_________________________________________________________ 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 00372 _________________________________________________________ Volume X, Number 15 Publisher and Author April 20, 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: HOW TO SUCCEED IN BASEBALL WITHOUT REALLY TRYING The lively strings from Rossini's Barber of Seville serve as background music while a rapidly changing collage of scenes flash across the screen symbolically depicting early morning commuters arriving by various modes of transportation as they descend upon federal offices spaced uniformly along the south side of Independence Avenue. MARC passengers begin their daily journey beside the Potomac to Union Station well before sunrise. Automobiles and long caravans of semi-trailers turn onto I-95 north and south of the city where signs at interstate interchanges fleetingly display locations, as countless sojourners speedily stream towards appointed central destinations. Metro busses depart suburban terminals with complacent riders eventually bound for downtown. Singularly, and then en masse, individuals in contrasting business attire approach Metro subway stations throughout town. Subway cars, busses, automobiles, trucks in various sizes, and a smattering of bicyclists and joggers project mirrored images off gleaming marble statues and the west and east Reflecting Pools moving in similar directions to commence the day as the music intensifies to a crescendo. However, among the morning's charging faceless mundane throng of humanity swirling in constant motion, one in the multitude is steadfastly not affected by these surroundings, and calmly walks while reading an intriguing book about something which has always been a dream, and its content explains how to turn those aspirations into achievements. The words in the little publication begin as follows... "'Dear Reader'" "'Congratulations upon this purchase. You obviously made a wise choice and are goal oriented.'" "'This little book is designed to explain everything you need to know about the science of becoming an outstanding baseball player. The first step is to memorize and later put into action step-by-step the simple rules explained in these chapters. Soon you will be a MVP!'" "'If you have intelligence, education, and ability so much the better; but remember that thousands achieved success in their life's endeavors without any of those qualities.'" "'If you are anxious to rise quickly and easily to the very top of the order, the time is now, opportunity knocks but only once, so strike while the iron is hot. You're about to begin your swift daring stellar ascent in the world of major league baseball. Are you ready?'" The book was lowered momentarily by its reader who instantly in response thought, "Gee, what a question! Why, of course, I'm ready! Who wants to be a GS-3 in the DoE mail room for the next 25 years?!" As the reader turned a sharp corner on the long broad concrete sidewalk to the Forrestal Building, segments of the book were thumbed through and several photos were observed, especially pictures of notable players. "Gee, I always wished that I could hit just like Ted Williams. If I could, I'd make any team. A bat is my resume, and nobody would turn me down." With those thoughts in mind, the sidewalk was confidently conquered and disappeared beneath the reader's quickened stride as an exuberant and jubilant song was heard. "You have the cool clear eyes of a batter with wisdom and truth. Still there's an up turned chin and grasp from impetuous youth." "Ohhh, I believe in you, for I beeelieve in you!" "I hear the sound of good solid fielding skills when you talk. There's that bold brave spring where onto homeplate you walk." "Ohhh, I believe in you, for I beeelieve in you!" "And, if my faith for the other players would ever fall apart. I've all but to hold your hand then with my bat I take heart. For it is slam, bing, and bang the ball flys out of the park." "Ohhh, I believe in you, for I beeelieve in you!" At the main entrance to the Forrestal Building heavy steel and glass doors were dramatically swung open, and the reader as if entering a major league batting cage for the first time proudly stepped through an omnipresence mechanical scanner. Meanwhile, at the eastern end of Independence Avenue near the Anacostia, another conversation was taking place deep inside a formidable stadium which had seen better days (and teams). "What I wouldn't give for one good long ball hitter! Whammm! Right out of here, over the wall," the manager sadly lamented. "Make 'em stop traffic, that's what! Sure, I'd sell my soul for one consistent round tripper." "We could easily open a spot," the third base coach considered. "Any one on the team could be sent down to the minors." "But, this time of year?" the batting coach added, "The season has started, the draft is ended, and everyone else's roosters are filled. Where are we going find someone with real talent? This day and age, they aren't going to walk in off the street." Meanwhile back in the mail room, where similar facilities about town have become much less active since the intercession of the internet, and in a quiet corner our reader continued... "'Chapter One'" "'Hitting a baseball is the single most difficult thing to do in any sport. Baseball teams are always scouting for good hitters; it is the most important part of the game, where the big money is, player status, and fan interest.'" "'Babe Ruth was an exceptionally great pitcher and batter, but instead of being on a mound once out of three or four days he switched to the outfield so he could bat daily.'" "'In the early 1930s, Ruth had the highest baseball salary, and at $80,000 per annum made more than President Hoover. When a reporter noted the comparison, Babe Ruth paused and calmly replied, 'Well, I had a better year.''" "'For an outfielder, hitting is 75% of the value to the team and of your salary; it is more important than fielding and speed combined. Thus, my first recommendation to you is, learn how to hit the ball!'" The reader continued to internalize the instructions, and knew that in any endeavor, "Practice makes perfect," but practice needed to be honed with proper advice. Repeating one's mistakes does not result in improvements, but objective reflection and constructive comments enhance performance and build confidence. "'Chapter Two'" "'You have gotten this far, and by now understand the importance of hitting to a baseball team and how the process which creates improvement may be developed.'" "'Now it is time to learn three rules by which to hit. Memorize and apply these basic techniques, and you will be a successful valuable asset to any team.'" "'First, get a good ball to hit. Before even considering any of the fundamentals for a good swing, the ball must be inside the strike zone. You must always wait for the right pitch, and see when and where it's going. Make sure the pitcher works to you. Good eyesight and proper timing are critical.'" "'Second, positive thinking and knowing the pitcher also spell success at homeplate. Ninety percent of hitting is correctly anticipating what the pitcher may throw and being prepared in advance. This attribute does not require any physical skills.'" "'Third, always be quick with the bat, which translates to fast wrists in order to connect with the ball no matter where it is thrown. You must cover the entire strike zone, and your hands control how the bat meets the ball. Split second adjustments make all the difference between a base hit and a strike-out.'" "'With these three simple rules in mind, a clean smooth level swing stepping into the ball and shifting your weight forward will always bring you in contact with the pitch, advance you to first base, and secure you a rewarding prominent position on any team of your choice.'" "'And, such a swing can be practiced anywhere and at any time, the more the better. For success in any league or business, the ultimate key is practice, practice, practice.'" "'You are now ready to select a team and put into action what you have learned. Pick a franchise in which you are familiar, and needs your recently acquired skills.'" The mail room clock indicated it was nearing 12:00 noon, and the reader armed with additional knowledge and confidence decided to jog that afternoon around the stadium to determine if the player's entrance was open. Recalling the little book's brief foreword, "One must be daring and show bravado in order to make the team," and, "Those who hesitate are lost." Thus, during lunch the reader jogged into the locker room where the manager, and third base and batting coaches were having the aforementioned conversation. "Hey, who the hell let you in?" the surprised manager shouted. "Well, my four foot great auntie!" "Say, I'm your new power hitter! Ah, ha!" the reader grinned and patted the book safely secured in a hip pocket. "You know your team needs me! You gotta see what I can do, don't ya?! 'Cause, I got what it takes!" "What's that?!" the three knowingly chimed in unison. "Nationals or Senators, you all know what that is, H-E-A-R-T!" was the expected response. And, they departed the locker room towards the batting cages with these words... "You've gotta have heart, all you really need is heart. When the odds are saying you'll never win, that's when the grin should start." "You've gotta have hope, mustn't sit around and mope. Nothing's half as bad as it may appear, wait till next year and hope." "When your luck is batting zero, get your chin up off the floor. Sister you can be a hero, you can open any door." "There's nothing to it but to do it!" "But, you've gotta have heart, miles and miles and miles of heart. Oh, it's fine to be a genius of course, but keep that old horse before the cart, first you've gotta have heart." Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, "Damn Yankees," 1955 and 1958. Note: "How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying," was a light-hearted musical and movie in 1967 with lyrics by Frank Loesser and choreography by Bob Fosse. Additional selected concepts were developed from "Trading Places," 1983, and "Damn Yankees," 1958. The three basic rules on hitting were expanded from, "The Science of Hitting," by Ted Williams, 1970; written when he managed the Washington Senators. See the following issues of Fame Forum: "Those Damn Yankees," Volume VII, Number 10, March 21, 2004 "Trading Places," Volume V, Number 24, August 17, 2002 "First You've Gotta Have Heart," Volume IV, Number 14, March 23, 2001 Also see the website: www.SaveTed.net 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 18, 1880 Sam Crawford birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 18, 1923 Yankee Stadium 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 15, How to Succeed in Baseball Without Really Trying, April 20, Number 14, Personal Courage and National Resolve, April 16. Number 13, Talkin' with Bat and Glove (Robinson), April 13. 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 __________________________________________________________