_________________________________________________________ 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, TXU288273, TXU311442. Issue Number 00353 _________________________________________________________ Volume IX, Number 32 Publisher and Author November 28, 2006 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: CASE OF THE PURLOINED BAT "Good evening from Radio City in New York," the cheerful announcer began while the show's introductory theme song faded, and his highly stylized opening remarks continued. "And, now it's time for... ring-ring-ring." The telephone sound effects were answered, "JoAnna Dollar, here. How may I help you?" The expected trademark reply launched the entertainment for that evening with a new story-line written in 2006. The caller for this new episode responded. "Miss Dollar, we've never met," a deep-throated voice started to explain, "but your home office referred me to you as the best person to help." "Thanks for the compliment, a lady in my line of work usually doesn't get too many. What's your problem?" Dollar inquired. "This is Joe McCarthy," the voice identified himself. "Of the Yankees?" Dollar was surprised and impressed. "The same," he concurred, pleased by the recognition. "Say, I listened to the game Sunday when you swept a double-header from the Senators down in DC." Dollar congenially commented. "DiMaggio tied and then broke Sisler's 1922 record. Joltin' Joe really connected with consecutive hits #41 and #42. They interviewed him and you after the game. Now I know your voice." "He almost didn't," McCarthy's tone became serious. "What does that mean?" Dollar abruptly inquired. "It's the reason why I'm calling you, Miss Dollar." "How can I possibly help Joe DiMaggio?" she asked. "I'm an insurance investigator, and a woman to boot." "You're the only one who could help," McCarthy pleaded. "I want you to take a train to Washington immediately." "Road trip, eh? But, you still haven't said for what?" she reminded her renown caller. McCarthy cleared his throat, "This must never get into the newspapers, you understand. No one must ever know, or it could ruin everything." "OK, OK," she promised. "So, what's such a big deal?" "You see Miss Dollar, at Griffith Stadium, yesterday," he spoke in excited staccato phrases, "during Sunday's double-header, between games, after DiMaggio's #41 and before his #42 consecutive hit, --his bat was stolen!" "What?! Impossible!" Dollar defiantly exclaimed. "Nonetheless, it was heisted right out of the rack," he composed himself and indicated, "and your job is to find it. Soon! If you're available, that is, and if you're willing to take this assignment." "Will I? Ha!" she said to herself. "What a question. Of course, I was interested, but also I didn't want to appear overly anxious. Although, I was literally jumping for joy at his offer. Fortunately, McCarthy couldn't observe me over the telephone line." "Well, I think I can squeeze that in," Dollar coyly replied, "I haven't been to DC in a while, although June and July are the busiest months for insurance investigators. I'll give this top priority, because it's for DiMaggio and the Yankees. There will be my regular contract with submitted account expenses and daily assessment for however long it takes." McCarthy emphasized, "Joe wants his bat back fast! This is like his own baby, you know, like Lindbergh. Fees are not an issue, we're the Yankees, just send me the bill. I knew we could count on you!" The broadcast announcer's voice could again be heard, "This concludes Act One of tonight's episode, which features JoAnna Dollar, America's foremost freelance insurance investigator about to embark on her recent adventure entitled, 'Case of the Purloined Bat.'" [Background music commenced, a subdued version of "Joltin' Joe DiMaggio," 1941, words by Alan Courtney, music by Ben Homer, performed by Les Brown and His Orchestra, and sung by Betty Bonney.] Act Two McCarthy filled me in on the "what" and "when" of this unusual larceny. Although DiMaggio's bat was insured with another company, my firm, the Eastern Conference Insurance Corporation of Hartford, CT, provided me with considerable flexibility to assist any client. Because of the potential notoriety of this case, I cleared the assignment through proper confidential channels. The Yankee skipper also described exactly what I should be looking for, a model D29, a big stick used by DiMaggio which weighed in at a respectable 36 ounces. The handle was sanded by Joe himself to make it thinner and coarser than the normal surface, and near the knob in indelible ink were his special marks. I'd know that piece of wood anywhere. And, as for right now, that's exactly where it could be, --anywhere. It was now my job, JoAnna Dollar, to find and secure that nationally famous "streak bat," so that Joltin' Joe could continue his consecutive game hitting record. I also realized that there must be absolutely no publicity on this matter, McCarthy was quite clear about that fact. What has and is about to transpire must never be revealed to the press that his special bat was stolen. The police should not be involved. And, only I must retrieve it as quickly and quietly as possible, as if nothing happened. Thus, this adventure commenced, and the following is an accurate account of direct expenses incurred while engaged in this investigation. I opened my action packed expense account notebook, the entries from which will be submitted in my report as, "Yours Truly, JoAnna Dollar." Expense Account Item 1: $27.50 round-trip ticket to New York and Washington. $1.25 taxi fare Grand Central to Pennsylvania Station. [More background music could be heard, "Joltin' Joe..."] Act Three The train ride south to DC was uneventful, a relaxing four hour trip. I sat back in my reserved seat, watched the New Jersey and Maryland landscape, and made two visits to the club car at my own expense. The big B&O coaches began to slow when we approached the switching yards at Brentwood just north of Union Station. I could see North Capitol Street, and knew the gleaming buildings of Congress would soon be visible. I traveled lightly on this trip with only one overnighter, which I kept in the compartment above the seat. When the train finally stopped, I grabbed the valise, and proceeded towards the platform. There's something special about viewing the Capitol Dome brilliant in the reflecting sunshine on a warm summer day. I stood for a moment taking in the scene, bright blue sky, white marble offices, tulips arrayed in circular gardens around the station's horseshoe driveway, and the fountain displaying a dramatic spray of sparkling water. "Hey, lady, cab?" A sudden harsh voice interrupted my tranquil observations. "You need a cab?" "Why, yes, I do." I had returned to the business at hand. "Where to, lady?" "Griffith Stadium, north on Seventh Street, near Georgia and Florida Avenues." I explained knowing sometimes fares were taken on alternative routes to Arlington Cemetery or Mount Vernon regardless of their actual final destination. "Today, there's no game. Why you wanta go there?" "I have to see Bucky Harris," she curtly replied. "Oh, you must be a reporter," the cabby surmised. Since I couldn't reveal the nature of my visit, I simply concurred, "Something like that, I have to interview him." "Well, you don't look like no ball player, and you sure ain't no damn Yankee! They stole two from us on Sunday." "More than two games were stolen," I silently thought, and relaxed deep into the backseat. We were soon outside the U Street entrance of the stadium. "Office door is over there," the cabby pointed, "they'll show where is the boss. You want I should wait?" I shook my head "no," and quickly paid the fare. Expense Account Item 2: $2.35 taxi fare Union Station to Griffith Stadium. [More background music could be heard, "Joltin' Joe..."] Act Four It seemed unusual walking towards a major league stadium when it's almost completely empty, especially on a warm sunny summer day. Regardless of the location, these vast enclosures abounded with excitement and enjoyment, but today was a sober exception, a reflection of my mission. The turnstiles were closed, and wrapped around them were large metal retractable gratings, the kind used to protect storefronts on certain unsavory streets. When I reached the stadium door, I tried the handle, and it opened. Once inside an interior corridor, I noticed a man who was replacing lights bulbs, and asked him for directions to Bucky Harris' office. Within a few minutes, I arrived at the entrance to the management's inner sanctum, and walked inside. "Hi, I'm JoAnna Dollar," I introduced myself to the receptionist. "Joe McCarthy sent me to see Mr. Harris." "Come right in, Miss Dollar. Yes, he's expecting you," was her highly professional response. The office was brighter than expected. I guess I had read the novel "The Natural" far too often. In fact, this one was pleasant, and there were even windows to allow in sunlight and fresh air. Harris was cordial, and got down to business, as soon as the receptionist departed the room. "You see," he explained in almost an apologetic tone, "it happened between games in Sunday's double-header. All the players were in the locker room or club house. The benches were empty. Sunday was a scorcher, over 100 degrees, and everyone headed for some shade and got a cool drink between games. The grounds crew was busy out on the field, and didn't pay any attention to the dugouts or benches." "The Yankees were on the visitor's side," Harris noted, "and the bat rack is towards the front. His D29 was in fourth position corresponding to the batting order. When Joe came out for the second game, he instantly noticed it was gone." "A bat is a baseball player's best friend, and the loss is immeasurable, especially with this streak. DiMaggio didn't panic, never does, but he was upset. Joe, like most baseball players, has his traditions." "Yeah, I know," I added, "for instance, he always touches second base when coming in from centerfield." "You understand," Harris nodded. "Luckily, earlier this season DiMaggio loaned another one of his D29's to teammate Tommy Henrich, and that bat served as a replacement during the second game when Joe hit #42, which broke Sisler's consecutive streak set in 1922. A hit in the first game, tied that prior record." "And, you didn't call the cops." Dollar interjected. "Naw, this has to be on the QT, besides you're here," Harris pointed out. "Any suspects?" Dollar smiled and began her routine. "We first questioned the batboys, Hudson and Short, but as expected they dummied-up." Harris knowingly frowned. "They might be afraid of us, another reason why you're here. Those youngsters may talk to you." "Some spectators said they saw a kid jump the wall, run onto the field and disappear, maybe that was the culprit. But, there wasn't a good description. All we do know is the bat is gone, and it's up to you to find it, if you can." "Oh, thanks," I summarized the situation, "there were 31,000 fans on Sunday, two major league teams, and any one them could have in their possession the prized bat. But, which one?" [More background music could be heard, "Joltin' Joe..."] Act Five I began my questioning of the two batboys, but this was reminiscent of a scene from the "The Caine Mutiny" with the captain's investigation of the missing strawberries. In that case, the galley crew wouldn't admit to eating the extra rations, and I assumed these batboys would do the same. They were questioned separately, but had two days to prepare identical stories. The batboys agreed that when they departed the dugout the bats were stored properly. They saw nothing unusual until they returned with the team players. Since the Senators were on the other side of the field, they were not likely candidates. Another Yankee might have taken that wood as a bad joke or out of jealously. But, if it was a prank, it would have been returned by this time, and McCarthy assured me all the Yankees were loyal to the team and appreciated DiMaggio. No one on the team would consider or even dare steal his bat. The remaining suspects were 31,000 fans at Griffith on Sunday, June 29, 1941; it must have been one of them. I couldn't investigate and interview everyone, or ever identify thousands of fans who attended and were not season ticket holders. This appeared to be a hopeless and impossible situation, unless someone came forward. After interviewing the batboys, and inspecting the bench and bat rack in order to better understand the scene of the crime, I solemnly walked back to Harris' office. [More background music could be heard, "Joltin' Joe..."] Act Six As I entered the room, I was unexpectedly greeted with, "Oh, Miss Dollar, I have a long-distance call for you from New York." "Not now," I thought, "McCarthy wants a progress report, and I have absolutely nothing new to add. I hesitated, but considered I might as well get this over with, and bite the bullet." However, it was an unfamiliar voice on the telephone, "Miss Dollar, you don't know me, but I know where the 'streak bat' is located." "Say, who is this?" I snapped. "How did you know where I was? Who gave you this phone number?" "Never mind all that," the stranger replied. "I have what you're looking for, so listen up." "It's in New Jersey, near Hoboken," the unexpected explanation continued. "The kid who took it is from a neighbor family. He's sorry, and his father will ensure his acts of contrition. He doesn't want any trouble, no names, no newspapers, and the bat wasn't damaged. All you have to do is pick it up, return it to the Bronx, and no questions asked." The stranger paused for a moment, "Here, I'll give you the address. It's a barber shop. They should recognize you, and say 'Scooter' sent you." I hastily wrote down the New Jersey address, thanked Bucky Harris for his time, and indicated the case is nearing its conclusion, although I could say no more. The receptionist called a cab, which was waiting at the U Street entrance, and I departed the stadium. Expense account item 3: $2.35 taxi fare Griffith Stadium to Union Station. [More background music could be heard, "Joltin' Joe..."] Act Seven I was not sightseeing this time, as I rushed inside venerable Union Station, and looked at the big board for the next train north. They ran every half hour during the day. For some reason, the return trip seemed much longer, although it was nearly the same amount of time. I disembarked in Newark, NJ, and took one of the cabs at the station to the aforementioned address. The shop was still open, I introduced myself, and the proprietor said nothing but returned with an object wrapped in butcher paper. It looked like an extra long salami. I tipped my hat, scurried out the door, and jumped into the waiting cab. "Yankee Stadium, and make it snappy," was all I needed to say. I was exceptionally pleased like at Christmas time long ago when I held on to a very dear gift securely in my arms. I couldn't believe this was really happening. We took the George Washington Bridge across the Hudson River. The city skyline was impressive, and my heart was soaring equal to those heights. I had telegraphed Joe McCarthy from the train, and knew he was expecting me. I didn't indicate what had happened, but only stated: Western Union, Tuesday, 1 July 1941 "Mission nearing conclusion" [stop] "Meet your office 6PM today" [stop] "Yours Truly, JoAnna Dollar" [stop] The Yankees had a home stand against Boston, and I knew he would be there. Expense Item 4: $5.75 taxi fare Newark Station to New Jersey barber shop to Yankee Stadium. [More background music could be heard, "Joltin' Joe..."] Act Eight As I walked into his office, Joe McCarthy had a huge grin as he saw the package under my arm. "Well, I'll take it from here. Thanks, Miss Dollar. Tell my secretary to drive you to Pelham, and from there you can catch a New Haven train to Hartford." End of Account Expense item 5: $4.45 train ticket to Hartford. In addition to a daily assessment, the total expense account entry for this case was $43.65. Remarks Sometimes cases are resolved in the most unexpected manner, even when leads appear doubtful, and beyond my control, as in this famous theft entered into my expense account from the 1941 baseball season during which Joe DiMaggio established an all time 56 game consecutive hitting streak. Respectfully submitted by, Yours Truly, JoAnna Dollar Postscript The weekly radio show, "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," aired from February 1949 through September 1962, and was the last remaining nationally syndicated dramatic broadcast. There were nearly 800 such shows usually in a 30 minute format. This July 1941 version was created in November 2006 for this publication where Johnny became JoAnna for our readers. As we know, baseball players should never be without their favorite bats. The NWB Hall of Fame has one way to reduce the potential threat of a purloined bat with personalized wood from famous players. Added to the bat collection in November 2006 are models from Sue Lukasik, Chicago Storm, and Kelly Ballentine, BarnCats (Montgomery County, MD), who received induction into the NWB Hall of Fame in 2000 and 2001, respectively. A complete list of available bats is provided below, and order information is available towards the bottom of the NWB Hall of Fame website homepage. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame NWB Hall of Famers Commemorative Bats Historic Players Claire Schillace.....1999 Babe Didrikson.......2001 Joanne Winter........2005 Recent Players JoAnn Milliken.......2000 Sue Lukasik..........2000 (new) Ronnie Geyer.........2001 Kelly Ballentine.....2001 (new) Robin Wallace........2002 Kristen Guidace......2003 Stephanie Ciulla.....2003 Genevieve Beauchamp..2004 Laura Brenneman......2005 B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: new induction poster, commemorative buttons (2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), personalized magnet locker nametags, t-shirts, caps, knife, and ten model 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 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, 1911 Walter Alston birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 2, 1847 Deacon White birthdate, MLB catcher. 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. December 5, 1894 Philip K. Wrigley birthdate, team owner. December 6, 1899 Jocko Conlan birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 6, 1900 Agnes Moorehead birthdate, actor. December 6, 1903 Tony Lazzeri birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 7, 1947 Johnny Bench birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. December 8, 1968 Mike Mussina birthdate, MLB pitcher. December 9, 1871 Joe Kelley birthdate, MLB outfielder. December 9, 1965 Passing of Branch Rickey, MLB manager. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume IX, 2006 Season Publications Number 32, Case of the Purloined Bat (DiMaggio), November 28, 2006. Number 31, Clifford's Hometown Parade, November 21, 2006. Number 30, Eephus, Eiphus, Ophus (pitches), November 20, 2006. Number 29, Magnus Force --Make My Day!, November 5, 2006. Number 28, Better Babies and Baseball (SIDS), November 2, 2006. Number 27, Clifford's October Surprise, October 30, 2006. Number 26, Where in the World is Carmen Dominguez?, October 13, 2006. Number 25, More Information on NWB Hall of Famers, October 11, 2006. Number 24, 2006 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 9, 2006. Number 23, 2006 Nominations for Induction, October 2, 2006. Number 22, Program Announcements, September 11. Number 21, LBI's Batting Third (Brenneman), August 22. Number 20, Saving Ted Williams, August 8. Number 19, Ted Williams Action Agenda, August 4. Number 18, Say it Ain't So Joe (treatment), July 6. Number 17, Spirit of 1776 (painting), July 2. Number 16, New NWB Products Available, June 26. Number 15, Meet Jane Doe (codes), June 22. Number 14, 2006 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, May 31. Number 13, Playing on Abraham's Side (Williams), May 25. Number 12, Clifford Finds the Easter Bunny, April 14. Number 11, Way to Go Joltin' Jo (Joes and Jo), April 7. 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. 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, TXU288273, TXU311442. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2006 __________________________________________________________