On a much sadder note, I’m as shocked as anyone to learn of the death of Doug Pappas, who succumbed to heat prostration while camping in Big Bend National Park this weekend. Joe Sheehan writes a lovely obituary to his friend, and the Baseball Prospectus has made all of Pappas’ articles there available. This one, in which Pappas engages in a rather surreal phone call with Commissioner Beelzebud Selig, is my favorite.
Rest in peace, Doug Pappas. Your ideas will live on forever.
The outpooring of affection of his fans who knew him would embarrass the Doug Pappas I knew. I didn’t know him as a Baseball Economist. I’ve known him as a good friend for longer than anyone in my life (almost 24 years). He had a good heart that was often obscured by his acerbic wit and strong sense of outrage. Doug was a rabid liberal Democrat, a strong believer in justice, and a good friend to all who knew him. I, and others who knew him in college, mourn his loss greatly. He will be missed more than words could adequately convey. But thanks to all who have said what he meant to them.