_________________________________________________________ F A M E F O R U M N E W S L E T T E R N A T I O N A L W O M E N 'S B A S E B A L L H A L L O F F A M E National Syndicated Column (contents are protected) Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2005 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664. Issue Number 00317 _________________________________________________________ Volume VIII, Number 28 Publisher and Author December 4, 2005 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2005 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS WINTER, BRENNEMAN, SWEENEY, FERENO SEE THE WEBSITE PHOTO PAGES "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WINTER, WRIGHT, LUKASIK, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, SHELDON, BEAUCHAMP, HUDSON, BRENNEMAN, FERENO, SWEENEY TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: FATHER BASEBALL The 2005 recipient of the national Coach of the Year Award from the NWB Hall of Fame is Richard Bender with the BarnCats, Montgomery County, Maryland for his consistent dedication to women's baseball, ability to annually field outstanding teams, and unwavering willingness to teach players throughout the Eastern Women's Baseball Conference. The award presentation was made Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the BarnCats team meeting by manager Diane Sweeney. The following remarks accompany his well-deserved selection, and also provided is an April 2000 article on Richard Bender from this publication. Nomination Statement Diane Sweeney, Manager BarnCats, Montgomery County, MD 2005 NWB Hall of Fame "Of course, Richard should get this award. He has been a tireless, enthusiastic supporter of women's baseball for so many years. Now I know such an award exists I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination. I'd be glad to give him the award." Presentation Excerpt "After college and medical school, when I no longer had my own dad to coach me, along came Richard Bender. He is so dedicated, and always there for us..." Additional Comments Robin Gelman, Pitcher BarnCats, Montgomery County, MD 2005 MVP Award, NWB Hall of Fame 2000 MVP Award, NWB Hall of Fame "Richard eats, breathes and lives for baseball. There is no one who has been more supportive, more dedicated and certainly more giving of their time toward the development of women's baseball and the EWBC than Richard Bender." "He is the type of coach who is willing to work with you any day of the week you call, and certainly every day in-between if you really want to. Pitching on Monday, batting practice on Tuesday, infield work-out on Wednesday, outfield flies on Thursday, bunting and pick-offs on Friday, ...I have learned so much from him over the past 7 years, and am grateful for his time and energy he puts toward the league the BarnCats in particular." "Richard did a fabulous job this year, taking the BarnCats to the championship game (again) and taking the DC Thunder up to New York where he brilliantly coached us to a win over the Philly team." "It is my absolute pleasure to write in his behalf, and he certainly has earned this honor." JoAnn Milliken President, Eastern Women's Baseball Conference Manager, Virginia Flames 2000 NWB Hall of Fame 1999 Manager of the Year, NWB Hall of Fame "Richard's dedication to our baseball league is unsurpassed. Not only has he been instrumental to the BarnCats' success, but also he has devoted nearly all of his free time to the advancement of the league and to the development of players throughout the league. Whether it's coaching and managing the EWBC Tournament Team, running instructional baseball clinics for girls, providing weekly pitching instruction to anyone who wants it, or raising funds and public awareness, we know that Richard is out there somewhere doing something for our baseball league. That's dedication." Fame Forum, Volume III, Number 20, April 21, 2000 COLUMN: WHO WAS MAX DUGAN? "Keep your butt up!" the explanation was plain and simple, shown by the Barncats' coach. "Here like this, in position, so when catching you can swing from side to side depending upon the pitch, and spring up quickly to throw down to first or second and get those runners." Although the remarks were given to the team's MVP catcher, she listened to those extra comments without saying a word. The advice was from someone who was knowledgeable and only concerned about improving her performance. His comments were for her benefit. She knew it! She is exceptionally good at a most difficult position with a commanding control of the game from homeplate, effective direction for the pitchers, and quick deceptive throws when necessary to first base; yet she still listened to him. (See Fame Forum, "Red Badge of Courage," Volume II, Number 42, October 30, 1999; and, "Center of the Universe," Volume II, Number 37, September 11, 1999.) Comments like those from him inevitably appear to come at the right moment, and in situations that make a difference during a close game. At general league practices and in tournaments, they are provided not just to his team, but are offered to benefit other players as well. This is a unique man sharing his knowledge and skills to help everyone in the league improve. He is always there and ready with solid advice and suggestions. For example, he was there with a quiet remark made at the right moment during a Championship Game spoken just above a whisper, but heard by the one intended, "JoAnn, shift your weight." No other words were necessary. She listened and didn't have to look back behind the screen for that was a familiar voice among all the others, and from homeplate on the next swing with his advice and her added confidence she hit a solid line drive well past the infield allowing more runs to score. What was it? Was it the advice and tone? It was everything, --words, timing, ability, and spirit that made things happen. She was suppose to... "Hit!" And, sometimes the words don't have to be spoken. It's looking out across the field from a special vantage point and seeing the entire game from a distance and yet being part of everything. Being there! With the players, green grass, and blue sky; all are part of the experience and nothing else can disturb this natural setting, the perfect image of baseball. It's like hitting a home run with bases loaded, the bat is just right, you swing without even looking, and "Crack" the ball soars high. Watch it fly! You run and run... Run still hearing that sound, without ever touching the ground, it's your moment, the world is perfect, you only feel the air surrounding you, your speed outdistances the wind, and you move across the bases. It really doesn't matter at all if you only stop at first or second. This always is your hit, and in your mind you race with excitement that experience over and over again. A memory forever... Who helped create that opportunity? Who gave instructions to know what to do? Who inspired the confidence for each player to get beyond just learning, but becoming part of the game and making things happen? One such individual is Richard Bender, who has made the Washington Metropolitan Women's Baseball League and also the new Eastern Women's Baseball Conference a reality. League practices may be long and sometimes exasperating, but the results on the field are immeasurable in terms of performance, satisfaction, and special memories. "Thunder only happens when it's raining, Players only love you when they're playing. Say, Women, they will come and they will go, When the rain washes clean you'll know." "Now here we go again, you say you want your freedom. It's only right that you should play the way you feel. But, listen carefully to that voice and sound like a heartbeat it drives you around." "Now here we go again, I see crystal visions. I don't keep my visions to myself, it's me who wants to wrap around your field of dreams. But, listen carefully to that voice and sound like a heartbeat it drives you around." "Thunder only happens when it's raining, Players only love you when they're playing. Say, Women, they will come and they will go, When the rain washes clean you'll know." "Then, you'll know..." --Stevie Nicks, 1977 and 1997. Richard Bender can see that crystal vision, and can make dreams and thunder happen. He has baseball in his blood. His father played high school baseball with Lou Gehrig in New York. Imagine the stories and visits to Yankee Stadium in the late 1940s and 1950s. "Wow, that was baseball!" Richard played baseball as far back as he can remember, including in college at New York University. He was also fortunate enough to play professionally in the Yankees AA system until 1958. He is a former lawyer and now operates a remote computer data backup company. In his mid-sixties, he doesn't have to run the bases any more, but instead provides his words of wisdom to enable others to hit, run, pitch, and throw better and straighter. Every coach or manager has their unique style of presenting information. More than just knowing how to do something, lessons are effective because of the techniques employed and a calm reassuring voice to impart that wisdom. When that voice from practice is heard again at games, where it really counts, timely comments become extremely effective. JoAnn Milliken, League Commissioner, regarding this special mentor said, "I'm glad Richard chose the Washington, DC area to focus his efforts on women's baseball. He tremendously has improved the quality of play, and constantly pushes the league to be better, to reach higher, to aim for the fences." During games his Barncats listen, and at league practices everyone benefits from the directions of Richard Bender. Kelly Ballentine, Barncats, MVP catcher, in part said this about her coach, "Players sometimes have to understand his quiet emotions...;" he has high major league expectations. He adjusts and also understands. At the conclusion of the 1999 Playoff Game which included the Barncats and Flames, after the dust had settled and the scores reported, while others were packing their gear and some were talking about good plays made in the game; Richard Bender and his grandson were out on the field at homeplate. The youngster was only as tall as the bat, but knew what to do with Richard's concern and gentle guidance. "Just give him a few more years..." was his call. In a 1983 movie, Jason Robards as the character Max Dugan returned to help his daughter and grandchild in a wonderful Neil Simon tale. More than anything his grandchild wanted to be a good baseball player. Robards then hired the best batting coach in the majors to achieve that goal. Richard Bender's grandson is more fortunate for in reality he already has the best. The league is also most fortunate, as JoAnn Milliken said, "Women's baseball needs more people like Richard Bender. He is dedicated to providing opportunities for girls and women to play baseball. He devotes most of his free time to teaching players and promoting the league. Constantly he challenges the league to do better, to reach higher, to go for the home run." More than just a coach, Richard Bender is dedicated and assists with his knowledge and skills to help individuals, teams, and a league play better baseball. "I climbed a mountain and turned around, and saw my reflections in the snow covered hills." "Mirror in the sky, what is the measure of our lives? Can the child within my heart rise above any strife, Can I still sail through those changing ocean tides, Can I handle the new seasons changing deep inside?" "Well, I've been afraid of changing, 'cause I built my whole life around you. Though time makes you wiser, and children get older, yes, and I'm getting older, too." "I climbed a mountain and turned around, and saw my reflections in the snow covered hills, 'till the landslide brought me down." "Oh, in time I turned around, and saw my reflections in the snow, in those snow covered hills..." --Stevie Nicks, 1975 and 1997. B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: new induction poster, commemorative buttons (2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), personalized magnetic locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, knife, and model bats. The website main page has order information, and the photo page displays most items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE December 1, 1911 Walter Alston birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 2, 1847 Deacon White birthdate, MLB catcher. December 3, 1965 Katarina Witt birthdate, Olympic medalist. December 4, 1861 Lillian Russell birthdate, theater actor. December 4, 1868 Jesse Burkett birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 5, 1894 Philip K. Wrigley birthdate, team owner. December 6, 1899 Jocko Conlan birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 6, 1900 Agnes Moorehead birthdate, actor. December 6, 1903 Tony Lazzeri birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 7, 1947 Johnny Bench birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 8, 1968 Mike Mussina birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 9, 1871 Joe Kelley birthdate, MLB outfielder. December 9, 1865 Passing of Branch Rickey, MLB manager. December 10, 1830 Emily Dickinson birthdate, poet. December 10, 1971 Nolan Ryan traded by Mets to Angels. December 11, 1854 Hoss Radbourne birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 11, 1926 Big Mama Thornton birthdate, blues singer. December 12, 1864 Phenomenal Smith birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 13, 1943 Ferguson Jenkins birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 14, 1897 Margaret Chase Smith birthdate, US Congress. December 15, 1900 Christy Mathewson traded to NY Giants. December 16, 1901 Margaret Mead birthdate, anthropologist. December 16, 1951 Mike Flanagan birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 16, 1964 Billy Ripken birthdate, MLB player. December 17, 1903 Wright brothers first flight. December 18, 1886 Ty Cobb birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 18, 1916 Betty Grable birthdate, film actor. December 18, 1930 Bill Skowron birthdate, MLB player. December 19, 1894 Ford Frick birthdate, MLB Commissioner. December 19, 1934 Al Kaline birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 20, 1881 Branch Rickey birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 20, 1888 Fred Merkle birthdate, MLB player. December 20, 1900 Gabby Harnett birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 21, 1912 Josh Gibson birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 21, 1954 Chris Evert birthdate, tennis champion. December 22, 1862 Connie Mack birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 22, 1944 Steve Carlton birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume VIII, 2005 Season Publications Number 28, Father Baseball (Richard Bender), December 4, 2005. Number 27, Tenacious Top Twirler Tapped (Gelman), November 21, 2005. Number 26, Long Valley Women (Mice and Men), November 13, 2005. Number 25, Bookies, Belles, and Beisbol (Winter), October 14, 2005. Number 24, 2005 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 7, 2005. Number 23, 2005 Nominations for Induction, October 2, 2005. Number 22, Teddy Ballgame Still Suspended, September 22, 2005. Number 21, 2005 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, September 19, 2005. Number 20, Charm City Champions (Baltimore), September 2, 2005. Number 19, Hitting the Road, Again (Kerouac), August 26, 2005. Number 18, Sweltering Seventeen (extra runs), August 19, 2005. Number 17, This One's for the Gipper, August 12, 2005. Number 16, 2005 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions Form, August 11, 2005. Number 15, Proud Mary Keeps on Turning, August 5, 2005. Number 14, Inside the Park (Walter Lanier Barber), July 28. Number 13, Beauty, Brains, and Brawn (Brenneman), May 27. Number 12, Cryonics Firm Pending Investigation, May 1. Number 11, New Book Release (Ted Williams), April 11. Number 10, Have You Seen the Light (Blues), April 10. Number 09, Play Dixie for Me (songs), March 24. Number 08, Foot in the Bucket (Opening Day), March 8. Number 07, Strikes! (spring training), February 28. Number 06, Nightmare of the Living Dead, February 13. Number 05, Vinny, Vidi, Vici (court case), February 1. Number 04, Natural and Supernatural (Williams), January 24. Number 03, BarnCat on a Hot Tin Roof (Texas), January 15. Number 02, Ted Williams' Disposition (update), January 7. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was (2004), January 2. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/news E. NWB HALL OF FAME PROGRAMS The National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame, an independent not-for-profit organization established September 1998, is situated in suburban Washington, DC. The objective is to recognize achievements of women in regulation baseball. The NWB Hall of Fame offers these programs for participants in regulation baseball with organized leagues. Managers are are encouraged to recommend recognition awards and suggest articles on their teams, players, or events. Applications are available through email and are posted on the website. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS Nominations for the NWB Hall of Fame are due September 30. Inductions may include four current and one previous players by formal application or candidate statement. NATIONAL MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS MVP player and manager award requests are due December 31. Season nominations should be by a manager or administrator. One MVP player per team may be selected annually. Membership covers transmission of newsletters, announcements, invitations, applications, and access to all website pages. Membership is $9.00 renewed annually, and an application is available on the NWB Hall of Fame website. _________________________________________________________ NATIONAL WOMEN'S BASEBALL HALL OF FAME Richard C. Jaffeson, Executive Director PO Box 15282, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20825 301-847-0102 HallFame@USA.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame "National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame" is a registered trade name with the State of Maryland. MD672265, October 19, 1998. "National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame" is a Trademark/Servicemark pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Programs, articles, and contents presented herein are protected under provisions of the U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress. Fame Forum registrations are listed below: TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2005 __________________________________________________________