_________________________________________________________ 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, and TXU181096. Issue Number 00331 _________________________________________________________ Volume IX, Number 10 Publisher and Author March 31, 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: ALIBI ISIS MISSES SPRING TRAINING "We are pleased to welcome you to this evening's special performance live from the world renown Lux Radio Theatre in Hollywood, California!" The announcer, who was unnecessarily dressed in a tuxedo for the occasion and always did so for personal effect, knowingly paused and smiled at the host and cast poised before similar standing microphones each with the letters "CBS" emblazoned in an arc across the top. The introductory trademark blaring trumpet fanfare could barely be heard in the studio for it was transmitted unto the airwaves across America from a vinyl recording in the engineer's booth off the set, which replaced the previous small orchestra for musical accompaniment. "Tonight's exciting presentation is exclusively designed for your listening pleasure," the highly skilled veteran broadcaster enjoyed the sound of his distinctive banter. "As an extra feature," he continued, "we will also arrange unprecedented simultaneous national radio interviews with two of the greatest stars in their own right, who will be soon introduced to you by our host Cecil B. DeMille." Again, he broadly grinned at his surrounding colleagues, and stared at a previously cold steel inanimate microphone which had suddenly became alive with the resounding touch of his compelling voice connecting thoughts and comments to many thousands of listeners as he dramatically created a sense of excitement and anticipation. "Three seasons have all too quickly past since our last visit with the famous, or perhaps I should say infamous, Alibi Isis, then a rookie pitcher for the Chicago Cubs." "Although, Isis brought needed heat to the team towards the conclusion of that year, it was much too late to win the pennant and catapult the Cubs into the World Series. Isis now has refined and honed her skills on the mound, but she is still up to her old tricks as a new season is about to unfold, as we will learn later tonight." The announcer lowered his script and proudly proclaimed, "Our host, the producer and moderator for this evening's performance is the celebrated Cecil B. DeMille, himself the director of more than sixty films." At a faster pace he automatically recited, "This broadcast comes to you live through the courtesy of station KMX and the Lux Radio Theatre Studio on Hollywood Boulevard with best wishes from our sponsor fabulous Lux Flakes providing you ladies with the cleanest possible clothes and dishes for mere pennies a day. As the makers of Lux always say, 'Any material that is safe in plain water alone, is safe enough in Lux Flakes.'" "Now for you our radio audience, it is a great pleasure to introduce, Cecil B. DeMille. Mr. DeMille, if you please..." "Greetings ladies and gentlemen from Hollywood, California," with a commanding presence DeMille addressed the audience. "Soon thousands of fans will be packing the grandstands as the forthcoming baseball season begins. Once again they will hardily cheer for their favorite teams and players. Thus, tonight we dedicate this broadcast to our national pastime with the presentation of the radio play entitled, 'Alibi Isis Misses Spring Training,' which features my favorite comedian Jojo E. Brown in the lead role." "First, we would like to attempt a live radio interview with two stars who certainly need no introduction from locations in New York City and Dallas, Texas. These names in sports I am sure you will immediately recognize, one for her prowess in the 1932 Olympics winning three medals and since then for her overall athletic abilities, and the other for his stellar unsurpassed performances in major league baseball for 22 years including 15 years as a New York Yankee." "Of course, I refer to two Babes, Miss Didrikson and Mr. Ruth, who is now in retirement." "Once I am informed the proper connections have been secured, we will have simultaneously on the airwaves from the studios of station WRR in Dallas, Babe Didrikson; and from inside the trophy room in his palatial home on Riverside Drive in Manhattan along with his darling wife Claire, none other than the 'Sultan of Swat,' George Herman 'Babe' Ruth, through a remote transmission arranged by station WOR in New York." "The purpose of these unprecedented interviews is to raise contributions for the Damon Runyon fund to support the efforts of columnist, reporter, and commentator Walter Winchell." "As you know," DeMille continued, "Mr. Winchell is host of his own radio show that attracts 55 million listeners weekly, which is one-third of the American public. Nearly every home is aware of his succinct commentary. His newspaper columns are featured in more than 2,000 daily papers." "Recently, Mr. Winchell has embarked on an ambitious campaign to establish a cancer research foundation in the name of his colleague and companion, Damon Runyon, and we certainly wish to support this noble effort." "Ah, our engineer informs me that the proper connections have been established with our special guests," DeMille advised his radio audience. "Hello, New York! Hello, Dallas!" DeMille cheerfully chimed. "America awaits your words. Can you hear me?" "Yes, Mr. DeMille, we certainly do," Claire Ruth answered for her famous husband. "Yup, loud and clear," a brash Texas drawl clearly came across. "First, let me thank you all for taking time to participate on this broadcast for this worthy cause. As you know, we hope to raise considerable funds tonight as a result of your words of encouragement and endorsement." "Mr. DeMille, anything we can do to help," Claire concurred. "I'm sure Babe Ruth and I will be more than willing to assist. As we are sitting here tonight, he already has his checkbook out and is ready to fill-in a large amount, as we urge your listeners in every town and city in America to do the same. Mr. Runyon and Mr. Winchell are held in highest esteem, and are special individuals here in Manhattan." "Now, hold on a minute Claire," Babe Ruth added in a broken low raspy voice. "I can still speak for myself, and it's true, I admire them both. They always gave me a fair shake, even with all my past mistakes." "What I'd like to say to everyone is this," he continued, "Babe Ruth wants you to look into your hearts and dig deep into your pockets. Give to this cause to fight an ailment that can strike-out anyone. Tonight we can all pitch-in to beat this disease. I'm told this new research foundation will be out there in the field every day to do just that!" "And, how about you Miss Didrikson?" DeMille interjected. "Granny told me about Mr. Runyon before the broadcast, so I'm up to speed, and everyone knows the voice of Walter Winchell," she awkwardly stated unaccustomed to public addresses. "I've played baseball and basketball, and been in the Olympics. I earned enough medals to choke a grown horse, but those are nothing compared to good health. In order to win in any sport, health comes first! This cancer thing could cut down even the best athletes in their prime. So, give to this worthy cause." "There you have it folks," DeMille smiled at the microphone, pleased that the connections and comments did not go awry, and he also nodded to his cast in anticipation of their action. "Thank-you Babe Ruth and Babe Didrikson for taking these brief moments here tonight," DeMille concluded. "I am certain your comments will encourage thousands to consider making a generous contribution to this foundation." "Tell me in closing, since you both are no longer in baseball," DeMille inquired, "What other sporting endeavor will be next?" "GOLF!" both Babes responded in unison. With that final word, DeMille pointed on cue to the announcer, Meville Gruen, who began providing information on how to send in contributions. His remarks substituted for the traditional Lux Flakes commercial. Upon his completion, theme music began, and DeMille launched into the evening's story. He commenced his remarks with a reminder about how Alibis Isis obtained her unusual moniker. "Her 'real name' was Francis X. Farrell, however as is often the case in baseball, nicknames are acquired based upon identifiable physical characteristics or personal attributes. Thus, Francis was tagged early with 'Alibi,' because of a penchant for always providing excuses when anything undesirable occurred on or off the field. 'Isis' pertained to cat-like reflexes on the mound, catching base runners off guard while attempting to steal, and a regal-like attitude and bravado regarding her accomplishments. But, because of exceptional throwing and hitting capabilities, managers were willing to forget Alibi Isis' faults in exchange for her formidable contributions to the team." "We join tonight's performers, or rather our baseball players," the introduction continued, "as Alibi Isis reports to the team very, very late when spring training is nearly over and the regular baseball season is about to start." "The players are warming-up in the infield, the manager and his staff are on the sidelines watching and evaluating their talent, and it is time to play ball!!!" Theme music again commenced followed by a jazzy rendition of, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," which faded into dialogue... "Cap, today's the last day of spring training and no Farrell," one of the assistant managers wryly observed. "Yeah, still thinks she's something special," Cap Finley the manager gruffly laughed. "Just wait 'til I get my hands on her. Pitchers and catchers are suppose to be here early, and she doesn't show at all!" "Hey, look Cap!" someone exclaimed. "What's that airplane doing slowly circling the field?" All eyes turned skyward. "Is it gonna drop a bomb on us?" one rookie inquired. "Watch for a surprise grapefruit," a catcher laughed. "Hey, it can't land on the field," another concluded. The airplane, a Navy PBY, circled directly above the players, and it was apparent one of the side doors was wide open. "Something is coming out! Look, look, there's a parachute!" A white billowy chute opened, and one character came floating down to earth into the center of the infield. All the players immediately ran over to greet the unexpected visitor, all except Cap and his immediate assistants. "Please, tell me, this is my four foot auntie," was Cap's remark as one of the relief pitchers came running back to the bench. "You'll never guess who just landed!" he excitedly shouted. "Get that crazy fool over here pronto," Cap commanded. The messenger scurried back and waved Abili Isis towards the bench to an expectant and exasperated Cap Finley. "Hi, there Cap, I got here as quick as I could," Isis smiled. "How about that entrance? Smooth as silk. The plane didn't even have to land. Ah, ha!" "For our next game you can do the same thing," Cap replied, "float right to the pitcher's mound, and that way you won't have to walk out from the bull pen." "Hey, that's a good one Cap. Ah, ha!" "Do you realize spring training is over today," Cap reminded his recalcitrant player. "You were suppose to be here early in March along with the other pitchers. Where were you? What's your excuse this time?" "Well, I was up north of Chicago near Lake Wazapamoni and was sure ready to go, but I ran out of gas, had a flat tire, took a wrong turn, someone stole my car, didn't have money for train fare, there was a earthquake, hurricane, flood, horrible pestilence, massive plague, malaria relapse, then my uniforms didn't come back from the cleaners, my cleats didn't fit, and my bats were broken; it wasn't my fault!" "Stop!" Cap growled. "I've heard enough, that's every excuse in the book. And, they lasted all month, huh? Poor, baby." "Hey, I'm here now, ain't I? And, ready to go!" she smiled "Yeah, how are you going to make up three weeks in one day?" Cap legitimately complained. "You missed spring training, and I can't play you right away. You're not ready, and it isn't fair to the other pitchers and players." "You don't have to worry about me 'cause I practice all year." "Where in Chicago, in the snow?" "In winter, I go down to the central YMCA," Isis explained, "and they let me use the basketball court for pitching inside. All I need is a little over 60 feet, and several catchers." "Several, well, you don't say!" Cap laughed. "All at once?" "Sure, 'cause I wear 'em out so fast! Like I said, my arm is always ready and raring to go. Do ya wanta see my 100 mph super duper locomotive special?" "All I want are strikes across the plate." "You'll get those, too. There'll be plenty of K's day or night. I'm raring to go. See how clean my uniform is?" "Yeah, I did notice that before, even jumping out the airplane," Cap concurred. "Clean as a whistle." "Sure, it's spotless 'cause now I don't send them out to the cleaners, not any more. The whole team ought to do the same." "Oh, how's that?" Cap deliberately inquired. "Well, Cap, I use none other than those fabulous Lux Flakes! They make all my clothes sparkle! Ah, ha!" With those final words, the background theme music commenced, and Cecil B. DeMille's voice again could be heard. "Alibi Isis, a.k.a. Jojo E. Brown is correct folks, because our sponsor Lux Flakes can score with any team, which is why we use their products for our film wardrobes and sport teams throughout America insist on Lux for their player's uniforms. Those flakes are like a homerun in the ninth inning with the bases loaded. Lux is a product which cannot be beat!" The program host then provided the show's concluding remarks, "Be sure to tune in next week, and remember this weekend is the beginning of daylight savings. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good evening to you from Hollywood." Note: Also see the following issues of Fame Forum: "Alibi Isis Cleans Homeplate," Volume VII, Number 37, October 25, 2004; and "Two Babes and One Baseball," Volume VII, Number 38, November 6, 2004. Lux Radio Theatre, a weekly evening broadcast from 1935-1955, featured Cecil B. DeMille as host from 1936-1945. "Alibi Ike" first aired April 19, 1937 in advance of Opening Day for that baseball season with Cecil B. DeMille and actors Joe E. Brown, Helen Chandler, and Rosco Karns. The original story was based on a novel by Ring Lardner. Walter Winchell established the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation in 1946 after the passing of his colleague based upon contributions received as a result of radio broadcasts and his columns in more than 2,000 daily newspapers. 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 27, 1879 Miller Huggins birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. March 27, 1899 Gloria Swanson birthdate, film actor. March 27, 1902 Chicago Cubs adopted their nickname. March 28, 1899 August Busch birthdate, MLB executive. March 28, 1973 Wilt Chamberlain retires from NBA with 1,045 games, 14 seasons, never fouled-out. March 28, 1989 Cathy McAllister and Stefni Whitten pitch back-to-back perfect games in softball for Southwestern Louisiana College. March 29, 1867 Cy Young birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. March 29, 1918 Pearl Bailey birthdate, singer and actor. March 29, 1944 Denny McLain birthdate, MLB pitcher. March 30, 1904 James Ripper Collins birthdate, MLB player. March 31, 1823 Mary Chestnut birthdate, Civil War author. March 31, 1998 Tampa Bay Devil Rays first MLB game. March 31, 1998 Arizona Diamonbacks first MLB game. April 1, 1939 Phil Niekro birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 1, 1970 Seattle Pilots become Milwaukee Brewers, purchased by Bud Selig, MLB Commissioner. April 1, 1972 First MLB strike for 12 days. April 2, 1869 Hugh Jennings birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 2, 1909 Luke Appling birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 2, 1945 Don Sutton birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 2, 1945 Linda Hunt birthdate, Academy Award 1983. April 3, 1930 Wally Moon birthdate, MLB player. April 4, 1888 Tris Speaker birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 4, 1924 Gil Hodges birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 4, 1938 Bart Giamatti birthdate, MLB Commissioner. April 4, 1943 Mike Epstein birthdate, MLB player. April 5, 1971 Senators open last season in Washington, DC. April 6, 1903 Mickey Cochrane birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 6, 1908 Ernie Lombardi birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 6, 1952 Mari Lou Henner birthdate, Emmy Award actor. April 6, 1973 Designated hitter rule introduced. April 6, 1977 Mariners start as expansion team in Seattle. April 7, 1873 John McGraw birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 7, 1918 Bobby Doerr birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 7, 1970 Brewers start as transition team in Milwaukee. April 7, 1977 Blue Jays start as expansion team in Toronto. April 8, 1946 Catfish Hunter birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 8, 1974 Hank Aaron sets 715 home run record. April 8, 1975 Frank Robinson starts as Cleveland manager. April 9, 1893 Mary Pickford birthdate, silent film actor. April 9, 1913 Ebbets Field in Brooklyn opens. April 9, 1993 Rockies start as expansion team in Denver. April 10, 1880 Francis Perkins birthdate, Labor Secretary. April 10, 1897 Ross Youngs birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 10, 1962 Colts (Astros) start expansion team in Houston. April 11, 1961 Angels start as expansion team in Los Angeles. April 11, 1962 Mets start as expansion team in New York. April 12, 1880 Eddie Joss birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 12, 1900 Joe Lapchick birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. April 12, 1955 Athletics start as transition team in Kansas City. April 12, 1966 Braves start as transition team in Atlanta. April 13, 1953 Braves start as transition team in Milwaukee. April 13, 1969 Expos start as expansion team in Montreal. April 13, 1984 Pete Rose has 4,000 hit. April 14, 1866 Anne Sullivan birthdate, taught Helen Keller. April 14, 1910 President Taft starts first Opening Day. April 14, 1920 Babe Ruth first game as a Yankee. April 14, 1941 Pete Rose birthdate, MLB player. April 14, 2005 First home game of new Washington Nationals. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2006 Season Publications Number 10, Alibi Isis Misses Spring Training, March 31. Number 09, Clifford Wears Some Green, March 15. 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, and TXU181096. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2006 __________________________________________________________