_________________________________________________________ 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, TXU180346, TXU288273, TXU311442. Issue Number 00359 _________________________________________________________ Volume X, Number 02 Publisher and Author January 3, 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: IN REMEMBRANCE OF PRESIDENT JERRY FORD This week the 38th President of the United States achieved his final resting place on a peaceful hill in Grand Rapids. The following is a reprint of a Fame Forum article from September 2000 in remembrance. Fame Forum, Volume III, Number 50, September 15, 2000 A. COLUMN: THE BEST GAME IN TOWN "I know Betty, I know. Sorry I'm late, but I couldn't find my Michigan t-shirt, and then the phone rang, and then..." She cut him off quickly before he started rambling on with too many excuses, "Come on Jerry, the game starts in only 15 minutes, and the stadium is not that far. Let's go!" Betty grabbed his hand, turned him around, and they marched right out the door. She kept the next remark to herself and thought, "This is baseball! You don't need that old college football shirt you saved from Ann Arbor." Elizabeth Ann Bloomer Warren, Betty to her friends, didn't know it at the time, but she would be a guiding force in this man's life for many years to come. Although they began dating in the Spring of 1946, this exceptional college athlete and Navy Lieutenant Commander in World War II, eventually would become the 38th President of the United States. At that moment, however, it seemed almost impossible to get him to a baseball game on time. This particular Sunday they were going to see the Chicks play baseball, Grand Rapids' finest team, and the entire town was proud of their performances and accomplishments. In early 1945, as the war was nearing its conclusion, the Chicks moved to Grand Rapids, and consisted primarily of existing players transferred from Milwaukee in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Originally, the team was in Milwaukee for only one year, but low attendance and lack of local support landed the Chicks across Lake Michigan and into Grand Rapids where they were welcomed with open arms and surging crowds. In Grand Rapids, this became one of the most successful franchises in the AAGPBL, and the Chicks remained active there for 10 years until the end of the 1954 season. Only three other teams remained in their home towns for that length of time or longer, which were the South Bend Blue Soxs from 1943 to 1954, Rockford Peaches from 1943 to 1954, and Fort Wayne Daisies from 1945 to 1954. Betty and Jerry drove off that day to see some of the finest talent in women's baseball play in Grand Rapids. And, in the team's 11 year AAGPBL history (1944 was in Milwaukee), they earned 4 League Play-Off Championships, and only once finished below .500 for the season. The Chicks had excellent managers in Johnny Rawlings, and later Woody English. Rawlings played for 12 years in the National League mainly with the Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates completing his career in 1926. Woody English also played for 12 years primarily with the Chicago Cubs starting in 1927, and is considered by some to be represented by the character Jimmy Dugan played by Tom Hanks in, "A League of Their Own." English was also in two World Series in 1929 and 1932 with the Cubs. During his MLB career, he posted a respectable .287 batting average. The Chicks benefited from the knowledge and experience of these veteran MLB players. More importantly, they had talented and quality players on the team that could appreciate the advice and turn lessons into successful actions and results on the field. Captain Alma "Gabby" Ziegler remained with the team for all 11 years. Her nickname was true to form, and she was a spark-plug for the Chicks, providing instructions, encouragement, and keeping their spirits high. When "Gabby" was in a talkative and positive mood, everyone played well and the team was usually successful. Ziegler was recruited after the inaugural 1943 AAGPBL season by Bill Allington, both a scout and manager that Philip K. Wrigley assigned to find talented players in California. Allington brought six west coast prospects to Chicago including "Gabby" Ziegler. She joined the new Chicks team for the 1944 season at second base in Milwaukee, and stayed with the franchise in Grand Rapids until 1954. Another outstanding addition to the Chicks team was ace-pitcher Connie Wisniewski, who in 1945 achieved an ERA of 0.81 and won 32 games in a 110 game season. Wisniewski was backed by an exceptionally fine catcher in Ruth "Tex" Lessing. This tough little blonde was perfect behind the plate calling the pitches, and she lively challenged other team players and officials. In a final playoff game between the Chicks and Racine Belles, after an objectionable call, "Tex" Lessing poked the umpire in the eye. A colorful newspaper account of the incident stated, "Lessing pounced on the umpire George Johnson with both hands flying and slugged him in the eye and face that he staggered back..." He was unable to continue the game, and the Chicks had to find another catcher for the final innings. In addition, the Chicks were graced with the speed and accuracy of the, "...best outfielder in the League," in Twila "Twi" Shively. And, there were many fine players over the years which included: Mildred Earp, Alice Haylett, Annabelle "Lefty" Lee, Lavonne "Pepper" Paire, and Betty Tucker to name only a few. Yes, the future President and First Lady together must have seen many wonderful baseball games and players in their home town of Grand Rapids after the war in the 1946 through 1948 seasons. During 1947, the Chicks were successful in the League Play-Off Championship, and in 1948 they had the best season record for their Division and the League, which was equivalent to receiving the pennant. Two major events for the Fords occurred in 1948 which changed their lives, Jerry finally married Betty, and he was elected to the House of Representatives. Their lives then focused on activities in Washington, DC. However, Jerry Ford was always active in sports, and it started at South High School in Grand Rapids where he was selected as All-City and All-State in football. At the University of Michigan he was on their national championship football teams in 1932 and 1933, and was voted the Wolverine's MVP in 1934. After graduating Michigan, he took a position at Yale as the boxing coach and as a varsity football coach. He eventually earned his law degree from Yale in 1941. Starting in 1948, for 12 times in succession he was reelected to the House of Representatives, a position he held until December 6, 1973 when he was confirmed as Vice President. Then on August 9, 1974, he became President upon the resignation of Richard Nixon. Throughout his life, Ford enjoyed sports and baseball. In the House, he was able to practice and play in the annual Congressional Baseball Game between Republicans and Democrats. His usual position was first base, and sometimes the outfield. He also had a good bat, and during 1957 hit the only inside-the-park grand slam homerun in the history of the Congressional games. For every year Jerry Ford was in Congress, he played on this team in the annual classics, which were held at Griffith Stadium until 1961 when DC Stadium opened (later renamed RFK Memorial Stadium), and continue at Bowie Stadium (Orioles AA). As Vice President, he was present with Commissioner Bowie Kuhn when Hank Aaron hit homerun 714 in 1974 to tie Babe Ruth's record. He was given the honor of throwing out the first baseball in that game. He and Betty attended baseball games when they could, and as is customary in the White House they received an honorary free-pass to every MLB stadium each year from the Commissioner of Baseball. This tradition began with Theodore Roosevelt for the 1907 season. One of the last baseball events he attended officially as President was the 1976 All-Star Game where he tossed the opening ceremony baseballs to Johnny Bench for the National League and Carlton Fisk for the American League. His interest in baseball extended beyond just playing and watching the game. As President, in December 1974 Ford was responsible for signing a bill to amend the Little League charter proving the opportunity for girls and boys to play hardball together, and this legislation extended the game of baseball to everyone. Although most Presidents enjoyed sports, because Ford played and coached successfully, he was perhaps more aware of the positive attributes and personal benefits from active participation. His legacy as an interim President was brief, but he made a significant contribution to baseball. Jerry and Betty knew what women baseball players could accomplish, and many years before they had seen some of the best at a time when they were young in Grand Rapids. He probably recalled the Chicks and their victories; "Gabby" Ziegler shouting encouragement to her teammates, Connie Wisniewski winding up and striking out the side, good calls and the backstopping of "Tex" Lessing, and graceful speed and catching abilities of "Twi" Shively in the outfield. They were the best game in town! These examples as role models need to be remembered, if not all their names, certainly images of their past performances should continue for those impressions can become the reality for others in the future. 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 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 purchased 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 8, 1867 Emily Balch birthdate, Nobel Peace Prize. January 9, 1903 Orioles became NY Highlanders (Yankees). January 9, 1941 Joan Baez birthdate, folk singer. January 10, 1835 Harry Wright birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 10, 1938 Willie McCovey birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 11, 1876 Elmer Flick birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 11, 1890 Max Carey birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 11, 1963 Tracy Caulkins birthdate, world record swimmer. January 11, 1973 American League adopted Designated Hitter Rule. January 12, 1960 Mike Marshall birthdate, MLB player. January 13, 1925 Gwen Verdon birthdate, actor ("Damn Yankees"). January 14, 1919 Stoneham, McGraw, McQuade purchased NY Giants. January 14, 1942 Carol Bellamy birthdate, Peace Corp director. January 15, 1917 Johnny Rucker birthdate, MLB player. January 16, 1870 Jimmy Collins birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 16, 1911 Dizzy Dean birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 17, 1931 James Earl Jones birthdate, actor. January 18, 1896 Bill McGowan birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. January 18, 1955 Kevin Costner birthdate, actor. January 19, 1966 Stef Edberg birthdate, tennis star. January 20, 1887 Bill James birthdate, MLB player. January 20, 1934 Camilo Pascual birthdate, MLB player. January 21, 1957 Geena Davis birthdate, actor. January 22, 1857 NABP adopted 9 inning game rule. January 23, 1918 Gertrude Elion birthdate, Nobel Prize medicine. January 23, 1962 Jackie Robinson elected to MLB Hall of Fame. January 24, 1955 Required 20 second rule for pitchers. January 24, 1968 Mary Lou Retton birthdate, Olympics gymnast. January 25, 1918 Ernie Harwell birthdate, broadcaster. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2007 Season Publications Number 02, In Remembrance of President Jerry Ford, January 3. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 1. 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, 1998-2007 __________________________________________________________