_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2003 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU157714, TXU159311. Issue Number 00237 _________________________________________________________ Volume VI, Number 31 Publisher and Author December 7, 2003 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com 301-847-0102 http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2003 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS FERGUSON, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, AND SHELDON _________________________________________________________ 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, AND MACURIO _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: PHI LAMBDA ALPHA HOUSE The words of a once popular song surrounded a dilapidated living room filled with a contingent of two dozen relaxing raucous teammates enjoying each other's company and having a few of their favorite brews late on a weekend afternoon. "Don't know much about history, don't know much biology, don't know much about a science book, don't know much about physics you took, but I do know that I love you, and I know that if you love me too, what a wonderful world this would be." "Don't know too much about geography, don't know much trigonometry, don't know much about algebra, don't know what a slide-rule is for, but I know that one and one is two, and if this one could be with you, what a wonderful world it would be." "I could claim to be an 'A' student, but I'm trying to be your's, maybe by being an 'A' student baby, I can win your love for me." "Don't know much about history, don't know much biology, don't know much about a science book, don't know much about physics you took, but I do know that I love you, and I know that if you love me too, what a wonderful world this would be." However, this private inner sanctum was singularly invaded, the music abruptly stopped, and beer cans and bottles were quickly placed under chairs, behind sofas, and inside shirts. The reason for this sudden change in demeanor was standing at the main entrance to the parlor, Dean Vernon Rudolph Lamone, in charge of athletics and eligibility. "It seems you ladies have forgotten about regulations against alcoholic beverages." the Dean harshly began, while surveying the room and noticing the evidence was not well hidden. "Well, there's going to be no more fun of any kind around here! This starts right now, you understand!" the Dean firmly stated, and commenced with the purpose of his unannounced visit. "Have you seen your recent averages?" Lamone continued without missing a beat, and answered for himself, "Well, I have!" "Kroger leads the class of rookies with a .120, while Dorfmann is in last place with a .020." he further explained, "that's no way to start your inaugural year! And, among you veterans, Hoover has a percentage of .120, and Blutarsky a stellar .000. Apparently, she never attended an event sufficiently sober to see well enough to hit anything." "Furthermore, you have been on double-secret probation since the beginning of the season." the Dean proudly proclaimed. All the team members looked at each other in bewilderment. "Ah, what does that mean, sir?" someone timidly inquired. The Dean glared and turned up his volume at the unexpected challenge, "That means one more slip, just one more mistake, and this little group of your's is finished!" "You can't do that!" another unknown voice loudly chimed. "You think not, eh! There is a little known codicil that gives this Dean discretionary powers to take such action. You might say that I'm like Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis. And, it's clearly time for someone to put their foot down, and that foot is me!" "Landis? Ha! You sound more like a hard stick!" another player in the back of the room coughed those words loudly. Others joined in by clearing their throats in agreement, and to cover the source of the comment. "What was that? Who said that?" the Dean angrily snapped. Otter, a.k.a. Erica Stratton, stood up and said, "I believe she said that you look more like 'Ford Frick' the baseball commissioner." The others broke out in laughter. "Put a rag on it, kid!" the Dean glared, "or you'll be out of here so quick your tail feathers will spin, faster than I can clear ducks off a pond. I've got more charges besides your averages and alcohol, which include providing dangerous prescription diet pills to rookies, greasing the visiting team's dugout bench, and conducting an illegal toga party with individual acts of perversion so profound that decorum prohibits me from repeating them." There was total silence in the room. Roberta Hoover then ineffectively spoke on behalf her team, "Don't worry, Dean Lamone, our mid-season scores certainly will raise our averages." "We'll see about that you smartlass..." the Dean turned and gruffly departed with a few choice words under his breath. "What was that all about?" a few players collectively asked. "I really think he means it this time," Hoover speculated, and rhetorically asked, "What are we going to do?" "Yeah, well, Lamone thinks he just dropped the bomb, huh?! That's what he thinks, but not me! This is the greatest team there is, or ever was!" Narda shouted encouragement. "What's this lying around and mopping for?" she continued. "Where's your spirit? Where's your energy?" "This isn't over! Over? Over?" she scrutinized the room. "Nothing's over until we say it's over. Was it over when Hannibal crossed the Alps? No! Was it over when the Maine was sunk in Havana? No! And, was it over when the Germans attacked Pearl Harbor? No!" Someone inquisitively replied, "Germans?" "Shhh, quiet, she's on a roll." Hoover interjected, "Besides she's a post-graduate in management, not in history." "We can make magic," she did indeed roll onward, "and turn Wonderbread into McDonalds! We can turn old Maxwell House into Starbucks! We can turn a Pinto into an Oldsmobile!" "Averages! Ha!" she charged ahead, "Just get a hold of that puppy and nail it! If it's in the crackhouse, smoke it hard! This team can do anything, just throw us a bone! 'Arrrk' like a hawk, --smack, smack, smack!" "When the going gets tough," she hesitated a split-second, "the tough get going! I wanta know right now, who's with me? Let's hear it! You can't do it, if you can't say it." There was a strange unusual subdued silence. No one uttered a sound or moved a muscle. Otter stood up again, "She's absolutely right, but what we need is a plan to get that Dean off our backs. We can't sit here and just take it. We need to do some things that are totally outrageous to turn this around. And, we are just the one's to do it! Here's what I have in mind!" "First, we need more exposure and national recognition so our charter will remain intact." Otter began to outline the other strategies in her gameplan. "Second, I personally know Marion Lamone the Dean's wife, if you catch my drift. She'll be eating out of the palm of my hand." At that moment, another song could be heard from the Rock-Ola machine, as the team's spirits improved. "Finally, we need more players. You know what that means?" Everyone's eyes ignited, they all shared and shouted the same thought, and raced around the room, as the background music became decidedly more pronounced. "R-O-A-D - T-R-I-P! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" "Paapaa oooh mau mau, paapaa oooh mau mau, damma ramma ding dong." "You put that big, oooh mau mau, oh, oh, oh, oh, right in my old, damma ramma doo." "And, if I searched, the whole wide world, I'd never ever, find another girl, who'd love me, the way you damma do." "'Cause you use that, shama lama ding dong, huh, huh, huh, huh, that drives me so crazy, I gotta smile at you." "Ohh, that is why..." "Hey, that is why..." "And, that is why... You are my sugar, damma ramma doo. Yeaaah..." The music faded as the living room cleared, however within a few days the same scene was filled again, but this time with a dozen new faces, all potential players, waiting for their introductions. "OK, all you rookies stand in line, raise your right hand, and repeat after me." instructed Roberta Hoover. All the potential new players at that late hour complied, even though it was nearly 2:00 AM. The small group dressed in bathrobes and pajamas were ready to pledge allegiance in this traditional team ceremony. "I solemnly swear, and state your name." proclaimed Hoover. "I solemnly swear," they replied somewhat in unison, and a few followed by inserting their correct names, while others repeated Hoover's exact words as given. "I pledge allegiance to the team," Hoover continued with an ad lib induction statement, "to achieve our best performance on the field, support each other individually, and advance the common team goals; and to ensure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in America's greatest pastime. Amen!" They stood there a little dumbfounded not realizing the pledge was completed. Hoover signaled them all to lower their hands, and motioned them to stay in place, while the sargent-at-arms stepped forward. "Not so fast, it's time for your names and pins." she jokingly stated with a beer in one hand. "And, nobody gets their ballgame name until I give it to them." She started at the front, attempted to straighten herself but failed to do so, and began to address each player with a brief half mumbled formal phrase. To the first in line she quickly stated, "I hereby bestow upon you the Phi Lambda Alpha Mu Epsilon Sigma name of," there was a slight pause, "'Jersey Girl!' because that's where you're from." The recipient looked satisfied as the sargent-at-arms gave her a team pin, and then side-stepped to the next player. She repeated an abbreviated version of the introductory words, "I bestow upon you the Phi Lambda... name of, 'Sunshine!' for the same reason!" The recipient also smiled. She quickened the presentation pace, "Your Phi Lambda name is, 'Wisconsin Queen!'" There was no need for an explanation. She finally reached the end of the line and addressed the last player, "I've given this plenty of thought, and this one isn't from a geography lesson. Your Phi Lambda name is,'Flounder!'" The new recipient looked aghast and questioned, "Why Flounder?" "Why not! The Marlins can win, so can you! Think positively!" she then addressed the players, "From now on always wear your pin and answer to your new moniker." The music and party commenced again. Otter and Hoover were pleased with the results achieved, and they also obtained national recognition. Two Flames players already were in the NWB Hall of Fame, JoAnn Milliken in 2000, and Stephanie Ciulla in 2003. In addition, two more players received national MVP awards in 2003, Donna Middleton and Narda Quigley. Otter uncovered their confidential nomination statements submitted by JoAnn Milliken, which read as follows. "Donna's strength is in her versatility, as the consummate utility player. She can literally play any position, and she has played every position for the Flames. She has pitched for us on a number of occasions, has often been our catcher, and played every infield and outfield position. The great thing is that Donna plays every position well." "Narda is also a versatile team member, playing both outfield and catcher, and she is learning to pitch. Narda is a demon on the basepath with her famous hook slide. She plays in dirt better than anyone on our team. She is most endearing for her spirit. Narda really sparks the team, makes us laugh by creating nicknames for everyone, and spouting words of wisdom for our batters, such as, 'If it's in your crackhouse, smoke it!'" Congratulations to the Flames (F-Phi, L-Lambda, A-Alpha, M-Mu, E-Epsilon, S-Sigma) MVP players Donna Middleton and Narda Quigley. They are being recognized for consistent exceptional performance. "You know you make me wanna shout! throw my hands up and shout! kick my heels out and shout! throw my head back and shout! you all come on now and shout!" "Don’t forget to say you will, don’t forget to say you will, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, come on say it right now, come on say you will, say it right now, say you will." "You know you make me wanna shout! kick my shoes off and shout! pull my shirt out and shout! take my pants down and shout! you all come on now and shout!" "Don’t forget to say you will, come on don’t forget to say, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, come on say it right now, come on say you will, say it right now, say you will." "Say it a little bit softer now..." "Say it a little bit louder now..." "Jump up right now and shout! come on right now and shout! say hey, hey, hey..." Notes: The Virginia Flames, managed by JoAnn Milliken, is one of the most outstanding teams in the Eastern Women's Baseball Conference. In addition to the 2003 awards, over several years, Flames national MVP recipients were: Carmen Dominguez in 2002, Cindy Fereno in 2001, Stephanie Ciulla in 2000, JoAnn Milliken in 2000, and Stephanie Ciulla in 1999. Scenes were adapted from the movie "Animal House" produced in 1978. Song lyrics were adapted from: "Wonderful World," Herman's Hermits, 1965, and other artists; "Shama Lama Ding Dong," Otis Day and the Knights, exact date unknown; and "Say You Will (Shout)," Don Isley, 1959, 1962, and 1978. B. MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS For 2003, MVP and Manager of the Year nominations are due after the conclusion of the season and by December 31. For more information on these nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/formsawards C. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS For 2004, nominations for Inductions into the NWB Hall of Fame are due by September 30, and can include current or previous players and managers. Most submissions have been made as candidate statements. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/forminducts D. NWB HALL OF FAME BASEBALL MEMORABILIA Several baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame including commemorative buttons for 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999; personalized magnetic locker nametags; and baseball t-shirts and caps. The website main page includes order information and the photo page displays these items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame E. TIMELINE December 6, 1899 Jocko Conlan birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 6, 1900 Agnes Moorehead birthdate, actor. December 6, 1903 Tony Lazzeri birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 7, 1947 Johnny Bench birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 7, 1967 Tino Martinez birthdate, MLB player. December 8, 1879 Jimmy Austin birthdate, MLB infielder. December 8, 1968 Mike Mussina birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 9, 1871 Joe Kelley birthdate, MLB outfielder. December 9, 1930 Hurricane Hazle birthdate, MLB player. December 9, 1865 Passing of Branch Rickey, MLB manager. December 10, 1830 Emily Dickinson birthdate, poet. December 10, 1966 Mel Rojas birthdate, MLB player. December 10, 1971 Nolan Ryan traded by Mets to Angels. December 11, 1854 Hoss Radbourne birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 11, 1926 Big Mama Thornton birthdate, blues singer. December 12, 1864 Phenomenal Smith birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 13, 1943 Ferguson Jenkins birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 14, 1897 Margaret Chase Smith birthdate, US Congress. December 14, 1949 Bill Buckner birthdate, MLB player. December 15, 1900 Christy Mathewson traded to NY Giants. December 15, 1967 Mo Vaughn birthdate, MLB player. December 16, 1901 Margaret Mead birthdate, anthropologist. December 16, 1951 Mike Flanagan birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 16, 1964 Billy Ripken birthdate, MLB player. F. FAME FORUM ISSUES The following are titles for current issues of Fame Forum. Volume VI, 2003 Season Publications Number 31, Phi Lambda Alpha House (MVP's), December 7. Number 30, Mistress Roberts (managers), November 28. Number 29, Going but Not Gone (Steinbeck), November 16. Number 28, There's No Mistake in Sam Patch, October 23. Number 27, Gals and Dolls (Macurio and Sheldon), October 9. Number 26, 2003 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 8. Number 25, 2003 Nominations for Induction, October 2. Number 24, The Blues Brothers Sisters (MVP's), September 28. Number 23, Clifford Joins the Team (Ritter), September 23. Number 22, Eternal Ring of Fire (Cash), September 13. Number 21, Names of the Game (inductions), September 5. Number 20, From Wonderbread to McDonalds (Flames), August 25. Number 19, Thanks for Coming Out! (Guidace), August 21. Number 18, Top of the Thirty-Third (tie games), August 17. Number 17, You Can Fly, You Can Fly! (Barrie), August 4. Number 16, Deja Vu All Over Again (summer baseball), July 27. Number 15, The Inspector General (medicine), July 22. Number 14, Hotter Than the Fourth of July (Milliken), July 6. Number 13, 2003 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions Form, June 30. Number 12, The Original Muscle Moll (Didrikson), June 26. Number 11, From Baseball to Biology (sea coast), May 18. Number 10, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (Ferguson), May 15. Number 09, The Best Team on Earth (nature), April 23. Number 08, Cool Hand Luce (summer rain), March 27. Number 07, Inherit the Wind (Arizona case), March 11. Number 06, Ted Williams Continued, February 18. Number 05, Wag the Kid (Save Ted Williams), February 10. Number 04, Ted Williams Clarified, January 30. Number 03, Splendid Sleeper (Williams), January 24. Number 02, Promotional Items, January 17. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was (2002), January 2. For a complete listing over the last six years, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/news G. FEATURES 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 team, players, or events. Applications that further describe these programs are available by 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. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/forminducts 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. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/formsawards _________________________________________________________ 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, TXU157714, TXU159311. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2003 __________________________________________________________ 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. Developing capabilities and participating on a team through encouragement and instruction build character and confidence. Every American should have the opportunities to obtain such experience, as part of playing our national pastime. ___________________________________________________________