_________________________________________________________ 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, TXU346055. Issue Number 00376 _________________________________________________________ Volume X, Number 19 Publisher and Author May 18, 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: BODACIOUS BROADCAST "Good evening everybody. My name is Eddie Walker, and welcome to another edition of vintage broadcasts on WAMU in the Nation's Capital, which was once a bucolic campus station established in 1950. The following year, I was joined by yet another bodacious freshman at that time by the name of Willard Scott. In subsequent years, I'm told our unique blend of unpredictable antics created joyous audio sensations for decades over local airwaves." "And, this is where it all began more than fifty years ago, as a personal odyssey, a most rewarding radio journey, and a lifetime trip encompassing a big circle route all turning and tuning back to you, my most faithful listeners." The confident seasoned veteran announcer continued with a familiar casual routine in a voice equally comforting. "First, we'll start tonight with a new episode of Dragnet, which has never before been aired. The story is called the 'Case of the Hijacked Baseballs,' and it's the second in a series, so have your tape recorders handy." "Now, settle back, relax, and enjoy all that's coming to you the next few hours in tonight's Bodacious Broadcast." The show's theme music was transmitted, and transitioned to the steady upbeat sound of Dragnet's dramatic opening. [background theme music] "Case of the Hijacked Baseballs" Los Angeles, California, this is the city consisting of several million inhabitants representing every conceivable nationality, religion, language, political persuasion, and types of gender imaginable; who weekly, daily, and hourly recreate on more than 465 square miles of land and water within this jurisdiction through every possible means at their disposal. In this unending quest for entertainment, the human imagination is nearly insatiable and unlimited constantly devising unusual diversions regardless of how beneficial and constructive or unnatural and destructive they may become. In this city of angels, where citizens continually engage in countless sports and games, which provide opportunities for personal enjoyment, physical fitness, and sportsmanship, occasionally a few of those halos slip. If they do, that's when I come in, I carry a badge. It was Sunday, May 13, we were working the morning shift in the Robbery-Larceny Division. While the deep blue calmness of the great Pacific Ocean was beckoning to thousands along the city's western shoreline and beautiful beaches, those very same citizens were counting upon us to be diligently dedicated to protect their safety and ensure their welfare regardless of the day of the week and appealing attributes of our burgeoning metropolis. This morning was mild and calm, and we were told pollution was expected later in the day brought by upper air currents from China and Asia. Because of its origin, we were told to believe this was good pollution, safe to breathe, and would not in any manner influence global modification. Emissions from California vehicles were capable of doing so, but not those from developing nations. Thus, I sat at my desk in complete confidence with those words expressed by our scientists situated in Sacramento knowing full well that they, as well as us, are dedicated civil servants sworn to conduct our tasks with the utmost integrity to benefit our constituencies and maintain our independence and freedoms without outside influences. We patiently awaited our calls to duty to unfailingly serve the people of this great city. The story which you are about to read is true, but only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. [background theme music] Even at this hour on a Sunday, it didn't take long for the first call of the morning to reach the department switchboard, which was promptly and properly directed to this division by our ever alert highly trained telephonic staff. The front lines in any law enforcement organization are those communications specialists who initially encounter citizens in desperate need as they reach out for assistance. When such calls are received, our vigilant staff never know what just transpired or the exact predicament which that citizen faces, but in an instant they evaluate the situation and direct each inquiry to the appropriate desk for the correct response. When such a determination is made in split seconds, the phone on my desk rings. I know the expertise behind that selection and direction, and unquestionably have assurance this contact is necessary and important. When a citizen calls, I am ready to bring the full resources of the Los Angeles Police Department directly to bear in assisting them in whatever criminal matter which might arise. With these thoughts constantly in mind, on this morning I diligently answered the telephone. "Detective Sergeant Jo Friday, Robbery-Larceny. May I help you?" "Yes, last night I was robbed," an usually calm voice indicated. "If you provide more details, I can fill-out a standard report," Friday informed the caller. "Later, we'll send someone over for verification. What exactly was taken?" "Most of my baseballs," the voice replied. "Baseballs? Are you certain this is really a police matter?" Friday politely suggested. "You see, it was about 1,000 baseballs, more or less, not just one or two. I own a batting range over in Echo Park. Perhaps, you've seen it, called Elysian Fields." "Yes, I sometimes take my nephew and niece there for practice," Friday confirmed. "I didn't realize you had so many baseballs." "Customers hit 9 balls per set," the owner explained, "and most play only a few sets, because as you know they can add up fast. There are ten machines." "The kids take the slow pitch machine on the end," Friday noted. "They're not old enough yet for the others." "Yes, for the little leaguers and adults we also have medium, fast, and medium curve. The machines are set for those speeds." "Tell me more about the missing baseballs," Friday returned to the report, and jotted down additional background incidentals. "We actually have about 1,500 total, which are enough to last an entire day. As I mentioned, in each set the machine throws 9 balls to a batter, and in sequence that might take less than 5 minutes, it goes by quickly." "Yes, I'm the one who has to feed the tokens," Friday recalled. "Given extra time to walk and talk, a complete set may average 10 minutes for batting and conversing," the owner calculated. "In an hour, a machine could release 54 baseballs. We account for 50 per hour per machine, and ten machines circulate through about 500 baseballs." "The balls are returned by gravity. You noticed the ground between the pitching machines and batters cage is concrete and painted green; it's also beveled to one corner. At that side, there is a conveyor belt which picks up balls and sends them to the machines. We always have a technician on duty to make sure the belt doesn't jam, and to adjust the machines." "Sometimes machine settings slip and change speed or suddenly start to throw high or low. When that occurs, we always give the customer two free tokens. Every happen to you?" "No, not as yet," Friday smiled, "but just the facts, ma'am." "Yes, the baseballs," the owner reconsidered. "Well, there's a fence around the pitching machines to protect them and keep the balls in play on the green cement trough. A good hitter may clear the fence; on weekdays that's about 10% of the time. This is why at 500 baseballs per hour we have 1,500 in total, enough in reserve for a typical day and night. We open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. On Saturday night, we have more power hitters. It's date night at the range, and some customers like to showoff their big bats. When they do, more baseballs go over the fence. Last night there must have been 1,000 hit into the night air based upon the number remaining." "Typically, each morning we collect baseballs before we open; that's when I discovered they were all missing. Those over the fence, that is, every single one was gone!" Friday nodded in recognition, "I have a rough idea what they look like, yellow sort of, but I never saw one close." "The color's correct," the owner confirmed, "and they're made of a tough rubberized material with numerous small dimples as a golf ball. There is no rawhide or stitching. Most people don't know this, but they're hollow inside. They're the size and weight of a regulation baseball. These balls are sealed, waterproofed, and float. We operate in almost any weather, as long as someone wants to bat, we'll turn on a machine." "Providing you have enough baseballs," Friday calmly observed, and continued. "How much are they worth?" "Well, that's part of the mystery," the owner admitted. "Some baseballs which are signed by famous players are very valuable. These used practice balls have little market resale. I could buy 100 new for about $25, and for a few hundred dollars I'll replace the entire lot." Friday began to outline an investigative approach, "We could alert all the other batting cage owners. The companies which supply machines and baseballs will provide a list of contacts and addresses. Schools, colleges, and ballclubs with similar equipment are other possibilities." "I don't think you'll find any of them there," the owner was not optimistic. "How's that?" "A legitimate operator won't buy stolen baseballs, it isn't worth the risk or cost. They're better off buying them new." "It wasn't kids either," the owner further advised. "Whoever did this broke into the maintenance facility to use our scoops, and could have taken cases of sodas, and dozens of bats which are more valuable than baseballs. Nothing else was taken." "What are you suggesting? How else could baseballs be used?" "Fishing!" the owner proclaimed. "It happened a few years ago. One of our employees was occasionally taking a few baseballs. We told him to stop, which he did. Batting cage baseball are yellow and float, and easy to spot on the surface of the water. They're great as bobbers." "He'd string a line through one and watch them. There might be a half-dozen lines out at once. With a big strike on one, he might have to cut the others." "I don't think we'll find them, Sergeant Friday," she continued. "They're probably floating fishing nets and lines up and down the coast. Since there are no markings on practice baseballs, it would be impossible to determine if they were ours." "My insurance company advised me to report the theft," the owner admitted, "in order to file a claim. You understand." "Yes, ma'am," and that explained why this citizen was calm about a robbery, when others are usually frantic over their losses. Sometimes in police work there is an immediate call to action, and other times there is little which can be accomplished other than complete a report. Although this case was unusual because of the items taken, based upon the citizen's suggestion there was no way to effectively proceed. The investigation remains open, while other facility owners were notified, and we await future calls pertaining to similar cases of hijacked baseballs. [background theme music] "There you have it," the broadcast host returned, "the case of the missing baseballs from Echo Park. Perhaps, they're floating around somewhere out there on the Pacific Ocean." "But, one thing is certain, this Saturday is Armed Forces Day, a tradition initiated by President Harry Truman starting in 1947. Truman was the thirty-third President from 1945 to 1953, and he was involved in many momentous and historic events, such as the decision to drop the atomic bomb in 1945, the formation of NATO, the development of the Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine, and recognition of the State of Israel in 1948. It was on his watch that the Berlin Airlift occurred, and the Korean War started." "Truman proclaimed a special holiday always to be held on third Saturday in May to honor Americans serving in the armed forces around the world. It was also designed to signify unity among the branches of service." "On this day, military bases are often open to the public with displays of equipment and soldiers marching and military bands playing patriotic tunes adding to the festivities and further recognizing those who defend our freedoms." "So, on Saturday, May 19, and all this weekend, take time to remember and honor our troops." "And, now it's time to visit Matt and Kitty in another episode of Gunsmoke, always a favorite show among our listeners." Note: Also, see the following issue of Fame Forum: "Case of the Ruthian Ball," Volume IX, Number 36, December 22, 2006. 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 15, 1953 George Brett birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. May 15, 1981 Len Barker pitches perfect game. 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, 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 19, Bodacious Broadcast (radio story), May 18, 2007. 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, TXU346055. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2007 __________________________________________________________