_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2007 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, TXU186277, TXU187387. Issue Number 00375 _________________________________________________________ Volume X, Number 18 Publisher and Author May 11, 2007 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2006 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS NELSON, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO 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 TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: ALIBI ISIS AUGURS A PERFECT GAME With a deep golden throated voice carefully honed through numerous years of broadcasting and an enthusiastic joy of performance, this evening's announcer cheerfully welcomed the audience with trademark remarks to anxiously awaiting families in countless homes around the nation. "Lux presents Hollywood!" There was a pause allowing those anticipated familiar words to enter the imaginations of listeners. And, then in rapid succession, Melville Gruen continued to set the stage. "Welcome to our special performance tonight live from the world renown Lux Radio Theatre in Hollywood, California!" "Our stars this evening in a spring tribute to the national pastime are Jojo E. Brown as Alibi Isis, Willie Frawley as manager Cap Finnley, and Wally Maher as the pitching coach. As a special feature during this broadcast there will be a live interview with Mr. and Mrs. Babe Ruth arranged through the miracle of radio courtesy of station WOR in New York." "Our producer, as always, Hollywood's most famous denizen and the director of sixty major films is Cecil B. DeMille! Our conductor is Louis Silvers." Blaring trumpet fanfare from the CBS orchestra served as an effective transition during the introductions. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen," with a confident presence, the stylish producer addressed his national radio audience. "This is Cecil B. DeMille from Hollywood, California with tonight's exciting performance from the Lux Radio Theatre designed exclusively for your listening enjoyment." "To complement our excellent performance, we scheduled for you as an extra added attraction, because our theme this evening honors baseball, an unprecedented interview with none other than the 'Sultan of Swat.' We will hear live commentary by baseball's all-time immortal George Herman 'Babe' Ruth from his palatial townhome on Riverside Drive in Manhattan, but more about that later." The producer paused and motioned for his own all-star cast to take their positions near the microphones. Actors, conductor, and the producer were poised for action. DeMille's compelling voice once again began to connect his thoughts to thousands of listeners as he created a sense of excitement and adventure. "Four seasons have passed since our famous, or I perhaps should say infamous, Alibi Isis, joined the Chicago Cubs in September of that season as a rookie pitcher." "Isis was brought in too late during that inaugural year to effectively assist the team in winning a pennant, but since then she has further refined her skills. However, she is always up to her old tricks for which she earned her characteristic nickname, as is the case in tonight's new radio play, 'Alibi Isis Augurs a Perfect Game.' And, our performance this evening features one of my favorite comedians Jojo E. Brown in the lead role." DeMille continued his remarks with background information on how Alibi Isis earned her unique moniker. "As you may recall, her 'real name' was Francis X. Farrell. However, in baseball, nicknames are usually acquired based upon physical or personal attributes. Thus, Isis early on was tagged while in the minors with 'Alibi,' because of a penchant for providing unbelievable excuses when anytime, anywhere, anything undesirable occurred." "The 'Isis' part stuck because of cat-like reflexes on the mound demonstrating an uncanny ability to catch runners off guard while stealing, and regal-like bravado regarding her outstanding accomplishments." "Because of her exceptional skills in pitching and hitting; managers, coaches, and teammates alike tolerated Alibi Isis' likeable faults in exchange for her formidable contributions on the baseball diamond." "We now join our performers, or rather our baseball players," DeMille continued, "as the team suits up for a night game. In typical fashion, Alibi Isis arrives when her teammates are nearly dressed, and subsequently makes a highly unusual prediction in the locker room." "Uniforms are fresh and clean, boxes of Lux Flakes may be seen near the benches, players are casually discussing the forthcoming game, and it is almost time to play ball!" Right on cue, a blaring jazzy rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," was performed by the CBS orchestra, which quickly faded into dialogue... "This oughta be a tough game," one of the infielders noted, "just look at their line-up. They're all .300 hitters or better! The bear will be at the plate tonight!" Cap Finley the manager and Wally Maher the pitching coach nodded in agreement after posting both team rosters on the club's bulletin board. "Your bats better be hot," Cap commented, "because were going need more than 9 runs just to stay even, I'll bet!" "Nine lives, too," Cap observed as Alibi Isis strolled in and found her locker. "My four foot great auntie, look what the cat dragged in! Isis, do you realize you're pitching tonight? What's the excuse this time? And, I don't wanta hear anything about your getting lost at Lake Wazapamoni; 'cause that didn't even work last year." "Yeah, I know Cap," Alibi Isis acknowledged, "that was a good one. Ah, ha!" "I covered every one in the book that time, almost out did myself," Isis recalled. "'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!'" "I can't use one of them ever again," Isis broadly smiled. "Oh, and which one could that be?" Cap knowingly inquired. "Well, Cap," she replied, "with those fabulous Lux Flakes, we never have to take our uniforms to the cleaners to have them fresh and clean for every game. Ah, ha!" "As for tonight's game," Isis unabashedly admonished the team's manager, "we'll only need to get but one run." "Hey, we're here to win games," Cap snapped. "I don't wanta hear that kinda talk. We'll need all the runs we can get, especially tonight against that powerhouse club." "But, you'll only need one," Alibi Isis repeated her claim. "Don't worry Cap, maybe I'll even hit it myself. Ah, ha!" "Look, Farrell," the pitching coach was getting serious, "just concentrate on throwing strikes, that'll be enough." "I will," Isis smiled in return, "that's why we'll need only one run, 'cause I'm feeling pretty peppy tonight." "I'm raring to go with my zipper and clipper right down the center of the plate. They'll come in so fast the ump won't see 'em, and have to call them all strikes, 'cause it's me pitching." "Oh?" Cap decided to go along with Isis' banter, "And, what about your fadeaway speedball low-up twist with a drophook doodle on the end?" "Hey, that's my special," Isis admitted, "which I'll use if I'm down in the count, but won't have to tonight. I'm throwing nothing but strikes, probably need 90 or less." "Wait a minute, wait a minute," Cap shouted in amazement. "Nobody could do that!" "It'll be part of my Perfect Game for tonight," Isis said matter-of-factly. "Told you I was feeling peppy!" "Perfect Game?!" half the locker room proclaimed in unison. Cap spoke up further, "Nobody has predicted a Perfect Game, and won with 90 pitches!" "Maybe less, Cap! Ah, ha!" Isis admitted, "They have some pretty fair hitters who could connect with a few foul tips. I'm accounting for that, ya know." Suddenly, the locker room became ghostly quiet with this latest proclamation from Alibi Isis, who was unaffected by the silence and continued with her explanation. "When I was with those Holgate Terriers, I consecutively struck-out 30 batters, but that wasn't in one game. Cap, you saw my official record with 20 K's once, but it didn't show 10 more in the previous game of that double-header. I had 30 consecutive outs that afternoon. And, I'm lots better now, like I said, feeling pretty peppy tonight!" "And, lot's of players have predicted things in advance," Isis reminded her teammates. Cap stepped in, "Yeah, that's right. Babe Ruth predicted a World Series homerun in 1926 for Johnny Sylvester, an 11 year old who was at a hospital in New Jersey. Before the game, Ruth signed a baseball for Johnny promising a homerun in Game 4 at Sportsman Park, which read, 'I'll hit a homerun for you in Wednesday's game.' Ruth and his 52 ounce bat came through with 3 homeruns that day." "That's right, Cap," Isis acknowledged, "and what about the 1932 World Series here in Chicago?" "Yeah, right again," Cap recalled. "In Game 3, the fifth inning Babe Ruth called his homerun shot deep into center." "OK, suit up, let's get ready to play ball," Cap demanded. "Let's see just how peppy your arm really is, and I'll be personally counting the number of strike-outs." The CBS orchestra began its rendition of, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," signifying intermission. "There will be plenty of excitement tonight in Chicago," Cecil B. DeMille fictitiously interjected, "if Alibi Isis can make good on her unusual prediction of a Perfect Game with 90 pitches or less. This certainly will be one for the record books." "And, as for someone well established in the record books," he continued, "we will now attempt our remote connection with WOR and Babe Ruth in New York. One moment, please." During the interlude, announcer Melville Gruen informed the audience, "This broadcast of the Lux Radio Theatre comes to you live through station KMX from its facilities on Hollywood Boulevard with best wishes from our sponsor those fabulous Lux Flakes providing you ladies with the cleanest possible clothes and dishes for 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.'" "This remote transmission is being arranged by station WOR in New York with Babe Ruth and his wife Claire from inside the trophy room in his palatial home on Riverside Drive." "One moment," Gruen paused, "I'm told all is in readiness. Mr. DeMille, if you please." "Babe Ruth is known for his exceptional performances on the baseball diamond in the major leagues for 22 years," DeMille began to introduce his guests, "which featured 15 years with the New York Yankees. During his career, he hit a record 714 homeruns, and in 1927 he smashed an unprecedented 60 around-trippers. Truly, a remarkable batter and player. I am told he was also an exceptional pitcher while with the Boston Red Sox, when he assisted them in winning the World Series in 1915, 1916, and 1918. He holds a record for consecutive scoreless World Series innings pitched at 29 2/3, a feat which began in 1916." "Hello, New York! Can you hear me?" DeMille pleasantly inquired of his guests. "Yes, we do, Mr. DeMille!" Claire Ruth replied on behalf of herself and her famous husband. "Babe Ruth and I have been enjoying your wonderful broadcast." "You may have noticed," DeMille suggested, "our script has mentioned your husband." "Yes, there are many marvelous stories about Babe Ruth, and certainly Johnny Sylvester and the Called Shot are among our favorites," Claire still maintained the lead. "There was some controversy about the 1932 homerun which he predicted from homeplate," DeMille cautiously noted. "I am sure our audience would like to know directly from the source what actually occurred in the fifth inning of Game 3 at the 1932 World Series. As we mentioned, this was one reason for our interview tonight, to shed light on this remarkable deed." "Yes, we know," Claire continued, "and Babe Ruth prepared a written statement of what he did that afternoon, which he will read to your radio audience." A retired Babe Ruth began reading his written text with some difficulty in a low harsh voice. "It was at Wrigley, Game 3, fifth inning, '...my ears had never been blistered so much before in my baseball career. I thought they had lost all feeling. But, the blast that was turned on me by the Cubs players and some of the fans penetrated and cut deep. Some of the fans started throwing vegetables at me.'" "'I stepped back out of the box, then stepped in. And, while pitcher Charlie Root was getting ready to throw his first pitch, I pointed to the bleachers which rise out of deep centerfield.'" "'Root threw one right across the gut of the plate and I let it go. But, before the umpire could call it a strike, which it was, I raised my right hand, stuck out one finger and yelled, 'Strike one!' The razzing stepped up a notch.'" "'Root got set and threw again, another hard one through the middle. And, once again I stepped back and held up my right hand and bawled, 'Strike two!' It was!'" "'You should have heard those fans then. As for the Cubs players, they came out on the steps of the dugout and really let me have it. I guess the smart thing for Charlie to have done on his third pitch would have been to waste one. But, he didn't, and for that I've sometimes thanked God.'" "'While he was making up his mind to pitch to me I stepped back again and pointed my finger at those bleachers, which only caused the mob to howl that much more at me.'" "'Root threw a fastball. If I had let it go, it would have been called a strike. But, this was it! I swung from the ground with everything I had, and as I hit the ball every muscle in my body, every sense I had, told me that I never hit a better one, that as along as I lived nothing would ever feel as good as this.'" "'I didn't have to look, but I did. That ball just went on and on and hit far up in the centerfield bleachers in exactly the same spot I pointed to. To me, it was the funniest, proudest moment I had ever had in baseball.'" Producer DeMille knew that was the cue for the conclusion of Babe Ruth's recitation, and immediately interceded. "Thank you Babe Ruth for an outstanding accomplishment and wonderful rendition of what occurred at Wrigley Field." "Tonight's radio play also concerns the Cubs and a mythical star pitcher named Alibi Isis," DeMille indicated. "Tell me Mr. Ruth, what do you think about our hero's bold prediction of being able to pitch a Perfect Game?" "Well, I don't know about that," Babe Ruth laughed, "because they're rare as hen's teeth. But, if that cat-like Isis is half as good as she claims, I might not have hit that homerun at Wrigley in 1932. I sure wouldn't want to face the Isis when she turns on the heat." "There you have it direct from Babe Ruth. And, on that note, we will conclude our interview," DeMille advised his listeners. "We appreciate you and your charming wife Claire taking time to be with us tonight. Now, we return to Hollywood for the brief finale of our story." The scene shifted back to the imaginary Cubs locker room, where Cap Finnley was once again grilling the star pitcher. "Well, Isis I've heard plenty of tall tales in my time," Cap continued, "but never one so preposterous as this, predicting a Perfect Game in advance. And, what happens if you get out there and your zipper and clipper aren't working?" "Cap, I've got in reserve my super duper locomotive special," Isis laughed, "it's good for 100 mph. Ah, ha!" "And, it isn't always my speed that does the trick," Isis continued, "I keep 'em guessing so they don't know what's next or when and where the ball is coming or going." "Finally, I could always dazzle 'em with my secret weapon!" Isis concluded. "Oh, and just what might that be?" Cap knowingly inquired. "I'll dazzle 'em with this sparkling uniform, washed only in those marvelous Lux Flakes. They create a Perfect Game for any team in any league or any household!" With those final words, the background theme music commenced, and Cecil B. DeMille's voice could be heard. "Alibi Isis, a.k.a. Jojo E. Brown is correct folks, because our sponsor Lux Flakes will leave your clothes spotless and sparkling, which is why we use their fine products for our film wardrobes and sport teams. For your clothes and dishes, insist on fabulous Lux Flakes. Lux is like a Perfect Game, because it cannot be beat!" "Be sure to tune in again next week for another version of Lux Radio Theatre. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying a hardy good evening to you from Hollywood." Note: 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 cast Joe E. Brown, Helen Chandler, Rosco Karns, and William Frawley. The original story was based on a novel by Ring Lardner. The description of the "Called Shot" is from "Babe Ruth," by Arthur Berke, 1988, page 88. Also, see the following issues of Fame Forum: "Alibi Isis Misses Spring Training," Volume IX, Number 10, March 31, 2006; "Two Babes and One Baseball," Volume VII, Number 38, November 6, 2004; "Alibi Isis Cleans Homeplate," Volume VII, Number 37, October 25, 2004. B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: new induction poster, commemorative buttons (2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), personalized magnet locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, knife, and bats. Free commemorative ribbons are also available. The website main page has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE May 6, 1915 Babe Ruth first MLB homerun. May 6, 1931 Willie Mays birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 6, 1998 Kerry Wood 20 strikeouts in 9 innings. May 7, 1925 Glenn Wright unassisted triple play. May 7, 1954 Amy Heckerling birthdate, entertainer. May 7, 1959 Roy Campanella night at Yankee Stadium. May 8, 1968 Catfish Hunter pitches perfect game. May 9, 1938 Glenda Jackson birthdate, entertainer. May 9, 1961 Jim Gentile hits consecutive grand slams. May 10, 1868 Edward Barrow birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 10, 1970 Hoyt Wilhelm pitches 1,000th game. May 11, 1907 Rip Sewell birthdate, MLB pitcher. May 11, 1967 Natasha Richardson birthdate, entertainer. May 12, 1917 Mary Kay Wagner Ash birthdate, cosmetics. May 12, 1925 Yogi Berra birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 13, 1967 Mickey Mantle hits 500th home run. May 14, 1899 Earle Combs birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 15, 1901 Dorothy Anderson birthdate, medical scientist. May 15, 1981 Len Barker pitches perfect game. May 15, 1953 George Brett birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 16, 1928 Billy Martin birthdate, MLB player and manager. May 17, 1903 Cool Papa Bell birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 17, 1925 Tris Speaker has 3,000th hit. May 17, 1970 Hank Aaron has 3,000th hit. May 17, 1998 David Wells pitches perfect game. May 18, 1937 Brooks Robinson birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 18, 1946 Reggie Jackson birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 18, 1957 Orioles and White Sox play tie game (rescheduled). May 19, 1928 Gil McDougald birthdate, MLB player. May 20, 1931 Ken Boyer birthdate, MLB player and manager. May 20, 1921 Hal Newhouser birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 20, 1946 Cher birthdate, entertainer. May 21, 1943 White Sox and Senators 1 hour 29 minute game. May 22, 1902 Al Simmons birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 23, 1956 Bucky Showalter birthdate, MLB manager. May 24, 1935 First MLB night game, Phillies at Reds. May 25, 1905 Martin Dihigo birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 25, 1928 Mary Wells Laurence birthdate, Avis ads. May 25, 1935 Babe Ruth hits 714th homerun. May 25, 1982 Ferguson Jenkins 3,000th strikeout. May 26, 1877 Isadora Duncan birthdate, entertainer. May 26, 1932 Joe Altobelli birthdate, MLB manager. May 27, 1819 Julia Ward Howe birthdate, song writer, authored "Battle Hymn of the Republic." May 27, 1960 First oversized catcher mitt for Hoyt Wilhelm. May 28, 1896 Warren Giles birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 28, 1968 American League creates two divisions. May 29, 1922 Supreme Court declares baseball a sport and not a business subject to antitrust laws. May 29, 1990 Rickey Henderson 893 career stolen bases. May 30, 1927 Jimmy Cooney unassisted triple play. May 31, 1927 Johnny Neun unassisted triple play. May 31, 1935 Babe Ruth final at bat with Boston Braves. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2007 Season Publications Number 18, Alibi Isis Augurs a Perfect Game, May 11, 2007. Number 17, Guideposts and Sentinels (code ribbons), May 4, 2007. Number 16, Fenway Bats and Panther Jets (VMF-311 Williams), April 27. Number 15, How to Succeed in Baseball Without Really Trying, April 20. Number 14, Personal Courage and National Resolve, April 16. Number 13, Talkin' with Bat and Glove (Robinson), April 13. Number 12, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fame Forum, April 5. Number 11, High Jinxes and High Hopes in Havana, March 28. Number 10, Clifford's Gigantic Gamer (gloves), March 23. Number 09, Great Caesar's Ghost (Williams), March 15. Number 08, The Night They KO'ed Hemingway, March 9. Number 07, Rumble at Ritchie (boxing), February 27. Number 06, Million Dollar Mermaid (Belles), February 14. Number 05, Clifford's Pennsylvania Pilgrimage, February 1. Number 04, Beisbol Belles Broadcast (training), January 30. Number 03, Liberty Heights Revisited, January 18. Number 02, In Remembrance of President Jerry Ford, January 3. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 1. 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, TXU186277, TXU187387. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2007 __________________________________________________________