_________________________________________________________ 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, 1998-2011 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, TXU622672, TXU2ACJSN, TXU707985, TXU726699, TXU721284, TXU738415. Issue Number 00496 _________________________________________________________ Volume XIV, Number 13 Publisher and Author September 29, 2011 Richard C. Jaffeson Washington, DC HallFame@usa.com http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame _________________________________________________________ 2011 NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTION(S) ROBIN GELMAN SEE THE WEBSITE FOR ALL "HALL OF FAMERS" http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame DIDRIKSON, HOWARD, NELSON, SCHILLACE, DANCER, FERGUSON, WINTER, KAMENSHEK, WRIGHT, LUKASIK, MILLIKEN, BALLENTINE, GEYER, WALLACE, CIULLA, GUIDACE, MACURIO, SHELDON, BEAUCHAMP, HUDSON, BRENNEMAN, FERENO, SWEENEY, DOMINGUEZ, TRIOLO, RANISZEWSKI, GIBBONS, WEAVER, MIDDLETON, MCGOVERN, QUIGLEY, MACGREGOR WHITACRE, HOFFMAN, GELMAN _________________________________________________________ A. COLUMN: ROCKIN' ROBIN IS REVERENT REVELER, WHILE UNANIMOUSLY VOTED INTO HALL A sure thing is rare in any sport. Experience warns that nothing on earth is 100% guaranteed in this lifetime with the exceptions of proverbial death and taxes, especially today the latter. But, this year's nomination and induction of Robin Gelman into the NWB Hall of Fame reflected that illusive condition to perfection, and could be represented by a characteristic expression when facing any difficult situation, "No sweat!" The voting this year by the national selection committee was without dissent welcoming Gelman to their sacred hall as mythical Valkyries would honor her to Valhalla. The unanimous ballots were cast from September 23-26, 2011 by email. Approval requires a minimum 75% affirmation of all those voting which was easily exceeded in this instance. Additional nominations are anticipated by October. Thirty-four (34) current and previous exceptional players (see masthead listing above) have preceded Gelman down this glorious path of recognition and immortalization over the past fourteen years. Congratulations to Robin Gelman upon attainment of this coveted national distinction, and also to her teammates, 2011 EWBC Champions, Montgomery County BarnCats. 2011 Induction NWB Hall of Fame Robin Gelman, 1998-current Pitcher, First Base, and Utility Infielder Montgomery County BarnCats Eastern Women's Baseball Conference (EWBC) In typical Gelman fashion, Rockin' Robin graciously offered the following acceptance remarks in sincere appreciation of many contributions from her BarnCats teammates. "As far as 'remarks for posterity,' if you could include in the newsletter this from me:" "To my fellow 2011 BarnCats:" "I cannot thank you enough for all of your kind words in behalf of this nomination, but more than that, I wanted to thank you for the team spirit and perseverance you showed this year. I would love to be able to tell you that pitching is easy – the pressure to perform can be at times a little overwhelming – even to a hard-head like me. Physically speaking, who knows how much longer I’ll be able to do this, recovering from 100+ pitches used to be a lot easier (ah yes, I remember it well), but I tell myself every January that as long as I’m able to run to first, I’m going to play baseball." "But, 3/4's of what I do, I can do because of you – because I have faith and confidence in my defense and I trust in the abilities of my teammates to execute and perform to the best of their abilities. I go out there and throw strikes, the rest is up to you. There is no feeling in the world like throwing that perfect low-n-outside curveball, or getting a good hitter to swing at a bad pitch. That is the high that keeps me coming back year after year and wanting more, but this year I discovered another ride just as good – coming back from behind in the late innings of a game. How many times this year did we do just that as a team? Give up a few runs early, and then shut them down defensively in the 2nd half and turn-on the offense juices! Your determination to win, the way you did it – by expecting to win and by making everyone on the team feel important and relevant - that’s worth coming back for next year too." "So, again, thank you for this honor. Hope to see you all back on the ballfield next year. Hey, we have a Championship to defend!" Robin D. Gelman September 28, 2011 Leesburg, Virginia Robin Gelman's words truly are "remarks for posterity," for in one hundred years when we all are gone, Robin's comments will still remain as reminders of not only her accomplishments but also the importance of a team effort to achieve success. "OFFICIAL WELCOME SONG TO HALLOFAMELAND" "We represent the LadyPop League, the LadyPop League, the LadyPop League. And, in the name of the LadyPop League, we wish to welcome you to HalloFameland." "We represent the BatterUp Guild, the BatterUp Guild, the BatterUp Guild. And, in the name of the BatterUp Guild, we wish to welcome you to HalloFameland." "Tra, la, la, la, la; tra, la, la, la, la. Tra, la, la, la, la; la, la." "And, from this day on you'll be history, oh, you'll be history, you'll be history. And, forever more we'll glorify your name, So you'll be honored as a bust, as a what? as a bust, as a bust, in the Hall of Fame!" "Tra, la, la, la, la; tra, la, la, la, la. Tra, la, la, la, la; ah, ha!" Note: Somewhat modified from the prologue to the "Yellow Brick Road," by Harold Arlen, 1939; in "The Wizard of Oz," L. Frank Baum, 1899. NWB HALL OF FAME INVITATION September 22, 2011 "Robin Gelman is a proposed nomination for 2011 induction into the NWB Hall of Fame. She has been a highly consistent and continuously proficient BarnCats player for many years whether pitching, fielding, or batting." "In one word 'Dependable!' like a Lou Gehrig at first base, but she can also hurl the ball, all of which is fortified with an excellent knowledge of the game. She can handle almost any situation, and nothing apparently phases Robin." "Last summer Coach Richard Bender put her on the mound with a difficult bases-loaded situation and her typical response was, 'No sweat!' She is a most reliable 'go to' player." Previous Fame Forum columns on Robin Gelman "Tenacious Top Twirler Tapped," Volume VIII, Number 20, November 21, 2005 "Orioles, Bluejays, and More Robins," Volume III, Number 64, December 16, 2000 STATEMENT: BARNCATS COACH RICHARD BENDER September 22, 2011 "I couldn't agree more with the choice of Robin Gelman for the HOF. This honor should have come LONG ago considering her outstanding performance on the baseball field for more than 10 years both in her capacities as a BarnCats' player and also playing for the Thunder tournament team." "It was Robin's outstanding performance in the NYC tournament some years ago that enabled our team to win the championship there against very strong competition, culminating with her victorious 92 pitch performance in the final game over nine innings. Robin continues to pitch with an incredible strike to ball ratio that ranges from 68-72% per game! And, let's not forget her hitting ability that has allowed me to place her in the meat of our lineup year after year." "Robin is a leader on the field with an incredible understanding and feeling of the game in every respect. There is no one who deserves the HOF honor more than she." STATEMENT: RENEE HUDSON, CURRENT EWBC FURIES MANAGER, AND FORMER MONTGOMERY COUNTY BARNCATS PLAYER/COACH 2004 NWB HALL OF FAME September 22, 2011 "Robin and I sat in the same dugout from 2002 to 2008. As teammates, we share pitching responsibilities for much of that time, though she also played first base and I played outfield. I remember often watching from centerfield as Robin's wicked curve ball confounded opposing batters. It wasn't uncommon for her to pitch entire games, and her control frequently seemed to improve as games wore on." "Robin was a caring, generous, brilliant, and fiercely competitive teammate. She was also a great role model to many young women learning to play baseball." "ORIOLES, BLUEJAYS, AND MORE ROBINS" Fame Forum, Volume III, Number 64 December 16, 2000 "ROCKIN' ROBIN GELMAN" "She rocks upon the diamond all day long, throwin', boppin', and singin' her song. Every BarnCat playin' and the Kelly Bee, love to see that Robin turn on the heat." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Go rockin' Robin, when curves are right, they're workin' and droppin' as strikes." "The chief catbird coachin' for his clan, taught her how to bop, and it was grand. She began thrown' steady, bless my soul, could out-hop the Nationals and Orioles." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Go rockin' Robin, when curves are right, they're workin' and droppin' as strikes." "Her nest of pitches are no bat's friend, Robin wings are the B'Cats best defense. If a player's on base, she doesn't mind, been around infields since the age nine." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Go rockin' Robin, when curves are right, they're workin' and droppin' as strikes." "She rocks upon the diamond all day long, throwin', boppin', and singin' her song. Every BarnCat playin' and the Kelly Bee, love to see that Robin turn on the heat." "Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee. Rockin' Robin, sing sing, twirlerly dee." "Twirlerly dee, twirlerly, twirlerly dee. Twirlerly dee, twirlerly, twirlerly dee. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Twirlerly dee!" Note: Significantly modified from "Rockin' Robin," originally composed by Jimmie Thomas, 1958. B. HISTORIC TIMELINE 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 01, 1903 First modern World Series Game. October 01, 1932 Babe Ruth World Series "called shot." October 01, 1961 Roger Maris 61st homerun record. October 01, 1963 Mark McGwire birthdate, MLB player. October 02, 1908 Addie Joss pitches perfect game. October 02, 1920 Pirates and Reds play triple-header. October 03, 1872 Fred Clarke birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 03, 1899 Gertrude Berg birthdate, radio pioneer. October 03, 1974 Frank Robinson named Cleveland manager. October 04, 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers win only World Series. October 04, 1969 First League Championship Series. October 05, 1824 Henry Chadwick birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 06, 1905 Helen Wills birthdate, tennis player. October 06, 1926 Babe Ruth 3 homeruns in World Series game. October 06, 1985 Phil Niekro 300th win. October 07, 1856 Moses Fleetwood Walker birthdate. October 07, 1904 Chuck Klein birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 08, 1949 Sigorney Weaver birthdate, actor. October 08, 1956 Don Larsen pitches World Series perfect game. October 09, 1890 Aimee McPhearson birthdate, revivalist minister. October 09, 1898 Joe Sewell birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 09, 1940 Joe Pepitone birthdate, NY Yankee player. October 10, 1900 Helen Hayes birthdate, award winning actor. October 10, 1924 Washington Senators win only World Series. October 11, 1900 Eddie Dyer birthdate, World Series MLB manager. October 11, 1939 Maria Bueno birthdate, tennis champion. October 12, 1906 Joe Cronin birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 13, 1754 Molly Pitcher birthdate, Revolutionary War soldier. October 13, 1876 Rube Waddell birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 13, 1903 Boston wins first World Series. October 14, 1905 Giants all shut-out World Series. October 15, 1830 Helen Jackson birthdate, US Indian Commissioner. October 15, 1945 Jim Palmer birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 16, 1900 Goose Goslin birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 16, 1969 Miracle Mets win World Series. October 17, 1848 Candy Cummings birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 17, 1859 Buck Ewing birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. October 17, 1956 Mae Jemison birthdate, Endeavor astronaut. October 18, 1836 Ellen Scripps birthday, newspaper owner. October 18, 1977 Reggie Jackson 3 World Series homeruns. October 19, 1876 Peter Brown birthdate, MLB Hall of Fame. 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. C. FAME FORUM ISSUES Volume XIV, 2011 Season Publications Number 13, Rockin' Robin is Reverent Reveler, September 29. Number 12, Gelman Hall of Fame Nomination Proceeds, September 22. Number 11, BarnCats Brandish Beleaguered Banner, August 31. Number 10, Abbott and Ciullo in the Footsteps of Ruth, July 23. Number 09, Abbott and Ciullo Find a Winsome Smile, July 13. Number 08, Abbott and Ciullo On the Level, July 7. Number 07, Abbott and Ciullo Tag the Joy Boys of Radio, June 26. Number 06, Abbott and Ciullo Ride With the Valkyries, June 5. Number 05, Abbott and Ciullo in Bratwurst, Knockwurst, and Crackerjacks, May 14. Number 04, Abbott and Ciullo Sing and Swing into Spring, April 9. Number 03, Abbott and Ciullo Kiss the Blarney Stone, March 17. Number 02, Abbott and Ciullo Tag-Up Their Base Lines, February 7. Number 01, That Was the Year That Was, January 1. D. 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 primary objective is to recognize achievement of women in regulation baseball in organized teams and leagues through awards and articles. The following programs are available, and applications may be requested by email and are also posted on the website. NWB HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS Nominations for the NWB Hall of Fame are due by October 15. Annual inductions may include four current and one previous players through formal application or candidate statement. NATIONAL MVP/MANAGER AWARDS Season MVP player and manager award nominations are due by December 31. Nominations could be from a manager or coach. One MVP per team and one manager may be selected annually. _________________________________________________________ NATIONAL WOMEN'S BASEBALL HALL OF FAME Richard C. Jaffeson, Executive Director PO Box 15282, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20825 301-847-0104 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, MD-672265, 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, TXU622672, TXU2ACJSN, TXU707985, TXU726699, TXU721284, TXU7238415. Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2011 __________________________________________________________