from him about baseball history as I have from anyone I've ever met here.
With all due respect to the handful of other scribes I've been lucky enough to come into contact with here, it's very likely that no regular (or even semi-regular) member here ever dedicated as much time and effort into research and authorship of the game's history during his or her lifetime. This is/was apparent to anyone who discoursed with him for any significant amount of time. Dick was one of the founding members of SABR and knew everyone from Bill James to Bob Davids.
Dick was in the midst of a massive project- writing a biography of the virtually unknown legend Cannonball Will Jackman. There was a 6,000 word article in SABR's last National Pastime, which came out last summer. It would truly have been monumental in the baseball community- as Jackman was every bit as great as Satchel Paige- but without the hype and panache. Of course, Jackman was also devoid of the chance at Major League exposure.
A nice summary post of his on Will Jackman
So sad to see years of work go to waste!!! He was a few years into the book, but still estimated it would take several more years before it would be even close to being finished.
This is our last correspondence, from December 1st.
The last line is particularly melancholy:
Here's a tribute to him from SABR-L; I'm sure there will be many more forthcoming:
I am sending his wife my personal condolences. I'll send along all of your well-wishes also.
Take care, all.
Dick and I were friends for several years after meeting here, and this is quite saddening to me personally. Even though I hadn't requested it, Dick asked for my address and sent me a copy of his biography on the Ferrell Brothers personally. I learned about as much from him about baseball history as I have from anyone I've ever met here.
With all due respect to the handful of other scribes I've been lucky enough to come into contact with here, it's very likely that no regular (or even semi-regular) member here ever dedicated as much time and effort into research and authorship of the game's history during his or her lifetime. This is/was apparent to anyone who discoursed with him for any significant amount of time. Dick was one of the founding members of SABR and knew everyone from Bill James to Bob Davids.
Dick was in the midst of a massive project- writing a biography of the virtually unknown legend Cannonball Will Jackman. There was a 6,000 word article in SABR's last National Pastime, which came out last summer. It would truly have been monumental in the baseball community- as Jackman was every bit as great as Satchel Paige- but without the hype and panache. Of course, Jackman was also devoid of the chance at Major League exposure.
A nice summary post of his on Will Jackman
So sad to see years of work go to waste!!! He was a few years into the book, but still estimated it would take several more years before it would be even close to being finished.
This is our last correspondence, from December 1st.
The last line is particularly melancholy:
Originally posted by WJackman
Code:
Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2008 15:43:46 -0800 From: Mr david nemec Subject: Dick Thompson Dick Thompson was the first person I met when I came to my very first SABR convention in NYC. I hauled out one of my most impossible trivia questions after we'd talked awhile, and of course Dick nailed it. Every moment I spent with him will forever be treasured. I know that's true of everyone who met him. He leaves a hole that will be impossible to fill, but we can do our best by establishing something of permanent significance in his honor and memory. I have some suggestions and know others will too. Let's exchange ideas so that we can get something in place before the Cleveland convention. David Nemec
Take care, all.
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