_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2004 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU163750. Issue Number 00277 _________________________________________________________ Volume VII, Number 35 Publisher and Author October 12, 2004 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2004 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS BEAUCHAMP AND HUDSON _________________________________________________________ SEE THE WEBSITE PHOTO PAGES "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums Pictures Include... DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WRIGHT, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, SHELDON, BEAUCHAMP, AND HUDSON HELP SAVE TED WILLIAMS http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: 2004 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS BEAUCHAMP AND HUDSON UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED Annual balloting was completed this week for inductions into the NWB Hall of Fame. Genevieve Beauchamp, Team Canada, Team Ontario, and Team Mississauga; and Renee Hudson, BarnCats, Montgomery County, MD (suburban Washington, DC) were unanimously approved by the National Selection Committee. A minimum of 75% acceptance is required for induction of eligible candidates. Anyone active in women's baseball can submit an annual nomination. Previous and current players in regulation baseball are eligible. The website provides additional selection criteria and procedures. The website front page also contains a list of all players inducted into the NWB Hall of Fame, and their pictures are posted in the Photo Pages. Images of Beauchamp and Hudson will soon be included. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums Congratulations to Genevieve Beauchamp and Renee Hudson! Genevieve Beauchamp, Catcher Team Canada, Team Ontario, and Team Mississauga and international tournament teams 2002-2004-present Renee Hudson, Pitcher, First Base, Fielder BarnCats, Montgomery County, MD, and Virginia Flames and regional tournament teams 1998-2002-2004-present BEAUCHAMP began practicing baseball at age five, and started playing little league by seven. In recent tournaments, she has been voted MVP twice, and in the 2004 international IBAF World Cup she was voted All-Star Team catcher and hit .462. HUDSON played successfully for the Flames, 1998-2001, and currently the BarnCats, 2002-2004 in suburban Washington, DC. She is a dedicated and consistent player, and as an educator supports her teammates with advice and encouragement. Renee also coaches baseball for children's teams. More information on Beauchamp and Hudson is provided below. Genevieve Beauchamp Statement "My name is Genevieve Beauchamp, I was born in a baseball family. At 5 I began practicing blocking balls, catching and hitting with my father in our backyard, at 7 I began to play in little league with the boys." "Later, I played with the best player (male) of the Province of Quebec under 22, that gave me the chance to hit against draft choices and have success." "In 2002, I joined Team Ontario to play with women for the first time, I went to Geelong, Australia, and won the second place of December 2002 tournament. At the same time, I started in Quebec the women's program." "In 2003, Team Quebec played in tournaments and I was named MVP of the tournaments of Toronto and Quebec International Challenge in Saint Jerome, Quebec. I was also named on Team Canada for the second year. I was honored as Teammate of the Year in the Laurentian sporting awards." "In 2004, I am playing with Mississauga North of the COGBL traveling regularly from Montreal to Toronto to play games with Team Ontario, and I had the honor to represent my country at the World Series in Oozu, Japan with a third place, and won the bronze medal at the World Cup in Edmonton. [August 2004] I was voted on the Cup's All-Star Team as the best catcher." "You will find enclosed documents stating ny doings here, my stats and a video where you can see how much power I have combined with average and solid defence." "For me, baseball is a great part of my life and having the chance to be inducted in the Women's Baseball Hall of Fame would be the greatest honor that I could receive and help me continue putting a lot of energy in that cause and give a boost in my area and help the development of our sport." "Please allow me to fulfill a dream, I assure you to continue developing our sport." Genevieve Beauchamp Annual Batting Statistics Year Team Games BA 2004 Canada 28 .508 2004 Ontario 10 .452 2004 Mississ 12 .523 2003 Quebec 20 .612 2002 Ontario 20 .386 Renee Hudson Comments and Article Richard Bender, Coach, BarnCats, Montgomery County, MD October 2004 "Renee is a versatile athlete who is equally at home in the outfield, first base, or at the pitching position. In addition, she is a long distance runner who keeps in shape by training for and entering marathon races during the year." "Renee always keeps her team in mind as she plays any position that will help her squad win. She is a keen competitor who remains even tempered on the field while enjoying the accolades of her teammates. Renee is definitely a quality addition to the BarnCats' roster." JoAnn Milliken, Manager, Virginia Flames August 2000 "Renee is the most improved and among the most dedicated players on the Flames team. She is extremely enthusiastic and always helpful. Anyone can see that Renee is beautiful on the outside, but those of us who are fortunate to know her, get to see that Renee is beautiful on the inside too." Fame Forum, Volume III, Number 43, August 8, 2000 THE FASTEST FLAME by Richard C. Jaffeson "OK, watch it now! We've got real speed at the plate." warned the BarnCats catcher to her infield at Povich Field and quickly shouted, "There are two down and two runners on base. Get one of them!" "Yeah," I thought to myself, "She has real speed down the line. She is dependable, and knows how to hit. When that bat connects, she can fly." This exceptional batter, armed with those unexpected words of encouragement from the other team's catcher, on the next pitch hit a solid line drive, and took off like a flash towards first base. Long legs and a trailing pony-tail of #5 were all that I saw running, as her lean frame kicked up dust along the first base line. No one in that game was going to throw her out. The BarnCats catcher and I knew that batter was also a marathon runner. She enters as many as four races per year, and definitely has the speed and endurance to keep going all afternoon. Ninety feet to first base was a snap for her. With her conditioning, she could quickly cover any distance around the baseball field. She is a member of the Flames, and proudly plays for her team from northern Virginia, which is part of the Eastern Women's Baseball Conference (EWBC). Teammates, manager, coaches, and family fully expect her to be an exceptional player and perform well at any assigned position. She has all the determination, dedication, capability, character, and intelligence to do just that consistently game after game. The best judge of her team, and most appreciative of all her star performers is JoAnn Milliken. As manager she is in a position to know, and said this about the fastest of the Flames. "She has played everywhere, --first base, third base, pitcher, catcher, and outfielder. I think she will soon be one of the best outfielders in the game. She is a runner, and well-suited to cover the outfield." Milliken continued to comment about her dedication, "She makes almost ever practice, and has never missed a game in two seasons. She even plans her vacation times around our baseball schedule." Who is this consistently exceptional baseball player? Who is this marathon runner that combines speed and endurance on the basepaths and in the outfield? Who is this educator and mother of three children with a husband who is also a baseball star? Renee Hudson is the answer to these questions, and a key component and contributor to her Flames team. She is seen every summer weekend in her red Flames team shirt racing a hardball to the next base and arriving safely ahead of time. She is usually seen covering first base on defense, stretching long, and handling any throw within her extensive reach and grasp. And, her family is there watching and cheering for her and the Flames to succeed. For the past two seasons she has made the Flames part of her weekend family. Her husband Tom Hudson is also a baseball player, a pitcher for the local recreational league Washington Red Sox, and often coaches the Flames. Children Joe age 14, Laura age 12, and the youngest David age 8 are also learning baseball by observing mom and dad, who are the best role models. At Flames games, Renee is a shinning example with a solid hit, great catch, quick throw, and fast steal. "Hey, mom did that!" "Yes, Renee does it all!" Once on first with a single or a walk, she also has the capability of consistently turning that into extra bases by taking second and eventually third. Once this year she even stole home on a passed ball, not be outdone by Joe Tinker or Jackie Robinson. Flames coaches invariably give her a green light to run when on base. She averages 2-3 hits or walks per game, which easily translates into 3 or more steals. What a record that could become! The legendary Sophie Kurys, who played from 1943 through 1952 primarily with the Racine Belles, in her career accumulated 1,114 steals, and averaged about 1 per game. MVP Kurys had the advantages of a much longer season (110-125 games) than the EWBC, and 72' basepaths. Kurys best season was 1946 when the Belles earned their second overall championship in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Racine that year achieved the team championship with the best record at 74 and 38, similar to obtaining a pennant. They were also successful in the League Championship Playoffs, which were post-season games. In the final game of the 1946 playoffs with the Rockford Peaches, Kurys captured base 201 before a hometown crowd at Racine's Horlick Field with more than 7,000 present. Essentially, Kurys won that game with a single and that steal 201 at second base. On the next hit, a single by Betty Trezza, Kurys raced home from second in the bottom of the 14th inning and scored for a 1-0 thrilling finale. Kurys said this about the 1946 championship, "It was the most exciting game I ever participated in. It was only a 1-0 score, but there was so much hitting, so much action. We were standing on our heads out there, doing everything to catch the ball." Kurys won the game, the 1946 championship for Racine, and the base stealing record. It was a great year for her! Her record still stands well with those for MLB players. Although, it is difficult to compare, because Kurys had fewer games than a MLB season, not as many years of play, and shorter basepaths. Stolen Bases Total Stolen Base Leaders Season Career Years Sophie Kurys 201 1,114 10 Rickey Henderson 130 1,334 21+ Lou Brock 118 938 19 Billy Hamilton 111 915 14 Ty Cobb 96 892 24 Note: +Henderson is still an active player. Base Distances (AAGBL 72' and MLB 90'), Games Per Season (50-60, 110, 125, and MLB 154 and 162). Still active, Rickey Henderson has had a long productive baseball career, and currently plays with the Mariners. He started with Oakland in 1979, and for 5 consecutive years achieved the MLB base stealing season record. On August 27, 1982 he exceeded Lou Brock's single season record with steal 119, and went on to reach a total of 130 bases that year, which was his best performance. Henderson's primary secret to success are his leg muscles. He doesn't lift weights, but runs, runs, and runs... He uses his speed and alertness. He knows when to run, has the capability, and is not afraid to test himself against any pitcher or catcher. Rickey stands at 5'10" and 190 pounds, and is all leg muscles. Henderson and Hudson share a similar approach. However, Renee uses marathon practices and events to keep in top condition. On the ball field, both very quickly cover the same 90' distance between the bases. Renee Hudson is unquestionably sports oriented, it is an important part of her life and that of her family. Before joining the Flames, she played co-ed softball for several years, participated in men's baseball, and remains active in basketball, swimming, and volleyball. It is no surprise she loves running. Renee mentioned, "I run between 2 and 4 marathons per year, depending on how much fun I am having." She modestly noted, "I have won many age group awards for running 5 Ks. Although I run all distances, I have only done well in 5 Ks. I also came in second in my age group in the Delaware Marathon in 1998. I do not think that this award speaks at all to my ability, but to the lack of ability in my age group that day." Considering a marathon is 26 miles, just to complete running that distance is a significant accomplishment! Fortunately for the Flames [and currently the BarnCats], Renee also loves baseball! She has several baseball heros including George Brett who shared #5 with her. She admires the special achievements of Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson. Although their baseball skills are the real reasons, Renee said she favors, "George Brett and Brady Anderson because they're cute, and B.J. (William James) Surhoff for his consistent hard work." During the school year Renee Hudson teaches first grade in suburban Maryland. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and her masters degree was received from Arizona State. She said this about education, "I have one philosophy about teaching in first grade: If I don't teach them to read, and read well, they'll never learn." At this point in their young lives knowing how to read well is crucial for it allows them to continue to learn, enjoy education, and grow in the future. She enthusiastically teaches her students many things, and they eagerly learn. All of her students are aware of sports because of Renee, although at that age they can only participate in physical education. She added, "I do coach boy's baseball, my smaller son's team with Wheaton Boys and Girls Club, and Tom helps me. Our team won first place 2 out of 3 years. Tom coaches our older son, and I help him. I have had many past students on my team." Her students also attend the Flames games when they are held in Montgomery County, Maryland. Often I'm asked, "Where's Mrs. Hudson?" then point and reply, "On first base, look for #5!" as they excitedly talk about and cheer for her. Renee is also proud of her former father-in-law Mickey, and his participation in baseball. "I would like to mention one more thing." She wanted to include, "My father-in-law was the bat boy for the Senators from 1955 to 1958 at old Griffith Stadium." "Since the All-Star game was held there in 1956, he was the bat boy for that. He knew many of the players such as Roy Sievers, Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, Yogi Berra, Al Kaline, and Eddie Yost. There are film clips of him in the movie Damn Yankees." Renee Hudson has fashioned her life and family around baseball. She is a versatile player, dedicated to her team, talented educator, mom that manages three children. A great combination! However, it is Flames manager JoAnn Milliken that has the final words here proclaiming that, "Renee is the most improved and among the most dedicated players on the Flames team. She is extremely enthusiastic, very sweet, and always helpful." Milliken continued with a more personal observation, "Anyone can see that Renee is beautiful on the outside, but those of us who are fortunate to know her, get to see that Renee is beautiful on the inside too." B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: commemorative buttons for 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999; personalized magnetic locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, and model bats. The website main page contains order information, and the photo page displays most of these items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE October 10, 1900 Helen Hayes birthdate, award winning actor. October 10, 1924 Washington Senators win only World Series. October 11, 1900 Eddie Dyer birthdate, World Series MLB manager. October 11, 1939 Maria Bueno birthdate, tennis champion. October 12, 1906 Joe Cronin birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 13, 1754 Molly Pitcher birthdate, Revolutionary War soldier. October 13, 1876 Rube Waddell birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 13, 1903 Boston wins first World Series. October 14, 1905 Giants all shut-out World Series. October 15, 1830 Helen Jackson birthdate, US Indian Commissioner. October 15, 1945 Jim Palmer birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 16, 1900 Goose Goslin birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 16, 1969 Miracle Mets win World Series. October 17, 1848 Candy Cummings birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 17, 1859 Buck Ewing birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 17, 1956 Mae Jemison birthdate, Endeavor astronaut. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume VII, 2004 Season Publications Number 35, 2004 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 12. Number 34, Strike Up the Band (new team), September 29. Number 33, Yankee Clipper Returns, September 24. Number 32, Inductions and Products, September 16. Number 31, Sermon from the Mound, September 13. Number 30, Always Faithful (values), August 31. Number 29, Midnight Roundup, August 25. Number 28, Who'll Stop the Rain, August 9. Number 27, Mobile's Memorable Moments, July 26. Number 26, Playing in the Big Easy, July 24. Number 25, Liberte' Equalite' Sororite', July 14. Number 24, First in War, First in Peace, July 6. Number 23, Babe's Birthday Blast, June 26. Number 22, You're a Grand Old Flag, June 24. Number 21, Clifford's Opening Day, June 16. Number 20, Throwing for Freedom (Paige), June 9. Number 19, Decoration Day Defenders (America), May 25. Number 18, 2004 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions Form, May 22. Number 17, The Winning Team (Ruth), May 10. Number 16, Battling Barnstorming Babe, May 4. Number 15, Making a Big Wish (players), April 28. Number 14, Seventy-Six Trombones (bands), April 20. Number 13, Big Little Big Man (Anderson), April 11. Number 12, Bowfinger Returns (Johnson), April 5. Number 11, Daughter of Frankenstein, March 30. Number 10, Those Damn Yankees (future), March 21. Number 09, Off With Their Heads (Williams), March 15. Number 08, Double Indemnity (insurance), March 6. Number 07, The Heart of Darkness (Williams), February 28. Number 06, Clifford's Big Red Card (Valentine), February 14. Number 05, Going the Distance (Doc Graham), February 10. Number 04, Clifford's Canine Cuisine, January 30. Number 03, Monterey Mollusks (bats), January 18. Number 02, Wonderbats Model 271 (Natural), January 7. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was (2003), 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 support the 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 include current or previous players and managers, through an application or narrative statement. NATIONAL MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS Player, manager, or team award requests are due December 31. Nominations for MVPs should be from the team manager or coach, submitted after the conclusion of the season. Membership covers transmission of newsletters, announcements, invitations, and applications; and complete access to website pages. Membership is $9.00 renewed annually, 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. TXU154039, TXU148132, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU163750. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2004 __________________________________________________________