_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2009 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, TXU1OPSAH, TXU1Z5BTB, TXU2ACJSN, TXU34SIZX. Issue Number 00439 _________________________________________________________ Volume XII, Number 10 Publisher and Author June 16, 2009 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2008 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS MELISSA GIBBONS AND ROSIE WEAVER 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, RANISZEWSKI, GIBBONS, WEAVER TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: ABBOTT AND CIULLO IN JOLSON SINGS AGAIN After an all night spring rain, our revitalized duo watch the morning drizzle rapidly disappear into a swirling mist from the front veranda of their quaint suburban motel in Arlington, VA. Louise Ciullo remains adamantly concerned about playing baseball for her one and only favorite team, and discusses strategies to increase that likelihood with multiple lifetime partner Buddie Abbott. However, prospects for participation look dim since the season is underway, and there has not been a single call for Lou's well-honed batting skills which were developed over many, many decades of faithful observations of the best there ever was at homeplate. Bud: "Well, Lou, looks like there'll be no game today." Lou: "But, Abbott, the grass is almost dry. I went over and inspected it by the sidewalk." "They gotta play today! I'm gonna be there just in case the team needs me. I could help them win. Today could be my big break, like in show business, timing is everything!" Bud: "Are you still hoping to join those fabulous Flames? They're an undefeated first class club. Look at yourself! I doubt they would even give you a second glance. Besides, the roster is full-up, --no vacancies, beware the dog, and no trespassing. Have I made myself clear? But, as usual, you insist on going over this again and again." "Why are you punishing yourself with false expectations? Who tricked you to thinking about such unrealistic things? You might as well dream about climbing a beanstalk into the clouds or flying a rocketship to Mars. Ridiculous! Playing for the Flames, indeed!" Lou: "Abbott, all I need is one chance to prove myself. I won't be trespassing at Marshall Field, and I could be a real treasure to any ball club." "I'll bet they wouldn't want me playing instead for the BarnCats, and I could, you know!" Bud: "Oh, now that's fine! And, where's your loyalty to the Flames? Evaporating as quickly as the morning dew?" Lou: "I was speaking 'hypothetically.' You know, that new word you taught me." Bud: "Well, that's better, I understand. But, at least, with those pesky BarnCats you maybe might stand a chance, --hypothetically, of course. They're always on the prowl for solid hitters, but not this morning, even those Cats don't like playing after it rained. It's far too wet!" Lou: "The grass Abbott, look at the grass!" Bud: "The dirt Lou! I'm talking about the dirt around homeplate and along the basepaths. It's much too damp right now to play any game. Running and sliding could easily ruin the infield." Lou: "What if they're good mudders?" Bud: "Some of the Flames are mothers and some are not; it all depends." Lou: "Ha, I fooled ya, I fooled ya, because this time I said the word 'mudders.' You know, like the little 'x's' on the racetrack forms." Bud: "I see you've been paying attention, and probably learned something, which could be dangerous." Lou: [aside] "Only when I'm listening to you." Bud: "Well, that's right Lou the 'x' could represent mudders or mothers on a chart or genes, respectively. With the Flames it could be either; it all depends." Lou: "Jeans?! Wait a minute, Abbott, wait a minute; the Flames have charts with player statistics, but they don't wear jeans. They have designer uniforms with matching pants." Bud: "I said 'genes' and not 'jeans,' and certainly Flames wear pants. They're proud of their uniforms, and want to wear team pants based upon your slogan, 'No Pants-ation Without Representation.'" Lou: "You remember that from the Boston Tea Party?" Bud: "I must have missed that one, it was little before my time, but let's get back to baseball. You see Lou, players also wear cleats which afford better traction while running, and that could tear-up a damp field." Lou: "They could change shoes. Horsies can do that to match turf conditions; it all depends. A good mudder has wide flat feet and wears combat boots!" Bud: "Oh, brother! We're not talking about racehorses or infantry but baseball. Nobody plays on a damp field." Lou: "And, I don't get to play anywhere whether it's wet or dry and somewhere in between. Abbott, I gotta play for those Flames; it's my favorite team. Please help me figure out a way!" Bud: "Well, calm down, calm down. I see you're really getting upset. What did Miss Whitehead do whenever you were in such a state like this back in Paterson?" Lou: "If the class was getting rambunctious, she'd have us all sing songs. Everybody would sing along!" Bud: "An interesting idea! You may be on to something." Lou: "What ya mean, Abbott? Do you want me to sing on this veranda?" Bud: "Hmmm, it could be, but do you really want to play for the Flames?" Lou: "You bet your life, I do! More than anything!" Bud: "First, you have to get in good with JoAnn, and if she says that you're on the team then that's settled. Here's what I have in mind. We'll do a benefit show. This will get you noticed, and later it'll help whenever you again ask to join the team. After our performance, would they turn you down?" Lou: "Right, afterwards, how could they dare refuse me?" Bud: [aside] "I'm sure you'll find a way." Bud: "During the war we performed at bond drives and on USO tours. This would be similar except it's one event." Lou: "We could do 'Who's on First.'" Bud: "Naturally, it's our trademark and insurance piece. I had it copyrighted downtown. We must have performed that routine 10,000 times or more, but who's counting." Lou: "It's played continuously at Cooperstown since 1956 in a taped version from our 1945 movie 'Naughty Nineties.' How many times is that since 1956?" Bud: "Well, Lou, it's another 50 years, so you'll just add a few more zeros. You know how to do that by now!" Lou: "Sure, because Miss Whitehead also taught me how to move decimal points around, too." "Abbott, I like this idea about a show for the Flames. We did the same thing before to sell lots and lots of War Bonds during World War II." Bud: "Correct, in 1942 alone we sold $85 million bonds in 34 days by touring 78 cities. This time we'll need our skits plus a few songs." Lou: "I could sing Miss Whitehead's songs. I memorized all of them." Bud: "Wait a minute, Lou our routines are fine, but I've heard you sing before." Lou: "So did Miss Whitehead, and that's why she had me write on the blackboard fifty times 'I'm a baaad boy.'" Bud: "Ah, she never figured it out?" Lou: "Not to this day. Wooo, wooo!" Bud: "We need a big star to sing. Someone who knows our routines. Someone who has performed in USO shows. And, someone who is in town." Lou: "I gotta do it, Abbott. I'm the only one who can match your requirements. I always sang something in our movies. I have to sing if the Flames are going to reward me with a spot on their team, but I don't know any of today's songs." Bud: "Well, for once you're making some sense, and if I use you then we won't have to hire anyone else. But, we don't have time for you to learn a lot of new songs, so let's update the ones you already know." "What were the songs you sang in Paterson?" Lou: "They were tops in their day, and performed by the greatest singing star in vaudeville." Duo: "Al Jolson!" Bud: "Right, we can't go wrong with Jolie tunes, and he was raised in Washington, DC. He got his start in Kernan's Theater, and before that he learned to sing at the Talmud Torah Congregation on 4th Street, SW, under direction of his dad Moses Yoelson." Lou: "Yoelson to Jolson. He must have shortened his name, too. Originally, I was Cristillo then switched over to Costello. Now it's either Ciullo or Ciulla; it all depends." Bud: "Enough of your family history! If it wasn't for Al Jolson's manager Lou Epstein we never would have gotten our break in show business, and probably would have remained on the vaudeville circuit until it ended. Epstein told Eddie Sherman at the William Morris Agency to book our act at the famous Atlantic City Steel Pier with other legitimate wholesome family entertainment." Lou: "Our act was always clean, and that's the reason we were picked. 'Only good words gain public respect!'" Duo: "Miss Whitehead!" Lou: "When in Atlantic City, Eddie became our manager, forever. I just gotta sing Jolson songs for JoAnn." Bud: "OK, but the lyrics should be updated and include a few words about baseball. I'll feed you some lines, as always, and you just hum along. Let's rehearse and try this favorite Jolson tune..." "I'M SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD" Al Jolson in 1925 "I'M HITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD" June 2009 version "I'm hitting on top of the world, just a-swing-ing along, just sing-ing my songs," "I'll poke'em all over the world, just a-swing-ing along, just sing-ing my songs." "Ohhh, Glory Hallelujah!" "I'm telling the Umpire, 'Ump, get ready to call,' just like Tyrus Cobbie, I'll be ready to score." "'Cause, I'm hitting on, tip top over the world, just a-swing-ing along, sing-ing my sweet song." "Now, ain't that pretty!" Lou: "OK, Abbott, yeah that was fun. Let's try another on hitting the ball. Swinging is 75% of the game!" Bud: "Sure, that first number was from 1925, the year after the Senators won their one and only World Series. They were on 'top of the world.' Let's try something from a little earlier." "ROCK-A-BYE YOUR BABY WITH A DIXIE MELODY" Al Jolson in 1918 "ROCK-A-BAT YOUR BABY WITH A DIXIE MELODY" June 2009 version "Rock-a-bat your baby with a Dixie melody, when you swing through, make it solid and true, from my heart in Dixie." "Just send their best fastball many miles, for Mason-Dixon's line, smack it from Virginia, Marshall Field and all, the love that's in you." "Blast those tidy seams, smash it my swell lady, eventhough the strikes, were around your knees." "A million lazy pitches, they'll try to deliver, each you'll hit across, that ole Potomac River." "Rock-a-bat, my rock-a-bat baby with your, Dixie, Dixie melooodee!" Lou: "Hey, Abbott, from 'Carolina' how about some of this? ~'Nothing could be finer than to be on a baseball diamond in the morning...'" Bud: "Nothing doing! I'm making selections around here. Besides, nobody plays baseball in the morning! Too damp!" Lou: "But, Abbott, what about doing Jolson's song 'Dinah?' Let's change it around just a little and call it 'Nine-ah.' ~'Oh, Nine-ah, there's no one finer, driving base liners...'" Bud: "Whoa, slow down! We'd have to find someone on the Flames who wears number nine." Lou: "OK, Abbott, how about something on baseball pitchers? It's only fair!" Bud: "And, which of the Flames all-star hurlers would you suggest we spotlight? There are so many." Lou: "Rosie, naturally. Wooo, wooo! Bud: "OK, 'Susie' could become 'Rosie,' 'hypothetically.'" Lou: "No, poetically! Poetic license! Throw me a line." "IF YOU KNEW SUSIE" Al Jolson in 1925 "IF YOU KNEW ROSIE" June 2009 version "If you knew Rosie, like I know Rosie, Oh, oh what a gal!" "There's none who's faster, as the top rawhide caster, than is this faire lassie. Oh, oh what a gal!" "Where ever she's throwing, they dare not call a balk, when even in tight places, she never gives up a walk." "If you knew Rosie, like I know Rosie, Oh, oh what a gal!" "What curves she possesses, they all swing at guesses, when she takes to a mound, we'd declare a war was on." "But, she's sweet as sugar, always a real good looker, that is this faire lassie. Oh, oh what a gal!" Lou: "Woof, woof!" Bud: "Say, and what happened to your usual 'Wooo, wooo?'" Lou: "You said 'Lassie.' I heard you, there's no denying, read that last stanza. I'm just adding an extra 'f'." Bud: "Will you please be serious! This is important!" Lou: "Abbott, I could do this all day just like Jolie." Bud: "We can't continue now. There isn't enough time. This is getting too long. Besides, you want to visit Marshall don't you, and see if anyone else is playing." Lou: "Please, Abbott, I'd like to try just one more. This time with a spoken opening like in vaudeville." "TOOT, TOOT, TOOTSIE GOODBYE" Al Jolson in 1921 "TOOT, TOOT, TOOTSIE GOODBYE" June 2009 version [Opening] "Yesterday, I heard a batter sigh, 'so long my base hits, a nice try.'" "Seven times facing the Big Train, with seven times that batter was, sent back alone to a bench again, a promising and waiting turns to, whack a ball then boldly tell it..." [Refrain] "Toot, toot, tootsie, good-bye! Toot, toot, tootsie, high fly! "Next trip to homeplate I will go, that missing hit just gotta show, won't sit til it's over and then, to the fence that ball I'll send." "But, there's one obstacle I know, that mighty Johnson who'll throw, and his for certain winning ways, one more time he'll wave and say..." "Toot, toot, tootsie, nice try! Toot, toot, tootsie, good-bye!" Bud: "Well, Lou, I take everything back. Miss Whitehead was certainly incorrect. With a song in your heart and a bat in your hands, you should make the winning team." Lou: "But, Abbott, I was just warming-up for those Flames. 'Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain't heard nothing yet!'" Note: Al Jolson (1886-1950) was the most popular singer and entertainer in America from the 1910's through the 1930's with numerous hit songs, shows, and films. Jolson possessed an overpowering stage presence that captivated audiences. His Broadway musicals were: "Vera Violetta" in 1912, "Honeymoon Express" in 1913, "Robinson Crusoe" in 1916, "Sinbad" in 1918 (where he introduced Gershwin's "Swanee"), and "Bombo" in 1921. This was followed by a successful Hollywood career. Jolson is credited for starring and performing in the first talking feature film "The Jazz Singer" (with six songs) for Warner Brothers which opened in New York during October 1927 and changed movies forever. The film grossed a record $3.5 million. In addition to those cited in this story, among his most popular songs were trademarks: "April Showers" in 1921, and "California Here I Come" in 1924. Entertainers of that period started in vaudeville, as did Abbott and Costello, and their big break was in the summer of 1938 with special booking on the Atlantic City Steel Pier. "Big Train" was one nickname for Senators pitcher Walter Johnson (see the "Tootsie" reference above). The Washington Senators won their only World Series in 1924, about the same time another "Washingtonian" Al Jolson was smashing his hits on Broadway and in recording studios. Radio was still in its infancy, and television then was a remote dream. This is a new recreated story along with others: "Abbott and Ciullo at Elysian Fields," May 24, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Say Hay," May 15, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Seek Esther Williams," April 30, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Visit the Batting Cages," April 9, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo at Spring Training," March 26, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Celebrate George's Birthday," February 22, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Washington," December 17, 2008; and "Abbott and Ciullo Meet Ted Williams," November 28, 2008. For these stories, the duo's names were changed to Buddie Abbott and Louise Ciullo (derived from Ciulla, NWB Hall of Fame in 2003). B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: commemorative buttons (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), t-shirts, caps, and bats. Also, free commemorative ribbons are available. The website homepage has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. C. HISTORIC TIMELINE June 13, 1851 Jim Mutrie birthdate, manager of the NY Mets, American Association, 1883-1887. June 13, 1912 Christy Mathewson 300th win. June 13, 1923 Yankee Stadium officially opens. June 14, 1876 George Hall first to hit for the cycle. June 14, 1906 Margaret Bourke-White birthdate, WWII photographer. June 14, 1916 Flag Day by Presidential Proclamation. June 15, 1938 Johnny Vander Meer first consecutive no-hitter. June 16, 1894 First squeeze play used in college game. June 16, 1917 Katherine Graham birthdate, Washington Post. June 17, 1865 Susan Picotte birthdate, physician to Omaha Indians. June 17, 1948 Dave Concepcion birthdate, MLB player. June 18, 1939 Lou Brock birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. June 18, 1986 Don Sutton 300th win. June 19, 1846 NY Knickerbockers first baseball game. June 19, 1903 Lou Gehrig birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. June 19, 1942 Paul Waner 3,000th hit. June 20, 1903 Glenda Vare birthdate, professional golfer. June 20, 1943 Andy Etchebarren birthdate, MLB player. June 21, 1731 Martha Washington birthdate, First, First Lady. June 21, 1964 Jim Bunning pitches perfect game. June 22, 1903 Carl Hubbard birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. June 23, 1963 Jimmy Piersall runs bases backwards. June 23, 1981 Longest professional game, 33 innings (Cal Ripken and Red Wings at Pawtucket). June 24, 1983 Don Sutton pitches 3,000th strikeout. June 25, 1906 Joe Kuhel birthdate, MLB player. June 26, 1819 Abner Doubleday birthdate. June 26, 1914 Babe Didrikson birthdate, NWB Hall of Fame. June 26, 1916 Cleveland originates use of 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 Volume XII, 2009 Season Publications Number 10, Abbott and Ciullo in Jolson Sings Again, June 16. Number 09, 2009 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, June 5. Number 08, Abbott and Ciullo at Elysian Fields, May 24. Number 07, Abbott and Ciullo in Say Hay, May 15. Number 06, Abbott and Ciullo Seek Esther Williams, April 30. Number 05, Abbott and Ciullo Visit the Batting Cages, April 9. Number 04, Abbott and Ciullo at Spring Training, March 26. Number 03, Abbott and Ciullo Celebrate George's Birthday, February 22. Number 02, Commemorative NWB Hall of Fame Buttons, February 20. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 2. 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 with candidate statement. NATIONAL MVP/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. _________________________________________________________ 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, TXU1OPSAH, TXU1Z5BTB, TXU2ACJSN, TXU34SIZX. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2009 __________________________________________________________