_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2009 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, TXU608273, TXU1Z5BTB, TXU2ACJSN, TXU34SIZX. Issue Number 00453 _________________________________________________________ Volume XII, Number 24 Publisher and Author October 5, 2009 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2009 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS DONNA MIDDLETON, KAREN MCGOVERN, NARDA QUIGLEY, AND THERESA MACGREGOR SEE THE WEBSITE FOR ALL "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame/albums DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, NELSON, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WINTER, WRIGHT, LUKASIK, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, SHELDON, BEAUCHAMP, HUDSON, BRENNEMAN, FERENO, SWEENEY, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO, RANISZEWSKI, GIBBONS, WEAVER, MIDDLETON, MCGOVERN, QUIGLEY, MACGREGOR TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: 2009 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS FOUR HONORED IN ANNUAL AUTUMN VOTE This year joining an ever-growing hallowed list comprised of accomplished and recognized players in women's baseball four more dynamic damsels of the diamonds were approved in October 2009 for induction into the NWB Hall of Fame. Approved were: Donna Middleton, Virginia Flames, EWBC; Karen McGovern, Philadelphia Terrors, PWBL; Narda Quigley, Philadelphia Rocks, PWBL; and Theresa MacGregor (former manager) Denver Women's Baseball League, DWBL. For these honored players, teams and dates are provided below along with nomination statements. Approval requires 75% affirmative vote of ballots casts by the National Selection Committee and current members of the NWB Hall of Fame. The former group consists of individuals involved in sports media and teams, and the latter represents players previously inducted into the NWB Hall of Fame who elect to vote. The website offers more information regarding procedures and requirements, and soon will be updated to honor 2009 selections. Balloting was conducted by email from October 1-4, 2009, and all nominations were approved. Three nominations were received via email by the September 30 due date, and the fourth was sent by regular mail received October 1 but was postmarked September 28 and thus qualified for inclusion. Congratulations to the following players! Donna Middleton, Virginia Flames and DC Thunder (tournament team) Eastern Women's Baseball Conference (EWBC) Submitted by JoAnn Milliken, Manager, Virginia Flames and EWBC Commissioner Karen McGovern, Philadelphia Terrors and Philadelphia Independence (tournament team) Philadelphia Women's Baseball League (PWBL) Submitted by Narda Quigley, Philadelphia Rocks and Philadelphia Independence, PWBL, Melissa Gibbons, Phoenixville Blue Crush and Philadelphia Independence, PWBL, and Malcolm Ford, Coach, Philadelphia Terrors and Philadelphia Independence, PWBL Narda Quigley, Philadelphia Rocks and Philadelphia Independence (tournament team) Philadelphia Women's Baseball League (PWBL) Submitted by Melissa Gibbons, Blue Crush and Philadelphia Independence, PWBL, and Narda Quigley, Philadelphia Rocks, and Philadelphia Independence, PWBL Theresa MacGregor, outfielder and pitcher Denver Women's Baseball League, Manager, 1994-2005 Chicago Storm (tournament team) Co-ed teams (Cardinals, A's, SunKings, and Cools) USA National Team, 2001, 2002, and 2003 San Jose Spitfires, 1997-1998 Ladies Professional League Submitted by Charlene Wright, pitcher NWB Hall of Fame, 1999 Philadelphia Independence (tournament team) _________________________________________________________ NOMINATION STATEMENTS _________________________________________________________ DONNA MIDDLETON (catcher, pitcher, utility fielder) Virginia Flames, 2000-current DC Thunder (tournament team) Eastern Women's Baseball Conference (EWBC) Statement (from JoAnn Milliken) "I am nominating Donna Middleton for induction into the National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame. She has been a reliable and enthusiastic member of the Virginia Flames for 10 years. Donna began her baseball career in 2000 as an outfielder, but we soon learned that she could play any position and play it well." "During her first few years with the Flames she played every position, including pitcher and catcher." "Donna was the team's MVP in 2003 and 2004, contributing valuable performances on the mound, at the plate (batting .609), and behind the plate." "In 2004, she saved the Flames when the starting pitcher became injured early in the season. Donna was key in pitching the Flames to 1st place with a 10-2 regular season record. Her solid performances at pitcher and catcher were instrumental in the Flames six consecutive championships from 2003 to 2008." "The keys to Donna's success are hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. It's been an honor and a pleasure to have her as a teammate." Prior "Fame Forum" articles about Donna Middleton include the following posted on the website (see "Newsletters"). "Evening Star Reporting (MVP's)" Volume VII, Number 39, November 8, 2004 "Phi Lambda Alpha House (MVP's)" Volume VI, Number 31, December 7, 2003 _________________________________________________________ KAREN McGOVERN (center fielder, left fielder, first base) Philadelphia Terrors, 2006-current Philadelphia Independence (tournament team), 2004-current Philadelphia Thunder, 2004 Philadelphia Women's Baseball League (PWBL) Statement (from Karen McGovern) "Baseball wasn’t an option for girls when I was growing up in Long Island, NY, so I played softball, basketball, and soccer. During the summer between 8th and 9th grades, my family moved to Connecticut and my brother and I spent every day hitting baseballs to each other in our huge new front yard. I loved the challenge of chasing monstrous fly balls over long distances and diving in the grass to catch them." "When school started, I switched to track, where I became a javelin thrower, among other things. The javelin would take me through college at the University of Pennsylvania, and later, overseas to Ireland." "Because I hold dual citizenship, I was able to compete internationally for Ireland from 1984-1988. After the 1988 Olympics, I retired from javelin throwing, and to this day, I hold the Irish national record for the women’s javelin throw." "Soon after, I returned to team sports having missed the social aspects of softball, soccer, and basketball. A friend was playing on a women’s baseball team, and I went to cheer for her whenever possible. At some point, they were short of players for a tournament team, so I joined them for a weekend and really enjoyed myself. Soon after, that team folded, and I forgot about baseball." "In February 2004, I saw a notice in the Philadelphia Inquirer for a women’s baseball practice indoors. I saw a familiar face in Mel Gibbons and hoped I could keep up." "We formed the Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League, and I found I had a new calling. Over the last six years, I helped to find players, organize teams, recruit coaches, and plan for our annual tournament over Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia." "Using training principles common to all sports, I created an indoor winter training program stressing injury prevention and core strength-building. It gives me much joy to watch new players realize that they, too, can play this great game. As I get older and see this new generation of women baseball players excelling at the game I love, I will step back and continue to share my experiences with any who will listen. Women’s baseball is here to stay!" Statement (from Narda Quigley) "After Mel Gibbons and I had gotten in contact through JoAnn Milliken to begin brainstorming about a women’s baseball league in Philadelphia, we announced our first indoor workout through a contact at the Inquirer. We were unsure as to whether anyone would show up—we certainly didn’t expect that the first person to arrive would turn out to be instrumental in the founding and development of our league." "Karen McGovern’s energy, enthusiasm, and experience have been invaluable to the existence and continued success of the Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League. Karen was willing to take on a leadership role that very first season with the league in 2004. She lobbied her friends from a local softball league to join our league, and the Philadelphia Thunder (with Karen as their captain) were born." "Each year, Karen’s team faced significant challenges with respect to motivation, attrition, and baseball pedagogy. In response, Karen has actively worked to create opportunities for league players to be exposed to more competition (she was instrumental in starting the league’s tournament team in Fall 2004), more learning (she developed our off-season workout program and recruited two of our three league coaches), and more fun (her legendary lucky charm, the 'Lucky Dead Thing,' travels in her bag and brings lots of laughs to the league’s tournament team)." "In 2006, the Thunder was reborn as the Terrors. Karen has served as Captain of the Thunder/Terrors for the last six years." "Last, Karen’s outstanding skills and competitive spirit have been motivational and inspiring. Her humble, learning-oriented, patient approach to both offense and defense have earned her both respect and friendship across the league." Statement (from Malcolm Ford, Coach) "Karen is a deserving candidate for induction into the NWB Hall of Fame. Her strengths are her professionalism and her simultaneous awareness of the game and team dynamics." "Karen is always looking to improve her game. She plays through pain, and she is unselfish. At the plate, she is able to turn on the ball, and hit it where it is pitched consistently. In the outfield, she uses her speed and knowledge of the game to make the best of her abilities." _________________________________________________________ NARDA QUIGLEY (catcher, outfielder) Philadelphia Rocks, 2005-current Philadelphia Independence (tournament team), 2004-current Philadelphia Clash, 2004 Philadelphia Women's Baseball League (PWBL) Virginia Flames, 2000-2003 Eastern Women's Baseball Conference (EWBC) Statement (from Narda Quigley) "I love baseball. I grew up in Potomac, MD, occasionally going to Orioles games at Memorial Stadium with my father, a longtime Baltimore fan. As a small child, I rounded up the neighborhood kids to play baseball in the backyard. When I was in 4th grade, my dad signed me up for community softball. It didn’t challenge me enough. The following year, I began playing baseball on an all-boys team. I continued to play until 8th grade, when coaches recommended I switch to softball if I wanted to play in college. I made the switch and played varsity softball through high school at Sidwell Friends. I enjoyed my team and coaches there immensely and adjusted to fastpitch softball." "During my sophomore and junior years, we were the Independent Schools League (ISL) champions. During my freshman year of college, I walked on to the softball team at the University of Pennsylvania and played on the team for all four years." "After graduating, I returned back to the DC area to start a doctoral program in organizational behavior at the University of Maryland, College Park. A friend told me about the Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference. I missed the camaraderie of softball intensely and was thrilled to return to my baseball roots, so I joined the league in the winter of 2000." "At my first indoor practice, I remembered how much I loved the feel of the weight and size of a baseball while throwing, catching, and batting." "I played with the Virginia Flames throughout graduate school. The Flames gave me an incredible outlet, —I loved the competition, the social aspects of the team, and the exercise. I found that my game improved each season I played, which was a surprise. The Flames won the EWBC championship several times during my years playing with them. My experience on the Flames frequently made me reflect on how it is a shame that most adult women don’t have a chance to participate in the nation’s pastime, and how adults can continue to improve at the sport even after most organized playing opportunities are long past." "My first job after graduate school was a postdoc at the University of Pennsylvania. I was back in Philadelphia, which was exciting, but I knew of no women’s baseball opportunities there." "During the winter of 2003-04, I began conversations with JoAnn Milliken, Susan Winthrop (New York Women’s Baseball Association, Adriane Adler (East Coast Women’s Baseball League), and Mel Gibbons about what we could do to start a Philadelphia-area league. With help from Mel, Karen McGovern, Lois and John DeBenedictis, Steve Bandura, and a few other dedicated individuals, the Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League (PWBL) was born." "I have served as an organizer of the PWBL and player for the last six years. I firmly believe that organized baseball opportunities should be available to women of all ages and skill levels. The PWBL has sought to provide a fun, learning-oriented, and competitive environment for women who wish to play. My experience with the league has been challenging, enjoyable, and absolutely unique. I hope to formalize the shared nature of the leadership of the league during this off-season with the development of a governing board." "While I have never been an outstanding player in terms of physical ability on any team, I think my primary contribution is motivational. I enjoy hustling whenever possible, leading on the field (particularly as a catcher), and generally appreciating the chance to get dirty on the basepaths. I greatly enjoy supporting my team members and helping them become the best players they can be." Statement (from JoAnn Milliken for 2003 MVP) "Narda is also a versatile team member, playing both outfield and catcher, and she is learning to pitch. Narda is a demon on the basepath with her famous hook slide. She plays in dirt better than anyone on our team. She is most endearing for her spirit. Narda really sparks the team, makes us laugh by creating nicknames for everyone, and spouting words of wisdom for our batters." Prior "Fame Forum" articles about Narda Quigley include the following posted on the website (see "Newsletters"). "Tales of Narda: Origins of the Magic Bat" (UMCP dissertation description) Volume VII, Number 39, November 8, 2004 "Phi Lambda Alpha House (MVP's)" Volume VI, Number 31, December 7, 2003 _________________________________________________________ Theresa MacGregor, outfielder and pitcher Denver Women's Baseball League, Manager, 1994-2005 Chicago Storm (tournament team) Co-ed teams (Cardinals, A's, SunKings, and Cools) USA National Team, 2001, 2002, and 2003 San Jose Spitfires, 1997-1998 Ladies Professional League Submitted by Charlene Wright, pitcher NWB Hall of Fame, 1999 Philadelphia Independence (tournament team) Statement (from Charlene Wright) "Theresa has been a regular contributor and member of the women's baseball community for even longer than I have played (begun 1994). I have played against her in many tournaments in Arizona, Florida, New England and with her. She played center field on our national championship team, Chicago Storm. And, we played together on the national team that went to Australia in 2003." "When I think of the women's baseball culture, Theresa has always been and will continue to be a big part of it; contributing with her play, her energy and fun, her expertise, and most of all her competitive drive." "She is a good role model for the younger players, and I would hope she would always be on my team!" _________________________________________________________ B. NWB HALL OF FAME PRODUCTS These baseball items are available from the NWB Hall of Fame: commemorative buttons (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999), t-shirts, caps, and bats. Also, free commemorative ribbons are available. The website homepage has an order form, and the photo page displays several items. C. HISTORIC TIMELINE October 1, 1903 First modern World Series Game. October 1, 1932 Babe Ruth World Series "called shot." October 1, 1961 Roger Maris 61st homerun record. October 1, 1963 Mark McGwire birthdate, MLB player. October 2, 1908 Addie Joss pitches perfect game. October 2, 1920 Pirates and Reds play triple-header. October 3, 1872 Fred Clarke birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 3, 1899 Gertrude Berg birthdate, radio pioneer. October 3, 1974 Frank Robinson named Cleveland manager. October 4, 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers win only World Series. October 4, 1969 First League Championship Series. October 5, 1824 Henry Chadwick birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 5, 1959 Maya Lin birthdate, architect. October 6, 1905 Helen Wills birthdate, tennis player. October 6, 1926 Babe Ruth 3 homeruns in World Series game. October 6, 1985 Phil Niekro 300th win. October 7, 1856 Moses Fleetwood Walker birthdate. October 7, 1904 Chuck Klein birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 8, 1949 Sigorney Weaver birthdate, actor. October 8, 1956 Don Larsen pitches World Series perfect game. October 9, 1890 Aimee McPhearson birthdate, revivalist minister. October 9, 1898 Joe Sewell birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 9, 1940 Joe Pepitone birthdate, NY Yankee player. D. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume XII, 2009 Season Publications Number 24, 2009 NWB Hall of Fame Inductions, October 5. Number 23, 2009 Nominations for Induction (NWB/HoF), October 1. Number 22, Abbott and Ciullo in Practice Makes Puppik, September 25. Number 21, Abbott and Ciullo Ponder the Playoffs, September 18. Number 20, 2009 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, September 16. Number 19, Abbott and Ciullo in Lights-Out, September 8. Number 18, Sacred Isis Favors the Barncats, September 1. Number 17, Nike's Midsummer Night Team, August 28. Number 16, Abbott and Ciullo Join the Foreign Service, August 21. Number 15, Abbott and Ciullo Crown Miss Cherrydale, August 15. Number 14, Visions from Doctor Laura's Eyes, August 11. Number 13, Abbott and Ciullo in Going Gipper, July 31. Number 12, Abbott and Ciullo in One-Two-Three, July 19. Number 11, Abbott and Ciullo in Patience Please, July 3. Number 10, Abbott and Ciullo in Jolson Sings Again, June 16. Number 09, 2009 NWB Hall of Fame Induction Form, June 5. Number 08, Abbott and Ciullo at Elysian Fields, May 24. Number 07, Abbott and Ciullo in Say Hay, May 15. Number 06, Abbott and Ciullo Seek Esther Williams, April 30. Number 05, Abbott and Ciullo Visit the Batting Cages, April 9. Number 04, Abbott and Ciullo at Spring Training, March 26. Number 03, Abbott and Ciullo Celebrate George's Birthday, February 22. Number 02, Commemorative NWB Hall of Fame Buttons, February 20. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 2. 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 with candidate statement. NATIONAL MVP/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. _________________________________________________________ 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, TXU608273, TXU1Z5BTB, TXU2ACJSN, TXU34SIZX. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2009 __________________________________________________________