_________________________________________________________ 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, TXU253116, TXU260664. Issue Number 00321 _________________________________________________________ Volume VIII, Number 32 Publisher and Author December 24, 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 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: CHRISTMAS EVE TALE Presented herein is a tale retold from Christmas past with useful information and an ultimate message of goodwill. Fame Forum, Volume IV, Number 34, December 24, 2001 HIT 'EM ONE FOR THE LORD by Richard C. Jaffeson "This here's a speakeasy ma'am. You shouldn't be here, especially on Christmas Eve. The people and the language that they use, why it would..." She briskly brushed past him for he was brandishing the devil in his eyes and smelling of whiskey on his breath while standing near the barroom doorway, and she abruptly cut-off his less than welcoming remarks as her unexpected presence surprised the warmly revelous and mildly drunken holiday patrons. She wheeled around and responded in a most formidable tone loud and clear enough for everyone in the barroom to hear, "Ma'am is a contraction for madame and a woman of ill-fame!" Her eyes darted towards the bar, "As you can see by the way I am dressed and this Bible in my hand, sir, I am neither!" She further confronted and addressed him personally, "And, you, sir, I seriously doubt anything you can either say or do would impress or surprise me!" He stepped back slightly as she waved the righteous book in his face, and with a delightful and apologetic smile he attempted to explain, "But, you see sister, this here's a place for fine Bourbon and fast women. You can't just..." She stopped him again right in his tracks, and cheerfully interrupted to proclaim, "Then ALL of you, every single one of you, my blessed souls, will need plenty of religion this night to keep them both in line!" As she spoke, in a grand gesture, she turned and indirectly pointed to everyone in the smoke-filled room. She wore that evening a long black flowing cape with a bright red lining, which made her movements appear even more dramatic. The regulars sitting at their favorite tables and others by the bar roared their approval at her remarks. They could see she carried no badge and had no axe in her possession, and on this cold night even during Prohibition, they were not expecting a raid on their cherished establishment. The only weapons she carried or ever needed were a quick wit and the words of the Lord. She visibly held the Bible high in her right hand, as far as she could reach for everyone to see its brilliant gold inlaid cross shinning as a beacon in the swirling haze of smokey air. She proudly revealed, "This, my blessed souls, is the only protection I will need in any den of iniquity! And, this appears to be one of the very best, the finest that I have ever seen." The crowd roared, again. With those opening remarks, bolstered by their curiosity and need for lively entertainment, she won the crowd over. They waited to see and hear what would follow. "Well, I know sister when I've met my match." he gracefully said, and theatrically bowed with a wave of his left hand, "But, truthfully sister, tell us 'cause we honestly wanta know, why are you in a place like this especially tonight?" With that question, he had inadvertently provided her with an audience. She turned and smiled at the bar's patrons, and at the same time under her breath for only him to hear she added, "Truth and honesty, sir, are attributes much further from your lips than that filthy glass of whiskey. I suggest you put it down brother for I am here to do the work of the Lord on this night with or without your help." "Shhh, shhh, shhh..." the room started to become silent, although a few of the more inebriated towards the back had to be reminded. One of the working girls at the end of the bar was hiking up her skirt to entice her next customer, and greatly paled in stark comparison in style and dress to what only a few seconds before had walked into the room. She worried about her new mark and hustled him out the side door and upstairs before he became more interested in being righteous and saved and less concerned about her dubious attractions. Her profession had taught her timing, and she knew when to make a fast exit. "Shhhhhh..., that there is Sister Sharon! Don't you recognize her from the newspaper photos? She's in town for the revival. Let's see what Gantry does with her." Someone in the back of barroom shouted, "Or, just maybe it'll be the other way around!" The crowd roared their approval even louder. In the middle of the room in front of the bar, all eyes gazed in anticipation of further remarks from this invader of their precious domain. The two contestants drew closer and slowly gravitated towards each other as prize fighters would circling in the ring before their direct encounter. One was filled with the spirit of the Lord, the other had spirits of another kind. They were different, but somehow similar in their stance, attitude, and expressive natures. This was a fitting match for a main event on Christmas Eve. Sister Sharon began to address the crowd, "You asked about my presence in your bar brother, your private domain, and you all are wondering why I am here tonight Christmas Eve. I responded to my brother, 'To do the work of the Lord.' What would be more fitting to bring a message of charity, forgiveness, and salvation where it is needed the most?! Yes, this is exactly where I belong tonight!" "Sister, most of us are here to escape those messages." Gantry explained, "We see a different kind of reality, and we prefer to forget our troubles and existence with lots of liquor downstairs and other activities upstairs. Most of us don't want to hear your words." "I am fully aware of what transpires in this place and in similar bars like it in other towns." Sister Sharon continued her explanation, "I have traveled the length and breadth of this great land, and know where divine guidance is needed, my blessed souls. When you throw your hard earned money down here for one vice you will have nothing but a headache and hangover in the morning, and with the other you will gain a worse condition for the rest of your lives. If not for your immortal soul at least for your health and conscious listen to me!" The crowd became attentive and the room acquired a more somber tone, and it didn't seem like a bar any more. Sharon switched from a challenging demeanor to one of more compassion, which was reflected in the next part of her message. "I am here for two reasons which are customary on this evening. The first is to collect for charity, and the second is to invite all of you to our service tomorrow morning, providing that you are sober and in proper spirits and attire." No one in the room said a word, and Gantry offered his assistance. "Sister, I'll help you collect the funds. I know everyone here and what they should give." He picked up her collection basket and announced in a strong forceful voice, "Now folks, come on, this good Sister Sharon needs our help. Reach into your pockets and open your hearts to fill this plate." "I know you might not be one for religion," he continued. "Maybe that's why you're here tonight. But, I believe in ALL religions, because regardless of what it may be called they try to do two things, --explain the meaning of life, and --describe how people should behave." "As for the first part, well, there ain't none. We're here for better or worse, and when it's over there is no coming back. This is our heaven, right here and now. Sister Sharon is right, we should try to make this the best possible world." "As for the second part of religion, they all have their commandments and guidelines on how we should behave, and they say pretty much the same thing, --life is sacred, and we should be honest and show kindness towards others." "As for these holidays and ceremonies, it doesn't matter what they're called around the world. They're designed by ministers as reminders for the first two points." "Sister Sharon preaches from town to town, and it doesn't much matter to her which denomination you are, everyone is the same, and her message is universal to all. It's what I've just said, and she is here to remind you the kingdom of heaven is within each of us, and we have the ability to make that reality here on earth. Yes, the Lord said that, and that's the type of message this holiday should remind us all about. And, we shouldn't be here tonight breaking that sacred trust by polluting our body and soul in a place like this." "Friends," and he looked around the barroom for they all knew him, "Don't spend your money tonight on rotten booze and cheap floozies. Give it for the Lord's work through good Sister Sharon." And, more emphatically he added, "Open your heart to the Lord. Do you see what's right? Do you see the light?!" He paused for a moment, and in a calmer tone continued, "Give you sinners, give all you can. Give your donations for the Lord, so that Sister Sharon can do her work, and make a little piece of heaven right here on this earth. She can't do it without your help." "Give 'cause it'll make you feel good, better than any of the evils here, upstairs or down. Give 'cause it'll bring love to your heart, the love in doing what's right in the name of the Lord." "Don't be afraid to give. The Lord was never afraid of anything. He'd walk into a place like this, or any other like it night or day. He took on the whole Roman army and was never afraid. If He were here today, He'd stand up to the plate at any ballpark with the best like those in the pictures behind the bar of Johnson, Young, and Mathewson. He'd play with the greatest, and we'd all want to be on His team. Why? 'Cause He always did what was right, and love was in His spirit and heart." "And, what is LOVE? I'm not talking about the carnal but the divine. Love is the morning and evening stars that shine eternally. Love is in the cradle of a new born babe that sustains and continues life. Love is the inspiration for poets and writers expressed in their songs and words. Love is all around us, even in this wilderness, this den of iniquity. It is in your heart, it is in your ability to know and do what is right. We all have deep inside a still small voice all the time to remind us what is love." Sister Sharon had to catch her breath at his conclusion, and whispered a soft, "Amen" after Gantry finished. And, she thought, "This man should have been a preacher." Gantry went from table to table to ensure that everyone contributed, while Sister Sharon stood by the front door. The customers reached into their pockets and wallets and willing gave as much as they could. Silently they filed out of the barroom, and past the sentinel at the door. Sharon thanked them and reminded each one about the time and location of her service the next morning. The room was empty, the smoke was clearing, and only the bartender had a disappointed look on his face for there would be no more business that night. Then he realized he too could retire early on this Christmas Eve. Sister Sharon walked proudly over to Gantry, and they both sat down to survey their accomplishments. She was most impressed, "That was quite a speech. You really hit one for the Lord! I'm sure He knows and appreciates this gesture of kindness and charity. You have a gift. I am curious, what type of work do you do?" "Interesting, Sharon, that you should ask. You see I travel around from town to town, very much like you. People in 14 states know me by my first name, Elmer. They expect to see me on a regular basis." "Please Mr. Gantry, or Elmer, you're not going to tell me you are a preacher, too. Ha!" She threw her head back and laughed hard. "You, in a place like this?!" "No, sister, I won't tell you that, 'cause you're too smart and know better. But, what I've said is true, and I do travel to 14 states or more during the year. You were almost correct when you said, I hit one for the Lord. Actually, it's for Mr. Rickey." "You mean Branch Rickey?" Sharon excitedly snapped, "of the Saint Louis Cardinals?" "Well, to add to your charms, I see you know something about baseball." And, Elmer Gantry began to explain the nature of his livelihood. "You see I've been working for Mr. Rickey now for many years, at first scouting new ball players for his team, which was expensive and many times frustrating." "The big city teams have all the money like the Giants, Yankees, and Cubs. They could afford to pay the minor league owners plenty for their top players." "Sometimes I was lucky and could talk my way into sweet deals for the Cards. One winter I was able to get the Cooper brothers from the Houston Buffaloes on just my word and a promise of payment." "Most of the time we weren't so fortunate, and minor league owners would play one major league team against another to sell their best talent to the highest bidder. If we offered $2,000 for a good prospect, the owner would call John McGraw or Colonel Ruppert in New York and get $3,000 over the telephone. I'd do all the scouting, Mr. Rickey would be ready to close the deal, and a hot-shot team with deep pockets would buy our best prospects. This was no way to run a business." "In 1919, Mr. Rickey decided the best approach around this was to quietly purchase minor league teams, and when players were ready he could simply transfer them to the Cards without additional contracts or payments." "Ingenious! And, no one had thought of that before. He invented the current minor league system." "We all respect him. Everyone still calls him 'Mr.', and he does have a nickname of, 'The Mahatma.' He could have been a preacher, and has a college degree, a law degree, was a professor at Ohio Wesleyan, and at one time taught Sunday School. And, to this day, he wears a suit and bow tie to every ballgame." "By 1927, we owned seven teams including four in triple A cities like the Rochester Red Wings, Columbus Red Birds, Sacramento Solons, and Houston Buffaloes. And by now, we own all of the Nebraska State League and half of the Arkansas-Missouri league. Here's a list of some cities I visit throughout the year" Branch Rickey's Saint Louis System A Division Rochester, Columbus, Sacramento, and Houston B Division Asheville NC, Columbus GA, Decatur IL, Mobile AL C Division Jacksonville TX, Pine Bluff AR, Portsmouth OH, Springfield MO D Division Albany GA, Albuquerque NM, Cambridge MD, Caruthersville MO, Dayton Beach FL, Duluth MN, Fostoria OH, Gastonia NC, Grand Island NE, Greensburg PA, Johnson City TN, Kingston NC, Martinsville VA, Midland TX, Monett MO, New Iberia LA, Paducah KY, Taft TX, Union Springs AL, Williamson WV "Rochester, at the top of the list, consecutively won four International League World Series, and afterwards Mr. Rickey brought Billy Southworth their manager to the Cards. Eventually, Billy won three National League Pennants." "The other major league teams quickly caught on to Mr. Rickey's strategy, but the Cards had the lead and acquired the best franchises and talent first. The minor league teams we couldn't acquire outright, we owned at least 51% or a controlling interest." "It was worth buying a team, compared to paying individually for each new player. We would never be outbid by another major league club. We secured a constant supply of fresh talent, and a training ground for developing players. If someone was off their game, they could easily spend a few weeks in the minors and be recalled when they were ready. We also have additional talent to call upon at the end of the season, if needed. And, many of these franchises make money for the Cards system." "Yes, sir, Mr. Rickey has many ideas for the Cards, to find new talent, and improve the game of baseball. And, he's only in his late 40's, plenty of time to think of more changes and the future of baseball." "Well, Mr. Gantry," Sister Sharon observed, "I was initially wrong about you, I am impressed, and that certainly was an interesting story. I see in many respects we are similar." "How's that sister?" He inquired. "You are out there finding talent for your team's leader," she explained, "and travel all over the country to do so. You encourage them, improve their abilities, and bring them along to a higher level. You see Brother Gantry we are in the same business, you and I. You improve them through baseball, and I through the work of the Lord for a higher calling. You are not afraid of being bettered by that?" "Not in the least Sister Sharon," Gantry responded, "for we are all on this earth together, and with peace we can make this a better place for everyone. Call it whatever you like, we both can hit 'em for the Lord, as we did together on this night." Note: Based on the novel "Elmer Gantry," 1927, by Sinclair Lewis. The 1960 movie starred Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons (also in "Guys and Dolls," 1955). 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 December 24, 1922 Ava Gardner birthdate, film actor. December 25, 1865 Evangeline Booth birthdate, Salvation Army. December 25, 1855 Pud Galvin birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 25, 1888 First indoor baseball game in Philadelphia. December 25, 1958 Rickey Henderson birthdate, MLB player. December 26, 1837 Morgan Bulkeley birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 26, 1947 Carlton Fisk birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 26, 1954 Susan Butcher birthdate, Iditarod champion. December 27, 1943 Roy White birthdate, MLB player. December 28, 1900 Ted Lyons birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 29, 1937 Mary Tyler Moore birthdate, Emmy Award winner. December 30, 1935 Sandy Koufax birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 31, 1857 King Kelly birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 31, 1870 Tom Connolly birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 1, 1857 Tim Keefe birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 1, 1911 Hank Greenberg birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 2, 1951 Bill Madlock birthdate, MLB player. January 3, 1916 Betty Furness birthdate, consumer advocate. January 3, 1973 George Steinbrenner purchases NY Yankees. January 4, 1914 Jane Wyman birthdate, Best Actress 1948. January 4, 1944 Tito Fuentes birthdate, MLB player. January 5, 1901 Luke Sewell birthdate, MLB player/manager. January 6, 1412 Joan of Arc birthdate, commanded French army. January 6, 1863 Ban Johnson birthdate, manager, MLB Hall of Fame. January 6, 1920 Early Wynn birthdate, pitcher, MLB Hall of Fame. January 7, 1913 Johnny Mize birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 7, 1945 Tony Conigliaro birthdate, MLB power hitter. January 7, 1922 Alvin Dark birthdate, MLB manager. January 8, 1867 Emily Balch birthdate, Nobel Peace Prize. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume VIII, 2005 Season Publications Number 32, Christmas Eve Tale (Gantry), December 24, 2005. Number 31, Bali Hai Base Boules (baseballs), December 22, 2005. Number 30, Clifford Gets Ready for Christmas, December 13, 2005. Number 29, Flamin' Throwin' Craklin' Rosie (Weaver), December 5, 2005. Number 28, Father Baseball (Bender), December 4, 2005. Number 27, Tenacious Top Twirler Tapped (Gelman), November 21, 2005. Number 26, Long Valley Women (Mice and Men), November 13, 2005. 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, TXU253116, TXU260664. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2005 __________________________________________________________