_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2008 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, TXU348663, TXU346055. Issue Number 00409 _________________________________________________________ Volume XI, Number 15 Publisher and Author July 3, 2008 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2007 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTION KRIS "LEFTY" RANISZEWSKI 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, NELSON, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: PUTTIN' ON YOUR MITTS [Opening refrain with fade-in to a traditional locker room scene prior to a game. Players dress over which credits roll and the following theme music commences.] "Have you seen those well-to-do, strut up and down Maine Avenue? On that renovated thoroughfare, holding their noses in the air, with Nat hats n' Arrow collars, tickets are a thousand dollars. They spend every dime, on having a good time." "If you can't afford that dough, and don't know which way to go, suit-up where the t-shirts fit, puttin' on your mitts!" "Dress-up as an ironman trouper, try to look like a Gary Cooper, Super Duper!" "But, be a million dollars lady, Runyon baseball ain't so crazy, Suzie Swaze!" "Sunny diamond and no umbrellas, wearin' stripe or solid colors, see the Flames, Blues, or Fury, round the bases they do scurry, watch them Hawks or any batter, Cats or Boxers it don't matter, suit-up where the t-shirts fit, puttin' on your mitts!" "So, don't take a downtown road, 'cause Langley, Bachman, Blake, n' Ridge all have classy shows, where our fashions fit, puttin' on your mitts!" JoAnn: "OK, ladies! This sure is a good day for baseball! Shhh, quiet down now and listen up for a few details." Customarily before any game JoAnn, long-time manager and valued outfielder, would provide considerable information and encouragement to her Flames teammates, and today was certainly no exception. "Dave has the line-up," she continued with her directions above the usual chatter. "Suit-up quickly. He'll announce the order once we're all outside. So, let's keep moving. Daylight's burning. Anyone heard the latest weather???" From a back bench, an unidentified response was gleefully offered, and subsequently there were other melodious replies as reported within this story all in F-sharp. The Flames were in a rare mood this day. [Refrain 2] "Got a diamond, n' cut my curls, still I think I'm a lucky girl. There's the sun in the morning, and I've got the moon at night." "Got no stadium, or no KB yacht, I'm playin' happy on this spot. There's the sun in the morning, and I've got the moon at night." "Got no salary, or a bonus wage, still think I'm being overpaid. There's the sun in the morning, and I've got the moon at night." "Laura may speak of a Milky Way, sunshine brings us lovely days. There's the sun in the morning, and all those Flames are right." JoAnn: "Very funny! I ask a simple question about weather, and what do I get? A song and dance routine. Hey, I want a real report! What about you Laura?" Laura: "Sorry, don't look at me. I'm not a meteorologist. You know, Astro-Physics is my game! Call Dr. Hansen about climates." Dr. Laura proclaimed while she proudly pranced outside ahead of her Flames teammates. JoAnn: "OK, correct! So, who's next?" From in the front row, Carmen decided to add her own tune. [Refrain 3] "We're having a heat wave, a hot tropical heat wave, the temperature's rising, but it is not surprising, she can still, hit, hit, hit." "We're having a heat wave, infield will be broiling, and no shade is annoying, but it is not surprising, she can still, run, run, run." "We're having a heat wave, the weatherman is saying, for rains we are praying, but it is not surprising, we still have, fun, fun, fun." JoAnn: "Cute Carmen, cute. Regardless of the temperatures, today hit better than you can, can, can dance! We want your bat flaming red hot with plenty of 'ribees' on the grill!" "Doesn't anyone have a real weather report?!" JoAnn pleaded and thought to herself, "Where's that Steph when I need her. She once flew weather balloons at Dulles." A familiar voice from the Flames was heard, and it was Mary who began with a stylized introductory verse. "Once I was very blue, and blue as I could be. The skies were gray, far as anyone could see. But, that's gone away, and we'll have today..." [Refrain 4] "Blue skies they're smiling over at me, nothing but blue skies are what I see." "Those Flamers are swinging their bats, nothing but safe hits with each smack." "Ole Sol shining so bright, cool breeze in from right." "Swinging in a strike zone, racing the ball it's gone." "Stealing everyone is safe, footsteps reach homeplate." "Good luck when you belong, Flamers singing our songs." "So, if the wind blows in east or west, there's no need to ever fuss and fret. Because blue skies are smiling for me, nothing but blue skies are what I see!" JoAnn: "Well, that's much better. Thanks Mary, you have a 'grand old name.' And, I don't want to hear anything about 'stormy weather' or 'snow is snowing and wind is blowing.' Hurry up Dave is waiting, and so are those pesky BarnCats. Get your uniforms on!" And, a chorus began... [Refrain 5] "I'm puttin' on a team cap, pullin' up my white socks, tuckin' in my shirt tails, and steppin' out in style." "Cleanin' off my best bats, checkin' if my cleats fit, and trimmin' all my nails." "Removin' both my earrings, scrubbin' away my make-up, and a braidin' my pigtail." "I'm puttin' on a team cap, pullin' up my white socks, tuckin' in my shirt tails, and steppin' out in style." While Flamers were joyously singing around the locker room, JoAnn informally checked each player to make sure everyone was in proper attire, and in her usual friendly manner she asked some of them about the game before proceeding outside. JoAnn: "So, Rosie, what do you have to say about today?" [Refrain 6] "Heaven! Yes, I'm in Heaven, n' playing ball is a treat, my heart just skips a beat." "For on a ball field is the only happiness that I seek, by pitching cheek to cheek." "I'll dance to the mound as if it was the highest peak, ready for a winning streak." "Heaven! Yes, I'm in Heaven, n' playing ball is a treat, by pitching cheek to cheek." JoAnn: "OK, enough, enough already! I suppose you could also run a 'green mile.' How about you, Miss DeeBird? You always have plenty of 'heart' heading to the field." "Sure, JoAnn, sure. But, we've been talking this over, and saved the last little diddy just for you!" [Refrain 7] "Come on along, come on along, the Flames are playin' grand. Come on along, come on along, and watch us from the stands." "Rosie pitches that ball like its never been thrown before. Laura clears those basepaths every time she's on to score." "They sure turn a double play always gettin' back for more. Tinker, Evers, Chance should quickly better find the door." "Come on cheer, come on cheer, in cleats they do strut tall. Come on cheer, come on cheer, and watch them hit that ball." "Katlin steals those bases to the count of one, two, three. Carmen's helpful advice spur the Flames all on to victory." "They can toss round the horn in greatest finesse and ease. Three up and down has became the team's regular specialty." "Come on along, come on along, I will take you by your hand. Come on along, come on along, up to the leader of the clan." "She is thinking playing ball all morning, noon, and night. And, calling out the umpires if things are not just right. She'd run on grassy diamonds anytime with speed and might." "Only she can! Wow, what am!" "So, if you wanta go see them near the Potomac by gametime." "Come on along, come on along, the Flames are playin' grand. Come on along, come on along, and watch us from the stands." [Fade-out with final refrain continuing as team members march past the manager in quick step while reciting verses in lively repetition.] Note: Parodies written for this article were significantly modified from songs by Irving Berlin, 1888-1989. Refrain 1: "Puttin' on the Ritz," 1928. Refrain 2: "I Got the Sun in the Morning," 1946. Refrain 3: "Heat Wave," 1933. Refrain 4: "Blue Skies," 1927. Refrain 5: "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails," 1935. Refrain 6: "Cheek to Cheek," 1935. Refrain 7: "Alexander's Ragtime Band," 1911. B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: commemorative buttons (2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), t-shirts, caps, and bats. Free commemorative ribbons are available. The website main page has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE June 29, 1905 Moonlight Graham plays only MLB game. June 29, 1936 Harmon Killebrew birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. June 29, 1990 Two no-hitters on the same day, Athletics in Toronto, Dodgers in Saint Louis. June 30, 1908 Cy Young at 41 pitches third career no-hitter. June 30, 1929 Bobby Jones wins US Open by 23 shots. July 1, 1857 Roger Connor, birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 1, 1859 First intercollegiate baseball game. July 1, 1861 John Clarkson, birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 1, 1908 Estee Lauder birthdate, business owner. July 1, 1910 Comiskey Park opens in Chicago. July 2, 1903 Ed Delahanty drowns in the Niagara River. July 3, 1966 Tony Cloninger, pitcher, hits two grand slam homeruns in one game. July 4, 1918 Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren birthdates. July 4, 1930 George Steinbrenner birthdate, Yankees owner. July 4, 1939 Lou Gehrig Day at Yankee Stadium, speech, "Today I consider myself the luckiest..." July 4, 1984 Phil Niekro 3,000th strikeout. July 5, 1884 Jack Quinn birthdate, oldest MLB pitcher retired at 49, and oldest to hit a homerun. July 6, 1933 MLB first All-Star game in Comiskey Park. July 6, 1983 USPS issues Babe Ruth commemorative stamp. July 6, 1986 Bob Homer hits 4 homeruns in one game. July 7, 1906 Satchel Paige birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 7, 1909 Billy Herman birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 7, 1980 Michelle Kwan birthdate, Olympic skater. July 8, 1862 Hank O'Day birthdate, player and umpire, called first World Series, called Merkle out. July 8, 1930 Glen Gorbous birthdate, MLB player, world record 445'10" baseball throw. July 9, 1940 Joe Torre birthdate, MLB player and manager. July 10, 1868 Bobby Lowe birthdate, first player to hit 4 homeruns in one game. July 10, 1934 Carl Hubbell retires Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx, Simmons, and Cronin in succession. July 10, 1936 Chuck Klein hits 4 homeruns in one game. July 10, 1945 Virginia Wade birthdate, tennis champion. July 11, 1914 Babe Ruth starts first MLB game as Red Sox. July 11, 1985 Nolan Ryan 4,000th strikeout. July 12, 1901 Cy Young wins 300th game. July 13, 1889 Stan Covaleski birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 13, 1903 Ed Delahanty found beneath Niagara Falls. July 13, 1934 Babe Ruth hits 700th homerun. July 13, 1938 Sheila Widnall birthday, Air Force Secretary July 13, 1963 Early Wynn wins 300th game. July 14, 1967 Eddie Mathews hits 500th homerun. July 14, 1968 Hank Aaron hits 500th homerun. July 15, 1876 NL first no-hitter, George Washington Bradley. July 15, 1905 Shirley Povich birthdate, DC sports columnist. July 15, 1952 Walt Dropo 12 consecutive hits in one day. July 16, 1889 Shoeless Joe Jackson birthdate, MLB player. July 16, 1942 Margaret Smith Court birthdate, tennis champion. July 17, 1941 Joe DiMaggio completes 56 game hitting streak. July 17, 1974 Bob Gibson 3,000th strikeout. July 18, 1941 Martha Reeves birthdate, entertainer. July 18, 1970 Willie Mays 3,000th hit. July 18, 1940 Joe Torre birthdate, MLB manager. July 19, 1910 Cy Young wins 500th game. July 19, 1927 Ty Cobb 4,000th hit. July 20, 1858 First baseball admission 50c in Long Island. July 20, 1901 Heinie Manush birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 20, 1933 Nelson Doubleday birthdate, baseball publisher. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume XI, 2008 Season Publications Number 15, Puttin' on Your Mitts (broadway songs), July 3. Number 14, 2008 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, June 29. Number 13, Judy, Judy, Judy (Johnson), June 12. Number 12, Tales of Narda: The Guessing Game, May 10. Number 11, Clifford Plays Some Hoops (Auerbach), April 21. Number 10, Tales of Narda: Lady with the Light, April 13. Number 09, Tales of Narda: Turning the War Club, April 2. Number 08, Playing for a Higher Authority (Natural), March 22. Number 07, Prayerful Pearl (Janis Joplin), March 14. Number 06, Reigning at Ringside in Ritchie (boxing), March 11. Number 05, Tales of Narda: Origin of the Magic Bat, February 28. Number 04, Clifford's Favorite Store (Ballentine), February 15. Number 03, Bases Loaded, Reel Two, (baseball movies) February 12. Number 02, Bases Loaded Remake (Sunset Boulevard), February 2. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 2. 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, TXU348663, TXU346055. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2008 __________________________________________________________