_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2007 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU276615, TXU288273, TXU311442, TXU186277, TXU187387. Issue Number 00369 _________________________________________________________ Volume X, Number 12 Publisher and Author April 5, 2007 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2006 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS NELSON, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO SEE THE WEBSITE FOR ALL "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: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO FAME FORUM "Oh, something inviting, something exciting, something for everyone, it's baseball tonight!" "Some hits appealing, someone base stealing, something for everyone, it's baseball tonight!" "Bring on the sluggers, fielders in glovers, play in tough situations and new implications." "Triumph has bravado, tragedy sweet sorrows, again try tomorrow, but as for here and now, Oh, it's baseball, baseball, baseball tonight!" The music faded sung by the narrator, a servant at a prestigious house in ancient Rome who was parading about the crowded streets of the capital presenting his message in this manner, since there were no newspapers or billboards to announce the evening's event. Narrator: "Why, you may ask, would I be cavorting about the city singing when there is plenty of work to be done, and proclaiming to one and all a mere game planned for tonight's entertainment?" "The immediate response is quite simple," he explained, "because I was ordered to do so," he cheerfully growled. "It's tradition!" "Some more skeptical among you might point out," the narrator speculated, "There was no baseball in the Roman Empire. And, still those more astute might note without adequate lighting, plays and games by necessity were held during the daytime." "All true, I do concur," the narrator smiled. "Therefore, I ask that you must indulge me for a few brief moments while you read these words of frivolous fantasy about a mythical game in Rome, and allow the fates and furies to wing their ways." Towards the center of town and famous forum his song continued, "You'll see no complainers, just hard working gamers," happily with improvisation he skipped along, "all true hall of famers, something for everyone, it's baseball tonight!" At that moment the team owner entered the same street, but from another direction and boldly hailed, "Hold thy tongue Pseudolus! There will be no game this eve, nor upon the morrow, I fear." Startled and curtailed in verse, "How can it be?" was the reply. "If it were only not true, but I must admit, we have not enough players to field a complete team. If this remains so, we will forfeit never having lifted clubs or gloves. Our score would be zero without producing a hit. On such short notice throughout all of Rome, I surely could not imagine sufficient replacements with proper skills." "What, what happened?" Pseudolus stammered. "Please, faithful servant, pray do not ask," the owner bemoaned. "Only yesterday, we had the most formidable players in all the league's legions," his humble servant observed. The owner began his sad recount, "Gladiolus ran 112 hours in a marathon, and is in bed with the fever. Corajenski jumped ship, and is now playing with a band from the Salvation Army." "She became a Christian, too?" Pseudolus was even more astounded. "Yes," it was confirmed. "In addition, our great tenor Saxon ran off with a Bible salesman. She might be praying in the Catacombs beneath our feet this very minute as we speak." "Wait, there is more," he lamented, "our fine fiddle representing first base became pregnant last Valentine's Day." "What? But, who and how?" Pseudolus' jaw dropped with amazement, "it must have been a disaster, truly a massacre." "Do not inquire," he continued, "for there is much more to tell. Betsy Malone from Britannia grew her hair long, moved to one of the eastern provinces, and joined the Philadelphia Philharmonic." "You mean 'spiel-chic' is playing Tchaikovsky?" his servant was beyond astonishment. The owner nodded in agreement, and indicated last but not least, "Rosemary Schultz originally acquired from Germania slashed her wrists when Rudolphus Valentino died." "Go figure," Pseudolus concluded, "Fraulein Schultz turned out to be a romantic?!" and wondered aloud, "How many is that in total? I always get IV and VI confused." "Six out of the nine needed to play the game," the owner supplied the correct summation. "This could not have been worse if the team acquired the plague." "Plague! Shhh, shhh, shhh!" Pseudolus advised. "Don't mention the word plague, it could cause panic in the streets." He proceeded with his master's confidence, "I had a similar concern in the little frontier town where I was captured, er, came from." "Oh, really, where was that?" "It's of no matter," Pseudolus replied, "a mere shtetl which was called Bialystock, well into the pale. When this happened there, we quickly found replacements. Here are similar establishments to assist us with procurement of players, --strong, willing, capable, and good at taking orders." "Where could we find such a supply of players, and at least six?" the owner displayed the exact number needed with extended fingers. "There we called Poliakoff. He's an agent, a procurer of talent. As expected, he has taken an office in Rome. We are in luck for the House of Poliakoff is a few blocks away." Pseudolus grinned, and they proceeded in that direction as their dialogue continued. "Is this agent reputable?" "He is as honest as the day is long." "Can he supply our needs?" "We shall see his goods in due time." Poliakoff was outside his establishment inspecting new arrivals as the unlikely duo approached. With keen instincts finely honed for such matters, he immediately spotted potential customers. "How may I help?!" the proprietor inquired and answered himself. "Silly question, of course I can help! Fill me with silver, and all things are possible. I rephrase, What are your needs today?" "We require six of your finest players for tonight," the owner explained. "Here, I've drawn up a list of positions." "I see," the page was inspected. "Hmmm, first base, second base, and onto homeplate. You two gentlemen are not only imaginative, but also most ambitious." "Don't misunderstand," Pseudolus interjected, "it is not for us." "Ah, certainly, so do they all say," Poliakoff knowingly smiled, "but, of course, they're not." "The acquisition is for our team," the owner respectfully replied, "and only this evening, a night game." "Team? What team? What do you mean?" Poliakoff mildly reacted. "Our baseball team," the owner explained. "We are currently minus six players and thought you, that is with your establishment and extensive resources, could assist." "Baseball, baseball?" he repeated. "I have vaguely heard of such a game, it must have originated in one of the eastern provinces. Elysian Fields, I believe, probably those Greeks, they're always inventing something." "But, no matter whence it came," he continued. "I too am a fond admirer of all sports. The games are what made Rome great!" "We only need six for tonight," the owner emphasized, "and will immediately return them unscathed afterwards." "Normally, there would be a contract," Poliakoff calculated the customary expenses, "to furnish such talent. Transactions would be permanent, no returned merchandize, all sales are final, and fees would be 300-500 denarii depending upon conditions." "But, this is different," he further considered, "for the honor and glory of Rome! You say they will be returned unscathed?" Both the team owner and Pseudolus nodded in complete agreement. "Very well," Poliakoff was amiable. "You see the motto above my entrance portal, 'Mens Sana in Corpore Sano.' In sports the physical side provides exercise, relaxation, and development; while the intellectual side provides achievement, recognition, and character. I support sports, and this so called baseball." "Come let's step inside out of the sun," he proceeded, "where we may enjoy some wine, discuss this game, and you can select your players from among the more athletic in my repertoire." "Sports and its heroes are the backbone of Roman civilization," he proclaimed while guiding his guests to a palatial interior courtyard. "You'll see, I am also a bit of a philosopher." "I'm surprised to learn you have acquired that interest, and pleased you continue to support athletics," Pseudolus calmly remarked as they reclined to better observe. "Do you really believe sports has made such a contribution to Rome and our civilization?" the team benefactor inquired. "I suspect we could speculate on other significant factors." "Pray tell, what might those be?" Pseudolus encouraged the conversation as diversion to prolong the entertainment. "Since I am part proprietor of the stadium," the team owner began, "I would claim public works extended throughout the Empire make Rome great. They are the tangible cement which holds our civilization together." "We have 50,000 miles of intercity roadways," he continued, "passable in all weather, built to remain for thousands of years to unite our 50 million inhabitants in all the lands of the Empire. And, in each of our 22 provinces, engineers built model cities with aqueducts, bridges, water systems, public baths, fountains, and indoor plumbing. Rome alone has 11 major aqueducts to sustain our 1-1/2 million people. In provinces, our buildings soon followed the legions with government edifices, temples, arenas, and plazas. There are also gymnasiums, coliseums, even public libraries and fire departments. Our engineer's cement has firmly held Roman civilization together with masterful city plans." "True, it provides the infrastructure," Poliakoff added, "but without commerce, agriculture, and industry, there would be little activity within those magnificent cities and towns. Think of it gentlemen, with the same coinage, weights, measures, records, and taxes I conduct business here or in Greece, or Egypt, or Spain, or Gaul. We deal in similar products, services, and transport. There is a postal system which can deliver my invoices and requests 50 miles per day along those sturdy roads you mentioned. However, that infrastructure alone is ineffective unless there is something profitable in its use." "Although I am loathed to state this," Pseudolus offered his contribution, "since from my perspective it is not yet obtainable, I believe the Roman legal system is our primary legacy, --uniform laws, jury of peers, hierarchy of courts, and personal freedom. For those who have it, Roman justice is most famous. All I seek is citizenship to be counted in the quarterly census and to ensure my individual rights, determine responsibilities, and also assess taxes. I long to be numbered as one of the plebs, perhaps as equites, but understandably never as nobiles." "Come, come," Poliakoff proposed, "aren't we forgetting the most important element in the nation, the strength of the Roman army, undefeated in combat with the finest equipment and training. They provide protection, and those powers include its organization with 250,000 men, and the ability to construct and defend anything." "Good point!" the team owner concurred. "But, there are other obvious reasons, so close we almost did not see, --one language, Latin to conduct business and converse throughout the Empire, one alphabet, and one calendar where the months and days are written across the stars." "Yes, you too sire are becoming more of a philosopher," Pseudolus acknowledged. "In like manner, I mention the same statues, banners, and symbols displayed throughout the Empire represent the presence and authority of Rome. Similarly, messages in the theaters, plays, and stories, and activities in the coliseums, games, and sports unite the people. These form Roman character by providing us perspectives, objectives, and motivation to achieve and invent, and continue to do so into the future." "All so true," the benefactor concurred. "Furthermore, what did the mighty Emperor Augustus proclaim once he obtained the throne by defeating Antony and Cleopatra?" he rhetorically asked and replied. "His concerns were to secure the borders of the Empire and to build public works. Within that framework of security, he set about to strengthen religion, morality, family, and marriage. Among components mentioned, 'physical cements' came first and later 'spiritual adhesives,' which define our world and allow us to develop and progress. Those who attempt to destroy these cornerstones of civilization perilously jeopardize our society and nation." "Yes, there was an Emperor," Poliakoff recalled. "Augustus did support the games, albeit not the bloody ones, although he might have enjoyed this new invention you call baseball. Tell me more about it so I may better assist..." Note: Modified from the 1966 movie, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," starring Zero Mostel as Pseudolus, and Phil Silvers as Lycus; and "Some Like it Hot," 1959, from which Poliakoff's musician talent agency was more properly substituted into the storyline. Ancient Rome existed in various forms for nearly 1,000 years from 509 BC when the final Etruscan king was removed to 476 AD when the last Emperor was disposed. "Pax Romana" and the years of Empire endured nearly 500 years encompassing the Mediterranean Basin and most of Western Europe. The Roman Empire grew gradually under dictators such as Sulla, Pompey, and Julius Caesar the first in a long line Emperors who was assassinated in 44 BC. The height of the Empire is often cited as 200 AD, when it contained 50 million people and reached its greatest territorial extent. The imperial City of Rome boasted 1-1/2 million people at its zenith in 14 precincts supported by 11 aqueducts. Such numbers were not obtained by European cities until the mid-18th Century in London and Paris. When Napoleon conquered Rome unopposed, by 1810 it was a ghost town with less than 100,000 inhabitants. Roman cities and towns often started as garrison villages for army legions, which were planned and created throughout the peninsula and provinces. There were standard designs which incorporated components mentioned above as marks of true Roman urban places. Modern city planning has its origins in these designs establishing comprehensive and unified locations for government, commerce, residence, worship, and recreation in central places augmented by systems for transport and defense. The author's initial employment was as a senior planner with M-NCPPC Montgomery County, MD, and later as coordinator of council programs with the American Planning Association (city planners). He held several officer and committee positions with the National Capital Area Chapter of APA, elected vice president twice for 4 years, wrote the monthly newsletter for 9 years, and received 3 distinguished service awards. He holds AICP certification in urban and regional planning. B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: new induction poster, commemorative buttons (2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), personalized magnet locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, knife, and bats. Free commemorative ribbons are also available. The website main page has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE April 4, 1888 Tris Speaker birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 4, 1924 Gil Hodges birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 4, 1938 Bart Giamatti birthdate, MLB Commissioner. April 5, 1971 Senators last Opening Day in Washington, DC. April 6, 1903 Mickey Cochrane birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 6, 1908 Ernie Lombardi birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 6, 1952 Mari Lou Henner birthdate, Emmy Award actor. April 6, 1973 Designated hitter rule introduced. April 6, 1977 Mariners start as expansion team in Seattle. April 7, 1873 John McGraw birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 7, 1918 Bobby Doerr birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 7, 1970 Brewers start as transition team in Milwaukee. April 7, 1977 Blue Jays start as expansion team in Toronto. April 8, 1946 Catfish Hunter birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 8, 1974 Hank Aaron sets 715 home run record. April 8, 1975 Frank Robinson starts as Cleveland manager. April 9, 1893 Mary Pickford birthdate, silent film actor. April 9, 1913 Ebbets Field in Brooklyn opens. April 9, 1993 Rockies start as expansion team in Denver. April 10, 1880 Francis Perkins birthdate, Labor Secretary. April 10, 1897 Ross Youngs birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 10, 1962 Colts (Astros) start expansion team in Houston. April 11, 1961 Angels start as expansion team in Los Angeles. April 11, 1962 Mets start as expansion team in New York. April 12, 1880 Eddie Joss birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 12, 1900 Joe Lapchick birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 12, 1955 Athletics start as transition team in Kansas City. April 12, 1966 Braves start as transition team in Atlanta. 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 4,000 hit. April 14, 1866 Anne Sullivan birthdate, taught Helen Keller. April 14, 1910 President Taft starts first Opening Day. April 14, 1920 Babe Ruth first game as a Yankee. April 14, 1941 Pete Rose birthdate, former 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 game. 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, 2007 Season Publications Number 12, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fame Forum, April 5. Number 11, High Jinxes and High Hopes in Havana, March 28. Number 10, Clifford's Gigantic Gamer (gloves), March 23. Number 09, Great Caesar's Ghost (Williams), March 15. Number 08, The Night They KO'ed Hemingway, March 9. Number 07, Rumble at Ritchie (boxing), February 27. Number 06, Million Dollar Mermaid (Belles), February 14. Number 05, Clifford's Pennsylvania Pilgrimage, February 1. Number 04, Beisbol Belles Broadcast (training), January 30. Number 03, Liberty Heights Revisited, January 18. Number 02, In Remembrance of President Jerry Ford, January 3. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 1. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/handouts 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. 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, TXU276615, TXU288273, TXU311442, TXU186277, TXU187387. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2007 __________________________________________________________