_________________________________________________________ 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, TXU178506. Issue Number 00316 _________________________________________________________ Volume VIII, Number 27 Publisher and Author November 21, 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: TENACIOUS TOP TWIRLER TAPPED "Twirlerly dee, twirlerly, twirlerly dee. Twirlerly dee, twirlerly, twirlerly dee. Swoosh! Swoosh! Twirlerly dee..." "She rocks upon the diamond all day long, throwin', boppin', and singin' her song. Every playin' BarnCat and the Kelly Bee, love to see that Robin turn on the heat." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Go rockin' Robin, when curves are right, they're workin' and droppin' as strikes." "All the BarnCat players lead by Dr. Dee, praise the charm of her curve and speed. When perched on a mound, so she'll know, voices pull together callin' 'Go gal go!'" "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Go rockin' Robin, when curves are right, they're workin' and droppin' from sight." "The chief catbird coachin' for his clan, taught her how to hop, and it was grand. She began thrown' steady, bless my soul, could out-bop the Nationals and Orioles." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Go rockin' Robin, when curves are right, they're workin' and droppin' as strikes." "Her nest of pitches are no bat's friend, Robin wings are the B'Cats best defense. If a player's on base, she doesn't mind, been flyin' infields since the age nine." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Go rockin' Robin, when curves are right, they're workin' and droppin' from sight." "She rocks upon the diamond all day long, throwin', boppin', and singin' her song. Every playin' BarnCat and the Kelly Bee, love to see that Robin turn on the heat." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee." "Twirlerly dee, twirlerly, twirlerly dee. Twirlerly dee, twirlerly, twirlerly dee. Swoosh! Swoosh! Twirlerly dee!!!" Note: Significantly modified from "Rockin' Robin," originally composed by Jimmie Thomas, 1958. TOP TWIRLER CONTINUED... The BarnCats starting and perennial pitcher, Robin Gelman was recently selected to receive an annual MVP award from the NWB Hall of Fame. Her MVP nomination was prepared by BarnCats coach Richard Bender on November 17, 2005. Gelman has a formidable effective combination of pitches, including an exceptional curve, all of which are augmented by a strong sense of determination. She has consistently contributed to the BarnCats for many years, and received a similar national MVP award in 2000. The following is Robin Gelman's 2005 nomination statement by BarnCats coach Richard Bender, and supportive comments and article from 2000. Congratulations Robin! ROBIN GELMAN, 2005 MVP NOMINATION by Richard Bender, BarnCats Coach Montgomery County, Maryland "I'd like to nominate Robin Gelman who, as you know, has been playing for the BarnCats for eight years, and during that time has won the BarnCats' team MVP award four times." "Robin is a dependable pitcher who throws with great control, an excellent curve ball, and has the right mental attitude for a pitcher. She's no slouch at the plate either, having been the BarnCats' cleanup hitter during all but one year of her playing time with the team." "Robin has also exemplified qualities of dependability and competitiveness when she pitched the DC Thunder, the EWBC tournament team, to a victory in the championship game of the NYC Invitational tournament held this past Labor Day Weekend in New York. Her pitching effort was so strong that she never went to ball three on any batter during the first 7 innings of that game and was instrumental in moving the winning run to third base in the last of the ninth in a crucial situation when the Thunder sewed up the victory over the team from Philadelphia." "Robin has always been supportive of her teammates and has given of her time and knowledge to help train new BarnCats' pitchers over the past few years." "ORIOLES, BLUEJAYS, CARDINALS, AND MORE" Volume III, Number 64, December 16, 2000 Excerpts... Robin Gelman, raised in Queens, was initially taught baseball by her dad. She resides in Montgomery County, Maryland [now in Leesburg, VA], and is an ace-pitcher with the BarnCats, a perennial favorite in the EWBC. She brought her team a 9-2 record for the 2000 season, which represented a very good year for this Robin. For exceptional efforts this season, Robin Gelman is being recognized for her accomplishments with a national MVP Award from the NWB Hall of Fame nominated by her teammates and coach. In his statement, Coach Richard Bender indicated the following regarding the team's star pitcher. "Robin Gelman was not only voted the MVP of the BarnCats by her teammates, but I heartily endorse that selection as her coach." "In her second year of pitching, Robin was so improved that she demonstrated a pitching ability that escapes most major league pitchers; the ability to throw strikes and throw them with consistency." "In one game this past year, she threw some 118 pitches, 89 of which were strikes! Robin can pinpoint areas of the plate, both inside and outside, and is currently working hard this winter to improve her fastball and curve. She should be extra difficult to hit in 2001." In addition to pitching, Coach Bender noted that Gelman was a versatile player ready to contribute at any given position for the total team effort. "Robin demonstrated her MVP status on the BarnCats by filling in as a catcher for one game, playing second base when required, and also leading the team in hitting." He was equally impressed with her offensive capabilities along side of homeplate. "Batting fourth in the BarnCats lineup, she was especially dangerous with runners on base for she rarely struck-out. Her ability to put the bat on the ball makes Robin an effective weapon in hit and run situations, and when called upon to execute that play during the 2000 season, she always hit the ball." When she plays, Robin Gelman contributes to her team. And, when she pitches for the BarnCats, it is often MVP Catcher Kelly Ballentine who receives her throws. From that perspective, she knows Robin's talent is in her intelligence, control, and perseverance. Said Ballentine, "Robin is a consistent pitcher, even though she doesn't have the speed others in the league might have. The game is about strikes and strike-outs, not about who can throw the fastest." "She throws at different speeds, which get hitters out. It is all about where you throw the ball and where the hitter thinks the ball is going, if they are different you have a strike. She is probably one of two pitchers who doesn't get flustered when the game is on the line, and starts to throw wild." It is not surprising that Gelman is very comfortable on the diamond, because Robin has played baseball since she was 9 years old. Back then, Robin often started at second base or served as a relief pitcher. In high school, she participated primarily in softball, and one year in basketball and volleyball. Later, Robin was on an intercollegiate bowling team, and also won two racquetball tournaments. For the past two seasons, she was a starting pitcher for the BarnCats, and also enjoys playing third base. When in that position, Robin said, "I love knowing that the batter can hear me beating my glove and routing on the pitcher. Plus, there's the excitement of the position and knowing you have to be on your toes at all times." She claims not to have a nickname, but "Robin" is more than adequate. And, while growing up in Queens, she proudly claimed to be a Yankees fan, and particularly admired Bucky Dent. Certainly, there have been many great teams and players to follow in the New York area. And, she added this about her first mentor in baseball. "I owe it all to my dad, who taught me everything from pitching, to appreciating a pulling guard, to sinking a 3-pointer. Without his encouragement and patience, I would have been on the sidelines long ago." Yes, this Robin knows how to play baseball well with the initial lessons from her father, and more recent instructions from Coach Bender. Growing up in Queens, adjacent to Brooklyn, there was a rich tradition of New York baseball upon which to learn and build with the Yankees and Mets as examples, and past memories in her family of the Giants and Dodgers. When Charles Ebbets built his new field in Brooklyn, it was completed for Opening Day on April 9, 1913. His team finished sixth place in the National League that year, and Ebbets immediately hired a new manager Wilbert Robinson from the Orioles. This Brooklyn team was then called the "Robins" from 1914 through 1931 named after their manager for those 18 successful years. Robinson brought to Brooklyn a winning tradition with two National League pennants, and he was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1945. He had an ability to work wonders with his pitchers such as Ed Pfeffer, and had effective players including a young Casey Stengel. After the 1931 season, Brooklyn became the Dodgers once again, but that was not what they called the team when "Uncle Robbie" was in charge of the game. When he ran the Brooklyn Robins it was a top flight team, and his baseball flock had winning seasons with pennants. Robin Gelman, like her namesake, has many winning ways. As with all robins, this Robin is bright and cheerful, has a constant sense of direction, works well together with her teammates, displays exceptional patience and perseverance, and is consistently effective. These reasons are why she is a MVP calibre player, and is honored this season by her teammates and coach. When she takes the mound next season for her BarnCats, it will again be a sure sign of spring. In sports, we may find Orioles, Bluejays, Cardinals, Ravens, Falcons, Eagles, Seahawks, and more. However, in the EWBC, there is one high flying star with wings for her BarnCats, and that is hurler Robin Gelman. Note: At the conclusion of each season, managers and coaches may nominate one player per team for a national MVP award during that calendar year (until December 31 for 2005). The MVP award is separate from official induction into the NWB Hall of Fame. However, MVP awards may serve as indicators of outstanding players and prerequisites for those who may be considered for future induction. The BarnCats are members of the Eastern Women's Baseball Conference, and the team is managed by Dr. Diane Sweeney, 2005 NWB Hall of Fame, and is coached by Richard Bender. 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 November 19, 1921 Roy Campanella birthdate MLB Hall of Fame. November 19, 1938 Ted Turner birthdate, MLB executive. November 19, 1961 Meg Ryan birthdate, actor. November 20, 1866 Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis birthdate, first MLB Commissioner and MLB Hall of Fame. November 20, 1869 Clark Griffith birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame, owner of Washington Senators. November 21, 1934 NY Yankees obtain Joe DiMaggio from SF Seals. November 21, 1956 Don Newcombe receives first Cy Young Award. November 22, 1907 Dick Bartell birthdate, MLB player. November 23, 1940 Luis Tiant birthdate, MLB pitcher. November 24, 1911 Ducky Medwick birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 24, 1967 Ben McDonald birthdate, MLB player. November 25, 1914 Joe DiMaggio birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 25, 1951 Bucky Dent birthdate, MLB player. November 26, 1797 Sojourner Truth birthdate, abolitionist. November 26, 1866 Hugh Duffy birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 26, 1908 Lefty Gomez birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 26, 1975 Fred Lynn receives Rookie and MVP awards. November 27, 1974 Bowie Kuhn suspends George Steinbrenner. November 28, 1870 Heinie Peitz birthdate, MLB catcher. November 29, 1876 Nellie Ross birthdate, directed US Mint. November 29, 1922 Minnie Minoso birthdate, MLB player. November 30, 1962 Bo Jackson birthdate, NFL and MLB player. November 30, 1991 First US women world soccer championship. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume VIII, 2005 Season Publications 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, TXU178506. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2005 __________________________________________________________