_________________________________________________________ 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, TXU288273, TXU311442. Issue Number 00357 _________________________________________________________ Volume IX, Number 36 Publisher and Author December 22, 2006 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: CASE OF THE RUTHIAN BALL This is the city, Los Angeles, California, comprised of nearly 465 square miles of semi-arid sub-tropical land brought to life through the wonders of modern technology, and home to several million inhabitants who live, work, and play in this burgeoning vibrant metropolis situated on the western edge of America's sparkling Pacific coast. Amidst this City of Angeles, and as is often true across our great nation, occasionally a few of those halos slip, and that's when I come in, I carry a badge. It was Wednesday, December 13, we were covering the early morning shift in the Larceny-Bunco Division, and the first rays of golden California sunshine had not yet penetrated the nearby peaks of the stately San Bernadino Mountains. The morning was mild and calm, and although we were fast approaching mid-December I could tell that today would be unseasonably warm. My partner is Bill Gannon, the watch commander is Jack Dunn, and my name is Jo Friday. The story which you are about to read is true, but some of the names were changed to protect the innocent. [background theme music] At this hour, even in Los Angeles the telephone lines are generally quiet. Although unsavory crimes are committed continuously around the clock, in the stealth of darkness unfortunate victims have not discovered their misfortunes and subsequently hours from now in hopeless desperation they will inevitably contact us for assistance. Thus, this minor respite in an endless battle for justice on the side of righteousness provides the opportunity for us in the field of law enforcement to engage in the more mundane but essential task of completing routine reports partially complied during our previous shift. Good police work often is simply a matter of making sure the facts are correct, and that we have dotted all the "i's" and crossed all the "t's." Frequently, it is in those minute details that the most difficult cases are eventually solved. While we engaged in these necessary functions, I could see Captain Dunn was partaking in an animated conversation with an unknown party over the telephone. When he replaced the receiver, the look in his eyes told me that we were about to discover the nature of that unexpected communication. "Jo, you better get ready for some traveling," Captain Dunn advised as he approached our desks. I wasn't surprised regarding that directive since larceny investigations often took us outside our local jurisdiction. The outreached hands of crime knew no geographic boundaries, as we expected in this pending assignment. Simultaneously, Bill and I nodded to signify our understanding. "Jo, I can't think of anyone better suited for this case, and not just because of your experience," Dunn indicated. "How's that Captain?" Jo innocently inquired. "Jo, your badge number," Captain Dunn smiled. "You mean 714?" "Indeed, I do." "You know why I picked that number years ago," Jo stated. "Yes, that's precisely the point," Dunn solemnly replied, "this case concerns Babe Ruth!" [background theme music] Apparently, the telephone call which Captain Dunn received was from back east where the day's events were already in full motion and rapidly unfolding. The captain began to outline the particulars which pertained to this case, and indicated I should reserve a ticket for Friendship Field in order to conduct this investigation. Bill would remain here to handle additional contacts if they should arise. "Ruth's been gone since '48," Friday respectfully recalled. "This concerns something he signed," Dunn calmly continued, "sixty years ago and was stolen about twenty-five years ago. Recently, it materialized at an auction in Chicago." We knew auction houses are reputable about items presented for public purview regarding legitimacy and authenticity. However, in our vast combined experience, we were accustom to more routine checks of the loan and buy sheets at local pawn shops and similar establishments. "Isn't there a statute of limitations?" Gannon contributed. "This happened a long time ago." "Not for this item," the captain explained. "What's the cookie?" Sergeant Friday asked. "A signed baseball," Dunn solemnly replied. "An autographed ball signed by Babe Ruth in good condition," Friday automatically recited, "is worth at least $40,000 to $50,000. This is the major leagues. We're into the field of grand larceny." "And, there's more," Dunn concurred and continued. "it was allegedly signed by Babe Ruth to Ted Williams." Captain Dunn paused to review his notes, "The inscription stated as follows, 'To My Pal Ted Williams From Babe Ruth.' So, what do think?" "It's unusual," Friday smiled, "but I'd have to see the ball; it's condition and inscription." "An image is due over the wires," Dunn assured his officers, "it should be here in a few minutes from your counterpart in the Chicago department, Sergeant Lukasik. She's dependable." "One thing is certain," Friday explained, "if it was signed like that it would be worth more than $50,000, maybe two or three times that amount. Babe Ruth signed a lot of items, he actually enjoyed giving autographs, helped establish the tradition and practice among sports heroes, but it was just his name. Nothing fancy, and nothing extra, just his name. He had a distinctive 'B' with a tail in front of 'Babe' part and an unusual 'R' which extended well over the top of 'Ruth.' Just his name, that was all, with four letters followed by another four letters. With a little practice, his signature could be easily copied by the average paper hanger." "What are you suggesting?" "It's undervalued for some reason. When a fence in a shop on Figueroa only gets $50 for a $5,000 ring, it stands out like a sore thumb on a tare sheet. I get suspicious. Furthermore, he never signed that way. I've never heard of such a ball." "Figured you know," Dunn smiled, "it's why you're on the case, and we want you to travel to Maryland today." "Sure, captain," Friday acknowledged, "the Babe Ruth Museum. They'd know. I should have this wrapped up by evening, and can call in the results to Bill. Any more details?" "Yes, there was an article in the Chicago Sun-Times," Dunn continued, "dated December 8, which described what occurred. The article stated Williams, '...sought only one autograph during his lifetime from his hero Babe Ruth.'" "Captain, that's also unusual," Friday confidently responded. "When Williams was growing up in San Diego and first started playing ball, he idolized Bill Terry because of how he hit. As a kid at bat, that's who he would envision. Later when he was developing his swing, he emulated Shoeless Joe Jackson for his smooth motion and control. And, in terms of ideas about hitting, his mentor was Rogers Hornsby. Williams first rule about batting, 'Get a good ball to hit,' came directly from Hornsby who talked to him about baseball when he was a rookie. Williams respected Ruth, and put him first on his famous list, but it was not in adoration as such an inscription suggests." "Captain, when did they claim Ruth signed the Williams ball?" Friday paused and further inquired. "There wasn't an exact date in the article," Dunn checked his notes again, "but it said he, '... was about 26 years old when he approached the Yankee's renowned slugger Ruth in New York to ask for an autograph.'" "Approached?" Friday asked. "Yes, that's the exact word in the article," Dunn confirmed. "Gives the impression this was at a game," Friday surmised, "but something's wrong there." "How's that?" "Well, captain," Friday explained, "if Williams was about 26, then that would have most probably been the summer of 1944. He was born August 30, 1918." "What of it?" "It couldn't have been at a game. Ruth retired from baseball after 1935 and was ailing. As I said, he eventually passed away in 1948," Friday reiterated. "And, Williams was a Marine aviator during World War II full-time after the 1942 season until the war ended in August 1945. He didn't play baseball again until 1946. The dates don't match." "Hold on Jo," the captain interrupted. "Here's that photo of the autographed ball, just came in from Chicago." Captain Dunn handed the image to his top detective. The ball was superimposed over a picture of Ted Williams labeled 1952, and contained the inscription as described. "Captain," Friday studied the photo, "this is inconclusive. There is no way I can tell if the ball is legitimate or not. He is not holding the ball, nor is it part of the background. The ball is actually separate from the photo of Ted Williams. I'll have to find out more back east." [background theme music] I departed Los Angeles police headquarters and subsequently boarded a flight to Maryland with intended stops in Baltimore Silver Spring. The flight was uneventful, and took most of the morning. With some luck, I'd find sufficient evidence during the afternoon, and later telephone the results to my partner Bill Gannon waiting for my call that evening. The first stop was 216 Emory Street in downtown Baltimore to speak with Mike Gibbons, Executive Director, of the Babe Ruth Museum. He was shown the same image Captain Dunn provided me, and after a careful examination stated that, "It looks like Babe Ruth's signature." I had an opportunity to view many items in the museum which bore the same famous autograph. They all looked identical, except the items on display contained one name, --Babe Ruth. They didn't include other sentiments, such as, "To My Pal..." Gibbons ran a check through his R&I and in museum archives found only one photo of Williams and Ruth together taken in March 1948 at Red Sox spring training. There was no ball. Gibbons mentioned that previously he had not heard of such a ball signed by Ruth and given to Williams. My investigation continued to 900 Silver Spring Avenue in downtown Silver Spring to a headquarters for James Spencer Authentication, Bill Huggins was the store's proprietor. On display, there were hundreds of signed baseballs in his "House of Cards," carefully arrayed in protective cases. There was no way to authenticate a signature from a photo, but regarding this image it was extremely unusual to have that much wording on one ball. Baseballs on display only had a player's name signed on the sweet spot, the narrower section between the stitches. Sometimes there might also be a sequential number. This was circumstantial evidence. However, it was explained that one way to evaluate a ball would be the "horsehide test." Signatures could be forged, pictures superimposed, but a horse versus a Holstein can't be hidden. Cowhide came into play in 1974; it's smoother and cleaner, which can be detected with a good eye and by sensitive touch. In addition to texture, coloration varies since the coverings age differently. Such a determination would require actual inspection of the ball. I continued my investigation into the literature before returning to Friendship Field. I uncovered a Boston Globe article from August 5, 1994 which described the ball in an interview conducted with Ted Williams. But, in the book, "My Turn at Bat: The Story of My Life by Ted Williams," as told to John Underwood, published in 1969, there is no mention of this ball signed by Ruth. [background theme music] With my appointments completed, I decided to call in these findings, as inconclusive as they were, to Bill Gannon, and determine what he may have found at his end of the line. I stated what occurred at Gibbons' museum and Huggins' shop. There also had been several attempts to contact Bobby-Jo the eldest daughter of Ted Williams. She could not comment on the ball. If she had known about it, and it was important, then possibly she might have provided some remarks. This is a piece of baseball memorabilia, and not related to the disposition of her father. There were plenty of quotes in the December 8, 2006 article from Claudia the youngest daughter. The story read like a public relations piece. Claudia noted, "I grew up my whole life hearing how may dad met Babe Ruth and got this ball." I re-read the December 8 Sun-Times article, and there was no mention of Bobby-Jo. At first glance the story appeared to be a wonderful account, something very special was returned, which is also significant in terms of baseball memorabilia. However, upon more careful scrutiny, certain aspects of the story appeared questionable, and it was a positioning piece. Perhaps, these were reasons why Captain Dunn was called to have us review the matter. I relayed my information to Bill, and he indicated everything was quiet on the home front with nothing new to report. I asked Bill about the difference between horsehide and cowhide, but he said he couldn't help. He knew something about goatskin, which he claimed was smooth as silk like a new-born's behind, but he didn't want goats made into baseballs. [background theme music] Sometimes in police work, there are no conclusive findings, and investigations simply reveal facts, but render no solid results upon which current action could be taken. Perhaps, when placed in our daily report, those facts would be useful in some future investigation. Those minute details often make the difference in solving difficult cases. Bill also indicated several Christmas cards arrived, and said he thought I'd might be interested in one. Since I wouldn't be back until the next day, I asked him to read that card. It was from Mark and Bobby-Jo, with appropriate sentiments for the holiday season. "Wishing you the blessings of this beautiful season, to enjoy, to share, to keep in your heart always." "Merry Christmas!" Mark & Bobby-Jo Note: Regarding this special ball, the author was at the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore on December 13, 2006, and James Spencer Authentication office in Silver Spring on December 20, 2006. The above referenced articles in the Chicago Sun-Times, December 8, 2006, and Boston Globe, August 5, 1994, are available upon email request. B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: new induction poster, commemorative buttons (2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), personalized magnet locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, knife, and ten model 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 December 18, 1886 Ty Cobb birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 18, 1916 Betty Grable birthdate, film actor. December 18, 1930 Bill Skowron birthdate, MLB player. December 19, 1894 Ford Frick birthdate, MLB Commissioner. December 19, 1934 Al Kaline birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 20, 1881 Branch Rickey birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 20, 1888 Fred Merkle birthdate, MLB player. December 20, 1900 Gabby Harnett birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 21, 1912 Josh Gibson birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 21, 1954 Chris Evert birthdate, tennis champion. December 22, 1862 Connie Mack birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 22, 1944 Steve Carlton birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 23, 1942 Jerry Koosman birthdate, MLB player. December 24, 1889 Bill Otis birthdate, MLB player. 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. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2006 Season Publications Number 36, Case of the Ruthian Ball, December 22. Number 35, Finest Flamer Famed (Milliken), December 14. Number 34, Clifford's Mysterious Morning, December 7. Number 33, Case Addendum of JoAnna Dollar, December 2. Number 32, Case of the Purloined Bat (DiMaggio), November 28. Number 31, Clifford's Hometown Parade, November 21. Number 30, Eephus, Eiphus, Ophus (pitches), November 20. Number 29, Magnus Force --Make My Day!, November 5. Number 28, Better Babies and Baseball (SIDS), November 2. Number 27, Clifford's October Surprise, October 30. Number 26, Where in the World is Carmen Dominguez?, October 13. Number 25, More Information on NWB Hall of Famers, October 11. Number 24, 2006 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 9. Number 23, 2006 Nominations for Induction, October 2. Number 22, Program Announcements, September 11. Number 21, LBI's Batting Third (Brenneman), August 22. Number 20, Saving Ted Williams, August 8. Number 19, Ted Williams Action Agenda, August 4. Number 18, Say it Ain't So Joe (treatment), July 6. Number 17, Spirit of 1776 (painting), July 2. Number 16, New NWB Products Available, June 26. Number 15, Meet Jane Doe (codes), June 22. Number 14, 2006 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, May 31. Number 13, Playing on Abraham's Side (Williams), May 25. 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. 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, TXU288273, TXU311442. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2006 __________________________________________________________