_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2003 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068. Issue Number 00218 _________________________________________________________ Volume VI, Number 12 Publisher and Author June 26, 2003 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com 301-847-0102 http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2002 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS WALLACE AND DANCER _________________________________________________________ SEE THE WEBSITE PHOTO PAGES "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums Pictures Include... DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, SCHILLACE, DANCER WRIGHT, BALLENTINE, GEYER, AND WALLACE _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: THE ORIGINAL MUSCLE MOLL A singularly brilliant shining outstretched silver-white starburst dominates the seemingly touchable but distant frozen horizon, while radiant visions create deep lines, tears, smiles, and inner warmth; it is a romantic poem, a quality of light, an imperceptive tone, a picturesque dream in miniature of villages connected by meandering pathways in narrow manicured green ribbons that descend between the rugged spines of the snow-capped high Alps traversed by the reflective dark-blue Rhine. Almost everything temporal is forgotten in the stillness, nature reigns and truth remains in the center of centers, the double encompassed realm of enchantment, where it is possible to find the souls of civilization beneath clear sparkling heavens as they have continued for centuries in the last remaining sovereign state of an abandoned empire. Vaduz, Liechtenstein "Baroness, I understand you knew him exceptionally well," I began an informal interview in one of the village cafes. "Yes, exactly true, when I was much younger and prettier, and he passed away the 15th of July 1976." she replied. "He most assuredly enjoyed observing and traveling about our peaceful countryside, through its winding pathways and hidden upper valleys. He spent considerable time further up, higher near Steg, especially in the Spring. His wonderful insights and imaginative novellas revealed to the whole world our special stories and secret places." The Baroness knowingly looked towards one of the numerous niches stretching down from the mountains, which I assumed was the direction of a familiar trail. She held that pose for a few seconds, and I speculated that moment was filled with many unforgettable personal images and reflections on pleasant remembrances. Those interceding narrow valleys carpeted in deep rich green of the season and guarded by ever-present mountains perpetually peaked in cold and snow contained impressions of her entire life. Her sparkling smile and signature lines blended and intertwined with the features of the surrounding landscape, and in that moment they were one and inseparable. She was precise about the 1976 date, which complemented a reference item I brought. I was pleased and anticipated she would provide similar factual information. Baroness Ludmila sipped tea and recalled, "He was always a welcomed and invited guest, but it happened upon only a select few occasions that he decided to visit the castle." She pointed south along the upper Rhine. "You can barely see it from this angle." She smiled and stretched further, "Ah, there, look up there, that's where you'll find it, along the hillside." She recalled, "He dedicated one of his enchanting short novellas to me entitled 'Ludmila;' it still reflects the mystical charm of our little nation. As a child, I was pictured on the front cover." She glanced over at my materials and commented, "I see you have a copy of it amongst your notes." "Yes, that's correct," I was amazed she identified that little book simply by its shape and color along the edge, since the cover and title were not visible. "But, that's not the reason I'm here, as mentioned by phone and email, it's to acquire his insights on Babe during the 1930's, particularly regarding her interest in golf. I was told, and you confirmed, there were tapes that he recorded." "Precisely, my dear new friend. Let us get right down to this entertaining business," she cheerfully exclaimed. "I find this most delightful, especially to again listen to his voice and hear his stories from so many years ago. Really, I should have done this sooner, and I am pleased you provided the reason, or perhaps an excuse to do so, for that I am thankful. He taped a considerable amount of commentary on sports, perhaps to become a memoir or as a matter of record. After 1936, he never published sports stories, only delightful novellas, and that movie adventure about an ocean liner turned upside-down." With those words, she pulled back an accompanying chair at our table, which had upon it a 1960's style Wollensak reel to reel tape recorder that looked practically new. She opened another case with the commentary collection consisting of about 30 neatly labeled 3M tapes. "He was there when Babe played her first round of golf on August 8, 1932 immediately after the Los Angeles Olympics, where she received three medals." the Baroness remarked. "Yes, I have previewed his tapes, and in her events she took two gold and one silver. Perhaps, they all should have been gold. And, there could have been more, but the athletes were limited to three events." The Baroness elaborated further, "Babe participated in the javelin throw and won a gold medal at 143'4", which set a world record. She earned another gold medal in the 80-meter hurdles with a world record of 11.7 seconds. She finished first in the high jump at 5'5-1/4", which was one more world record, but the judges didn't allow that to stand because of her style." She continued, "Babe was very young at that time. There seems to have been a slight controversy over the year of her birth. Is that part of the mystery you wish to solve? Officially, Babe indicated it was 1914, but the hospital records listed her birthdate as the 26th of June 1913. Regardless of the year, and 1914 is generally accepted, today is her day!" The Baroness inserted a lead into the recorder and on to a blank take-up reel. She continued our discussion without waiting for me to comment, "He wrote a brief statement on Babe for Sports Illustrated magazine after her passing in September 1956. He was here at the time, and this was a special request. They allowed him an opportunity to offer several last words, which he gave with respect and dignity. I should start with that excerpt, however it is preceded by remarks from President Eisenhower." The Baroness adjusted the volume dial, "You'll hear his voice first as commentary before your President's remarks." 3M Tape: 000110 (footnote 5) Recorded Commentary Re: September 1956 "On September 27, 1956 after a long fight against cancer, at Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas, where she was born, Babe Didrikson passed away at age 42." "President Eisenhower delivered a speech to the nation that evening on world events. He was the first President to regularly use television broadcasts, and his remarks were also carried by radio. After his prepared comments, the President paused and personally added these remarks." Presidential Remarks "I should further like to take one minute to pay tribute to Mrs. Zaharias. Babe Didrikson." [moment of silence] "She was a woman who in her athletic career certainly won the admiration of every person in the United States, certainly all sports people over the world." Dwight D. Eisenhower September 27, 1956 # # # "He retained those brief remarks," the Baroness continued, "because of the unfortunate tragedy and significance of the solemn occasion. I believe, he bore her no ill-will." I was surprised, and did not understand her last comment, but attempted to display no reaction, expecting that she would eventually explain its meaning. "As you probably know," she proceeded not reacting to my uncertainty, "before moving to Europe in 1936, he had been the sports editor for the New York Daily News during the 1920's and 1930's, and graduated from Columbia University in 1921. He covered all the greatest sports heroes of his day, such as, Jack Dempsey, Babe Ruth, Bobby Jones, Red Grange, Gertude Ederle, Helen Wills, and of course, Babe Didrikson. They are mentioned in his remarks." She began advancing the tape, "He relocated here when most wanted to depart from Europe in the late 1930's. However, we were relatively safe with our traditional neutrality and secluded geography. He stayed after the war. One moment, please. I have marked the next position, and this is what he wrote about her for the magazine." 3M Tape: 000350 (footnote 4) Recorded Commentary Re: November 1956 Sports Illustrated "It may be another 50 or 75 years before such a performer as Mildred Didrikson Zaharias again enters the list." "For even if someone yet unborn matches her playing talent, versatility, skill, patience and will to practice, along with her flaming competitive spirit; there still remains the little matter of courage and character, and in these departments the Babe must be listed with the champions of all times." # # # "Very flattering, but was that all he wrote?" I inquired. "His statement was perfunctory," she attempted to explain, "and unusually complementary. After more than 20 years away from sports reporting, many did not understand why he was asked to write anything about her." "You, however, are interested in her activities related to golf," the Baroness turned off the recorder, and began searching for another tape. "There are more comments on her first golf game in August 1932, first tournament in Texas in April 1935, and her appearance at a PGA match in January 1938. In fact, there were two women in that PGA contest, the Los Angeles Open, and it was where she first encountered her future husband George. They were married later that same year in December. Yes, indeed, I have listened to these tapes, my dear new friend." Although, I wanted to learn the reason he wrote about Babe in 1956 that could wait. This assignment concerned her golf experiences, and for the moment that had the highest priority. There would be more time afterwards. 3M Tape: 001950 (footnote 4) Recorded Commentary Re: August 1932 "The day after the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics an unusual five-some materialized at Brentwood Country Club, which was the brain-child of my colleague Grantland Rice, the national sports columnist with the Nashville Daily News. Grant invited Babe to her first golf game. The group also included Braven Dyer with the Los Angeles Times, and Westbrook Pegler who at that time represented the Chicago Tribune, New York Post, and World-Telegram. Grant and Babe teamed-up against the three of us, and we lost the contest on the 17th hole." # # # The Baroness interrupted, "I have a picture taken at Brentwood that August in 1932." "May I see the photo, that is if you brought it with you this morning," I inquired. "Yes, indeed." the Baroness replied and produced a print from the tape case (see website Photo Pages). "Notice the long dress she wore almost covered her calves, but she drove the ball well and ran fast." "It was because of her performances in track and field, and in this 1932 golf match," the Baroness speculated, "that Grantland Rice decided to promote Babe in sports. She eventually became known as 'Grant's Girl,' and a few years later after a stint in professional baseball, he finally convinced her to switch entirely to golf." "He recorded copies of letters between Babe and Grant," the Baroness explained, "where she described the decision to dedicate herself to golf after playing a full season of baseball in 1934 with more than 200 games for a team called the House of David." 3M Tape: 002010 (footnote 3) Recorded Commentary Re: 1934 and 1935 Letter from Babe to Grant "Grant, over 200 games were tough to play, more than the majors, and it was especially difficult when there was no home field. We were constantly traveling, and never to a big league city, always passing through. This was wearing me out!" "I have my Olympic reputation you know, all that gold, but people soon forget when I'm on a barnstorming team. You're the only one that writes about me. I appreciate that, but I need to be the best in something in order to keep my reputation sparkling. You understand that, and know what motivates me to achieve my best." "Remember that August a couple of years ago after the Olympic games? It was August 8, 1932, and I remember because it was the day after I should have won gold for the high jump, but the judges disqualified me for clearing the bar head-first. I set a world's record, but they gave me silver instead. You were the only one that covered the event accurately and criticized the judges. From that day on, I knew you were my pal." "All this summer I've been thinking about that August golf match, when you told me that I was exceptional in that sport. You attempted then to convince me golf was my game." "Well, Grantland, I've finally decided. Since I've done the Olympics, and played professional basketball and baseball, I believe golf IS my game! You started me on this road. What do you suggest?" Letter from Grant to Babe "You've put the ball in my court, and I am prepared to respond and help launch your new career." "Golf is a great sport for you, Babe. And, in one tournament victory you will earn more than an entire season playing baseball. You can pick and choose tournaments in which you want to play. You can be the best, and keep your reputation sparkling." "I know all the women's tournaments and their players. Babe, you could be tops in the field with the right guidance and practice." "Let's begin in your home state. The next Texas State Women's Golf Championship starts April 22, 1935. I have the entry form right here, anyone can sign-up, and send it in with the entrance fee. It'll be held at River Oaks Country Club in Houston. I've been there and played the course, and can provide you with some guidance. I also know the pro there, and he'll help. He already mailed me a sketch of each link for you, and I have a book of country club photos." "The keys to success in any endeavor or sport are practice and confidence, just like in baseball. On the diamond you know exactly what you can do well. You obtained awareness and understanding through positive experiences. Practice develops that understanding, which creates confidence and again contributes to your ability." "I don't care if you have never before played in a golf tournament. Think about it as if you have played forever, and practice can help you achieve a positive perspective. Practice every day, any chance you get, and think about hitting the ball." "Your practice for that golf tournament starts now with learning everything you can about the game and that club. Enclosed is a new rules book." # # # The Baroness continued, "The 1935 Texas tournament was Babe's first major golf event. The Daily News wanted it covered, and he traveled from New York to describe her preparation and performance in that match. This also was the year before he sailed to Europe." 3M Tape: 002075 (footnote 3) Recorded Commentary Re: April 1935 "Babe outlined a daily routine, which she followed in advance of the April tournament. She was going to be the best prepared golfer on the links." "This was to be a major test, if she was going to become a professional golfer." "She never prepared herself better for anything the way she did for the Texas golf championship. Babe settled into the toughest siege she had ever gone through for any sports event in her life." "Her daily routine began in January 1935. Although she worked during the day for a life insurance company in Dallas, she was up at 5:30 AM to practice with every golf club she owned until 8:30 AM. She putted inside during lunch. After work at 3:30 PM, she was at the Dallas Country Club for one hour of instruction from pro George Aulbach. At night after dinner, she would faithfully read the rules book. The routine continued for 3-1/2 months prior to the Texas match." "That spring, she arrived in Houston April 15 to begin practice at the River Oaks course with Jack Burke the club pro. And, she was ready for her first tournament match on April 22." "Thirty-two women qualified for the tournament. Babe steadily advanced through rounds against Hutchinson, Woodul, Rochon; and into the semi-finals with Winger, which became a tied match into the 18th hole. Babe was victorious with one long putt on the final green." "The AP wire reported, 'Some cried over the dramatic finish, others hollered. Babe smiled, walked off the green, --still America's wonder girl athlete and the most promising woman golf player in the United States.'" "The gallery cheered! Babe again had crowds following her around, something she in turn desired and admired." "The stage was set for the final tournament round with arguably the best woman golfer in America at the time --Peggy Chandler." "The AP labeled Babe as the underdog, and headlined the final match as, '...beginner against the veteran. Class and experience will always tell...'" "What they didn't count on was Babe's dedication to consistent practice, her unique athletic abilities, and unequaled determination to become successful in any sport. This combination more than surpassed Chandler's experience." "Babe learned her lessons well, --preparation through practice results in positive performances on any field." "After Houston in April 1935, there was no question about Babe's choice in sports. I was there to cover the story, and she was already looking forward to the Southern Women's Golf Tournament in Louisville." # # # While the Baroness began searching for another tape, she commented further, "Babe continued to play in women's tournaments, and was usually successful. She then decided to enter the PGA Los Angeles Open in January 1938. Here's that tape! The commentary was from a letter he received by Grantland Rice." 3M Tape: 003045 (footnote 3) Recorded Commentary Re: January 1938 Letter from Grant "Babe was still in her Olympic form, although older. She played the first round in a three-some with a minister named Pardee Erdman, and an entrepreneur turned professional wrestler named George Zaharias, who kept their score card for many years thereafter. Erdman shot the lowest at 75, while George came in at 83, and Babe had the high score of 84." "Babe and George were over the cut for the second round, but that really didn't matter, because that day they found each other." "I believe it was 'love at first sight,' there was no other explanation. He began seeing her regularly, and they were engaged July 22, 1938." "Five months later, December 23, 1938 in Saint Louis, Babe and George were married. Leo Durocher was the best man, and Joe Medwick's wife served as the maid of honor for Babe. Medwick was a future Hall of Famer with the Cardinals. Leo was a red bird at the time, and the next season he became manager of the Dodgers." # # # The Baroness continued, "From 1935 on, Babe played in many tournaments in the United States and Great Britain. She won 56 different golf titles, including a remarkable 17 consecutive events from 1946 through 1947. Her last victory was in 1955 at the Serbin Open." "Another contribution to golf," the Baroness added, "was her formation of the LPGA with her husband George, Fred Corcoran, and Patty Berg. In celebration of the New Year on January 2, 1949 in Florida, they created the Ladies Professional Golf Association." "Those are impressive accomplishments in her lifetime," I finally was able to comment. I also knew Babe was five times named AP's Women Athlete of the Year in 1932, 1945, 1946, 1947, and 1954 based on a poll of sportswriters and broadcasters, but decided not to add that to the conversation, because I already had received sufficient information, and there were a few questions remaining. I was curious about the 1938 Los Angeles Open, which was a regulation PGA match. I inquired, "Did she receive any special attention or coverage?" The Baroness chuckled, "My dear new friend, two women played in that tournament, and accordingly there were no comments or animosity. They played! Your America unfortunately today is beset with political agendas that affect virtually every aspect of society, which are detrimental and often foster ill-will where none should exist. Certain elements of the public media and interest groups seek to create controversy rather than achieve solutions, which are compounded by their unrealistic assessment of nature. There are distinct differences to be clearly understood and appreciated." She smiled and lowered her head in silence. Momentarily, the Baroness remained unexpectedly quiet. I took a chance with another item, "Did he coin the phrase 'muscle moll?'" "Yes, indeed!" she quickly snapped back. "In fact, there is an entire chapter in his 1936 book 'Farewell to Sports' devoted to the topic. He interviewed in his career and mentioned many women athletes from the 1920's and 1930's, and characterized them, although some of the descriptions were not exactly flattering. He respected Babe and her accomplishments, which were undeniable, and called her, 'the muscle moll to end all muscle molls.' I'll read his description about Babe..." "'She was a tomboy who never wore make-up, who shingled her hair until it was as short as a boy's and never bothered to comb it, who didn't care about clothes, and who despised silk underthings as being sissy.'" "'She had a boy's body, slim, straight, curveless, and she looked her best in a track suit. She hated other women and loved to beat them in what she did best --sports.'" For some reason, the Baroness seemed delighted with that description. I had one more concluding question waiting since the start of the interview, "Why did you mention earlier that, 'he bore her no ill-will?'" She began laughing, "Ah, my dear new friend, you were paying attention, and I was testing you all this time. You see, back in August 1932 at her first golf match at Brentwood, Babe and Grant were losing until the 17th hole. Her running ability saved the day because she challenged our hero to a foot race up to the 17th green. Babe was in Olympic condition and in her teens, and he was nearly 40. Obviously, he lost that race, became exhausted, and eventually four-putted." The Baroness brightly smiled, "This enabled Babe and Grant to win, and at least for that, I don't believe he ever forgave her." Notes: The "tape" quotes provided above were selected from the following Fame Forum articles about Babe Didrikson. In addition, she was inducted into the NWB Hall of Fame during September 2001. 1 "Images from Diedra Knickerbocker," Volume V, Number 26, September 11, 2002. 2 "Honoring American Heroes," Volume V, Number 14, May 26, 2002. 3 "From Green to Green," Volume IV, Number 23, May 26, 2001. 4 "Who's Gonna Finish Second," Volume IV, Number 21, May 4, 2001. 5 "George's Song," Volume IV, Number 18, April 13, 2001. 6 "Creating a League of Her Own," Volume IV, Number 15, March 31, 2001. 7 "Babe Didrikson (1932 Olympics)," Volume I, Number 01, October 10, 1998. B. NWB HALL OF FAME BASEBALL MEMORABILIA Several baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame including commemorative buttons for 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999; personalized magnetic locker nametags; and baseball t-shirts. The website main page includes order information and a photo page displays these items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. TIMELINE June 23, 1917 Ernie Shore in relief retires 26 batters. June 23, 1963 Jimmy Piersall runs bases backwards. June 23, 1981 Longest professional game, 33 innings (Cal Ripken with Red Wings and Pawtucket). June 24, 1983 Don Sutton pitches 3,000th strikeout. June 25, 1906 Joe Kuhel birthdate, MLB player. June 26, 1819 Abner Doubleday birthdate, mythical founder of baseball. June 26, 1914 Babe Didrikson birthdate, NWB Hall of Fame. June 26, 1916 Cleveland first uses uniform numbers. June 27, 1876 Davy Force first with 6 hits in one game. June 28, 1906 Marie Goeppert Mayer birthdate, Nobel Prize. June 28, 1910 Joe Tinker steals home twice in one game. June 28, 1949 Don Baylor birthdate, MLB player. 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. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES The following are titles for current issues of Fame Forum. Volume VI, 2003 Season Publications Number 12, The Original Muscle Moll (Didrikson), June 26. Number 11, From Baseball to Biology (sea coast), May 18. Number 10, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (Ferguson), May 15. Number 09, The Best Team on Earth (nature), April 23. Number 08, Cool Hand Luce (summer rain), March 27. Number 07, Inherit the Wind (Arizona case), March 11. Number 06, Ted Williams Continued, February 18. Number 05, Wag the Kid (Save Ted Williams), February 10. Number 04, Ted Williams Clarified, January 30. Number 03, Splendid Sleeper (Williams), January 24. Number 02, Promotional Items, January 17. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was (2002), January 2. For a complete listing over the last six years, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/news E. FEATURES 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 team, players, or events. Applications that further describe these programs are available by email, and are posted on the website. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS Nominations for the NWB Hall of Fame are due September 30. Inductions include current or previous players and managers, through an application or narrative statement. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/forminducts MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS Player, manager, or team award requests are due December 31. Nominations for MVPs should be from the team manager or coach, submitted after the conclusion of the season. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/formsawards _________________________________________________________ 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. TXU154039. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2003 __________________________________________________________ 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 support the achievements of women in regulation baseball. Developing capabilities and participating on a team through encouragement and instruction build character and confidence. Every American should have the opportunities to obtain such experience, as part of playing our national pastime. ___________________________________________________________