_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2008 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, TXU348663, TXU346055. Issue Number 00425 _________________________________________________________ Volume XI, Number 31 Publisher and Author October 21, 2008 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2008 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS MELISSA GIBBONS AND ROSIE WEAVER 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, NELSON, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO, RANISZEWSKI, GIBBONS, WEAVER TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSIE [Refrain] "You'll be swell, you'll be great, strikeout the world at homeplate! Starting today, starring tonight, for everything's coming up Rosie!" "Clear the decks, clear the paths, you have nothing to do but relax. Throw your top pitch, take a bow, for everything's coming up Rosie!" "Get it spinning, team is winning, you know it's just the beginning. Great control, the time is right, for everything's coming up Rosie!" "Curtain's drawn, hit the heights, Flames play with all their might. When you throw, no runs in sight, for everything's coming up Rosie!" [Theme music fades as veteran announcer Eddy McMahon commences with the late night television show's trademark introduction.] "Live from Hollywood, California it's the Tonight Show starring JoAnny Carson," boomed the announcer. "And, now," Eddy took a deep breath to exaggerate the next line, "Heeerrre's JoAnny..." [Drum roll followed by a jazzy musical rendition of the opening refrain covers the host's entrance from behind a multi-colored stage curtain to the desk where guest interviews are conducted.] [Audience: Applause] Eddy: "I looked at tonight's script, and apparently you want to start this evening with your Carnac the Magnificent imitation." JoAnny: "What do you mean by 'imitation?!' When I put on the magic turban and don the flowing robe, I am Carnac reincarnated as the greatest seer of seers and all-knowing sage of sages." Eddy: "A thousand and one pardons. Oh, forgive me stupendous pseudo-omniscient and semi-splendiferous one. I will without further hesitation obtain the sacred jewel encrusted box which contains the mysterious questions from the East." JoAnny: "You mean from Bayonne? I thought all these gags were from our studio offices in beautiful downtown Burbank. Enough, please provide me with the first envelope." Eddy: "As you graciously command, and I will also explain to our audience how Carnac proceeds with unwitting conjectures." JoAnny: "By all means, please do so," as the host continued to adjust the famous Carnac outfit. The gargantuan turban was being uncooperative. Eddy: "Our magnificent one will place each envelope, which was hermetically sealed by a roving band of gypsies in the petrified forest, near her temple and pronounce the answer. Carnac then reads the question found inside each envelope. Most mere mortals would typically recite their answers after the questions are given. But, that is far too easy for our splendiferous Carnac, who proceeds diametrically opposite, which makes these unique pronouncements much more astounding. Are you ready my great seer and doer?" When Carnac (in costume) nods acceptance, Eddy presents the first unopened envelope. Carnac customarily places it along the side of the now properly positioned turban. Eddy: "I was told these particular questions have something to do with tonight's special guest who is a famous baseball player from back East." JoAnny: "Not Bayonne? Only from Tarzana could be worse!" [Audience: Laughter] Eddy: "I should assure the great Carnac that she has never been to Bayonne. Her team hails from northern Virginia. And, our questions were extricated from recent publications about her accomplishments." JoAnny: "Enough, the great insightful Carnac requires no further assistance from the Peanut Gallery. I will begin with the first envelope." JoAnny: "And, the answer is, --Ciulla and Weaver battery." The envelope was ceremoniously opened and Carnac recites, "The question is, --Who were the pitcher and catcher for the famous Virginia Flames from 2000-2004? Well, this could have been Delco and Remmy." [Audience: Polite Laughter] JoAnny: "I'm ready for the next one, and the answer is, --Go, go, Ro, Ro." "Oh, this one is really cute. Goldie Hawn could answer it and also the great Carnac who knows all and hears all. The question is, --What is the familiar chant everywhere from the stands when Rosie Weaver is pitching?" Eddy: "Marvelous and uncanny magnificent Carnac, and you weren't even there at any of the games." JoAnny: "Entirely true, but we shall proceed. Here's a longer one. Ready? The answer is, --Six consecutive league championships." "A remarkable feat for any team, and the question is, --What did Rosie Weaver assist her Flames in achieving, including the 2008 season?" JoAnny: "I'm ready to toss out the next answer, and it is, --Dippsy doodle." "One moment please, those roving gypsies sealed this envelope too well. Ah, the question is, --What pitch does Rosie Weaver not throw? Well, that makes perfect sense, because an ace pitcher would never throw either a doodle or a noodle." [Audience: Polite Laughter] JoAnny: "And, now for the final answer and question; hold your applause. The answer is, --Infectious smile and endearing attitude." "Hmmm, it's a type of infection I wouldn't mind having. The last question is, --What are game day and everyday characteristics of Rosie Weaver?" [Audience: Laughter and Applause] JoAnny: "I'm not certain if the applause is for Carnac's response or because it was the last question. It doesn't matter, because now in person to demonstrate and confirm those endearing qualities is Rosie herself." "Let's welcome tonight a veteran star pitcher for the Virginia Flames, Eastern Women's Baseball Conference, Rosie Weaver!" [Audience: Applause and Theme Music] JoAnny: "I see you're not in uniform tonight." Rosie: "I thought I'd be more casual for you." JoAnny: "As you know, the World Series is about to start with the Phillies and Rays. I was wondering, do you have a favorite this year?" Rosie: "I'm sure it'll be a good series, but I try not to play favorites." JoAnny: "Well, I truly understand in your position as a world famous pitcher it's best not to take any sides. Tell me, what have you heard about Madonna and A-Rod?" Rosie: "I'm sure it'll be a good series, but I try not to play favorites." JoAnny: "Did I hear an echo?" tapping the microphone. "Eddy check with the sound crew. I see, again you're being very diplomatic." JoAnny: "Well, here's something you should be able to comment upon. I understand your pitching record last season was 6-0, and that's 100% with an ERA below 3.0, an outstanding achievement." [Audience: Applause] Rosie: "Yes, I was fortunate to have a good year, but the Flames are a wonderful team. Exceptional fielding and effective batting carried our games to successful conclusions. And, we all had fun." JoAnny: "Here's a baseball, could you show the viewers at home and our studio audience how you grip the ball for a fastball and curveball? And, don't worry folks, there won't be a 'Tomahawk Toss' tonight." [Audience: Laughter] [Weaver demonstrates the different styles for pitches, and does not release the ball.] JoAnny: "It's great she held on to the baseball, and I didn't attempt to throw either. We don't have the Alpo Dog Hernandez any longer to retrieve things for they stopped being a sponsor." Rosie: "Well, that's good, because they don't carry Alpo at the Pet Barn." JoAnny: "I believe by now Herry is in canine heaven along with Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Nipper, Asta, Troy, Benji, Verdell, and many other doggie stars." Rosie: "If I may, JoAnny I would like to say I am honored to be on your show, and noticed you don't often invite sports figures." JoAnny: "That's correct, we mostly have entertainers, but once I interviewed Frank Robinson." Rosie: "What about Babe Didrikson and Claire Schillace?" JoAnny: "Well, that was a little before my time on TV. I must have missed them." JoAnny: "Are they also in the National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame?" Rosie: "Yes, they are! Schillace was the first inducted back in 1999, and Didrikson came along in 2001. There presently are 27 players in the NWB Hall of Fame." JoAnny: "I understand you were inducted early this month; that's one reason you're here tonight. Congratulations!" [Audience: Applause, Applause, Applause] JoAnny: "I'd like to share with our viewers and audience statements which accompanied Rosie's nomination so that they may better understand her accomplishments." [Statements are shown on the screens and monitors, and the broadcast breaks for a commercial (but not Alpo).] Note: "The Tonight Show" hosted by Johnny Carson began October 1, 1962 and concluded thirty years later May 22, 1992. Originally broadcast from New York, in 1972 it moved to Hollywood. The show featured Johnny, announcer Ed McMahon, and special guests. Their favorite skit was Carnac the Magnificent. ROSIE WEAVER 2008 CANDIDATE STATEMENTS A. Personal Statement From Rosie Weaver Virginia Flames, Pitcher and Infielder NWB Hall of Fame 2008 "It is a huge honor to be grouped with these amazing players." "The Flames are a huge part of my life. Not only do they play great ball they are wonderful people. They are my family, and have helped me through extremely hard times. I am honored to share the same field with the some of the best women baseball players in the world." B. Nomination Statement From JoAnn Milliken Virginia Flames, Manager and Outfielder Commissioner, Eastern Women's Baseball Conference NWB Hall of Fame 2000 "Rosie Anderson Weaver has been with the Virginia Flames for 9 years. She began her baseball career as a catcher, helping the Flames win the EWBC league championship in 2000, 2003, and 2004. Rosie became a starting pitcher in 2005, earning the Flames MVP award by leading the team to its third consecutive league championship. She has been a key part of the Flames pitching rotation since then, and an important contributor to the Flames success." "In addition to pitching prowess, Rosie is a talented infielder. She can play any infield position, and play it well. Her baseball skills have been instrumental in the Flames track record of 6 consecutive EWBC championships and in the success of the EWBC tournament team, the DC Thunder." "Rosie the person is just as outstanding as Rosie the player. She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and she brings an infectious smile and an endearing attitude to every game. She is the perfect teammate, -a calm, quiet demeanor on and off the field, but a fierce competitor within." "In addition to her contributions on the field, Rosie trains other baseball players, coaching high school softball, and teaching her son to pitch." "Based on her achievements over the past 8 years, and her many contributions to furthering the game and the spirit of baseball, Rosie should be in the Women's Baseball Hall of Fame." B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: commemorative buttons (2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), t-shirts, caps, and bats. Free commemorative ribbons are available. The website main page has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame C. HISTORIC TIMELINE October 20, 1931 Mickey Mantle birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 20, 1942 Christiane Volard birthdate, Nobel Prize. October 21, 1928 Whitey Ford birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 21, 1975 Carlton Fisk 12th inning World Series homerun. October 22, 1907 Jimmie Foxx birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 23, 1906 Gertrude Ederle birthdate, Channel swimmer. October 23, 1931 Jim Bunning birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 24, 1871 Louis Sockalexis birthdate, MLB player. October 25, 1889 Smoky Joe Wood birthdate, MLB player. October 26, 1899 Julius Johnson birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 27, 1922 Ralph Kiner birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 28, 1886 Statue of Liberty dedicated. October 28, 1926 Bowie Kuhn birthdate, MLB Commissioner. October 29, 1859 Charles Ebbets birthdate, Dodgers owner. October 29, 1891 Fanny Brice birthdate, singer and dancer. October 29, 1953 Saint Louis Browns became Baltimore Orioles. October 30, 1916 Leon Day birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 31, 1912 Dale Evans birthdate, television star. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume XI, 2008 Season Publications Number 31, Everything's Coming Up Rosie (Weaver), October 21. Number 30, Forever Young (Mel Gibbons), October 14. Number 29, 2008 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 8. Number 28, Melissa Gibbons Article From 2000, October 5. Number 27, Rosie Weaver Article From 2005, October 4. Number 26, 2008 Nominations for Induction (NWB/HoF), October 3. Number 25, Move Over Bobby Thomson, (EWBC final), September 22. Number 24, 2008 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, September 4. Number 23, Niner at the Plate (Casey II), August 4. Number 22, K.C. Higgins at the Bat (Casey), July 31. Number 21, Base Ball To Day, Polo Grounds, July 25. Number 20, Hit the Ball: Act One, Scene One, July 23. Number 19, Batting Beauty (Esther Williams), July 19. Number 18, Playing and Pitching Parodies, July 16. Number 17, Swinging in the Rain (Freed hits), July 14. Number 16, Begin the Ball-Guine (Porter hits), July 11. Number 15, Puttin' on Your Mitts (Berlin hits), July 3. Number 14, 2008 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, June 29. Number 13, Judy, Judy, Judy (Johnson), June 12. Number 12, Tales of Narda: The Guessing Game, May 10. Number 11, Clifford Plays Some Hoops (Auerbach), April 21. Number 10, Tales of Narda: Lady with the Light, April 13. Number 09, Tales of Narda: Turning the War Club, April 2. Number 08, Playing for a Higher Authority (Natural), March 22. Number 07, Prayerful Pearl (Janis Joplin), March 14. Number 06, Reigning at Ringside in Ritchie (boxing), March 11. Number 05, Tales of Narda: Origin of the Magic Bat, February 28. Number 04, Clifford's Favorite Store (Ballentine), February 15. Number 03, Bases Loaded, Reel Two, (baseball movies) February 12. Number 02, Bases Loaded Remake (Sunset Boulevard), February 2. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 2. 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, TXU348663, TXU346055. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2008 __________________________________________________________