_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2006 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU180346. Issue Number 00329 _________________________________________________________ Volume IX, Number 08 Publisher and Author March 14, 2006 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2005 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS WINTER, BRENNEMAN, SWEENEY, FERENO SEE THE WEBSITE PHOTO PAGES "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: LET THE GAMES BEGIN A colorful political map of Europe and the Mediterranean in that unsettled period of worldwide economic instability which was punctuated by significant social unrest between the two great military conflicts during the first half of the Twentieth Century was prominently displayed across the entire silver screen. The immense vibrant image instantly commanded the attention and imagination of the audience as the authoritarian voice of an unseen announcer in retrospect formidably proclaimed the following observations in brief staccato phrases while in sequence those regions mentioned were subsequently highlighted. "Europe 1936!" "Hitler's armed forces illegally reoccupy the demilitarized Rhineland in direct violation of the Versailles Treaty." "No formal action was taken." "Mussolini's troops with modern armor and warplanes decimate hopeless Ethiopians and annex that land in east Africa." "No formal action was taken." "Civil war ravages Franco's Spain with military and financial assistance of fascist governments in Germany and Italy." "No formal action was taken." "Meanwhile in England, King Edward VIII abdicates the throne for love and to wed Mrs. Simpson, an American divorcee." "There were no official statements regarding this folly." "Into this international turmoil, during the summer of 1936, the U.S. Olympic team in Berlin faces a serious crises." The scene shifted to the outskirts of Berlin in a small but well designed and maintained office for foreign nationals within the enormous recently constructed ReichSSportfeld. A small framed photo of FDR calmly rested on the edge of a solid oak desk, while as found in nearly fifty similarly appointed chambers throughout the grand edifice, a stunning full portrait of the German Chancellor in military uniform was permanently emblazoned alfresco style into an otherwise undecorated interior wall where he figuratively surveyed and unshakably considered proceedings in the entire room. An animated telephone conversation was ensuing between the director of the U.S. Olympic team and a charge' d'affaires at the American Embassy downtown. Not to their knowledge, but to be certain, other ears were patiently listening. Director: "Whata ya mean, he can't play?! This guy is our best batter. He's here, ready to suit-up tomorrow night, and is named in the lineup! We can't find anyone else!" Affaires: "You'll just have to," was the unflappable reply. Director: "Look, this is an important game, it's at night, and we expect a capacity crowd. There could be 110,000 in the stadium, and that would be the largest attendance ever for any baseball game anywhere, even back in the states! We must field our finest players." Affaires: "We have a formal position on this which is clear. This activity is officially classified as a 'demonstration.' Other competition concluded Monday, August 10. Your game, as you call it, is an afterthought on August 12. However, you are quite correct in speculation about attendance, and intercepted dispatches indicate that those who will attend are required to do so by the German government." Director: "You mean 'ordered' to be there," he interrupted. Affaires: "Actually, I personally prefer 'requested,' it is more polite. Regardless of why they are there, I repeat, this is an American demonstration, thus both sides in this are interchangeable. Furthermore, these events only reflect physical attributes, and do not consider other intellectual and tangible assets. And, because of the nature and timing of this August 12 event, it is really unimportant who wins. Therefore, consequently, it does not matter who plays," he paused and whispered, "almost." Director: "Well, you're right about one thing, no one else is around to play. Anyone in track and field could help, but departed once their events concluded. The AAU has them running all over Europe, at least countries where it's safe. Except for officials, because it was requested, very few are staying around until August 16 for concluding ceremonies." "I don't blame the athletes," he considered their situation. "The Olympic Village is miles away. There's nothing to do. This is worse than a college campus after final exams, and it's like a ghost town. I can't get anyone else!" Affaires: "You have two competition groups, so called teams, the 'World Champions' and 'Olympians,' which in truth they are neither. The most qualified players are on the sixteen major league teams at home. I again urge you to substitute players on each side when they switch innings." Director: "There isn't time for that, it's not that easy, and they'd have to change uniforms. In the stadium lights, even if the crowd doesn't understand English, eventually they'll see the same players on both sides. And, what if someone in the field has to bat? This wouldn't work!" Affaires: "I need not remind you what transpired regarding Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller in an analogous situation. They were part of our crack four man 400 meter relay, and acceptable substitutes were found in time. Reconstituted that new team won a gold medal. Your errant individual is ineligible for the same reason, and thus you should follow a similar approach." "The party paper, Der Angriff, noted the requested action was for the antecedent athletes own protection, and raised related concerns about auxiliary athletes. Appreciate that we cannot afford to offend the Chancellor, who is already displeased with results in track and field. We follow the legal constraints of National Socialism applicable herein. Thus, we, that is you in this case, really have no choice." Director: "Oh, I get it, antecedent and auxiliary athletes are verboten! Some rotten deal. This is suppose to be the modern Olympics where champions are recognized regardless of nation or origin. Say, don't we all have similar eyes, hands, organs, dimensions, senses, pleasures, afflictions, and predilections? Aren't we fed with the same food, hurt by the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, and warmed and cooled by the same summer and winter?" Affaires: "You need not again quote the bard, but you should be aware of the Nuremberg Laws. Olympic officials received copies beforehand." He did not proceed with the reference, but restated the initial intent. "Find someone who is acceptable. This is a demonstration, an exhibition, a minor afterthought; we do not want this to become an international incident." Director: "OK, then I need another American athlete already approved for Olympic competition. Any suggestions?" Affaires: "The male athletes from all countries resided at the Olympic Village. Since we are aware of their movements, I can report most have departed. Only the female athletes were housed at ReichSSportfeld. I have the lists." Director: "Female athletes! What I wouldn't give right now for one good Babe Didrikson! She'd fill the bill. She won medals at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. Her parents are from Norway. You saw what the Chancellor did last week when Sonja Henie won. He practically made her an honorary German. And, our Babe played more than 200 ballgames in the summer of 1934 barnstorming throughout the midwest." Affaires: "Fine! Locate and place her on the next airplane. We can arrange immediate entry. I have seen her photos, and with a slight hair cut no one will notice the difference." Director: "Sure, she could fit the part of any ballplayer, but in 1934 she played professionally. She is no amateur." Affaires: "I understand, and also see she lost one of her Olympic records. A few days ago, Tilly Fleischer exceeded Didrikson's 1932 javelin throw. Fleischer became the first German woman to ever win a gold medal in any Olympic event. Her teammate Luise Kruger took the silver. Accomplishments such as these greatly please the Chancellor. And, perhaps, he would not want Didrikson back regardless of her status and Norwegian background." Director: "Well, we're back to square one. I need a player." Affaires: "This is your problem. Substitute! The spectators will not know the difference. I have seen the printed program. They will not know who is on first or objectives of the game. Did you realize the pitcher is referred as the 'thrower-in?' And, the infielders are, 'third location,' 'second location,' 'first location.' The outfielders are referred to as being 'outside.' Yes, the centerfield position is actually called 'middle outside.' In all this confusion, and lateness of the demonstration, it will matter little who plays where or what they are called. All the attendees may understand is that the the contest is designed to hit the ball, beyond that they know nothing of fielding and scoring, or any associated strategies. Under all these most nebulous circumstances, proceed with this demonstration game, and do the best you can." Epilogue One A night baseball demonstration game was conducted amidst the XI Olympiad on the evening on August 12, 1936 with more than 110,000 in the ReichSSportfeld stadium. Since inception of the modern Olympics in 1896, there were only eight exhibition baseball games until 1992. The 1936 game established an attendance record for baseball up to that time. However, the crowd did not understand the game's objectives and regulations, were required to attend, could not see the ball in bright stadium lights, and most departed before the game ended. The final score was 6-5. As the host of the XI Olympiad, German athletes won 33 gold medals, 26 silver, and 30 bronze for a total of 181 points. The United States earned 24 gold, 20 silver, and 12 bronze for 124 points. The next nations ranked one-third or less off those cumulative marks. The Nuremberg Laws of September 1935 denied citizenship and civil rights to Germans of Jewish descent. They established social policies, and required removal from political offices and positions in professions and universities. At that time, of the 60 million German citizens nearly 500,000 were Jewish. Membership of 40,000 in private and public sport clubs also was banned, which had served as prerequisite training grounds for German eligibility in the 1936 Olympic games. There were nearly 5,000 athletes at the Berlin games from 49 countries. The American team competed in all events and consisted of 384 athletes and 87 officials. Ten were African Americans including Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalf. The only Jewish athletes, Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller, who were on the 400 meter relay team, were requested not to attend. Epilogue Two During October 1940, Charles Chaplin released a classic film "The Great Dictator," in which he played a Jewish barber and a remarkably convincing Chancellor of Germany, at least in his outward appearance. In this his first talking picture, Chaplin served as writer, producer, and director; and music was composed by Meredith Willson. The shooting war in Europe began September 1, 1939 with the invasion of Poland. The United States remained neutral until December 7, 1941 with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Regardless of his inclinations, the following are excerpts from an impassioned soliloquy by Chaplin delivered near the conclusion of this 1940 film. "Osterlich Annexation Speech" by Charlie Chaplin "I am sorry but I don't want to be emperor of the world. I don't want to conquer anyone, that's not my business. Instead I would like to help everyone if it's possible." "We all want to help one another, for humans beings are like that. We want to live for each other's happiness, and we should not make each other's misery. We should not hate and despise one another." "In this world, there is room for everyone. The rich earth could provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and bountiful." "But, we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned our souls, has barricaded this world with hate, has goose-stepped into misery and bloodshed." "We have developed great speed, but have shut down ourselves. Machinery gives much abundance, but that has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our cleverness has made us hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little." "More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness. Without these qualities life would be violent, and eventually everything would be lost." "The airplane and radio brought us closer together. The very nature of these modern inventions cries out for the goodness in us, cries out for the universal unity in us all. As even my voice now is reaching millions throughout the world and into the future." "In the seventeenth chapter of Saint Luke it is written the kingdom of heaven is amidst mankind, not one man or a group of men, but in all of you. You the people have the ability, to create machines, and to make life beautiful and wonderful." "Then in the name of democracy, let us use that power to unite us all. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world, one that will give us all a chance to be free, to give everyone security and a bright future." B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: new induction poster, commemorative buttons (2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), personalized magnetic locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, knife, and model bats. The website main page has order information, and the photo page displays most items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE March 10, 1860 Charlie Dryden birthdate, MLB sportswriter. March 10, 1993 Sherry Davis hired to announce Giants games. March 11, 1892 First basketball game in Springfield, MA. March 12, 1844 Abraham Mills birthdate, MLB executive. March 12, 1946 Liza Minelli birthdate, entertainer. March 12, 1962 Darryl Strawberry birthdate, MLB player. March 13, 1886 "Home Run" Baker birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. March 13, 1929 Helen Callaghan birthdate, baseball player. March 14, 1914 Harry Caray birthdate, MLB announcer. March 14, 1918 Dickey Chapelle birthdate, photojournalist. March 15, 1888 Fred Lieb birthdate, MLB sportswriter. March 15, 1912 Cy Young retires with 511 wins. March 16, 1876 Nelly Saunders and Rose Harland prizefight. March 16, 1906 Lloyd Waner birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. March 17, 1917 First women's bowling tournament. March 17, 1956 Mae Jemison birthdate, Endeavor astronaut. March 18, 1953 Boston Braves approve move to Milwaukee. March 18, 1927 George Plimpton birthdate, sports writer. March 19, 1871 Joe McGinnity birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. March 19, 1927 Richie Ashburn birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. March 19, 1998 Rupert Murdoch purchases LA Dodgers. March 20, 1965 Chris Hoiles birthdate, MLB player. March 20, 1973 Roberto Clemente induction MLB Hall of Fame. March 21, 1934 Babe Didrikson pitches inning in exhibition game for the Philadelphia Athletics. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2006 Season Publications Number 08, Let the Games Begin (1936 Olympics), March 14. Number 07, To Be or Not to Be (Williams), February 24. Number 06, Clifford's Favorite Valentine, February 10. Number 05, Models D29 and 36D (Marilyn), February 5. Number 04, Additional Recognition (letter), February 1. Number 03, Breaking Away (DiMaggio), January 20. Number 02, Annie's Big Apple (Runyon), January 10. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was (2005), January 1. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/news 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. "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, TXU088068, TXU120937, TXU148132, TXU163784, TXU170668, TXU196853, TXU211917, TXU216769, TXU234252, TXU253116, TXU260664, TXU180346. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2006 __________________________________________________________