_________________________________________________________ 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 00451 _________________________________________________________ Volume XII, Number 22 Publisher and Author September 25, 2009 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, 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 TED WILLIAMS WEBSITE http://www.saveted.net _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: ABBOTT AND CUILLO IN PRACTICE MAKES PUPPIK On a brisk autumn afternoon, our traveling revitalized duo enjoy an outdoor Oktoberfest cookout at their favorite cafe and bakery along venerable Lee Highway down the road from the established Cherrydale neighborhood in Arlington, VA. Louise Cuillo consumes her third bratwurst with mustard, while long-time partner Buddie Abbott enjoys a warm slice of apple strudel for dessert. With league playoffs fast approaching, their topic of conversation eventually shifts from consumption of food to participation on the Virginia Flames, which remains Lou's current consuming passion and a topic constantly on her mind and in her heart. Bud: "Cuillo, one more huge hot dog like that and you'll have a worse stomachache than Babe Ruth in 1925!" Lou: "Yeah, Abbott, he certainly could woof them down, 'The Bellyache Heard Around the World!' April 9, 1925! I know all facts and dates about the 'Sultan of Swat!' Sometimes he'd eat four or five hot dogs during a game, and with mustard, of course!" Bud: "Hmmm, French's, Heinz's, Hellman's, Campbell's, or McCormick's?" Lou: "Campbell's is from Camden; gotta like New Jersey. McCormick's is from Baltimore; Babe Ruth might have used their brand. But, the best is French's! Your brother Harry, Jr. had it at Abbott's in Sea Breeze, and that's where it's made in Rochester." "I gotta keep the mustard growers and mustard factories open and busy by eating plenty of hot dogs." [munching] "Babe Ruth was our hero, and I'm suppose to 'emulate' him!" "You see, 'emulate!' You tossed out a new word to me the last time, and I was listening." Bud: "Yes, that's true, but I meant the use of 'emulate' to be applicable to positive characteristics. Naturally, you should emulate Ruth's hitting but not his eating." "Last time I said something about Laura, 'She's someone ballplayers should emulate,' that is to admire and model. I meant you should look for positive characteristics and admirable characteristics." Lou: "Admirable?! Abbott, we're not in the Navy, again?" Bud: "Be serious! We're talking baseball. Pay attention to knocking the ball around and not knockwurst, bratwurst, or sauerkraut." Lou: "Wolf grills them great, better than in any ballpark. And, flame broiled! See, it's those Flames!!!" Bud: "Back to that topic? Lou, when will you ever learn?" Lou: "You know that saying, 'Wait 'til next year!' Well, I'm not waiting! The season hasn't ended, and it's not over until we say it's over. When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! I have not yet begun to fight!" [somewhat aside] "Navy talk!" Bud: "Hmmm, I thought all of that was from 'Animal House!'" Lou: "Maybe, I could have been quoting Narda the admiral's daughter about Dean Rudy!" Bud: "You're still making one last futile effort which will never work as with all your other schemes to join the Flames. They're full-up, no trespassing, and beware the dog!" [somewhat aside] "Bogart in '...Sierra Madre.'" Lou: "Hey, Abbott, you said, 'I have Babe Ruth's swing and Esther Williams' style.' Then I could play right along side the Flames, and I always look great in red." Bud: "Even if JoAnn could make room for you on the roster, I seriously doubt she will go for your deliberate subterfuge to join the Flames. Not for one minute, not in this or any other life time. But, I'm your everlasting partner, and I have to listen. OK, what's your scheme this time?" Lou: "This one has gotta to work. This is a sure fire idea, just like the Flames!" [Lou gazes into blazing charcoals, and begins to speculate, as reflection of the flames shine in her eyes.] Lou: "The Flames have to practice, right?" Bud: "Well, naturally, that's correct, every good team has regular practices. This is no secret, and it's not unusual. Some players work on batting and fielding every day because practice makes perfect." Lou: "Sometimes when there aren't enough players available; managers, coaches, and friends assist on the field." Bud: "Yes, that's true, too." Lou: "Once at a joint practice at JEB Stuart Field, I helped catch during batting practice, and later before it ended was invited by Kristen to smack a few to the fence." Bud: "Naturally, you have Ruth's swing, and Esther Williams taught you not to put your 'foot in the bucket.'" Lou: "She also taught Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra in 1949!" Bud: "Say Ciullo, where are you going with this?" Lou: "At the Flames' practice, I'll show them how helpful I can be and how well I play. There are no rules about who could join the team in practice." Bud: "I think you may be right, but if there is an unwritten codicil, JoAnn would know about it and so inform you." "Practice is not a regular game, and certainly not a playoff. You could make a contribution to the team, after all you've actually seen Babe Ruth hit the ball." "Lou, this time I think you really may be on to something. You could prove your worth on the field in practice, and you'll be hitting and fielding with the Flames." Lou: "Yeah, my life-time ambition!" [aside] "...the second time around." Bud: "OK, let's assume for a moment this works, but remember nothing is guaranteed. The Flames still might not want you." "Now, considering all the field positions, which one would you prefer? You'll have to indicate where you want to play." Lou: "Well, right field is automatically reserved!" Duo: "Babe Ruth!" Bud: "Pitching is not your forte. Leave that assignment to Rosie and Jennie. And, shortstop is also taken." Duo: "Dr. Laura!" Lou: "I think I'd like the infield better because I won't have to run as much, and I'd be closer to the dugout." Bud: "OK, that seems reasonable. Usually, whoever is on first base is long and lanky to stretch and catch infield throws. So, let's be realistic, second and third remain. Do you have a preference?" Lou: "I Don't Know." Duo: "Third base!!!" [they jointly point abstractly to third] Bud: "You realize Lou third base is a difficult position on any field. You have to stop those hard grounders and line drives from getting into the outfield for doubles, and then it's a long throw across the infield to first. You'll have to be tough and on target." "JoAnn will ask you questions to determine if you can play that position. Laura will want to know if her right side is adequately covered. You'll have to be ready." Lou: "I'll be ready! Ask me anything about third base." Bud: "OK, here's your big chance, and you could easily miss this golden opportunity because of a few basic questions." Lou: "Go ahead, Abbott fire away with your best shots!" Bud: "OK, question one, what's your proper stance at third before the ball is hit?" Lou: "I gotta look like a catcher, knees bent, low to the ground, and on my toes so I can quickly move to the ball; either knock it down or better yet catch it for an out." "I gotta protect the line, and make sure the ball doesn't get into the outfield for extra bases. I'll have Laura on my left who has the range to handle almost anything." Bud: "Yes, Laura protects that entire side of the infield." "OK, next question, you pick-up a hard grounder and throw to first. Which is it, --sidearm, overhand, or underhand?" Lou: "Overhand! It's more accurate, and there is less chance for error because the throw should be vertically on target. With overhand, I can also arch the ball whenever necessary to reach the distance. Sidearm may be misdirected left or right, and underhand might never make it there on time." Bud: "And, with a bunt, what's the right toss?" Lou: "You can't fool me! With a bunt, I'm already playing in closer and lower to the ground. I'll pick up the ball bare-handed, and turn to sidearm the ball to first in one smooth movement. Sidearm is OK since I'm closer to first, and need to beat the runner." Bud: "How would you handle double plays?" Lou: "I wouldn't because that department is well covered." Duo: "Dr. Laura!" Bud: "OK, you'll do. Those answers should satisfy the Flames." "But, no more bratwurst or knockwurst! You're in training for the Flames. You don't want to be turned down for any reasons, and even in practice an aching puppik doesn't make perfect." Note: In spring training 1925, Babe Ruth suffered from lingering influenza and acute indigestion. In Asheville, NC, for a practice game, Ruth collapsed in exhaustion and was hospitalized missing the beginning of the 1925 season. In 1925, he only hit .290 with 25 homeruns. He vowed to improve the following year and did so with .372 and 47 homeruns, and during 1927 he hit .356 and smashed his record 60. Babe Ruth was Abbott and Costello's all time baseball hero. In the famous "Who's on First?" routine they never named a right fielder due to admiration and respect for Ruth. Beginning in 1956, "Who's on First," from the movie "Naughty Nineties" is continuously played in Cooperstown. Although the comedy duo never received an Oscar for any of their forty films, by comparison Lou Costello said this about that honor, "...to have a place alongside Babe Ruth's bat and Ty Cobb's glove, and other displays of immortal baseball names, is a greater glory." This is a series of new parodies featuring the famous comedy team. "Abbott and Ciullo in Practice Makes Puppik." September 25, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Ponder the Playoffs," September 18, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Lights-Out," September 8, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Join the Foreign Service," August 21, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Crown Miss Cherrydale," August 15, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Going Gipper," July 31, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in One-Two-Three," July 19, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Patience Please," July 3, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Jolson Sings Again," June 16, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo at Elysian Fields," May 24, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Say Hay," May 15, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Seek Esther Williams," April 30, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Visit the Batting Cages," April 9, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo at Spring Training," March 26, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo Celebrate George's Birthday," February 22, 2009; "Abbott and Ciullo in Washington," December 17, 2008; and "Abbott and Ciullo Meet Ted Williams," November 28, 2008. JoAnn Milliken is Commissioner of the Eastern Women's Baseball Conference (EWBC). She was inducted into the NWB Hall of Fame in October 2000, and in 2006 received the NWB Hall of Fame Triple Crown for her distinguished service as commissioner, manager, and player. In these Abbott and Costello parodies, the names were changed to Buddie Abbott and Louise Ciullo (derivation of Ciulla, NWB Hall of Fame in October 2003). 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 September 22, 1830 Caroline Astor birthdate, Knickerbocker society. September 22, 1927 Tommy Lasorda birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. September 23, 1908 Merkle error lost NY Giants the pennant. September 24, 1940 Jimmie Foxx 500th homerun. September 25, 1932 Olive Beech birthdate, co-founder Beech Aircraft. September 25, 1965 Satchel Paige pitches 3 inning shutout. September 26, 1948 Olivia Newton John birthdate, singer. September 27, 1923 Lou Gehrig first (1923) and last (1938) homerun. September 27, 1939 Kathy Whitworth birthdate, champion golfer. September 28, 1920 White Sox team indicted (later acquitted). September 28, 1941 Ted Williams .406 finish. September 28, 1951 Allie Reynolds pitches no hitter for pennant. September 29, 1942 Madeline Kahn birthdate, Tony Award actor. September 29, 1954 Willie Mays makes "the catch." September 30, 1927 Babe Ruth 60th homerun record. September 30, 1947 First televised World Series. September 30, 1981 Dominique Moceanu birthdate, Olympic athlete. 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 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 __________________________________________________________