_________________________________________________________ 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 00413 _________________________________________________________ Volume XI, Number 19 Publisher and Author July 19, 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: BATTING BEAUTY [Street scene at MGM across from Studio 30 in the summer of 1948 as two chauffeurs exchange viewpoints on a forthcoming movie apparently based upon conversations overheard during the performance of their duties, while company executives argue and decide somewhat similar matters inside a nearby office.] Driver One: "You see that whole row of offices over there?" He pointed with a long sweep of his arm and white glove to accentuate the point towards a two-story structure across the street where their employers were meeting. "They once belonged to madame from this block to the next. She had the entire first floor. One wardrobe section alone in Dressing Room B, contained nothing but her swim suits, more than one thousand. Bright red is her favorite color. And, with sequins, too." Driver Two: "Sure, that's impressive. She was a terrific athlete and is a wonderful star, but she won't get the part. This is a baseball movie!!! The entire field is dry land, and the only water around will be in the bucket. I know her studio contract requires at least one major swim scene. Where are they going to put a pool, --center field?" Driver One: "You've seen the special pool inside Studio 30, it's 90' by 90', built just for her, and it cost more than $100,000 to construct. They will do anything for madame. No one can match her skills. She is without comparison!" He continued with the description, "Her make-up room was over there," a white glove vaguely indicated an approximate direction, "twice the size of anyone else's." Driver Two: "Make-up? Why did she need make-up if most of her scenes were underwater?" Driver One: "I see you know little of madame's early films." Driver Two: "Well, I must have missed some of them; it was a little before my time." Driver One: "Few of madame's scenes were totally underwater. Of course, when she surfaced, make-up needed to be applied. Most of her swimming was on the top of the water. Madame was such a strong swimmer that her arms actually lifted her head and torso above the waves. Wonderful for the cameras. Only Johnny Weissmuller himself could match her." "Sometimes upon occasion Benny Lane used a row boat in the Studio 30 pool to apply makeup to madame, when necessary." Driver Two: "A boat right in the middle of an indoor pool? Say, you gotta be kidding?!" Driver One: "Everything always must be done to make madame exceptional. She radiates confidence at all times before the cameras. I know, I was there at the beginning, as now. I am certain she will get the part!" Driver Two: "Gene Kelly doesn't want her. He and Donen wrote the story for Kathryn Grayson. Gene has plenty of clout with Mayer, and usually gets his way on casting." Driver One: "Freed changed Grayson to Judy Garland, and he is the producer." Driver Two: "Yeah, it's his film, but it's Mayer's studio." Driver One: "Mayer wants Jules Munshin in at first base, so it's a trade. You know, 'O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg,' and that will be Kelly to Sinatra to Munshin, and not to Leo Durocher." Driver Two: "Everyone knows Judy Garland is unavailable," he returned to the leading lady discussion, "and that's being polite." Driver One: "I have it on good authority the next in the proposed line-up was June Allyson. Notice I said 'was;' the war is over, everyone is having a baby. Patriotic!" "This leaves madame with time for a baseball film before she is scheduled to make 'Neptune's Daughter.' She will do both this year. Madame is capable!" Driver Two: "But, Gene distrusts her, and said she can't sing, act, or dance, --a triple threat." Driver One: "He is just jealous of her athletic ability, and she is almost a head taller than him." "The director adores her. Busby Berkeley had much success in films with madame. Freer will accept studio selections, Buzz supports madame, and Mayer will not cause any waves." "Buzz will develop a pool scene somewhere in the new movie. The setting is spring training with the team staying at the Florida Palms Hotel in Sarasota. At this imaginary locale, there should be plenty of available water. There must be a pool in which madame may swim." "She will also wear an appropriate swim suit for the era, early 1900, I suspect. I have seen some sketches, almost full length. There were no two-piece suits back then or those new style French bikinis." Driver Two: "There you go back to swimming, just my point! There is absolutely no connection between her and baseball. In the film, how can she own and run a team when everyone envisions her as a swimmer?" Driver One: "You have heard of Wrigley's league of women baseball players? He sold the entire operation before the 1945 season started, but the league continues. Last year, the new spring training trophy was named in madame's honor. Her name 'is' recognized and connected with baseball!" "After the movie 'Bathing Beauty' was released in 1944, which starred madame, she was marketed by MGM executives as the finest example of the 'Athletic All-American Girl.' The lady baseball teams apparently liked that image, and have a similar reference in the league's name." Driver Two: "I didn't know that, but we'll soon learn the studio's decision. Gene Kelly won't abandon the project, since he wrote the story." Driver One: "When they come out, if Gene is frowning and Buzz is smiling, we will know madame got the part." [Fade-out as the two discussants begin checking and adjusting their vehicles, and alternatively glancing expectantly across the studio street.] Note: Esther Williams, national champion swimmer, was selected for the part of K.C. Higgins in the movie "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, produced by Arthur Freed, and directed by Busby Berkeley. The part was originally written for Kathryn Grayson by Gene Kelly and Stan Donen; Judy Garland and June Allyson were also unavailable for the lead role. The author's uncle Benjamin B. Jaffeson, 1916-2007, was a cinematographer for MGM (optical special effects). In 1947, the AAGPBL spring training trophy was called the "Esther Williams Trophy" awarded to the team winning the concluding tournament. Spring training that year was in Havana, and the Racine Belles received the first trophy (see article below). MILLION DOLLAR MERMAID by Richard C. Jaffeson Fame Forum, Volume X, Number 06, February 16, 2007 "What's that award title?" the editor of the Racine Journal quietly expressed disbelief while reviewing a draft story. The reporter carefully repeated the reference once more and spelled the first name, "E-S-T-H-E-R, like in the Bible." "I've never heard of such a thing," the editor bit down hard on the end of an unlit cigar. "Ted Williams, maybe, but he's in the service training naval aviators. Pensacola, I think. Esther Williams belongs in a bathing suit not in a ballpark. Who ever came up with such an idea? Wrigley?" "Mr. Wrigley no longer owns the league," was the explanation, "He wants to keep a closer eye on the Cubs, and sold it to Arthur Meyerhoff before the 1945 season began for a bargain." "Oh, for how much?" "Teams, players, contracts and rights thereof, went for about $10,000, and Meyerhoff is making changes," the reporter noted. "At the end of spring training, there'll be a tournament with the winner receiving the Esther Williams Trophy." "In this story," the reporter continued, "I'm predicting our Belles will win the first Esther Williams Trophy this spring in Havana. They have enough medals, badges, and buttons to look like an Admiral, and their uniform emblem already states, 'City of Racine.'" "Esther Williams is an Aqua Belle not a Racine Belle," the editor countered. "I saw her first show ever in 'AquaCade' while in San Francisco during 1940 before we were at war. This was a Broadway style musical with swimmers as dancers. Prior to that, Williams won three national championships in swimming with the LA Athletic Club, and she should have gone to the 1940 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, but it was canceled." "She could have been another Didrikson with all those medals," the cigar-chomper continued, "but decided to perform on stage and screen instead. Johnny Weissmuller picked her out in a casting line of 75 to be 'AquaBelle #1'. He was the show's star as 'AquaDonis #1,' and Esther Williams' selection to be co-star was made without hesitation." The editor returned to the business at hand, "How come you're so certain our Belles will win?" "It's practically the same team as last year," was the reply. "They won the League Championship and Playoff Championship. Hey, did you miss the headline after the September 16 game?" "Seems to me, I do recall something about that remarkable feat," the editor snidely remarked. "Are there changes this season?" "Sure, the basepaths are longer, pitcher's mound further back, baseball is smaller, and no more underhand throws; but everybody has to play by the same rules." "And, the Belles are also missing Claire Schillace this year," the reporter added. "I mean she got married. She was the best center fielder for four years, and could hit, too. Schillace was the second player in the league signed by Wrigley." "I know," the editor concurred, "I do read other sections of the newspaper. She's moving to Washington, DC to be a teacher in Kensington, MD. Her husband is with the State Department." "But, they won the 1946 championships without Schillace," the reporter reflected. "I expect their success will continue with the 1947 spring training trophy. Nobody can stop the Belles!" "Maybe so, maybe so," the editor speculated, "and when they win that Esther Williams Trophy then you'll have something more to write about the Belles." "You know now I can well imagine why that trophy title fits," the editor reflected further. "For her 1944 starring role in 'Bathing Beauty,' Williams was billed as the epitome of the, 'Athletic All-American Girl,' an image which is also promoted by the league and our Belles. MGM was so thrilled about her success, they built a 90' by 90' swimming pool in Studio 30 for Esther Williams films, and that's her diamond." Note: Esther Williams starred in fifteen major films during her eighteen year movie career, and appeared in a dozen others. Many of these films featured her trademark swimming ballets. More than a "foot in the bucket," Williams films included: "Jupiter's Darling," 1955; "Dangerous When Wet," 1953; "Easy to Love," 1953; "Skirts Ahoy," 1952; "Million Dollar Mermaid," 1952; "Texas Carnival," 1951; "Pagan Love Song," 1950; "Neptune's Daughter," 1949; "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," 1949; "On an Island with You," 1948; "Easy to Wed," 1946; "Ziegfield Follies," 1946; "Thrill of Romance," 1945; and "Bathing Beauty," 1944. Fame Forum articles on Esther Williams and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," include the following. "Batting Beauty," Fame Forum, Volume XI, Number 19, July 19, 2008. "Million Dollar Mermaid," Fame Forum, Volume X, Number 06, February 16, 2007. "O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg," Fame Forum, Volume IV, Number 13, March 16, 2001. 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 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. July 21, 1881 Johnny Evers birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 21, 1973 Hank Aaron 700th homerun. July 22, 1908 Amy Vanderbilt birthdate, etiquette expert. July 22, 1893 Jesse Haines birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 23, 1880 Emma Carr birthdate, Garvon Chemists Medal. July 23, 1925 Lou Gehrig hits first grand slam homerun. July 23, 1936 Don Drysdale birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 24, 1898 Amelia Earhart birthdate, early aviator. July 24, 1911 Addie Joss benefit game at Cleveland. July 25, 1930 Athletics two triple steals in one game. July 25, 1941 Lefty Grove wins 300th game. July 26, 1902 Gracie Allen birthdate, comedian. July 26, 1923 Hoyt Wilhelm birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 27, 1880 Joe Tinker birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 27, 1903 Leo Durocher birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 28, 1889 Bullet Joe Rogan birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 28, 1949 Vida Blue birthdate, MLB pitcher. July 28, 1966 Rachel Sweet birthdate, entertainer. July 28, 1991 Dennis Martinez pitches perfect game. July 29, 1996 Tommy Lasorda retires, MLB manager. July 30, 1890 Casey Stengel birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. July 30, 1968 Ron Hansen unassisted triple play. July 31, 1816 Lydia Bradley birthdate, founded college. July 31, 1932 Municipal Stadium opens in Cleveland. July 31, 1954 Joe Adcock hits 4 homeruns in one game. July 31, 1961 All-Star game 1-1 tie at Fenway Park. July 31, 1990 Nolan Ryan wins 300th game. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume XI, 2008 Season Publications Number 19, Batting Beauty (Esther Williams), July 19. Number 18, Playing and Pitching Parodies, July 16. Number 17, Swinging in the Rain (Freed hits), July 14. Number 16, Begin the Ball-Guine (Porter hits), July 11. Number 15, Puttin' on Your Mitts (Berlin hits), 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 __________________________________________________________