_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2003 TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972, TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893, TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149, TXU088068, TXU157714, TXU159311. Issue Number 00236 _________________________________________________________ Volume VI, Number 30 Publisher and Author November 26, 2003 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com 301-847-0102 http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2003 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS FERGUSON, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, AND SHELDON _________________________________________________________ SEE THE WEBSITE PHOTO PAGES "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums Pictures Include... DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WRIGHT, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, AND MACURIO _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: MISTRESS ROBERTS "I see her! Over there! I want that stopped right now!" the captain bellowed from her favorite perch on top of the team dugout where she just emerged to watch the afternoon practice, as she pointed to a player attempting to quickly replace her missing jersey. "What's she doing there with her shirt off?!" she demanded. "I don't care how hot it is! I don't care if there isn't anyone around for a thousand miles! I don't care if you're showing off the greatest set in the best Nike in the world! There's a standing order on this here team," she excitedly gasped for air, caught her breath, and insisted, "Everyone, and I mean absolutely each and every one of you, will wear a shirt at all times, and with the tails tucked in proper! According to regulations! Understood!" The team captain pointed again and reinforced her words, "Get that player's name! Her, right over there! I can't see her number!" Only a few seconds before the captain reached the dugout roof, someone tossed the perpetrator an unmarked team shirt. She was frantically attempting to cover herself, button up, and mingle with the others standing in a group near homeplate, while no one on the field responded to the captain's exasperating demand. "You think you can fool me, huh!" the captain was fuming. "We'll see about that, she's going on report, and so will anyone else who's walking around like that," although the captain had no way of identifying the culprit in order to place her name in the team logbook. Immediately sensing frustration from this current situation and direct circumvention, the skipper continued her harangue from the commanding perch atop the dugout, "You gotta keep your mind on the game, not that precious little sweetheart. And, most of you don't have much to talk about anyhow from what I've seen in the showers." She considered a modest affront would help keep her charges in line, and proceeded with harsher intimidation. "Whoa betide the player, and whoa betide the coach who allows anyone to disobey this or any other of my standing orders. I kid you not! If you keep this up, you won't remain long on this team's roster, I can hardily assure you." "That would suit me just fine," thought the third base and head coach to herself, while shaking her head in disgust without saying a word. "I've been on this A-ball team for two years and five months, it's time I was on another club. The way she runs this team, who wouldn't want a change?! But, old 'Captain Queeg' won't let me outta my contract." However, instead of expressing those sentiments, dutifully she addressed her players, "All right you heard the skipper. Keep your shirts on, tuck in those tails, and make certain none of your underwear is showing. It bothers the captain. We're suppose to look like a professional ball club here, this isn't McHale's Navy." While to the captain, she turned and shouted, "I was just talking to her about it, captain. She has a bad heat rash, and was putting on some medication. It won't happen again." "Well, you had better see it doesn't!" the captain gruffly acknowledged the explanation, even though there was nothing she could do about enforcing the shirt regulation under the present circumstances. She was also unwilling to make an effort to verify the medical problem with the player, which in fact there was none. The captain instead retreated, and abruptly returned to her office beneath the grandstands. "Thank-you, ma'am!" the former shirtless player gratefully stated to the head coach. "You sure saved my butt that time Mistress Roberts. The captain, she'd have me running laps for hours, or remaining on permanent curfew at away games, if I or anyone was caught breaking one of her special rules. Why do you put up with that nonsense, ma'am?" "I hope it'll not be much longer." Roberts sadly replied. "I've written another request to Colonel Goodwill Banner himself for a transfer. As the owner, he can approve and arrange a trade. I'd like a chance to manage a real team, and not be stuck here, as long as that skipper brandishes the whip. She has nothing but complaints, and is never on the field with advice, that's no way to manage anything." "Another transfer letter this week, Roberts?" the team's doctor inquired. "It'll never work." "This one's different, doc," the head coach replied, "and I've gotta keep on trying." "Our captain wants you here, Dottie, my gal." the doctor tried to explain. "You're the only reason we win any games, that is if and when we do." "That's just it, I want my own team to manage, and then we'd always be a pennant contender." Roberts countered. "I know what to do, if I only had the chance, and that's what I put in this new letter to the Colonel." "Opportunity knocking often is an almost mystical thing, it's like being there when the right bus comes along, and sometimes it does happen." the doctor observed. "Most can rise to the occasion, once they have a chance to do so." "And, I've been studying about it, too." Roberts seemed to neglect the doctor's reflections regarding the Fates, "it's what I've put in this letter, things I've read about great managers, and how I'd do it, if I had the chance." "I've been learning all I can about them," Roberts noted "some I like and some I don't; I'm taking bits and pieces of the best parts from each one." "Connie Mack, for instance, he managed 50 years with the same team, the Athletics in Philadelphia, and earned five World Series championships. Mack won 3,776 games, which is more than anyone else in baseball." "He was first to regularly hire college players, because he figured they'd know how to do the right things on their own. Sure, he insisted that everyone wear a proper uniform with the shirts tucked in, and he strictly followed regulations, but he showed his players by being an exceptional example. Mack was always there on the infield and inside the dugout, not perched on top of it. He was there at every game in a suit and tie, because he cared about the game and his team. And, players listened and respected him." "Charles Dillon Stengel was another great one. You know him as 'Casey' derived from the initials of his hometown Kansas City. 'The Old Perfessor' was a unique genius in effectively utilizing the talent of the New York Yankees during the 1950's, and managing those top players was no easy task. Stengel knew baseball backwards and forwards, and in his own delightful manner offered his players good advice both on and off the field." "There were many others, too, I've looked into," Roberts flipped through more notes for his letter to the Colonel, "...Joe McCarthy, Walter 'Smokey' Alston, Miller Huggins, Earl Weaver, Tommy Lasorda, Sharron Backus, and Joe Torre. Maybe, I can't mention all of them." she speculated. "But, there are some I really like that I will include," Roberts insisted. "I even have quotes! Here, doc, look at this about JoAnn Milliken manager of the championship Virginia Flames in 2003. Read this by her star pitcher." "Through a difficult season JoAnn was the glue that held us all together, and got us to the point where we could compete in the championship. She instilled a sense of pride and determination in this team that showed in every player and in every aspect of the game." (1) "How's that one, '...the glue that held us together,'!" Roberts excitedly exclaimed, "it creates team harmony! Terrific, huh?!" "Here's another from Virginia, about a team called the Boxers managed by Kristen Guidace." Roberts continued. "She made the NWB Hall of Fame this year." "There were many improvements for her team which Kristen, the Boxers' field commander, envisioned and realized. Anyone so dedicated to the game had to be determined to sustain her teammates to a higher level with the addition of a new coach, professional training, extensive practice, more experience, and filling key positions with many talented players." (2) "Ya see doc, it's exactly what I'd do!" Roberts confirmed. I also found another quote on Milliken from 1999, the year before she was inducted into the NWB Hall of Fame." "These are formidable roles and well accomplished for a fine baseball player and effective manager. She plays extremely well at her position in center field and demonstrates her skills and talent." (3) "Her motivation and inspiration to the team creates loyalty, a willingness to achieve, and builds that sense of family." (ibid) "How about that part on, 'motivation and inspiration'?! I'm using it right here! And, the idea of a team being like a family is great stuff!" Roberts made a few more notes along the margin of her letter. "And, I found one more example from a few years ago on Ronnie Geyer who created and managed a team called the Nemesis in northern New Jersey. Listen to this doc." "I am impressed with their (Nemesis) dedication, traveling so far and so often to play baseball. They usually have doubleheaders to alleviate the travel, sometimes 3 games in one weekend." (4) "During both years, they obtained the best season record in the league, and in 2000 with a difficult road schedule the Nemesis achieved nearly .900 in the standings." (ibid) "Another NWB Hall of Famer," Roberts claimed regarding Geyer, "who has always been dedicated to baseball, and it didn't matter how far she had to travel for games. By comparison, look at our captain, she won't even set foot on the infield, and glares down on us from the top of that dugout. Colonel Banner is going to know about all of this." Roberts assured her friend. Doc knew better than to comment on the letter's content without being asked. Given human nature, she understood that Dottie Roberts would proceed regardless with what she thought was correct. However, the doctor was intrigued with the New Jersey team name, and couldn't help but remark, "Nemesis, huh?! That certainly is an unusual and interesting name for a team in any sport. Highly appropriate." "Sure, is doc!" Roberts responded. "It has alliteration too, Geyer designed it that way, 'New Jersey - Nemesis.'" "Nemesis was the Greek goddess of righteous retribution," Roberts reminded the doctor. "Nemesis, Aidos, and Themis represented the concept of justice. On Mount Olympus, they were the closest advisors to Zeus and Hera." "The most famous story about Nemesis was the justice she allotted Narcissus at a reflection pool near Mount Helicon. It was a story about unreturned love of Echo for Narcissus, who only thought of himself. Self-pride was the basis of Narcissus' torment, as Nemesis caused him to fall in love with himself as a reflection in the pool. And, every time Narcissus would reach for himself the reflection vanished. He did not eat or drink attempting to fulfill his desire. Narcissus' last words were, 'Beloved in vain, farewell...' to which faithful Echo in the mountain replied the same." "Hmmm, that's also very interesting." the doctor reflected. "I won't include that Nemesis tale here," Roberts continued getting back to her letter. "But, I have given this a good going over," Roberts further considered. "Managing is a combination of playing techniques and personal characteristics which can be packaged in many different ways to motivate the team to success. Basically, that's what management is, getting people to work together to achieve a common goal, and it's not all that complicated, but there's no one magic formula." "Our 'Captain Queeg' lacks the techniques and character," Roberts looked towards the empty dugout. "But, she sure has that false sense of pride, when someone thinks and acts like they're better than anyone else without justification. I'll bet Nemesis could quickly take care of that, and then we'd have a new skipper at the helm." "Doc, will you look over this letter before I send it in?" Roberts inquired. The doctor nodded affirmatively as they walked towards the locker room. "Dottie, I'd be happy to," the doctor responded. "At least I for one believe you'd make an effective manager either at another location or as a replacement right here with us." "Yeah, I wonder what the outcome will be from all of this," Roberts speculated, "a team trade or Greek tragedy?" Note: Quotes were from these issues of Fame Forum. (1) "From Wonderbread to MacDonalds," Volume VI, Number 20, August 25, 2003. (2) "Thanks for Coming Out," Volume VI, Number 19, August 21, 2003. (3) "We Are Family, All My Sisters and Me," Volume II, Number 43, November 6, 1999. (4) "Mitts, Mets, and Mays," Volume IV, Number 32, November 16, 2001. B. MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS For 2003, MVP and Manager of the Year nominations are due after the conclusion of the season and by December 31. For more information on these nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/formsawards C. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS For 2004, nominations for Inductions into the NWB Hall of Fame are due by September 30, and can include current or previous players and managers. Most submissions have been made as candidate statements. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/forminducts D. NWB HALL OF FAME BASEBALL MEMORABILIA Several baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame including commemorative buttons for 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999; personalized magnetic locker nametags; and baseball t-shirts and caps. The website main page includes order information and the photo page displays these items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame E. TIMELINE November 24, 1911 Ducky Medwick birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 25, 1914 Joe DiMaggio birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 25, 1951 Bucky Dent birthdate, MLB player. November 26, 1797 Sojourner Truth birthdate, abolitionist. November 26, 1866 Hugh Duffy birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 26, 1908 Lefty Gomez birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. November 26, 1975 Fred Lynn receives Rookie and MVP awards. November 27, 1974 Bowie Kuhn suspends George Steinbrenner. November 28, 1870 Heinie Peitz birthdate, MLB catcher. November 29, 1876 Nellie Ross birthdate, directed US Mint. November 29, 1922 Minnie Minoso birthdate, MLB player. November 30, 1962 Bo Jackson birthdate, NFL and MLB player. November 30, 1991 First US women world soccer championship. December 1, 1882 Ed Reulbach birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 1, 1911 Walter Alston birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 2, 1847 Deacon White birthdate, MLB catcher. December 3, 1922 Joe Collins birthdate, MLB player. December 3, 1965 Katarina Witt birthdate, Olympic medalist. December 4, 1861 Lillian Russell birthdate, theater actor. December 4, 1868 Jesse Burkett birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. F. FAME FORUM ISSUES The following are titles for current issues of Fame Forum. Volume VI, 2003 Season Publications Number 30, Mistress Roberts (managers), November 26. Number 29, Going but Not Gone (Steinbeck), November 16. Number 28, There's No Mistake in Sam Patch, October 23. Number 27, Gals and Dolls (Macurio and Sheldon), October 9. Number 26, 2003 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 8. Number 25, 2003 Nominations for Induction, October 2. Number 24, The Blues Brothers Sisters (MVP's), September 28. Number 23, Clifford Joins the Team (Ritter), September 23. Number 22, Eternal Ring of Fire (Cash), September 13. Number 21, Names of the Game (inductions), September 5. Number 20, From Wonderbread to McDonalds (Flames), August 25. Number 19, Thanks for Coming Out! (Guidace), August 21. Number 18, Top of the Thirty-Third (tie games), August 17. Number 17, You Can Fly, You Can Fly! (Barrie), August 4. Number 16, Deja Vu All Over Again (summer baseball), July 27. Number 15, The Inspector General (medicine), July 22. Number 14, Hotter Than the Fourth of July (Milliken), July 6. Number 13, 2003 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions Form, June 30. Number 12, The Original Muscle Moll (Didrikson), June 26. Number 11, From Baseball to Biology (sea coast), May 18. Number 10, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (Ferguson), May 15. Number 09, The Best Team on Earth (nature), April 23. Number 08, Cool Hand Luce (summer rain), March 27. Number 07, Inherit the Wind (Arizona case), March 11. Number 06, Ted Williams Continued, February 18. Number 05, Wag the Kid (Save Ted Williams), February 10. Number 04, Ted Williams Clarified, January 30. Number 03, Splendid Sleeper (Williams), January 24. Number 02, Promotional Items, January 17. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was (2002), January 2. For a complete listing over the last six years, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/news G. FEATURES 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 team, players, or events. Applications that further describe these programs are available by email, and are posted on the website. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS Nominations for the NWB Hall of Fame are due September 30. Inductions include current or previous players and managers, through an application or narrative statement. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/forminducts MVP AND MANAGER AWARDS Player, manager, or team award requests are due December 31. Nominations for MVPs should be from the team manager or coach, submitted after the conclusion of the season. For more information on nominations, please see: http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/formsawards _________________________________________________________ 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. TXU154039, TXU157714, TXU159311. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2003 __________________________________________________________ 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 support the achievements of women in regulation baseball. Developing capabilities and participating on a team through encouragement and instruction build character and confidence. Every American should have the opportunities to obtain such experience, as part of playing our national pastime. ___________________________________________________________