_________________________________________________________ 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, TXU177774. Issue Number 00314 _________________________________________________________ Volume VIII, Number 25 Publisher and Author October 14, 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 Pictures Include... DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WRIGHT, LUKASIK, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, SHELDON, BEAUCHAMP AND HUDSON TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: BOOKIES, BELLES, AND BEISBOL Leaning against a tacky newsstand along a crowded street inside the Loop, and reading daily sports betting sheets, one in a group of habitual gamblers sang-out... "I've got a team right here, it's tagged as Paul Revere, there's a gal who says if the weather's clear, can do, can do, this gal says the team can do!" "The bet ain't no bum steer, I'm calling in Paul Revere, this is from a handicapper who's real sincere, can do, can do, this gal says the team can do!" A second gambler chimed-in... "Hey what kinda name's that, those gals can't hit squat, there is nothing but air when they grab a bat, 'can't hit, can't run,' will be their epitaph!" The first voice blended-in... "I checked with Ballentine, she cast the morning line, the odds on Paul Revere are runyon' at 5 to 9, can do, can do, this gal says the team can do!" "And says a friend of mine, their pitcher sure's fine, no chances, on the level, better spend a dime, can do, can do, this gal says the team can do!" The second gambler tried to repeat her refrain, but was tuned-out by the first who exclaimed... "If she says the team can do, --can do, can do!" "Ballentine says, --I've got a team right here!" They returned to studying betting sheets and rapidly making cryptic calculations and marginal notations totally lost in a world distinctly their own. Meanwhile, another of their ilk approached who was a distant colleague, but one with an aura of confidence and refinement, apparently she had been more successful in their shared sordid endeavors. Nearing the same newsstand, this high-stakes roller heard only part of the morning's speculations, as this encounter commenced. "I see you motley characters are up to your usual tricks," she opened up the conversation to the unsuspecting bettors. "What is today's line?" Somewhat startled, Bernie Southpaw was first to respond in recognition of this distinguished visitor, "Why it is none other than Sky Mistresson. Look what the wind has blown in down Michigan Avenue. Certainly, we are most pleased and honored by your esteemed presence. Pray tell, what brings you to our fair city?" "Although Bernice does not concur," Lively-Lovely Johnson, who used her companion's formal reference disparagingly and only when in a betting disagreement, interjected from along side of the newsstand a reply to Sky's introductory inquiry, "the latest in from Ballentine is a team called Paul Revere. Perhaps, you have heard of such a club?" "One question at a time, my friends," Mistresson laughed at their petty antics to gain her attention. "I just arrived from Vegas, and I am on my way to Havana." She further explained, "As you know the war has been over for more than a year, travel restrictions are long gone, and rationing has finally stopped; there is lots of money floating around and plenty of pent-up energy in dire need of release, which we are well-suited to address. Certain parties believe that Havana may be just the right spot for new hotels and casinos which on my trip, among other things, I endeavor to determine. Mutual friends on the South Side may wish to join in our Caribbean ventures, another reason for my presence in your fair city this week." Sky then answered the second question, "Everyone in Vegas has heard of Ballentine's Line. Prognostications from her are reliable. But, as for the club known as Paul Revere, this is a reference for which even I have not encountered. Apparently, this is not the proper term for a sport team. Is this not the name of a patriot, senator, or spokesman? In what gaming activity do they engage?" "Baseball!!!" simultaneously an instant chorus announced. "Naturally, that explains it," Sky nodded in recognition, "although I am partial to diamonds, I truly admit, I do not follow the sport and would be unable to tell you one team from another or which players are best. Personally, my preference rides with ponies!" "You have never bet on baseball? Sky, say it ain't so!" "With a clear and rosey conscience, I report to you all a very resounding 'never,'" Sky self-assuredly smiled. "And, the prior White Sox scandal in the Queen City had nothing to do with that decision." "Perhaps, we may be able convince you otherwise," Bernie suggested, "that is, to acquire an interest in baseball." "Not very likely," Sky matter-of-factly signified while adjusting her hat. "Hmmm, this is a challenge," Bernie thought and inquired, "But, Sky you are a betting gal and a high stakes roller. How could you not bet on baseball?" "What about the teams stocked with players of our genre?" another inquired. "You would not wager on them?" Sky grinned, "I will share with you wise counsel from a madame who many years ago advised me, 'Never be a chump,' which means never bet on something about which you know nothing. She often said, 'Only chumps take sucker bets,' which means they are sure to lose. And, having done so, they are marked as such for a long, long time. I only bet on sure things. There is no percentage in unknowns." "But, Sky," Bernie respectfully noted, "do you not have a reputation for also betting on highly unusual things?" "How far a peanut can be thrown..." one gambler stated. "What color bowtie someone wore..." another remembered. "Which cheesecake tasted better..." recalled the third. "These are true," Sky acknowledged, "I have been known to wager on such occurrences and happenstances based upon my knowledge of physical nature and human nature." "However, I have pending business pertaining to Havana," Sky was becoming slightly impatient. "There is precious little time for reminiscences and speculations." "Sky, we see you are traveling alone," observed another of the gamblers on behalf of the group. "Strange you should comment," Sky cavalierly responded, "but what you state is the obvious. As everyone can see, I am unaccompanied on this trip, and that is by choice. If I elect to do so, I could easily find a dame or belle as a traveling companion. I see no problem in arranging that even in such a city which I do not often frequent." "Ah, I see," Bernie spotted a rare opportunity, "and is that companionship, or definite lack there of, something upon which you would speculate?" "What do you suggest?" Sky was intrigued by the challenge and unusual type of wager. "Such companionship would not be difficult to acquire; it makes little difference who, providing she is not wedded and thus available." "We believe you cannot do so," Bernie further proposed, "say for $1,000. However, we select the candidate, and you have this week in town to finalize the deal." "This is fascinating," Sky accepted the challenge. "And, it is a matter of personal pride for I am not interested in taking your money. Who do you suggest as the mark?" "Here let me show you in this newspaper." Bernie located a dated paper from behind the newsstand. "Look!" Bernie exclaimed and pointed to a sports photo. "She is on a championship baseball team, and resides in nearby Racine. Definitely single, and one that does not even look at men. The player on the end is she." Bernie produced a newspaper which displayed the champion 1946 Racine Belles, and pointed to their all-star pitcher Joanne Winter. "This is unbelievable," Sky gulped. "She is an athlete to boot." Sky mutter related references to herself as she considered the bet. "Claudius' first wife would be better. Madame, where is that towel? I have a wet ear, again." "OK, my friends, a deal is a deal," Sky accepted her fate, and further thought, "I must go all out to win this wager for I Sky Mistresson can never be marked as a chump!" And, she continued down Michigan Avenue a little less jubilant than several minutes before. "I need information on this Belle," Sky became determined, "from where and whom?" She paused, "Of course, Ballentine!" Sky immediately stopped at the next pay phone, and dialed a private number from memory. "Ballentine, you recognize this voice," Mistresson began without any further introduction. "What details do you have on a Belle named Joanne Winter with Racine?" Without missing a beat, Ballentine launched into standard statistics, which she instinctively recited. "Winter, born in Chicago, November 24, 1924. She played semi-pro softball for the Parichy Bloomers, 1940 to 1942. Signed by Philip K. Wrigley, and joined the Racine Belles in 1943, the league's first season. She has been there ever since, and became an all-star pitcher. The Belles were league champions in 1943 and 1946 with her." "She won the League Championship Playoff September 16 last year, it was in all the papers. Went 14 innings pitching against the Rockford Peaches, a 1-0 shutout. Established a record 33 wins last season underhand, because of that was named a 1946 All-Star Player." "Pitcher, huh, not likely to be taken in," Sky surmised. "Any personal insights?" "She's a real prankster," Ballentine put aside the profiles. "You know, practical jokes on rookie players, coaches, and team chaperones." "Such as what?" Sky needed as much ammunition as possible. "Harmless stuff," the explanation continued, "garden snakes in hotel beds, toothpaste in Oreo cookies, short-sheeting, and old Limburger cheese on light bulbs. On the road, she likes drinking in cemeteries at midnight with her teammates, and she is partial to fancy candies. What's the deal here? This sounds like more than just making a baseball bet." "Right!" Sky revealed. "And, what is a team chaperone?" "Each team has one," Ballentine noted. "They're trained by Helena Rubinstein. Racine's chaperone is Mildred Wilson, a genuine watchdog. None of their players are ever alone. Winter's constant companion is Sophie Kurys. She is the best of the Belles, and they are inseparable." "What did you say?" Mistresson glowed, "one word, --alone. There you have my solution. I will not take her alone." "What do you mean?" Ballentine pressed. "The wager in which I engaged is that I must take Winter to Havana where I have business. Her alone this I could never do. Therefore, I will invite the entire team, and call it spring training. All the Belles will accompany me to Havana. Such an opportunity they could not refuse. I will win my bet, and my reputation shall remain intact." Smiling Ballentine sang-out, "All of this was for a date?" Note: Joanne Winter was inducted into the NWB Hall of Fame in October 2005. Based on the novel, play, and movie "Guys and Dolls," with the original story written by Damon Runyon. The 1955 movie starred Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson, and Frank Sinatra as Nathan Detroit. The Racine Belles and Joanne Winter participated in spring training at Havana in 1947 (with other teams). League Championship Playoff Team Racine Belles, September 16, 1946 Sophie Kurys, second base Moe Trezza, shortstop Pepper Paire, catcher Edie Perlick, left field Eleanor Dapkus, center field Maddy English, third base Marnie Danhauser, first base Betty Emry, right field Joanne Winter, pitcher 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 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 shutout 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. October 18, 1895 Babe Pinelli birthdate, MLB umpire called Don Larsen 1956 World Series perfect game. October 18, 1836 Ellen Scripps birthday, newspaper owner. October 18, 1977 Reggie Jackson 3 World Series homeruns. October 19, 1876 Peter Brown birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 20, 1931 Mickey Mantle birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 20, 1937 Juan Marichal birthdate, MLB pitcher. October 20, 1942 Christiane Volard birthdate, Nobel Prize. October 20, 1953 Keith Hernandez birthdate, MLB player. October 21, 1928 Whitey Ford birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 21, 1975 Carlton Fisk 12th inning World Series homerun. October 22, 1907 Jimmie Foxx birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 23, 1832 William Hulbert birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 23, 1906 Gertrude Ederle birthdate, Channel swimmer. October 23, 1931 Jim Bunning birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 24, 1871 Louis Sockalexis birthdate, MLB player. October 25, 1889 Smoky Joe Wood birthdate, MLB player. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume VIII, 2005 Season Publications 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, TXU177774. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2005 __________________________________________________________