There is some sad news in the baseball simulation community. James “Pete” Habel, creator of the award-winning BallStat and BallScore stat keeping software, has passed away. Pete who was 57, lived in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area.
I didn’t know Pete personally but I knew of his legacy. Every time I would write about stat keeping methods, there would be someone who would leave a comment to the effect of “Have you tried BallStat? It’s great!” That says a lot about Pete’s talents and commitment.
Pete was very generous with his work or just confident that people would like his product. He provided both BallStat and BallScore for free. The BallStat website refreshingly says:
There is NO cost to use BallStat/BallScore. Both programs are 100% free with no strings attached. Install on as many computers as you wish.
You can view Pete Habel’s obituary at Lancaster Online.
Oh man…This is horrible..Tom, thank you..And may Pete rest in peace and Lord please give strength to his family and friends.
Through all the grieving I have been doing in the last two weeks I finally had some joy brought to me when I stumbled upon this on Twitter. I have never been more proud of my father than I am now!!! I always knew his love for APBA growing up as a child but to see him being recognized by the community would bring him so much joy. My father was my hero and I have learned many things from him. I am grateful that my father was able to see me earn my associats degree before he passed In Computers!!!
Hi Ashley,
I am very sorry for your loss. Pete had a great talent. I’m reminded that his product is used by many APBA fans quite often. He leaves a great legacy for all of us.
condolences from all of us,
Tom