_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2006 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU180346, and TXU181096. Issue Number 00333 _________________________________________________________ Volume IX, Number 12 Publisher and Author April 14, 2006 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: CLIFFORD FINDS THE EASTER BUNNY "Oh, no!!!" Emily exclaimed when she walked out to the back porch as the morning sun peaked over the tree tops and a light dew began to evaporate. "Where is Wally?!" her expression grew more serious and she had an empty helpless feeling inside as she surveyed the cage with its door wide open without a snuggly warm bunny inside or anywhere in sight. Emily moved nearer, but upon closer examination nothing changed as she looked for clues or evidence of foul play. Everything appeared in its proper place, the water bottle was half full, a diced carrot remained partly chewed, and the newspaper floor matting was not in disarray; except a few pieces could be seen as a trail leading from the cage to the edge of the porch and into the backyard. Clearly, Wally was on the loose, and just before Easter, too. "Clifford!" she screamed, jumped off the porch, and raced towards his palatial house in the backyard, which was in the direction of Wally's paper trail. "Perhaps, he only went to visit Clifford," Emily thought as she quickly covered the short distance to the entrance of his doggie domain. Emily didn't bother to knock and excitedly burst through the front portal of Clifford's house, since she already loudly called his name. Thus, he knew she was on the way as he sat cross-legged carefully trimming his claws. "Have you seen Wally?" Emily snapped while surveying the interior of his huge home searching for any indication of fluffy white fur, but again saw nothing. Almost simultaneously, however, she was very startled by his preoccupation, and followed her opening inquiry with, "What on earth are you doing?" "No hare here," Clifford softly snickered without looking at Emily, because at that precise moment he was in the middle of trimming one long claw and was cautious not to clip too close. There was a bottle of first-aid powder nearby just in case, but with his usual concentration he was certain to cut to perfection. Emily accepted his reply to her question about Wally's whereabouts since apparently he wasn't there and added, "Clifford please be careful. Your claws are too long, better let the vet do that," she advised. Clifford smiled, clipped, and noted, "Can't wait for an appointment. I've got outdoor practice today. My claws are my cleats, and they have to be just right." Emily began to slightly settle down and realized Clifford was wearing his Flames baseball cap, the one JoAnn gave him three seasons ago. She also noticed his baseball bat was off the wall rack and leaned against the front wall. "Oh, I see," Emily understood, "but there is something important which needs our attention. Wally the rabbit escaped! We have to find him. This is Easter weekend." "No problem. I'm great at catching rabbits," Clifford coughed and laughed. "I love hasen pfeffer!" "Clifford, be serious!" Emily snapped. "Nobody is going to harm our Wally. He's the symbol of Easter. We have to bring him back," and she whispered, "alive, too." "If we can get Cleo and T-Bone to help," Emily continued, "this shouldn't take too long. How far could a little rabbit travel? You can still make the Flames practice. JoAnn won't even miss you." As luck would have it, Clifford's doggie neighbors turned the corner into the backyard and pranced in their direction. Emily explained the situation to them, everyone agreed to help find Wally, and they would divide the search to locate the wayward rabbit. Emily provided instructions, "Clifford please investigate downtown by the White House. Wally might have gone there to practice for Monday's egg roll on the South Lawn." "Cleo and T-Bone, the alfalfa patch is another good bet, especially since it rained last night. Rabbits love that more than anything else, and he could be munching away to his heart's content as we speak." "I'm going to the churchyards since it is Easter weekend, again he might be practicing for the festivities." Emily checked her watch, "Meet back here in precisely one hour. Clifford that will still give you plenty of time to be ready for the Flames practice." "OK, Emily, OK," Clifford concurred. "Let's go gang and find that silly rabbit. Hasen pfeffer!" he laughed. "None of that," Emily smiled. "I want our Wally back in one piece, and not roasted or toasted. Don't even joke about it Clifford, please promise?" Clifford nodded affirmatively, and everyone proceeded to their respective separate destinations. Cleo and T-Bone scampered towards a nearby alfalfa patch. Emily straightened her hair and dress and walked towards the neighborhood churches. And, Clifford high-tailed it downtown towards the White House through Rock Creek Park in order have a glimpse of the zoo, one of his favorite places to visit. In no time, Clifford passed the National Zoo and reached Virginia Avenue, where he took a short-cut to the Mall, and then approached the South Lawn of the White House. The security officers and members of the secret service knew Clifford on sight. Many guests waiting in line to visit the White House recognized him and began to wave. Clifford didn't need a pass, and carefully stepped over the South Lawn fence to talk with the officers who had eagerly greeted him. "Good morning, Clifford," one officer happily saluted him. "And, what brings you here today?" another wanted to know. "Here for high-level meetings?" a secret serviceman joked. "Will you be in town Monday?" one of the visitors shouted. "I'm on a special mission," Clifford decided to play along, and winked at his contingent. They understood. "What can it be?" one officer pretended great seriousness. "Actually, it is important," Clifford lowered his red ears. "You see Wally the rabbit is on the loose, and this is his big weekend. He has to be here Monday. We must find him. I thought, that is, Emily suggested he might be rehearsing on the South Lawn, and that I should check it out." "As you can plainly see," one officer observed as they all turned around together, "there's no white rabbit. Sorry, we can't help you, but I'm sure he'll show up soon." "He is on the official agenda Monday." another mentioned and for that guest he didn't have to open his notebook to confirm his name and Emily were on the list. In the meantime, one of the tour guides was listening to Clifford's predicament. She looked a lot like Emily, and he didn't mind when she came over to speak with him. "Hi, Clifford," she smiled. "We've celebrated with Easter bunnies and Easter eggs since the 1810's. This tradition was started by First Lady Dolley Madison." She offered more of an explanation. "The festivities were originally on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol, but in 1878 it was switched to the White House South Lawn by First Lady Lucy Hayes. Children who participate must be 12 or under, and this year they all expect to see Wally." "Exactly how did rabbits get involved?" Clifford wondered. "Good question, big fella," this guide even sounded like Emily, and additional information ensued. "The idea of an Easter Bunny began long ago, originally called the 'Easter Hare' or 'Eostre Haws.' Legends have it that because rabbits are very prolific, they became a symbol for spring and the rebirth of life." "In pagan times, a rabbit was the familiar companion with magical powers of an ancient goddess of spring, Eostre." "The Easter Bunny evolved into a pleasant symbol of one who brings baskets of chocolates and candies, and hides painted eggs for children, as part of a spring festival." "Records indicate the bunny was introduced as a symbol of Easter by the 1500's in Germany. They made pastries and candies of Easter bunnies, and started the practice of outdoor hunts for painted Easter eggs." "German settlers in the Pennsylvania Dutch country are credited for bringing the custom to the United States, where their children believe that if they are good the 'Oschter Haws' would bring many colored eggs." This was more than Clifford expected, and he knew time was at a premium. He thanked the guide and officers, took a last look around the South Lawn, and then raced towards Rock Creek. In his hasty retreat, a chorus of fleeting remarks were heard from his White House friends, although he chose not to notice the last comment. "So long Clifford!" "Good luck big fella!" "Hope you'll find Wally!" "Enjoy your hasen pfeffer!" Clifford began thinking about the pending Flames practice, which forced him to run even faster along Rock Creek. Everyone arrived at Clifford's house at almost the same time, but without the white rabbit in tow. Emily was disappointed as she addressed her canine companions, "We checked the most likely locations for that Easter Bunny. Where is our Wally? Where else could he be?" Suddenly it dawned on everyone, and in unison they shouted, "Pet Barn!!!" "Of course, he'd have food, water, warmth, and he loves kids and crowds," only an echo of Emily's concluding words faintly resounded as they ran towards the Pet Barn plaza. When they approached the store, they could see the tips of two white rabbit ears poking above the display window. Emily, Cleo, and T-Bone charged through the front door, and Wally sat calmly munching on a side salad at the counter by the register. Clifford watched through the store's window from the parking lot, while his big red tail blocked traffic, as only he can. "Wally, Wally, Wally we've been looking all over for you!" all three exclaimed. "He has been here all morning," the proprietor explained. "No fuss! He's good for business, it's Easter!" Emily caught her breath, and was pleased Wally was safe. She realized how happy Wally was contently munching on lettuce and carrots, and not having to be confined in a small cage. Maybe, this was an improvement. "He can stay here," the proprietor continued, "as I said, he's good for business, and doesn't eat much." "Well, I can see that's true," Emily concurred, "but he has an appointment downtown on Monday." "Sure, I know," was the response. "He mentioned all that, which is exciting. We'll get him there on time; they can't very well start the ceremonies without him. Heh, heh, heh! After all, he's the Easter Bunny!" 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 April 13, 1953 Braves start as transition team in Milwaukee. April 13, 1969 Expos start as expansion team in Montreal. April 13, 1984 Pete Rose has 4,000th hit. April 14, 1866 Anne Sullivan birthdate, taught Helen Keller. April 14, 1910 President Taft starts Opening Day tradition. April 14, 1920 Babe Ruth first game as a Yankee. April 14, 1941 Pete Rose birthdate, MLB player. April 14, 2005 First home game of new Washington Nationals. April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson first MLB game. April 15, 1958 First MLB baseball game in California. San Francisco Giants with Los Angeles Dodgers. Giants 8-0 with 23,500 at Seals Stadium. April 16, 1903 Paul Waner birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 16, 1940 Bob Feller pitches Opening Day no-hitter. April 17, 1852 Cap Anson birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 17, 1820 Alexander Cartwright birthdate. April 17, 1976 Mike Schmidt hits 4 homeruns in one game. April 18, 1880 Sam Crawford birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 18, 1923 Yankee Stadium first opens. April 19, 1960 Bill Veeck unveils exploding scoreboard. April 19, 1981 Longest game starts, 33 innings, Rochester Red Wings and Pawtucket Red Sox. April 20, 1891 Dave Bancroft birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 20, 1912 Fenway Park opens. April 21, 1887 Joe McCarthy birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 21, 1925 Queen Elizabeth II birthdate. April 22, 1451 Queen Isabella of Spain birthdate. April 22, 1914 Babe Ruth pitches first game, 6-0 shutout, AAA Baltimore Orioles and Buffalo Bisons. April 23, 1900 Jim Bottomley birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 23, 1921 Warren Spahn birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 23, 1954 Hank Aaron hits first home run. April 24, 1901 First American League games. April 24, 1945 A.B. Chandler elected Baseball Commissioner after Kenesaw Mountain Landis. April 25, 1884 Pop Lloyd birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 26, 1900 Hack Wilson birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 26, 1961 Roger Maris hits first home run of 61. April 27, 1896 Rogers Hornsby birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 27, 1959 Sheena Easton birthdate, singer. April 27, 1961 Enos Slaughter birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 28, 1901 White Sox hit 23 singles in one game. April 28, 1941 Ann Margaret birthdate, actor. April 28, 1971 Hank Aaron hits 600th homerun. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2006 Season Publications Number 12, Clifford Finds the Easter Bunny, April 14. Number 11, Way to Go Joltin' Jo (Joes and Jo), April 7. Number 10, Alibi Isis Misses Spring Training, March 31. Number 09, Clifford Wears Some Green, March 15. Number 08, Let the Games Begin (1936 Olympics), March 14. Number 07, To Be or Not to Be (Williams), February 24. Number 06, Clifford's Favorite Valentine, February 10. Number 05, Models D29 and 36D (Marilyn), February 5. Number 04, Additional Recognition (letter), February 1. Number 03, Breaking Away (DiMaggio), January 20. Number 02, Annie's Big Apple (Runyon), January 10. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was (2005), January 1. 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, TXU180346, and TXU181096. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2006 __________________________________________________________