Thursday, October 30, 2003
The KOM League
Flash Report
for October 27, 2003
Disclaimer: Not all the articles mentioned in this report represent the opinion of the management or his family. There is a great variety of opinion on various subjects that are aired by the readership. In many cases this is the largest forum that some people will have in airing their views about places, people and things and not necessarily in that order.
So, if you want to be entertained, made irate or puzzled these Flash Reports are suggested reading--sometimes.
None of you have to worry about an immediate response to any item in this report for my bags are packed, the truck is filled with petrol and I am going west by southwest for another week of attempting to make a living in the world of work. Thus, if you wish to retort with messages that are well-reasoned, unbiased, unopinionated, and above all--fair you will have a week to craft those responses. I probably wouldn't understand that high degree of communication but as writers you can develop those type of responses and feel proud for so doing..
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He loves to see George Steinbrenner squirm and admires David Wells conditioning program.
John
Does it do your heart as much good as it does mine to watch George Steinbrenner squirm in his luxury box while the ' Fish ' play harder and more effectively to beat the " Yankers " than his team plays to win the Series? Don't know how the Series will come out but, to me, George represents everything that is wrong with baseball and I hope he suffers the humiliation of losing to a bunch of guys that, outside of Pudge, no one ever heard of before that will be playing next year for other teams. ?What is it going to take to have a meaningful salary cap in baseball like every other major sport?.....and save the game.
Typical of the Yanker's attitude toward The Game is the way that Lard Ass David Wells has publicly ridiculed pitchers that work out to stay in shape to help their team win. His 60 lbs. of beer gut put too much strain on his back at just the right time in Game 5 to aggravate George Steinbrenner's angina. One inning and then he walked off the field for the last time. I doubt that he will ever play again. I wonder what the Vegas odds are for George picking up David's 6 million option in 2004?
$180 million Bronx payroll up against less than a third of that down in the rain belt. Hope Bud S. gets the message. Do you think the Fox network ratings for the postseason would be as astronomical as they are now if the series was between the Yankers and the Braves? The Barry Bonds and the Braves went home early (and almost the Yankers) to watch teams play that seem to love the game. Sorry that the Series could not be between the Twins and the Marlins so Bud S. could really have a wake-up call. Perhaps the death of baseball has been prematurely reported. Neil
Ed Note: The term "Yankers" is not a misspelling on the part of the guy sending the article.
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John Hall 1---Hall of Fame 0
John, my Dad has not seen this photo, he is down in Arizona for the rest of the winter. But what you say makes a lot of sense I went back through the old 1948 Twin Falls Souvenir Program and looked at the old pictures of Gil McDougald and that is definitely him (in the 1950 Beaumont photo). I Also brought the photo over to Charlie Metro's house today and he said that is Rogers Hornsby. I called my dad and he said in 1950 he was in Salt Lake and while he did know Rogers Hornsby he never played for him in Beaumont .That means my sister was right she said from day one that the guy in that photo was not my dad while 2 of my brothers thought it was him for sure. It does look a lot like him, had me fooled too. I'll have to call Cooperstown and tell them that this photo date is wrong.
By the way Charlie Metro is having \hip surgery on Tuesday and he will be laid up in bed for awhile and if anyone would like to write to him email me at bearswon@yahoo.com and I will give you his address, Thanks Steve Danielson.
Ed Note: This past week Steve Danielson sent along a photo that was purportedly of the 1949 Beaumont Roughriders of the Texas League. Looking at the photo and then comparing it with photos from that same era indicated pretty quickly that what Steve had was a 1950 Beaumont team photo. It was easy to identify since the faces in the photo--Clint "Scrap Iron" Courtney, Gil McDougald and Rogers Hornsby were all at Beaumont in 1950 not 1949.
I will admit that I "treaded lightly" in one of my assertions. Steve's family had voted 2-1 that one guy in the photo was their dad. However, my observation led me to initially assert it was Elwin Tappe. But, since I have offended so many people in recent months, especially when it comes to photos, I caved in to the family majority opinion on that one.
The bigger issue is that Hall of Fame receives a lot of stuff and it is very difficult to verify everything received. Sometimes a little "independent" research from the hinterlands is beneficial. At least I trust it is accepted in that vein.
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Neil Huff update: Recently, the death of Neil Huff--Bartlesville '49 was reported. He owned the Lake Mead Tavern in Las Vegas. This is a story of an incident that occured last year at his place of business.
After reading that article a somewhat similar incident that happened to former Chanute Owl-Emil Malattia came to mind. So, this article deals with two tragic bar incidents.
Friday, February 22, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Man charged after beating victim dies
Bartender dies from injuries sustained in Dec. 13 attack at Lake Mead Tavern
By J.M. KALIL
REVIEW-JOURNAL
A jailed man accused of bashing a bartender in the head with a baseball bat during a tavern robbery two months ago was rebooked on a murder charge Thursday afternoon after the victim died from his injuries.
Las Vegas police said former bartender Richard Adamicki, 52, died early Thursday in a local rehabilitation center from injuries he suffered in the Dec. 13 attack at the Lake Mead Tavern, 5841 E. Lake Mead Blvd.
Samuel Isaac Marquez, 30, was arrested in connection with the attack and has been jailed at the Clark County Detention Center on felony counts of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, robbery with a deadly weapon and burglary.
Lt. Tom Monahan said authorities dropped the attempted murder charge and booked Marquez on a charge of murder with a deadly weapon.
On Dec. 13, police officers responded at 2:30 a.m. to an alarm at the bar near Nellis Boulevard. They arrived and found Adamicki bleeding profusely from the head, Monahan said.
According to Marquez's arrest report, a surveillance tape obtained by police captured the beating, as well as the events before and after it.
According to the report, the tape shows a man entering the bar about 12:20 a.m. and drinking two beers. Other bar patrons leave, and about 1:40 a.m., the man walks over to where Adamicki is sitting alongside the bar. The tape shows the man pulling a baseball bat from his pants and striking the bartender.
After the bartender is knocked to the floor, the man strikes him in the head again with the bat, the report says. The man then takes money from two cash registers, and also takes the bartender's wallet.
A follow-up investigation led police to Marquez, who lives in an apartment behind the tavern, about a block away.
The suspect shown on the tape looks like Marquez, the report says. Police found a bloody bat inside Marquez's apartment, as well as clothing matching the type worn by the suspect in the video, the report says.
Ed Comment: There was another former KOM Leaguer who ran a the Barrel Inn in Cicero, Illinois and lived downstairs. Thieves broke in one night, ate his food, drank his beer and took his life. 20 years later cold case detectives found two fellows who they charged with the crime and at last report they were in the Cook County Jail in Chicago.
I got hold of one of the detectives and he said he would let me know what transpired in that case. It has been nearly years and I have never heard
anything. I guess justice for Emil Murph Malattia is slow in coming.
This is part of the story that was carried in the February 1999 edition of that seldom read publication, The KOM League Remembered. "
The following describes the current state of the criminal process. The KOMLR will follow this story to its conclusion and keep the readers apprised.
Chicago Sun-Times Friday, August 14, 1998. By Mark Skertic
Nineteen years ago Emil "Murph" Malattia said good-night to his patrons, closed his north Cicero tavern for the evening and went into the basement to sleep on a cot.
It was the last time anyone saw him alive. Sometime that night gunmen entered the Barrel Inn, emptied the cash register, drank his liquor, ate snacks found near the bar and shot Malattia four times.
This week, two men were arrested and charged with the crime.
Willis McEwan, 41, of Des Plaines, and Robert Tamalunas, 36 of Cicero, have been charged with first degree murder and burglary in the Jan. 22, 1979 crime. Both are being held in Cook County Jail without bond.
The investigation was conducted by a joint Cicero-State Police homicide task force formed by Cicero officials four months ago to, in part, re-examine a backlog of unsolved cases—including several old homicides.
The task force reinterviewed witnesses and pored over shell casings and other evidence kept locked in an evidence room, though they would not explain exactly what allowed them to crack the case.
The next article appeared in the Cicero newspaper.
Police have suspects in '79 town murder. By Cathryn Gran
A Cicero man was one of two people charged Tuesday in the 1979 fatal shooting of a town tavern owner.
Police announced the joint homicide task force of the Cicero Police Department and Illinois state police charged Robert Tamalunas, 36, of 1434 S. 49th Ave. and Willis McEwan, 41, of Des Plaines with first degree murder and burglary. The two are being held without bond in Cook County Jail.
According to a story in the Jan. 24, 1979 issue of The LIFE, Emil Malattia, 61, the owner of the Barrel Inn at 5001 W. 14th St., had been shot at least three times in the chest with a small caliber weapon. Malattia lived in the tavern basement in what police described as "makeshift" sleeping quarters. Police said he appeared to have been shot while sleeping.
The location currently is a grocery store, according to Michael Maley, Cicero's interim first deputy police superintendent and a lieutenant with the Illinois state police.
Malattia was last seen just before midnight Jan. 22, 1979, when he locked up the tavern for the night, according to The LIFE report. He was discovered around 10 o'clock the next morning after a regular patron alerted Malattia's brother, Dominick, that his brother had not yet opened the tavern as he usually did "at 9 a.m. sharp."
Police investigating the shooting said cabinets behind the bar area had been ransacked, and the cash register had been emptied. Police said they could not determine how much cash, if any, was taken.
Malattia was a lifelong Cicero resident who took over operation of the tavern in 1946, shortly after he was discharged from the Army, according to The LIFE report. The tavern previously had been run by other family members.
Deputy Bernard Harrison Thursday said evidence suggested the suspects spent some time in the building eating and drinking.
"The leads fit together in way they never did before," Harrison said, explaining how the task force pieced together information leading to the arrests.
The task force that arrested the suspects is made up of three Cicero Police Department detectives, two state police special agents on one state police sergeant.
Maley praised the task force, calling its work "very significant" considering the length of time that had elapsed between the murder and the arrests.
Ed request:
If any of you in the Chicago area ever run across the disposition of that case please advise. Thanks jgh
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Help!!!
Hi John, I was wondering if you could find the stats on an old ballplayer named "Leon Griffith." My son-in-law knows him from coming into his automotive shop. He guessed his age as in his 70s or even about 75. But that is just a guess. All I know is his name, and that he was from "up north someplace." (North of Durham, NC, that is --- but maybe even from the upper midwest, I don't know.)
If anyone can find this info, I know you can!
Are you enjoying the World Series? --Bill O'Donnell
Ed Note: I am not capable of finding the stats on Leon Griffith but I am sure there is a reader out there who can come up with them. The second question is easy to answer. Yes, I enjoyed the outcome of the World Series. It is one of the first things that I have correctly predicted in years. I told all the folks around Columbia even before the playoffs began that it wouldn't surprise me a lot if the Marlins took it all.
As far as I was concerned they had the best team--not necessarily the biggest names. Another thing they had going for them was Jack McKeon. For you non-KOM League reunion attendees let me give you my impression of McKeon. He is in looks and temperament the identical twin of Eldon Yung--Miami, Okla. '50 and frequent contributor to this Flash Report. Hey Eldon, did anyone else ever tell you that?
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A website link for Bartlesville
Here's a link about a possible baseball team in Bartlesville. It's in the Southwestern League, a proposed new independent league. Bob Lipp, the director, was president of the Arizona-Mexico League in 2002. That league folded after a couple of weeks.
A spokesman for the city says Lipp hasn't contacted him yet.
Lipp found out about Bill Doenges Stadium from surfing the internet! He looked at www.ballparkwatch.com, wheret he link below came from, and www.digitalballparks.com, which just happens to have pictures of Bill Doenges Stadium taken by yours truly.
http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/display/inn_sports/s066.txt Tim Perry
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Mazilli not #1 with some former Ranger backers
John: That kissing _ _ _ _ (stuff) is Urbina. He is a real weird guy (he was here for awhile) and I think Pudge is trying to keep his emotional wheels on long enough to finish the Series. ???Why aren't you watching it?? If you get past all the owner's and some player's greed, you would see some really good baseball. And, as much as I think I know about the game, I always learn something from Tim McCarver's comments.
I see where Baltimore wants to interview Lee Mazzilli for the manager's job. Any mention of Mazzilli always brings to mind the time that I shared a table with him at a Ranger's Fan Appreciation Dinner in the early 80's when he played here. Also at the table was a young woman who worked with my wife as a salesperson. It was obvious that Mr. Mazzilli was there because he had no contract option that prevented his being at that table with the common season ticket holders. His distaste for the common man was made worse by his New York native distain for being exiled to the hopelessness of the wilds of Texas and to the hapless Rangers. After several failed attempts by some of us at the table to engage Mazzilli in conversation the aforementioned young woman very calmly asked Mazzilli "Are you always an _ _ _hole in public Mr. Mazzilli or are you just making a special effort for us?" It got very quiet before we all (except Lee of course) erupted in laughter and proceeded to enjoy an unusually good banquet meal and each other's company. Mazzilli left before the speeches began. We did not lament that fact. He may be a good baseball mind but, to seven of us in Arlington he will always be an _ _ _ hole.
We might as well play the entire major league schedule in Puerto Rico - it would result in more guys getting to spend time at home with their families. Anonymous in Arlington.
Ed Note:
I must admit that the foregoing message was precipitated by my asking why Pudge had to kiss his pitcher. Well, I got an answer and more. To all you Mazilli fans remember that the foregoing was written by someone who had a brief and unpleasant encounter him. This publication takes no stand on either Rodriguez and Urbina kissing in public or Mazilli's action during the 80's. However, as I mentioned to Bill Clark in a recent conversation, had the New York Mets catcher, Mike Piazza, been caught kissing one of his pitchers the entire sports media would have made a bigger deal out of it than the "Kobe Bryant Romp in the Colorado Rockies."
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Names mentioned in recent Flash Reports that stir memories
Loren Babe how many pages could be written on that name????? Dave Newkirk
AMEN Liston was slow and is still slow in baseball they clocked him with a calendar and now they use the almanac Newk-R (but not the bomb) Did Babcock ever get his shoes back?
Ed Note: I was aware that Liston has lost a step or two from first to third on a hit and run single. However, the issue of Babcock getting his shoes back leaves me in a quandary. It the reference is in regard to losing them at the recent reunion, then I was unaware that incident had transpired. If you are referring to him "losing" his shoes in Carthage back in 1951 then I know something about that. But you can rest assured that story is safe from this source ever revealing the details. (Babcock, go ahead and send your monthly "hush" payment.)
Out of the "real, real past."
Ben Paschal, ah, a name out of the real, real past. I knew him well when I was a reporter in Charlotte, NC, and he worked for an oil company. A
really kind, down to earth man he was. And let's not forget Sam Byrd, the outfielder, who later gave up baseball for golf and not a moment too soon.
Won on the PGA Tour, and finished high in the Masters one year, the best baseball-to-golf switch in sports, Rick Rhoden to the contrary. ---furman bisher (Atlanta Constitution)
Ed Note: In preparing these reports as well as the KOM League Remembered newsletter, there is always a conscious effort to drop in as many names as possible. It is done for there is usually someone out there who will recognize the name and in most cases it will bring back some fond memories
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Another reunion attendee
John, Since it is close by I may try to attend 2004 reunion. I am retiring (again) this year and will probably be looking for something to do about that time. I owe you for the KOMLR so will get a check in the mail. We plan to come over to Columbia today as our girl' softball team is playing for the state championship as 4:00 art Rainbow field.
Everett Ralston--Jefferson City, MO by way of the 1957 graduating class at Carthage, MO High School.
Bill and Delores Clark on board
The scouting days of Bill Clark who wears a bunch of World Series rings from the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves are coming to a close. His most recent employer, the San Diego Padres, let the contracts of a "bunch" of their scouts expire.
Clark doesn't have a computer. Thus, these Flash Reports are picked up by his son who in turns prints them. When Bill returns from a trip such as to Australia--which he did a week ago--there is a pile of these reports awaiting him. After about a week of reading these missives--and getting through about half of them-- Clark called and set up a dinner engagement. It will transpire about the time the sun goes down on October 26. Then, by the time the sun comes up on the 27th the old KOM League truck will turn over its 200,000th mile as it heads into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and another "week on the road." That is the good news for most readers--fewer Flash Reports.
Let me do an instant replay of the Clark story. During Clark's most recent call he said that Mr. & Mrs. Clark are volunteering their services to Mr. & Mrs. Hall on the planning and conducting of the 2004 KOM League reunion. That is about the best news I have heard since Mrs. Noah said to her husband, "Honey, I think the rain is about over and we can let those stinking elephants 'go' outdoors from now on."
The Clarks have extensive experience in planning events in the City of Columbia. Bill has conducted national weightlifting events in this town in the past.
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Nick Najjar is found
Nick and Anne Najjar missed the last reunion due to a move they were making at the time. They gave up their 15 Franklin Avenue in Medford, Mass. for a new residence at 15 Constitution Road in Stoneham. Mass.
Nick said to tell all you "good guys" hello. So, from Nick Najjar, the oldest surviving former player in the KOM League, you have just been sent that message.
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Pappy not doing good
Perennial KOM League reunion favorite Oscar "Pappy" Walterman reported that he enjoyed the last reunion and especially the meals. Since the reunion he has spent most of his time going to see his physician. Pappy's condition is exacerbated by the amount of radiation he received back in 1995. He is now undergoing blood transfusions every 3-4 months. A number of other maladies plague Pappy and I don't think that receiving a card from some of you fellows would make him the least bit upset. Make his day by sending cards and notes to:
Oscar B. "Pappy" Walterman
P.O. Box 144
Foristell, MO 64448
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Batboy back in touch
Guy Crow batboy of the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids from 1944-48 checked in this afternoon. Guy and his wife attended the KOM League reunion at Carthage along with three other members of the Whiz Kids.
Guy was intrigued by the reunion being held in 2004 at the Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia, Missouri. He lives just a few blocks from the inn of the same name in Galena, Illinois.
Guy drives a "big rig" all over the United States. He reads these Flash Reports and the KOM League Remembered newsletter and is amazed at some of the places where the former KOM Leaguers are residing these days. Don't be surprised if you get a call from him some day when he is in your town. You will find him as interesting as I do. He can regale you with stories about the Whiz Kids that few people could top. The reason for his most recent call was to secure the telephone numbers of a couple of the former Baxter boys. Ben Craig was high on his list of desired numbers. He recalls catching the former Whiz Kid hurler prior to Craig going off to play professional baseball. Without doubt Craig had the strongest arm of any of the Whiz Kids, according to Guy. He also caught Mantle's knuckleball on the sidelines that Mickey had learned from Charles "Frog" Heavin. Frog called it his "curly knuckle inshoot." Frog told Mickey that when became famous he would tell others that there was a shortstop at Baxter that he also taught to throw the knuckler. Frog, along with many of the Whiz Kids, thought they were better baseball players than the kid from Commerce, Oklahoma and for at least one season, they were.
I had better watch it or one of the chapters in the yet-to-be published book on Mantle will be revealed. Back to Guy Crow. As cited he lives in Galena, Illinois about a block from the home of Ulyssess S. Grant. He said that at one time during the Civil War that there were seven Generals in the Union Army from Galena. He declared that to be the height of the spoils system.
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Reminder----have you made plans to attend the KOM League reunion in 2004? If not, start cogitating on the matter real soon.
If you have made plans to attend have you also decided who else to invite so that you won't show up and not know any of your former teammates?
Some fellows have met former KOM Leaguers at reunions who were not their teammates and they have found they like their new friends better than some of their former teammates.
KOM League events have graduated from being gatherings of teammates only to that of a "Family Affair." Come and join the next reunion and see what I mean.
If any former attendee would like to put in their two cents as to why someone who hasn't showed up in the past should attend send me that reason and it will be printed in the next and upcoming Flash Reports.
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Flash Report
for October 27, 2003
Disclaimer: Not all the articles mentioned in this report represent the opinion of the management or his family. There is a great variety of opinion on various subjects that are aired by the readership. In many cases this is the largest forum that some people will have in airing their views about places, people and things and not necessarily in that order.
So, if you want to be entertained, made irate or puzzled these Flash Reports are suggested reading--sometimes.
None of you have to worry about an immediate response to any item in this report for my bags are packed, the truck is filled with petrol and I am going west by southwest for another week of attempting to make a living in the world of work. Thus, if you wish to retort with messages that are well-reasoned, unbiased, unopinionated, and above all--fair you will have a week to craft those responses. I probably wouldn't understand that high degree of communication but as writers you can develop those type of responses and feel proud for so doing..
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He loves to see George Steinbrenner squirm and admires David Wells conditioning program.
John
Does it do your heart as much good as it does mine to watch George Steinbrenner squirm in his luxury box while the ' Fish ' play harder and more effectively to beat the " Yankers " than his team plays to win the Series? Don't know how the Series will come out but, to me, George represents everything that is wrong with baseball and I hope he suffers the humiliation of losing to a bunch of guys that, outside of Pudge, no one ever heard of before that will be playing next year for other teams. ?What is it going to take to have a meaningful salary cap in baseball like every other major sport?.....and save the game.
Typical of the Yanker's attitude toward The Game is the way that Lard Ass David Wells has publicly ridiculed pitchers that work out to stay in shape to help their team win. His 60 lbs. of beer gut put too much strain on his back at just the right time in Game 5 to aggravate George Steinbrenner's angina. One inning and then he walked off the field for the last time. I doubt that he will ever play again. I wonder what the Vegas odds are for George picking up David's 6 million option in 2004?
$180 million Bronx payroll up against less than a third of that down in the rain belt. Hope Bud S. gets the message. Do you think the Fox network ratings for the postseason would be as astronomical as they are now if the series was between the Yankers and the Braves? The Barry Bonds and the Braves went home early (and almost the Yankers) to watch teams play that seem to love the game. Sorry that the Series could not be between the Twins and the Marlins so Bud S. could really have a wake-up call. Perhaps the death of baseball has been prematurely reported. Neil
Ed Note: The term "Yankers" is not a misspelling on the part of the guy sending the article.
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John Hall 1---Hall of Fame 0
John, my Dad has not seen this photo, he is down in Arizona for the rest of the winter. But what you say makes a lot of sense I went back through the old 1948 Twin Falls Souvenir Program and looked at the old pictures of Gil McDougald and that is definitely him (in the 1950 Beaumont photo). I Also brought the photo over to Charlie Metro's house today and he said that is Rogers Hornsby. I called my dad and he said in 1950 he was in Salt Lake and while he did know Rogers Hornsby he never played for him in Beaumont .That means my sister was right she said from day one that the guy in that photo was not my dad while 2 of my brothers thought it was him for sure. It does look a lot like him, had me fooled too. I'll have to call Cooperstown and tell them that this photo date is wrong.
By the way Charlie Metro is having \hip surgery on Tuesday and he will be laid up in bed for awhile and if anyone would like to write to him email me at bearswon@yahoo.com and I will give you his address, Thanks Steve Danielson.
Ed Note: This past week Steve Danielson sent along a photo that was purportedly of the 1949 Beaumont Roughriders of the Texas League. Looking at the photo and then comparing it with photos from that same era indicated pretty quickly that what Steve had was a 1950 Beaumont team photo. It was easy to identify since the faces in the photo--Clint "Scrap Iron" Courtney, Gil McDougald and Rogers Hornsby were all at Beaumont in 1950 not 1949.
I will admit that I "treaded lightly" in one of my assertions. Steve's family had voted 2-1 that one guy in the photo was their dad. However, my observation led me to initially assert it was Elwin Tappe. But, since I have offended so many people in recent months, especially when it comes to photos, I caved in to the family majority opinion on that one.
The bigger issue is that Hall of Fame receives a lot of stuff and it is very difficult to verify everything received. Sometimes a little "independent" research from the hinterlands is beneficial. At least I trust it is accepted in that vein.
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Neil Huff update: Recently, the death of Neil Huff--Bartlesville '49 was reported. He owned the Lake Mead Tavern in Las Vegas. This is a story of an incident that occured last year at his place of business.
After reading that article a somewhat similar incident that happened to former Chanute Owl-Emil Malattia came to mind. So, this article deals with two tragic bar incidents.
Friday, February 22, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Man charged after beating victim dies
Bartender dies from injuries sustained in Dec. 13 attack at Lake Mead Tavern
By J.M. KALIL
REVIEW-JOURNAL
A jailed man accused of bashing a bartender in the head with a baseball bat during a tavern robbery two months ago was rebooked on a murder charge Thursday afternoon after the victim died from his injuries.
Las Vegas police said former bartender Richard Adamicki, 52, died early Thursday in a local rehabilitation center from injuries he suffered in the Dec. 13 attack at the Lake Mead Tavern, 5841 E. Lake Mead Blvd.
Samuel Isaac Marquez, 30, was arrested in connection with the attack and has been jailed at the Clark County Detention Center on felony counts of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, robbery with a deadly weapon and burglary.
Lt. Tom Monahan said authorities dropped the attempted murder charge and booked Marquez on a charge of murder with a deadly weapon.
On Dec. 13, police officers responded at 2:30 a.m. to an alarm at the bar near Nellis Boulevard. They arrived and found Adamicki bleeding profusely from the head, Monahan said.
According to Marquez's arrest report, a surveillance tape obtained by police captured the beating, as well as the events before and after it.
According to the report, the tape shows a man entering the bar about 12:20 a.m. and drinking two beers. Other bar patrons leave, and about 1:40 a.m., the man walks over to where Adamicki is sitting alongside the bar. The tape shows the man pulling a baseball bat from his pants and striking the bartender.
After the bartender is knocked to the floor, the man strikes him in the head again with the bat, the report says. The man then takes money from two cash registers, and also takes the bartender's wallet.
A follow-up investigation led police to Marquez, who lives in an apartment behind the tavern, about a block away.
The suspect shown on the tape looks like Marquez, the report says. Police found a bloody bat inside Marquez's apartment, as well as clothing matching the type worn by the suspect in the video, the report says.
Ed Comment: There was another former KOM Leaguer who ran a the Barrel Inn in Cicero, Illinois and lived downstairs. Thieves broke in one night, ate his food, drank his beer and took his life. 20 years later cold case detectives found two fellows who they charged with the crime and at last report they were in the Cook County Jail in Chicago.
I got hold of one of the detectives and he said he would let me know what transpired in that case. It has been nearly years and I have never heard
anything. I guess justice for Emil Murph Malattia is slow in coming.
This is part of the story that was carried in the February 1999 edition of that seldom read publication, The KOM League Remembered. "
The following describes the current state of the criminal process. The KOMLR will follow this story to its conclusion and keep the readers apprised.
Chicago Sun-Times Friday, August 14, 1998. By Mark Skertic
Nineteen years ago Emil "Murph" Malattia said good-night to his patrons, closed his north Cicero tavern for the evening and went into the basement to sleep on a cot.
It was the last time anyone saw him alive. Sometime that night gunmen entered the Barrel Inn, emptied the cash register, drank his liquor, ate snacks found near the bar and shot Malattia four times.
This week, two men were arrested and charged with the crime.
Willis McEwan, 41, of Des Plaines, and Robert Tamalunas, 36 of Cicero, have been charged with first degree murder and burglary in the Jan. 22, 1979 crime. Both are being held in Cook County Jail without bond.
The investigation was conducted by a joint Cicero-State Police homicide task force formed by Cicero officials four months ago to, in part, re-examine a backlog of unsolved cases—including several old homicides.
The task force reinterviewed witnesses and pored over shell casings and other evidence kept locked in an evidence room, though they would not explain exactly what allowed them to crack the case.
The next article appeared in the Cicero newspaper.
Police have suspects in '79 town murder. By Cathryn Gran
A Cicero man was one of two people charged Tuesday in the 1979 fatal shooting of a town tavern owner.
Police announced the joint homicide task force of the Cicero Police Department and Illinois state police charged Robert Tamalunas, 36, of 1434 S. 49th Ave. and Willis McEwan, 41, of Des Plaines with first degree murder and burglary. The two are being held without bond in Cook County Jail.
According to a story in the Jan. 24, 1979 issue of The LIFE, Emil Malattia, 61, the owner of the Barrel Inn at 5001 W. 14th St., had been shot at least three times in the chest with a small caliber weapon. Malattia lived in the tavern basement in what police described as "makeshift" sleeping quarters. Police said he appeared to have been shot while sleeping.
The location currently is a grocery store, according to Michael Maley, Cicero's interim first deputy police superintendent and a lieutenant with the Illinois state police.
Malattia was last seen just before midnight Jan. 22, 1979, when he locked up the tavern for the night, according to The LIFE report. He was discovered around 10 o'clock the next morning after a regular patron alerted Malattia's brother, Dominick, that his brother had not yet opened the tavern as he usually did "at 9 a.m. sharp."
Police investigating the shooting said cabinets behind the bar area had been ransacked, and the cash register had been emptied. Police said they could not determine how much cash, if any, was taken.
Malattia was a lifelong Cicero resident who took over operation of the tavern in 1946, shortly after he was discharged from the Army, according to The LIFE report. The tavern previously had been run by other family members.
Deputy Bernard Harrison Thursday said evidence suggested the suspects spent some time in the building eating and drinking.
"The leads fit together in way they never did before," Harrison said, explaining how the task force pieced together information leading to the arrests.
The task force that arrested the suspects is made up of three Cicero Police Department detectives, two state police special agents on one state police sergeant.
Maley praised the task force, calling its work "very significant" considering the length of time that had elapsed between the murder and the arrests.
Ed request:
If any of you in the Chicago area ever run across the disposition of that case please advise. Thanks jgh
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Help!!!
Hi John, I was wondering if you could find the stats on an old ballplayer named "Leon Griffith." My son-in-law knows him from coming into his automotive shop. He guessed his age as in his 70s or even about 75. But that is just a guess. All I know is his name, and that he was from "up north someplace." (North of Durham, NC, that is --- but maybe even from the upper midwest, I don't know.)
If anyone can find this info, I know you can!
Are you enjoying the World Series? --Bill O'Donnell
Ed Note: I am not capable of finding the stats on Leon Griffith but I am sure there is a reader out there who can come up with them. The second question is easy to answer. Yes, I enjoyed the outcome of the World Series. It is one of the first things that I have correctly predicted in years. I told all the folks around Columbia even before the playoffs began that it wouldn't surprise me a lot if the Marlins took it all.
As far as I was concerned they had the best team--not necessarily the biggest names. Another thing they had going for them was Jack McKeon. For you non-KOM League reunion attendees let me give you my impression of McKeon. He is in looks and temperament the identical twin of Eldon Yung--Miami, Okla. '50 and frequent contributor to this Flash Report. Hey Eldon, did anyone else ever tell you that?
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A website link for Bartlesville
Here's a link about a possible baseball team in Bartlesville. It's in the Southwestern League, a proposed new independent league. Bob Lipp, the director, was president of the Arizona-Mexico League in 2002. That league folded after a couple of weeks.
A spokesman for the city says Lipp hasn't contacted him yet.
Lipp found out about Bill Doenges Stadium from surfing the internet! He looked at www.ballparkwatch.com, wheret he link below came from, and www.digitalballparks.com, which just happens to have pictures of Bill Doenges Stadium taken by yours truly.
http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/display/inn_sports/s066.txt Tim Perry
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Mazilli not #1 with some former Ranger backers
John: That kissing _ _ _ _ (stuff) is Urbina. He is a real weird guy (he was here for awhile) and I think Pudge is trying to keep his emotional wheels on long enough to finish the Series. ???Why aren't you watching it?? If you get past all the owner's and some player's greed, you would see some really good baseball. And, as much as I think I know about the game, I always learn something from Tim McCarver's comments.
I see where Baltimore wants to interview Lee Mazzilli for the manager's job. Any mention of Mazzilli always brings to mind the time that I shared a table with him at a Ranger's Fan Appreciation Dinner in the early 80's when he played here. Also at the table was a young woman who worked with my wife as a salesperson. It was obvious that Mr. Mazzilli was there because he had no contract option that prevented his being at that table with the common season ticket holders. His distaste for the common man was made worse by his New York native distain for being exiled to the hopelessness of the wilds of Texas and to the hapless Rangers. After several failed attempts by some of us at the table to engage Mazzilli in conversation the aforementioned young woman very calmly asked Mazzilli "Are you always an _ _ _hole in public Mr. Mazzilli or are you just making a special effort for us?" It got very quiet before we all (except Lee of course) erupted in laughter and proceeded to enjoy an unusually good banquet meal and each other's company. Mazzilli left before the speeches began. We did not lament that fact. He may be a good baseball mind but, to seven of us in Arlington he will always be an _ _ _ hole.
We might as well play the entire major league schedule in Puerto Rico - it would result in more guys getting to spend time at home with their families. Anonymous in Arlington.
Ed Note:
I must admit that the foregoing message was precipitated by my asking why Pudge had to kiss his pitcher. Well, I got an answer and more. To all you Mazilli fans remember that the foregoing was written by someone who had a brief and unpleasant encounter him. This publication takes no stand on either Rodriguez and Urbina kissing in public or Mazilli's action during the 80's. However, as I mentioned to Bill Clark in a recent conversation, had the New York Mets catcher, Mike Piazza, been caught kissing one of his pitchers the entire sports media would have made a bigger deal out of it than the "Kobe Bryant Romp in the Colorado Rockies."
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Names mentioned in recent Flash Reports that stir memories
Loren Babe how many pages could be written on that name????? Dave Newkirk
AMEN Liston was slow and is still slow in baseball they clocked him with a calendar and now they use the almanac Newk-R (but not the bomb) Did Babcock ever get his shoes back?
Ed Note: I was aware that Liston has lost a step or two from first to third on a hit and run single. However, the issue of Babcock getting his shoes back leaves me in a quandary. It the reference is in regard to losing them at the recent reunion, then I was unaware that incident had transpired. If you are referring to him "losing" his shoes in Carthage back in 1951 then I know something about that. But you can rest assured that story is safe from this source ever revealing the details. (Babcock, go ahead and send your monthly "hush" payment.)
Out of the "real, real past."
Ben Paschal, ah, a name out of the real, real past. I knew him well when I was a reporter in Charlotte, NC, and he worked for an oil company. A
really kind, down to earth man he was. And let's not forget Sam Byrd, the outfielder, who later gave up baseball for golf and not a moment too soon.
Won on the PGA Tour, and finished high in the Masters one year, the best baseball-to-golf switch in sports, Rick Rhoden to the contrary. ---furman bisher (Atlanta Constitution)
Ed Note: In preparing these reports as well as the KOM League Remembered newsletter, there is always a conscious effort to drop in as many names as possible. It is done for there is usually someone out there who will recognize the name and in most cases it will bring back some fond memories
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Another reunion attendee
John, Since it is close by I may try to attend 2004 reunion. I am retiring (again) this year and will probably be looking for something to do about that time. I owe you for the KOMLR so will get a check in the mail. We plan to come over to Columbia today as our girl' softball team is playing for the state championship as 4:00 art Rainbow field.
Everett Ralston--Jefferson City, MO by way of the 1957 graduating class at Carthage, MO High School.
Bill and Delores Clark on board
The scouting days of Bill Clark who wears a bunch of World Series rings from the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves are coming to a close. His most recent employer, the San Diego Padres, let the contracts of a "bunch" of their scouts expire.
Clark doesn't have a computer. Thus, these Flash Reports are picked up by his son who in turns prints them. When Bill returns from a trip such as to Australia--which he did a week ago--there is a pile of these reports awaiting him. After about a week of reading these missives--and getting through about half of them-- Clark called and set up a dinner engagement. It will transpire about the time the sun goes down on October 26. Then, by the time the sun comes up on the 27th the old KOM League truck will turn over its 200,000th mile as it heads into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and another "week on the road." That is the good news for most readers--fewer Flash Reports.
Let me do an instant replay of the Clark story. During Clark's most recent call he said that Mr. & Mrs. Clark are volunteering their services to Mr. & Mrs. Hall on the planning and conducting of the 2004 KOM League reunion. That is about the best news I have heard since Mrs. Noah said to her husband, "Honey, I think the rain is about over and we can let those stinking elephants 'go' outdoors from now on."
The Clarks have extensive experience in planning events in the City of Columbia. Bill has conducted national weightlifting events in this town in the past.
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Nick Najjar is found
Nick and Anne Najjar missed the last reunion due to a move they were making at the time. They gave up their 15 Franklin Avenue in Medford, Mass. for a new residence at 15 Constitution Road in Stoneham. Mass.
Nick said to tell all you "good guys" hello. So, from Nick Najjar, the oldest surviving former player in the KOM League, you have just been sent that message.
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Pappy not doing good
Perennial KOM League reunion favorite Oscar "Pappy" Walterman reported that he enjoyed the last reunion and especially the meals. Since the reunion he has spent most of his time going to see his physician. Pappy's condition is exacerbated by the amount of radiation he received back in 1995. He is now undergoing blood transfusions every 3-4 months. A number of other maladies plague Pappy and I don't think that receiving a card from some of you fellows would make him the least bit upset. Make his day by sending cards and notes to:
Oscar B. "Pappy" Walterman
P.O. Box 144
Foristell, MO 64448
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Batboy back in touch
Guy Crow batboy of the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids from 1944-48 checked in this afternoon. Guy and his wife attended the KOM League reunion at Carthage along with three other members of the Whiz Kids.
Guy was intrigued by the reunion being held in 2004 at the Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia, Missouri. He lives just a few blocks from the inn of the same name in Galena, Illinois.
Guy drives a "big rig" all over the United States. He reads these Flash Reports and the KOM League Remembered newsletter and is amazed at some of the places where the former KOM Leaguers are residing these days. Don't be surprised if you get a call from him some day when he is in your town. You will find him as interesting as I do. He can regale you with stories about the Whiz Kids that few people could top. The reason for his most recent call was to secure the telephone numbers of a couple of the former Baxter boys. Ben Craig was high on his list of desired numbers. He recalls catching the former Whiz Kid hurler prior to Craig going off to play professional baseball. Without doubt Craig had the strongest arm of any of the Whiz Kids, according to Guy. He also caught Mantle's knuckleball on the sidelines that Mickey had learned from Charles "Frog" Heavin. Frog called it his "curly knuckle inshoot." Frog told Mickey that when became famous he would tell others that there was a shortstop at Baxter that he also taught to throw the knuckler. Frog, along with many of the Whiz Kids, thought they were better baseball players than the kid from Commerce, Oklahoma and for at least one season, they were.
I had better watch it or one of the chapters in the yet-to-be published book on Mantle will be revealed. Back to Guy Crow. As cited he lives in Galena, Illinois about a block from the home of Ulyssess S. Grant. He said that at one time during the Civil War that there were seven Generals in the Union Army from Galena. He declared that to be the height of the spoils system.
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Reminder----have you made plans to attend the KOM League reunion in 2004? If not, start cogitating on the matter real soon.
If you have made plans to attend have you also decided who else to invite so that you won't show up and not know any of your former teammates?
Some fellows have met former KOM Leaguers at reunions who were not their teammates and they have found they like their new friends better than some of their former teammates.
KOM League events have graduated from being gatherings of teammates only to that of a "Family Affair." Come and join the next reunion and see what I mean.
If any former attendee would like to put in their two cents as to why someone who hasn't showed up in the past should attend send me that reason and it will be printed in the next and upcoming Flash Reports.
-30-
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
October 24, 2003
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A present from the Musial family
John, I am cleaning out my house for our Julie's engagement party in Nov. and came across a black, leather briefcase/computer case with 2002 Stan Musial Invitational written on it. Would you like it as an early Christmas present? Do you know any one who would like it? It has many different pockets on the inside and zips around the two sides and the bottom. That part is a little strange. It really is a bribe to keep you on the Musial fan list. With all the talk about Mantle and his book, I thought, maybe, you might be heading over to his fan club. Janet Schwarze
Ed Reply:
Believe me, I will never give up my allegiance to the Musial fan club. I was his biggest fan from the time I was 9 years old and nothing will ever change that.
I know an old guy who would love to have that early Christmas present.
Best Regards, "Ever loyal to Stan the Man."
Janet's reply:
I need that old guy's address.
Ed Reply:
The old guy lives at:
1709 Rainwood Place
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Since the old guy's birthday is just six days after your dad's, the old guy will consider that a birthday present of the best kind.
I was thinking about something. A number of the readers send my mother a birthday card each year. Your dad and my mother share a common birthday-- November 20. My mother is six years older than your dad. There are lot of Stan Musial fans among my readership. What do you think about letting the guys know its your dad's birthday and ask them to send a card if they would like? Would your dad appreciate that or see it as intrusive? You be the judge on that and let me know. If you think showering him with cards from old-time players would please him let me know where to have the cards sent.
I heard from one of your dad's teammates from the 1941 Springfield, Mo. Cards today, Oscar "Pappy" Walterman, and he isn't doing well at all.
Thanks for the gift, in advance. John Hall---Stan Musial Fan #1 and possibly an author of a Mantle book.
Janet's reply:
I think it would be a great idea. Now that he is older, he likes to hide on his birthday, not answer the door nor phone, like that will make people forget how old he is...silly man. How about sending it to the office at 1650 Des Peres Road; STL, MO 63131? Or shall we send them to 85 Trent Drive; Ladue, MO 63124?
Ed reply:
I vote for sending it to 85 Trent Drive but will leave that to your discretion. I sure don't want to upset anyone.
Janet's reply:
85 is fine.
Ed comment:
Okay guys and gals get those cards and send them to Stan. His exploits both on and off the field have inspired literally millions over the years. Now, let us remember him on his 83rd birthday. Let him know that you too were a former ballplayer from his era, that will make him all the more happy to receive those cards. If you have friends who don't receive these Flash Reports, but who you think might like to remember Stan on his birthday, encourage them to send a card. I would love to hear that the postman was dragging his mail bag when he arrived at the Musial home.
Send that mail to:
Mr. Stan Musial
85 Trent Drive
Ladue, Mo. 63124
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Checking on "Stan The Man" Klemme
Have had 22 treatments of radiation and chemo and many bad days after that was over with radiation burns, shingles, fatigue and loss of appetite. Another CT Scan was done on the 13th of this month and a biopsy on the 16th and yesterday that report came back with "good news" saying it looked good. Monday I have an appointment to see the Surgeon to see what next to maintain this condition. At least no surgery at this time. That makes me a "happy man"! Was not looking forward to "major surgery." I just feel the good Lord has blessed me with this good news and appreciate all your prayers, cards and concerns.
-Stan
Ed Note: I pass Stan and Martha a number of times each month while we are both driving the streets of Columbia, Missouri. Most of the time Martha is escorting Stan to see the doctor. We wave, both knowing, that things haven't been the best for the former Iola Indian outfielder in recent months. In the last couple of days I responded to an e-mail from Stan and asked how he was doing. The foregoing statement was the update on his condition.
Stan has a home address and the mailman will also deliver cards and letters of encouragement:
Mr. Stan Klemme
501 Nancy Drive
Columbia, MO 65203
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Former Brooklyn Dodger minor league--Gaylord Mike Lemish passes away
Mr. Hall, (Dad)
I writing to let you know that former Moultrie Packer star pitcher, Gaylord Mike Lemish passed away Sunday Oct. 19.
Mr. Lemish played for Moultrie in 1946 & 1947. In 1946, Mr. Lemish pitched 238 innings and led the league in strikeouts with 278.
In 1947, Mr. Lemish help the Moultrie team to win the Georgia-Florida League Championship.
Mr. Lemish also played for the following teams.
1947 Newport News, 1948 & 1949 Greenville, 1950 Ft. Worth, 1951 St. Paul, 1952 Mobile, 1953 Elmira & Mobile, 1954 Ft. Worth, 1955 Ft. Worth, 1956 & 1957 Austin, 1958 Austin-Dallas, 1959 Mexico City Reds, and 1959 San Antonio.
Mr. Lemish was a favorite when he played with the Ft. Worth Cats. He was a key member of the 1954 team that played for the Texas League Championship.
Mr. Lemish was 77 years young. Mr. Lemish was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on July 27, 1926. He is survived by his wife, four children and lots of grandchildren.
It’s a sad day in baseball. Clint Chafin
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Staying in touch with the Nichols of Canton, Ohio--a tough task
John - Judy Boselo called me about our address and I told her I would send it to you since she is getting ready to head for Florida for the winter - and it is cold here today - 36 degrees - The weather commentators are predicting SNOW today but not a lot.
Hi to Noel.
Our E-Mail address is: LN1925@aol.com
Bob has asked me to tell you he has not received the KOM REMEMBERED for 2 months. He is an avid reader of your epistle and misses not receiving it.
Stay warm - God Bless ! Louise (and Bob)
Ed Note: That e-mail is a fine reminder that if your KOM League Remembered doesn't reach you each month be sure and send me a reminder. Sometimes the U. S. Mail doesn't make it to the addressee when the missive is in the form of 4th Class Mail, or Bulk Mail as it is now called.
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Another Joplin Miner photo
Hi John, attached is a picture that my sister, Judy, had. I know it is too late for your book but thought you might enjoy seeing it, if you had not already saw one. Any news from the printing company? Sure wish they would hurry up, I can't wait to read it. Best of luck, bobbie crampton.
Ed reply:
Bobby, thanks for the photo. This is one of two team photos taken of the Miners. This one was taken, then each guy signed it and it was then reproduced for distribution to Miners fans.
Each photo you see like this is signed. The other photo was signed individually and there are some names that are not as discernible as in this photo.
Have you seen the second photo of that 1950 team? If not I can download one to you.
Bobbie's reply:
No I have not seen it but would love to see it. thanks bobbie
Ed action:
A copy of the first team photo was sent to Bobbie along with my copy like the one she shared with me. My point was to validate that one of those photos was mass produced. They probably made a hundred copies, or so, for Miner players and team officials. If you have never seen a signed Joplin team photo send me your reason for wanting to see it in 5,000 words or less--preferably, much less. I will read all the "lame excuses" for wanting to see it and will make a copy for the lucky winner. The decision of the judge (me) is final and all winners must accept their prize or forfeit the right to ever receive another Flash Report.
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.A little more on Neil Huff
Hi John,
You are right, the Neil Huff in Boulder City is Neil R. Huff.
A quick internet search indicated that the Lake Mead Tavern was not named after the Lake (near Boulder City) but because it is on Lake Mead Boulevard in Las Vegas. I also noticed that in December 2001 a bartender there was beaten to death with a baseball bat.
I have the death notice (of Neil, not the bartender) and will put into this afternoon's mail.
Bob Hoie
Ed Note:
For new readers or those with short memories, the last edition of the Flash Report mentioned the passing of Neil Huff, a member of the 1949 Bartlesville Pirates.
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One reader pitched against the 1950 Beaumont Roughriders.
John, Beaumont took a doubleheader from us (Tulsa) on July 16, 1950, at Beaumont. They beat me 3-1, and Ken Polivka 2-0. Beaumont's lineup was Marquis 2b,
Cusick ss, Thomas rf, McDougald 2b, Courtney c, Tellinger lf, Sabatella 1b, Herbert 3b, Delduca P. Same for the second game except (Ernie) Nevel pitched. Our lineup was Martin rf, Marionetti 3b, Knoblauch cf, Burns rf, Williams c, Wrona 1b, Baumer 2b, (Roy) McMillan ss, Curley p, York ph, Post pr, Donabedian 3b. I don't know why York and Wally Post weren't in the starting lineup. Our lineup was the same for the 2nd game except for Polivka. I've got some '51 and '52 games against them too.....John I forgot to mention that I'm quite sure Roger Hornsby was the mgr. for Beaumont in 1950. Bob Curley
Ed Note: In the previous Flash Report a reader, Scott Danielson, thought he had a photo of the 1949 Beaumont club. Looking at the photo I was convinced it had to have been from 1950 due to the faces in the photo. Bob Curley, former Chanute Owl hurler played against the '50 Roughriders team and sent along some lineup information.
It may sound strange to you Yankee/Marlin fans but I am sitting at my computer looking over items from 53 years ago rather than turn on TV and watch game five. Somehow things are different. I listen to the "talking heads" spew out the stats that Bernie Williams has hit more playoff game homers than anyone in history. Well, why shouldn't a guy from the modern era do that. Williams went ahead of Mantle only because they count playoff games. In Mantle's era they only played in one series at the conclusion of the regular season, not three. A more meaningful statistic would be to compare home runs in the World Series. Anyway, what does it matter anyway?
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Prologue:
That is the news from around this editor's small and ever decreasing world. If you have a story, comment or complaint about anything let me hear from you. I would prefer not to have any issues raised about religion or politics. I already know where I stand on those two subjects and nobody wants to hear my views. If I ever decide that my views are important on either of those two items I will either run for elective office or go back from whence I came... the ministry. Neither of which is likely to happen, by the way.
-30-
Thursday, October 23, 2003
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
October 22, 2003
This report follows very closely on the heels of the last one. Forgive the intrusion. Since there was some news of the passing of a former KOM Leaguer that information was brought forth as the rest of the material was sitting in a file looking for an excuse to be released.
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Death of a former KOM Leaguer
Hi John
I don't know if you have picked this up but today's L.A. Times (October 21, 2003) had a large death notice for Neil Huff who died in Las Vegas October 17. All it had about his baseball career was: "In 1948 he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and played shortstop and centerfield". It said he had recently sold the Lake Mead Tavern and his passing was very sudden. Memorial Services will be held at the Las Vegas Masonic Temple. For information call (702)281-1559.
The two Bill Bagwell's, may be the most dominant father and son combination in minor league history. Bill, the father, who played in KOM territory in 192l-22 with Pittsburg and Independence, had a lifetime minor league batting average of .360 which is 6th on the all time list. Bill, the son, had a .628 win-loss percentage, which is probably in the top 20 for pitchers with 200 or more decisions. In the son's last season in O.B. in 1956 he was 23-9 with San Angelo and was 29 years old. Did he just retire or play semi-pro somewhere after that? His father was similar, he was older when he retired (34) but in his last 10l games in the minors, divided between Minneapolis, Asheville and Monroe in 1929-30 he hit .350. Apparently the father's major league career didn't last as long as it should have because he was not a good outfielder and didn't have much success as a pinch hitter. He played 92 games in the majors, 66 as a pinch hitter batting .206, he started 26 games in the
outfield and hit .367. Years ago I talked to Mike Gazella who was a reserve infielder on the 1927 Yankees, he said that Ben Paschal had a career that was far less than it could have been. He was a pretty good fielder and could really hit lefthanders, but Bob Meusel was a better fielder (or at least had a better arm) and could also hit lefthanders, Earle Combs was a lot better fielder in CF and a very good hitter, and Babe Ruth was the other guy. Anyway, Paschal had the same problem as Bagwell--he started 223 games in the outfield and hit .325, but hit .227 in 14l games as a pinch hitter which he did more and more of as his career wound down.
A while back I estimated some times for Mickey Mantle going to first, since then I've had a chance to see some film of him in his prime. I timed him at 3.4 on a drag bunt, and 3.5 bunting right-handed. Both of those times are really outstanding. Batting right-handed with a full swing his time was 4.1 which is very good but not great. The problem was that his swing was so big that it took him awhile to get out of the batters box. One of these was in the 195l World Series where I timed Willie Mays in 3.8. There is no question that Mickey had a quicker turn of foot but Mays had a lot shorter swing and got moving toward first much quicker. Rizzuto was nowhere near as fast as Mantle but got to first faster as he literally was moving toward first as soon as the bat made contact. I didn't see any film of Mantle batting left where I could make an accurate timing but I am guessing now that he wouldn't be any faster than Ichiro who has been clocked at 3.7.
Bob Hoie--San Marino, Calif.
Ed Reply: I am sure sorry to hear about Neil Huff and am also sorry that he was one of the guys who I tried immensely hard to locate but to no avail. Neil was a
member of the 1949 Bartlesville Pirates. This is the profile I have on him in the KOM League database:
Neil Vincent Huff (3B) B. 7/14/30 Long Beach, Calif. Died 10/17/03 Las Vegas, NV
1948 Santa Rosa, Calif., Far West League. 1949 Bartlesville, OK KOM League and Mount Vernon, Ill., Mississippi-Ohio Valley League. 1950 Mayfield, Ky.,
Kitty League. 1951 Great Falls, Mont., Pioneer League. 1952 Asheville, N.C., Tri-State League and Burlington, NC Carolina League. 1953 Waco-Longview, Texas, Big State League and Visalia, CA California League. (How many of you fellows ever remember crossing paths with Neil? Let me know if you did.
You are right about the Bagwell's. Bill Sr. hit over .400 with Independence, Kansas in the Southwestern league and Bill Jr. was indeed a good
pitcher. By the way, when we have our reunions, as we did this summer, Bill is one of the guys who can still "bring it" and get it over the plate. I
had a tough time hitting the curve off him at Carthage in September.
Bill Jr. just gave it up after the 1956 season since he had served in WWII and by then hadn't progressed as far as he thought he should have. There
was probably no "meaner" guy on the mound. He admits to that and of having a temper. He told me that when Connie Ryan socked him in the jaw and that
photo became the Sporting News photo of the year that he got what he deserved. You won't find a nicer guy today than Bill Jr.
He gave me his scrapbooks a few years back that included a lot of photos of his dad. It is quite remarkable the averages these guys amassed.
Back to Mantle. If you ever want to get into a discussion of how fast he was I suggest you talk with the first guy who ever timed him, Malcolm A.
"Bunny" Mick. I can give you address and telephone number and he will regale you with some stories. Bunny claims that in the spring of 1950 he
timed him in 3.1 from home to first from the left side. That has been echoed to me by more than one of those old minor league Yankees at the time.
Thanks again for the information on Neil Huff.
Follow-up message from Bob Hoie--regarding the passing of Neil Huff and Mickey Mantle's foot speed.
Hi John, It really wasn't an obit but what I can best describe as a family placed display death notice. It is 5 1/2 x 7 inches with a couple of photos, one presumably recent and the other in what is probably an American Legion uniform. It says Long Beach across the front and he went to Long Beach Poly High School which would have "Poly" as there is a Long Beach High.
His wife is Pamela, he had sons Michael in San Diego, Danny in Hawaii and Jon in Las Vegas--Jon and his wife helped operate the tavern. The ad in the Times couldn't have been cheap so the family must have been doing pretty well. I also checked the Las Vegas obits with no luck but in the Sun archives there was an interview in 2000 with Neil Huff of Boulder City, NV who had been a Marine Corps guard at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo in 1956. Boulder City is next to Lake Mead so it would be hard to believe that there were two Neil Huff's in the same town that were about the same age.
In addition to what you have, Huff was with Burlington (Carolina League.) in 1952 and Visalia (Calif. League ) in 1953. Middle name Vincent, ht. 5-10, wt. 155, R
There must have been something wrong with the stopwatches in the early 1950's. I am reasonably certain that the fastest sprinter in the world cannot run 30 yards in less than 3.4 seconds out of starting blocks and wearing a track suit. In the early 50's "Lou the Clocker" and others had guys like Ted Williams getting to first in 4.0, then by the 1990's scouts would consider lefthanders getting to first in 3.9 very fast. As I mentioned Ichiro is now generally considered the fastest runner in the majors and his best time is 3.7. I saw Mantle in the spring of 195l when the Yankees were out here and he was unbelievably fast but I don't think he was any faster than Ichiro or Deion Sanders. Bob Hoie
Follow-up by editor
Believe it or not there was another Neil Huff living on Lake Michigan Lane in Boulder City. The KOM League Neil Huff lived in Las Vegas and his widow's telephone number is available and she will probably be receiving condolences from the KOM League later this week.
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Bob Curley's thoughts and questions
John, I just enjoyed another FR. I read the article on Kerry Gray and it was tremendous. For lack of better words I must say it was very inspirational and
powerful. He certainly is quite a man.
In a lighter vein, something that's been bugging me for a long, long time. You notice when a pitcher throws a low one and it hits the dirt, the
catcher immediately hands it back to the umpire and gets a new ball. They don't even look at them anymore, they just toss them back to the ball boy. However,
when a ground ball is hit, and it's thrown to the first baseman on a pick-up, or an infielder catches a liner on a pickup, or just on a ground ball to an
infielder or through to an outfielder, I have yet to notice it to be thrown out of play. It goes right back to the pitcher to work on the next hitter. Am I
missing something here? Or is that when they're running the commercials and they slip a new ball to the pitcher????
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Will Roger Maris make it? (If he does, he unfortunately will never know it.)
John, May I address one of your readers, and a writer who recently posed a question.
To Mr. Smith:
First off, Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez are not locks to make the Hall of Fame, and you have never heard anyone (not from a national voice or pen) say so. What you have heard, and misinterpreted, is that Martinez and Ramirez are sure future HOFers IF they continue to pile up the impressive numbers that they have piled up so far. When Sammy Sosa was still around 400 homers, about three years ago, he was not a HOF candidate yet. He is now, a sure-bet one. Roberto Alomar is a Hall of Famer, right now. That is mainly because he is a second baseman. As a second baseman, he is a definite Hall of Famer when he retires. Manny Ramirez is not there yet, even though his lifetime numbers are better than those of Roger Maris. That should tell you where Maris stands. I don't have any info in front of me, but I believe the most homers Maris hit in a season, besides the 61, was 37. If he still had the record with 61, just that one season alone might get him enough sympathy votes to get elected into the Hall. Not now, though, when almost any punch and judy hitter might hit 50 and 61 is no longer a big deal. Maris simply did not play long enough to pile up HOF career numbers, and one season (1961) does not make a career. Jackie Robinson is the only one who did not play long, does not have the career numbers, but is still in the Hall of Fame. It must have been something else about him. Bryce Martin
.
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A weighty issue
John, I always enjoy reading the “flash reports” when time and opportunity present themselves. I must say you are pretty good at turning a quality phrase, but you blew it this time. Mentioning weight in the same sentence as lady or wife is a capital offense and inexcusable for a veteran husband such as yourself. As a veteran husband myself, I appreciate the fact you tried to lessen the offense by mentioning your own weight in the same sentence. However, it’s my experience that doesn’t qualify in the acceptance department. This being your anniversary I’ll wish you many happy returns should your lovely lady choose forgiveness.
Ted Easley--Precious Moments
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Bad knees and pulling up Flash Reports are not compatible.
Hi John, I was reading your KOM Flash Report and it just disappeared. I went to Old Mail and even Recently Deleted Mail, but it was not there. I've never had that happen before, so Paul will just have to go without reading it. I know that I'm a little "fuzzy" right now as just got home from hospital Thurs. after having right knee replaced. They aren't kidding when they say that it's a pain! Hope all is well there. Mary Lou (Hoffmeister)
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Chafin suggests a mega-multi league reunion?
Mr Hall, (Dad)
I would like to know what would you think about having a “Joint Reunion” sometime in the near future? I talking about the KOM, KITTY, & the Georgia-Florida-Alabama Leagues getting together one day. I know it would be a lot of work, but wouldn’t it be great.
I dream big! Take Care
Your Son, Clint Chafin
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Martin says, "McGwire a shoo-in."
John, It will be no injustice when Big Mac does go into the Hall of Fame after the five years after his retirement. He is a shoo-in, and rightfully so. His 49 homers as a rookie not only set an AL record but a major league record as well. The previous high for a rookie was 38 by Frank Robinson in the NL back in the late 50s. Mac hit his 49 when a total that high was still rare, especially by a skinny rookie. His lifetime homerun total, lifetime RBI's, are enough to get him in the Hall, certainly better than the numbers of, say, Tony Perez. Perez does, however, have an impressive RBI total, if I recall. Maris does not even come close to having the numbers to get in the Hall, nor the awards, or times leading the league in major categories. Maz should not be in the Hall, either, or, if you just go by the numbers, neither should Jackie Robinson. There is clearly, quite clearly, that not even a remote chance exists for Maris and the Hall to wed in holy wedlock. The andro associated with Big Mac is meaningless. People need to read the literature about what andro is and what it can co. I would agree that Maris is the type of player I respect and that Big Mac is not. Maris played his position extremely well, was a decent hitter for average, and could hit the long ball. Big Mac is more of the modern player I do not much care for. He was an adequate fielder, but at first base primarily, the easiest position to play in the field. He was not the all-around player Maris was. But he is a Hall of Famer and Maris is not. Bryce Martin
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Casey at bat
Glad to read today's FR and know the tombstone is taken care of for the Mantle family. Glad to have been of help, what little it amounted to. So
how old would Mick be today? I guess I can look when get home and start reading again!!!!
I have always had mixed emotions on the treatment of Roger M. I feel he DEFINITELY should be in there is no question in my mind, but sportswriters
are quirky as are owners so who knows. Look at the Chiefs. Joe Delaney, great running back with a short career because HE DECIDED TO RISK HIS LIFE
SAVING THREE SMALL BOYS AND COULD NOT SWIM HIMSELF!!! THAT is a true HERO. But the Chiefs, for all these years, for whatever reason(never divulged) have ignored him and the efforts of his widow and children. Until this year. In yesterday's papers, a writer, quoting unnamed sources, stated he will be inducted next year. Strange world that world of sports.
Keep up the good work John. And Happy Anniversary to you and Noel (she has kept you that long???????)
Casey--Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla---and always YELLING "Go Gorillas"!!!! (Ed Note: Last week they lost for the first time. But being a good fan Casey remains faithful to his Gorillas.)
Casey Casebolt
Vice President
Sales and Marketing
Gerson International
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray Birch reminds Cub fans how long it has been
Thought you might like this.
20 THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED SINCE THE CHICAGO CUBS LAST WON THE WORLD SERIES
1. Radio was invented; Cub fans got to hear their team lose.
2. TV was invented; Cub fans got to see their team lose.
3. Baseball added 14 teams; Cub fans got to see AND hear their team lose to more teams.
4. George Burns celebrated his 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th and 100th birthdays.
5. Haley's Comet passed Earth... twice.
6. Harry Caray was born... and died. Incredible, but true.
7. The NBA, NHL and NFL were formed, and Chicago teams won championships in each league.
8. Man landed on the moon, as have several home runs given up by Cubs pitchers.
9. Sixteen US presidents were elected.
10. There were 11 amendments added to the Constitution.
11. Prohibition was created, and repealed.
12. The Titanic was built, set sail, sank, was discovered, and became the subject of major motion pictures... the latter giving Cub fans hope that
something that finishes on the bottom can come out on top.
13. Wrigley Field was built and becomes the oldest park in the National League.
14. Flag poles were erected on Wrigley Field roof to hold all of the team's future World Series pennants. Those flag poles have since rusted and been taken
down.
15. A combination of 40 summer and winter Olympics have been held.
16. Thirteen baseball players have won the Triple Crown; several thanked Cubs pitchers.
17. Bell bottoms came in style, went out of style, and came back in style.
18. The Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Florida Marlins have ALL won the World Series.
19. The Cubs played 14,153 regular-season games; they lost the majority of them.
20. Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and New Mexico were added to the Union.
(Allow this editor to make point 21. The KOM League had a Cub farm team 38 years after Chicago won the World Series, it operated another six years with a Cub farm team at either Iola, Carthage or Blackwell and has been out of existence for 51 years and in that period of time the Cubs have been shut out of the big dance.)
Ray Birch-1948 Bartlesville Pirates
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Growing up in the Spring Grove area of Galena, a high bed of gravel snaked into the woods and went on and on. I was told that it was the "old car line track" and that it had ran all the way into Oklahoma. There was no longer any track, someone had salvaged the iron I guess. I heard that a lot about the "old car line track" in the few other places around Galena that parts of it still existed.
I always wanted to know more about it. I have just read something that may be it, but I can't really tell. It mentions a "public transit system" which was an "electric interurban railroad, called the Southern Missouri, which linked Carthage, Missouri, to Baxter Springs and Miami, Okla., to Joplin, Mo."
That sounds like it would be it. But I do not understand the "electric" part. I understand electric when it pertained to town trolleys and such, because the cars had a wire running up in the air attached to an overhead electric wire. I don't see how that could work on a track that stretches all the way from Carthage to Miami. Is that it, do you think? Is that "electric interurban railroad, the Southern Missouri," the "old car line track"?
Bryce
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No one is interested in adopting the KOM League "babies."
Dear John, Tired Old Writer,
I'm beginning to get the idea that you 're hoping that I can somehow lift the burden from your overburdened shoulders: the KOMLR, Pflash Retorts, etc.
I can truly understand how you must feel because it is a burden. I think very few of our guys can understand how much work that monthly newsletter is.
I have thought long and hard about it but, John I truly cannot see how I can take on any new work, for the following reasons: 1. I don't have the time with
Christmas Trees, a 10-acre place to keep up and various house maintenance jobs that seem to crop up. 2. I will be 77 years older Halloween . That's
older than I've ever been before. 3. I'm tired. When I get thru with my day, there isn't anything left anymore. That's from being an old geezer, I guess. Just can't do what I used to. I've slowed down a lot and since I was never very fast, I'm now almost standing still. So you see, John I'm just not the guy to take over anything now, no matter how I'd like to..
I would suggest that you drop the newsletter to a quarterly as several guys have suggested. And maybe the Flash Reports can be cut to say, three a week. But remember, it's the newsletter that the old guys look forward to and it's what keeps up together. Sorry, John, but' that's my take. Yours, Warren T. -Tired, older writer.
Ed Note: The sender of the letter has a last name of Liston and he is just "baiting" the readers in order to get all of you to beg him to step in and "fill the chasm." Also, notice how he signed off--Warren T. Isn't that a clever way of spelling "Warranty?"
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Non-KOM photography rates highest on list of output
Very good picture of the Amish couple John. You sure did do some good maneuvering to get that one without their knowledge or approval. Bob Curley
Wow - what a great photo! Thanks for sharing! It is framed perfectly! You should enter some of these for contest or at least an exhibit. I
think with a contest you would have to have their permission, but barns and wildlife don't have to give permission - therefore you already have
an entire show! I'm thinking of that cute little puppy that you took the picture of and he was in front of that old barn! HE was sooo cute -
remember that picture a few years ago? Robin Douglas
Thanks John I love that shot. Dale Hendricks
Nice pic. You must have gone for a nice drive yesterday. We don't have autumn in So. Florida, you know. But we have really big bass.
Thanks, Jeff D. Simpson
Editor "bright thought of the day." Maybe all the verbiage should cease and only pictures, on request, should be disseminated henceforth. Do I hear a second?
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Name that photo
Hi John, I f inally got the team picture of the 1949 Beaumont team. I'm having trouble matching names with faces, the only 2 I know are my dad (back row second from the left) and of course Chick Autry the Mgr. Do you happen to know any of them, I'm sending you the roster too. Thanks for your time...Steve Danielson
Ed Reply:
Steve, Could your dad have been at Beaumont in another season also? When I took a gander at that photo I immediately recognized Clint Courtney (front row--second from far right) and Gil McDougald (fourth from left on front row). Problem is, the only year those two fellows were at Beaumont was in 1950. I looked for your dad in the 1950 Texas League stats and didn't find him. That makes this one a puzzler. Of course, that brings up another problem, Rogers Hornsby was the manager in 1950. I must say that this one stumps me.
I blew that photo up every which way and I am 98.40873% sure that the picture of the manager is Rogers Hornsby. That would mean that some of the guys in the photo are: Ford Garrison, Robert Marquis, Elvin Tappe,--I believer he is in that photo back row second player from far right -- Keith Thomas, Delmar Owens, James Pruett, William Burgo, Ernie Nevel, Rex Lee Jones, Emil Tellinger, Eugene Herbert, John Cusick, (the guy on the far left of that photo looks like Cusick to me.), Harry Schaeffer, Loren Babe, Art Del Duca, Martin Hansen, Odie Strain, Robert Farris, Jess Landrum, John Fitzgerald and John Mackinson.
Run this back by your dad and see if this isn't actually the 1950 Beaumont Roughriders.
I'll give you a clue as to how I identified those photos. I took the Baseball Registers for all the guys who made it to the Major Leagues and compared them to your photo. I got the Registers to as close to 1949-50 as possible. Thus, I am comfortable with climbing out on that limb and stating you have a 1950 photo. John Hall
Ed plea: If any of you fellows think you could spot guys like Ernie Nevel, Emil Tellinger, Jess Landrum, Loren Babe or any of the other guys listed above let me know and I will download that photo. My observations of that photo could be "dead-wrong" but I tend to believe I still know how to recognize faces even if I have forgotten names and places.
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How many of you are making plans to attend the 2004 KOM League Reunion? If you don't show up you won't be there. And if someone shows up who you would like to see, you will miss them and won't know about it until it is too late to do anything about it.
Remember---June 3-4-5 at Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia, Missouri.
-30-
Monday, October 20, 2003
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
October 20, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 20th
For some reason this day seems to have some significance. Ah yes, now I remember. This is the 72nd birthday of a former left side of the diamond infielder who played in the KOM League and wore #7. Anyone hazard a guess as to who that was? If you said Russell Oxford of the 1951 Carthage Cubs you are correct. There was another guy born on the same day, same year, who played on the left side of the diamond in the KOM League but he wore #15. If you guessed that his name was Mickey Mantle of the 1949 Independence Yankees then you are on a two answer winning streak.
I was reminded of that date by an e-mail received October 18. The call came from the tombstone etching company who advised that Lovell Mantle's tombstone had her year of death applied to the marker the previous day. Thanks go out to Barney Rapp, Mike Witwicki and Casey Casebolt for making that possible. You might say those guys gave Mickey a birthday present by remembering his mother.
October 20. That date still rang in my head for some reason. When I headed out the door for work this morning my wife said, "Is today or yesterday our anniversary?" I wasn't sure of how to answer that. However, when I got home from work today there were anniversary cards from Sam and Babs Dixon along with Louise and Bob Nichols and they verified that this was the day in history that Noel A. Wallace and John G. Hall made the drive from Bethany, Okla., where we were students, to Carthage, Missouri where we were married. We eventually graduated from college but never from matrimony.
A few things have changed since that day in 1960. Gasoline prices have gone up as has the weight of both the bride and groom. But thanks to baseball for the constants in life. The Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox still don't win the World Series. I was afraid both would wind up in the series this year and ruin it for at least one of the teams--the winning side. Once one of those clubs win they will be right there receiving the chants, "Break up the Cubs/Red Sox." We have to have losers in this world and thank goodness for the curse of Babe Ruth on one side and the curse of the goat on the other.
Some Cub fan sent along this site that the "faithful" might find interesting. http://www.rockfordima.com/cubs2/index2.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharing the story of a brave first cousin
Usually, this editor keeps most non-KOM League things to himself. However, during the 2002 baseball season I mentioned my first cousin, Kerry Gray, throwing out the first ball at a Kansas City Royals game. Much has happened to Kerry in the intervening months. The follwoing Wichita Eagle story sums up it up best.
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/sports/columnists/bob_lutz/7034024.htm (Please read this before the story is taken off that site on the 24th of October.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tracking down a former scout
Hi John: If Wayne G. will call the St. Louis Cardinal office player developemenet department they can answer his questions about Height.
Bill Goff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A reader wants to know...your opinion
Mr Hall - I've got a question for you and your readers. In this day and age where the broadcasters, and current players alike, seem to feel that anyone that makes an All Star team, is destined to be a "future Hall of Famer," what is the general concensus on Roger Maris. I've always enjoyed the Mantle stories, but Maris seemed to be one hell of a ballplayer as well. Sure he was "only" a .270 hitter, but he was excellent defensively, ran the bases well, and we all know about the homeruns and rbi's. They always have said that he was surly, and didn't get along with the sportswriters, so he wasn't voted in. If thats so, then how in the world can guys the likes of Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez, and Roberto Alomar, to name just a few, be considered locks for the Hall? Do your cohorts feel that Maris is deserving of
membership in the Hall of Fame? I sure do. Unfortunately, I think I'm in the minority. Thanks--Jim Smith
Ed reply: I have no expertise in the area of evaluating Hall of Famers. However, if the day comes that Mark McGwire makes it before Roger, then it is an injustice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are all "cub" reporters
Wow! Thanks to everyone who filled in the gaps.
Now I have enough information to do a column!
While John is ace cub reporter No. 1, I can still use additional help just
send in a resume and I will respond. Thanks! Jim Ellis --Miami, Okla. News-Record
Ed Note: Last Sunday morning Ellis got the ball rolling with a tip that the Antiques Road Show from Kansas City featured a KOM League item. In a very short period of time the KOM League Flash Report office heard from at least a dozen people. Of course, the input from the Flash Report readers is always "fair, balanced and correct." Since the information submitted was so great, Mr. Ellis has tapped into the Flash Report for the core of a column he will pen for a real publication. Any of you who want to be cub reporters for the News-Record be apprised that application are being accepted.
Warren Liston is now ready for any assignment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danny's "little" incident
Good morning, John & Noel. Sorry I haven't beeen in touch for a while, but the computer was on the fritz and I finally got most of it on the right path. I couldn't download the pictures you sent. My PC is very wacky. Sometimes I can get downloaded items and then again, I can't. We did enjoy the pics that were in the recent issue of KOMLR. Anyone who didn't like them needs help! Danny had a "little incident" while driving (working) and it has taken two weeks to get all the tests back and for the Dr. to say that Danny was baffling him. When asked, "what do you mean?" the Dr. replied that he couldn't find anything wrong!!! It seems he had a sudden drop of blood pressure, which caused him to black out. No harm done except worry. No accident, no cars around when it happened. He was very lucky, but he's concerned about driving on the beltway going 60 mph. Can't say as I blame him! Sooo, for any long distance driving, I'm the appointed or designated driver. Alls well that ends well! Don't know who T----& L----- are, but sure hope they get their act together and we get to read "Before the Glory". Best wishes to you all and Happy Birthday to your son.....Helene Bass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another Class D newsletter on the streets.
Hi John, I'd like to send you a free issue of The Bull Pen (Kitty League newsletter) and see what you think of it. A lot of what will be in the regular issues isn't in this one due to the reunion coverage, but I'd still like to send you one. Could you send me the address to the KOM League headquarters? Thanks, Kevin McCann.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More regarding the "glove" inquiry
John, I think the glove the McCoy's have is a Mort Cooper model, which should date back to his time and maybe up to the late forties. newk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wichita, Kansas--Miami, Okla. readers--take notice!
Hey Gang: Jim Kobbe was in my Oswego studio last Wednesday to film a feature piece for his TV sports segment. Kobbe is an assistant sports director for KWCH Channel 12, the ABC affiliate out of Wichita. He is editing it into two individual segments (a 2 minute and a six minute piece). I thought some of you Miami friends in the Wichita area might be interested. I mentioned my Oklahoma 'roots' quite a bit. Just hope he doesn't edit it all out.
The 2-minute piece will air Wednesday during the 6:00 pm sports on Channel 12. The 6-minute piece will air next Sunday, the 26th, during "Sports Sunday" at 10:30 pm on Channel 12.
You might want to share this personally or in emails with other MHS, Mantle Museum and WSU Shocker baseball friends and fans or anyone else (like artists) that you think might be interested. Although more of a studio profile, Jim will include mention of the WSU Baseball mural project prominently; filmed me working on one of the elements; and used the panorama of the preliminary "roughs" in his "set-up" shot.
Later......................Ted Watts
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Dont forget--cause I''m going to run it in the ground until June!!
The 2004 reunion of the KOM League will be held in the heart of Missouri June 3-4-5. It will be the largest event ever planeed. It will depend on the readership to sign on and become a part of the event. The finest facility ever secured will host every event of the reunion. Professional musicians will perform everything from Barber Shop Quartet offerings to vocal ensembles singing great tunes from the hey-day of movies.
Artisans and collectors in our midst will be encouraged to bring along their crafted items such as oil painting, water color mural, wood carvings, etc.
The event will be held in a brand new facility that can be viewed by going on www.stoneycreekinn.com
If you like what you see you can call them at :
1-800 659-2220 for Toll FREE Reservations. The rate is $68 if you tell them you are with the KOM League. Otherwise you are apt to pay as much as $119 per day and you don't want to do That.
I am pleading with everyone who plans to attend to invite a former teammate or former KOM Leaguer to join you. If you want to bring along someone who enjoyed old-time baseball and never heard of the KOM League feel free to do so.
The turnout for this reunion will determine the course of future reunions.
If you have questions about the upcoming event get in touch. If you receive the KOM League Remembered newsletter it will contain much of the information. The November edition of that publication was taken to the printer today. It should be making the rounds in the next 14-20 days.
-30-
Flash Report
for
October 20, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 20th
For some reason this day seems to have some significance. Ah yes, now I remember. This is the 72nd birthday of a former left side of the diamond infielder who played in the KOM League and wore #7. Anyone hazard a guess as to who that was? If you said Russell Oxford of the 1951 Carthage Cubs you are correct. There was another guy born on the same day, same year, who played on the left side of the diamond in the KOM League but he wore #15. If you guessed that his name was Mickey Mantle of the 1949 Independence Yankees then you are on a two answer winning streak.
I was reminded of that date by an e-mail received October 18. The call came from the tombstone etching company who advised that Lovell Mantle's tombstone had her year of death applied to the marker the previous day. Thanks go out to Barney Rapp, Mike Witwicki and Casey Casebolt for making that possible. You might say those guys gave Mickey a birthday present by remembering his mother.
October 20. That date still rang in my head for some reason. When I headed out the door for work this morning my wife said, "Is today or yesterday our anniversary?" I wasn't sure of how to answer that. However, when I got home from work today there were anniversary cards from Sam and Babs Dixon along with Louise and Bob Nichols and they verified that this was the day in history that Noel A. Wallace and John G. Hall made the drive from Bethany, Okla., where we were students, to Carthage, Missouri where we were married. We eventually graduated from college but never from matrimony.
A few things have changed since that day in 1960. Gasoline prices have gone up as has the weight of both the bride and groom. But thanks to baseball for the constants in life. The Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox still don't win the World Series. I was afraid both would wind up in the series this year and ruin it for at least one of the teams--the winning side. Once one of those clubs win they will be right there receiving the chants, "Break up the Cubs/Red Sox." We have to have losers in this world and thank goodness for the curse of Babe Ruth on one side and the curse of the goat on the other.
Some Cub fan sent along this site that the "faithful" might find interesting. http://www.rockfordima.com/cubs2/index2.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharing the story of a brave first cousin
Usually, this editor keeps most non-KOM League things to himself. However, during the 2002 baseball season I mentioned my first cousin, Kerry Gray, throwing out the first ball at a Kansas City Royals game. Much has happened to Kerry in the intervening months. The follwoing Wichita Eagle story sums up it up best.
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/sports/columnists/bob_lutz/7034024.htm (Please read this before the story is taken off that site on the 24th of October.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tracking down a former scout
Hi John: If Wayne G. will call the St. Louis Cardinal office player developemenet department they can answer his questions about Height.
Bill Goff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A reader wants to know...your opinion
Mr Hall - I've got a question for you and your readers. In this day and age where the broadcasters, and current players alike, seem to feel that anyone that makes an All Star team, is destined to be a "future Hall of Famer," what is the general concensus on Roger Maris. I've always enjoyed the Mantle stories, but Maris seemed to be one hell of a ballplayer as well. Sure he was "only" a .270 hitter, but he was excellent defensively, ran the bases well, and we all know about the homeruns and rbi's. They always have said that he was surly, and didn't get along with the sportswriters, so he wasn't voted in. If thats so, then how in the world can guys the likes of Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez, and Roberto Alomar, to name just a few, be considered locks for the Hall? Do your cohorts feel that Maris is deserving of
membership in the Hall of Fame? I sure do. Unfortunately, I think I'm in the minority. Thanks--Jim Smith
Ed reply: I have no expertise in the area of evaluating Hall of Famers. However, if the day comes that Mark McGwire makes it before Roger, then it is an injustice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are all "cub" reporters
Wow! Thanks to everyone who filled in the gaps.
Now I have enough information to do a column!
While John is ace cub reporter No. 1, I can still use additional help just
send in a resume and I will respond. Thanks! Jim Ellis --Miami, Okla. News-Record
Ed Note: Last Sunday morning Ellis got the ball rolling with a tip that the Antiques Road Show from Kansas City featured a KOM League item. In a very short period of time the KOM League Flash Report office heard from at least a dozen people. Of course, the input from the Flash Report readers is always "fair, balanced and correct." Since the information submitted was so great, Mr. Ellis has tapped into the Flash Report for the core of a column he will pen for a real publication. Any of you who want to be cub reporters for the News-Record be apprised that application are being accepted.
Warren Liston is now ready for any assignment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danny's "little" incident
Good morning, John & Noel. Sorry I haven't beeen in touch for a while, but the computer was on the fritz and I finally got most of it on the right path. I couldn't download the pictures you sent. My PC is very wacky. Sometimes I can get downloaded items and then again, I can't. We did enjoy the pics that were in the recent issue of KOMLR. Anyone who didn't like them needs help! Danny had a "little incident" while driving (working) and it has taken two weeks to get all the tests back and for the Dr. to say that Danny was baffling him. When asked, "what do you mean?" the Dr. replied that he couldn't find anything wrong!!! It seems he had a sudden drop of blood pressure, which caused him to black out. No harm done except worry. No accident, no cars around when it happened. He was very lucky, but he's concerned about driving on the beltway going 60 mph. Can't say as I blame him! Sooo, for any long distance driving, I'm the appointed or designated driver. Alls well that ends well! Don't know who T----& L----- are, but sure hope they get their act together and we get to read "Before the Glory". Best wishes to you all and Happy Birthday to your son.....Helene Bass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another Class D newsletter on the streets.
Hi John, I'd like to send you a free issue of The Bull Pen (Kitty League newsletter) and see what you think of it. A lot of what will be in the regular issues isn't in this one due to the reunion coverage, but I'd still like to send you one. Could you send me the address to the KOM League headquarters? Thanks, Kevin McCann.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More regarding the "glove" inquiry
John, I think the glove the McCoy's have is a Mort Cooper model, which should date back to his time and maybe up to the late forties. newk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wichita, Kansas--Miami, Okla. readers--take notice!
Hey Gang: Jim Kobbe was in my Oswego studio last Wednesday to film a feature piece for his TV sports segment. Kobbe is an assistant sports director for KWCH Channel 12, the ABC affiliate out of Wichita. He is editing it into two individual segments (a 2 minute and a six minute piece). I thought some of you Miami friends in the Wichita area might be interested. I mentioned my Oklahoma 'roots' quite a bit. Just hope he doesn't edit it all out.
The 2-minute piece will air Wednesday during the 6:00 pm sports on Channel 12. The 6-minute piece will air next Sunday, the 26th, during "Sports Sunday" at 10:30 pm on Channel 12.
You might want to share this personally or in emails with other MHS, Mantle Museum and WSU Shocker baseball friends and fans or anyone else (like artists) that you think might be interested. Although more of a studio profile, Jim will include mention of the WSU Baseball mural project prominently; filmed me working on one of the elements; and used the panorama of the preliminary "roughs" in his "set-up" shot.
Later......................Ted Watts
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Dont forget--cause I''m going to run it in the ground until June!!
The 2004 reunion of the KOM League will be held in the heart of Missouri June 3-4-5. It will be the largest event ever planeed. It will depend on the readership to sign on and become a part of the event. The finest facility ever secured will host every event of the reunion. Professional musicians will perform everything from Barber Shop Quartet offerings to vocal ensembles singing great tunes from the hey-day of movies.
Artisans and collectors in our midst will be encouraged to bring along their crafted items such as oil painting, water color mural, wood carvings, etc.
The event will be held in a brand new facility that can be viewed by going on www.stoneycreekinn.com
If you like what you see you can call them at :
1-800 659-2220 for Toll FREE Reservations. The rate is $68 if you tell them you are with the KOM League. Otherwise you are apt to pay as much as $119 per day and you don't want to do That.
I am pleading with everyone who plans to attend to invite a former teammate or former KOM Leaguer to join you. If you want to bring along someone who enjoyed old-time baseball and never heard of the KOM League feel free to do so.
The turnout for this reunion will determine the course of future reunions.
If you have questions about the upcoming event get in touch. If you receive the KOM League Remembered newsletter it will contain much of the information. The November edition of that publication was taken to the printer today. It should be making the rounds in the next 14-20 days.
-30-
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
October 13, 2003
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Ed Note: The following series of e-mail all started with an e-mail from a sports editor in Oklahoma who heard about a KOM League item that appeared on the PBS Antiques Road Show.
PBS Antiques Road Show
Howdy! Its been raining footballs here today but finally have had a chance to tune in the baseball.
Don't know if you watch it or not, but PBS' Antiques Roadshow has been in Kansas City and on the episode which aired today, someone had a KOM League
item that was included in the show. Mary called frantically to tell me to change the channel (I was watching OU of course) but by the time I got the
channel changed, they had moved on to another item
Don't know if the PBS station there airs the show on Sunday afternoon, but you might check it out. (And let me know what the item was).
Jim Ellis--Miami, OK News-Record
Ed Note: If anyone out there saw that program and can enlighten Mr. Ellis as to what item was featured on that nationally broadcast show it would be appreciated. I am also curious as to what the item might be. If any of you have an "in" with your local PBS affiliate give them a call and find out how a copy of that program might be obtained. The show would be the one aired from a trip to Kansas City and shown on the weekend of October 11-12.
Possibly that show will run today in some markets. If it does I would appreciate someone taking time to watch it and report on the KOM League item that made it on that show. jgh
Those who saw the show:
Viewer #1
Hi John, My wife says it was a 1949 KOM year book with Mantle autograph. She thinks it was valued at $3000 to $3500 She remembers that there were other signatures in the book Jim Cobb-Washougal, Wash.
Ed Note: Jim Cobb was on that 1949 club for a while. He just missed having his photo in that yearbook which would mean he could be "hawking" his for more money, by seven times, than he made during that 1949 season.
(Follow-up comment from Jim Cobb)--Hi John. Watched the antique show and what it was showing was what looked to be a 5 x 8 pamphlet yellow covers.The picture of Mantle were on the right page.There were two photos of him.I only got a quick glance at the open page with his picture but I think my photo was on the left page.If not me it was the same pose as one I have here at home. My almost 5 minutes of fame. Jim Cobb
Viewer #2
Hi: The item appears in the first 5 minutes of the show. It was a 1949 year book with an autograph from Mickey Mantle in it. They put a value of $3-4 thousand. They did not give the name of the woman who owns it. Hope this helps.
Now, how about getting me a couple of world series tickets for the Cubs? In 1945, I was asked to go to a game in that series and I declined because I would have had to cut school. I said that I "would go next time," and this could be it. Now I can't afford the tickets and thought you might have a couple of extra's laying around. I do hope to be in Chicago during the world series time and my son, who is a great Cubs' fan too said he would fly in. So, John, it's up to you.
All the above depends on the Cubs getting there, of course. Hank Chott-Glendora, Calif.
Viewer #3
John - it was the first item shown on Hour 1 of the three-hour series from KC. The item was the yearbook for the 1949 Independence Yankees and guess
who had autographed it, next to his picture. The signature (in block letters rather than usual handwriting, as best I recall) was "Mick Mantle."
The dealer inspecting it said this was the earliest MM autograph he had seen or knows of and valued the book at three to four thousand
dollars. The publication was paperback, with a light green cover. The pages appeared to be five and a half inches wide and 7 inches
deep (or some other such standard size).
I don't think the lady said where she had gotten the book. And she gave no name. I forgot to get the name of the guy who estimated the
book's value. I'll try to get that next time the show airs, which ought to be soon. Greg Olds--Austin, TX
Ed reply:
Yes, that is the Independence Yankee Yearbook, just like the one that was stolen from me at Carthage in 1998.
Those things were selling regularly for $3 to $5K solely because someone you know brought these things to light about 8 years ago. The going rate on
those has now dropped to around $1700. There are only so many people who will put up the big bucks for something like that.
Don't go to any more trouble on this issue. I would sure like to know what the lady looks like who had the item. I could name around 20 people who had
access to those and at one time could name you where 18 of those were. The original owner of those things is easily determined. The ones with every
member of the team signing them were signed for a few club officials and a handful of fans. Then, the players signed each others "Year Book." They
didn't sign their own. Thus, if you find one signed by every player except one you then know who initially owned it.
That was not Mantle's first signature by a long shot. I know of three prior to that with Independence. Of course, I have seen, and own, autograph back to his
early high school days.
One thing to note about that "autograph." Greg Olds said it was signed, "Mick." Mantle did sign that way in his Independence Yankee days for his best friends. Knowing the distribution of that 1949 Yankee Yearbook I would hazard a guess that if the lady showing it actually lives in Kansas City I could tell you who it is with two questions.
Viewer #4
Hi John; We watched the Kansas City Antique Roadshow here at 6:00 our time today (Sunday). The item was a 1950 yearbook from some city in Kansas,,
(sorry we didn't catch the name). In the book was Mickey's signature and several photos of him in his KOM uniform. They valued it at $3000.00 to $4000.00 because of his signature. I'm sure you know where he played in 1950. Russ Oxford--Bothell, Wash.
Ed Reply: Yep, I know where he was in 1950--Joplin, Mo.. Of course, he did play in Salina, Hutchinson & Topeka in Kansas that year when the Miners went on the road.
Viewer #5
John--it was the green souvenir book of the 1949 Independence Yankees. The value $3,000-$5,000. My dad did not know the lady who had the book. She said something about finding it with some magazines, books or something. Cindy Newbill
Ed Note: Cindy knows all about the "little green book" for her daddy is in it.
Viewer # 6
Hi John: Dick was watching that show and it was a book or scorecard and he thinks it was yellow, that Mickey Mantle signed, it was signed as Mick Mantle and it was under a picture of him. Dick thinks it was him playing shortstop. It was last Monday morning at 1:00 a.m. The person getting it appraised found it in a box of old books brought from a garage sale it was a woman. Dick thinks it was the same book he sold when he sold all that baseball things we had over the years. Hope this is a small help. Molly P.S. Was there a old ballplayer named Hugh Higby? Dick thinks that is the name on that glove I asked you about last week with the number 350 on it? Thanks Molly McCoy
Ed Reply: Dick is right. It was the same yearbook that he sold in that large cache of baseball memorabilia back in the mid-1990's. The book was green but who knows, it may have yellowed over the years. On the subject of the baseball glove. I never heard of a Hugh Higby. I have heard of Kirby Higby. There was a Hugh High who pitched for six seasons in the Major Leagues from 1913 to 1918. His brother, Andy, was a long-time National League hurler for Brooklyn, Boston, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Philadelphia. He was around from 1922-31 on the big league scene. And, there was another brother, Charlie who pitched for the Philadelphia A's in 1919-20.
One the about the High brothers. They were "High" in name only. Andy was 5' 6", Charlie 5' 9" & Hugh was right at 5' 8".
Viewer #7
John, I believe the road show was shown in the D.C. area on October 6th. I too was out of the room and it was over by the time I returned. However,
my wife saw it. Apparently it was a 1949 scrap book of the KOM League, that was found among some magazines. Of course it had some Mantle memorabilia for
that year. The road show put a value on it of $3,500. I don't know anymore details. Ray Birch--Fairfax, Va.
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A non-viewer agreed to look up PBS.
John, I'll check PBS for the KOM item Jim Ellis mentioned. I have never watched that channel till now. Thought I would let you know I had an angiogram
procedure Friday. My PCP Dr. ordered a stress test earlier than my heart Dr. had it scheduled which was late November. The stress test was abnormal. Thus the
angiogram.
Fortunately, for now the cardiologist feels we can treat it with medicine, Keep an eye on it and if and when necessary, do angioplasty and put a
stint in there. I do feel very good though and can continue normal activity. I would miss my daily 3 mile walk. I believe someone up there likes me. I entreat
him often enough, I pray. Bob Curley.
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A double-header response.
Hi John: I didn't watch the Road Show. I'll look for it as it is carried at various times on PBS stations.
I called Floyd Temple and had an enjoyable conversation. He gave me the information I wanted and told me how he became manager at Iola.
He was most helpful. Thanks for giving me his phone number. Ray Nemec
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What has happened to this world?
In the last 8-10 days some "unthinkables" transpired.
Roy Horn got mauled by his "pet".
A world famous bear researcher and his girlfriend became a meal for one of the bears in Alaska.
A Brooklynite was raising a tiger and alligator in his high rise apartment.
Rush Limbaugh got mauled by the media.
Rush Limbaugh checked into a treatment facility. (Did you know that oxycontin, oxcyodone or hydrocodone used in any combination of those two drugs can cause deafness? Who do you know that lose his hearing in recent months?) The moral: Only take what is prescribed by a physician and then, with caution.
The Chicago Cubs have nearly overcome the curse of the goat.
Don Zimmer took on a guy 50 years his junior during the Saturday Yankee/Red Sox wrestle-mania fiasco. (Did you know that Zimmer's late brother, Hal, played for the Ponca City Dodgers in 1951?)
Oklahoma beat Texas in football by over 50 points.
Missouri beat Nebraska for the first time since this editor was 38 years old. They last beat Nebraska the same day Jim Jones and followers drank the "Kool Aid." (Look out something weird is about to happen.)
This editor has a "child" who turned 42 today.
The Antiques Road Show had a KOM League item featured in one of their telecasts.
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The "piling on" has begun
John, I just looked at some pictures you have taken of me in the last 3 or 4 years and they don't look like I did in the 1950s. Now I know why you have doctored
those pictures.I think I'll talk to my Lawyer. See you in court. Bob Mallon--1949-50 Independence Yankees.
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John:
I just read your 10-10 FR.
Too bad about Duane's (Zimmer's) health. Sue wasn't kidding when she said "he kept going so he could be with us in Carthage". I'm going to mail him ( today ) the video with *61...and ....the "Stan Musial" one being inducted in the Mo. Hall of Fame.
...NOT..."The Teammates"......as it deals with a teammate dying.
Sure would like to know WHO that ass hole was that got sooo upset about his/her picture. That person should realize that ALL of us don't actually look
like we "picture ourselves". Anyway....that was a REALLY GREAT edition of The KOMLR.
I want to THANK you for all the work you did in making the Carthage reunion soooo VERY OUTSTANDING. I have had some experience in what it takes to put on a KOM Reunion and I'm astounded on what you did for us at Carthage. [ With help from your "first wife".]
I can't say it was the BEST...because Bernie's 1996 Master of Ceremonies reunion can never be topped.....BUT, I believe what you accomplished in Carthage came in .....NEXT BEST.
That sure was nice....and true.....what "Our Queen", Norma Maring, wrote about you.
Glad to know you are continuing to get "Mickey Mantle-Before the Glory" published. There is no doubt to me that you WILL be successful!
Thanks for the dates of next years reunion. I'll call Lee so he will be up-to-date.
I have a 2:00 appointment here with a KU Student Newspaper writer that wants my opinion on Health Insurance......so I better close for now.
Take care' Sam Dixon
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Amazed
John, I was absolutely amazed when I read your comment re the message you received from a reader re: his (I assume?) pic in the KOMLR. How
short-sighted and egotistical some people can be!!! I am not even going to bother looking at that edition to try to figure out who might be the
culprit, only will say they are very narrow-minded and unappreciative of one great fellow!!! Keep up the great work.
Unless Babs signed that check from Dixon you had better have it "tested" for elasticity---------he is a shrewd CHARACTER!!!!
It was great to get the FR this morning. I had about one more day left in me before calling Mo Highway Patrol to check on you!! Withdrawal symptoms
were setting in also but now completely recovered!!!! The story about Dave Newkirk will pale anything else that can possible come along today!!!!
Casey Casebolt
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Absolutely amazed
Have seemed to be a bit busy past few days but I am about 2/3 of way through the pages and I am absolutely amazed at the contents and you ability to put
things together. John, you may be right about the issue of the book being "regional" but the potential readers out there who will want and enjoy this
book will overcome that issue. Mickey is still a hero to many my age even if the younger ones do not even recognize his name. I think the book has
tremendous potential. I am not sure how T___ L_____ works as far as the money but remember there are a lot of your friends out here in KOM land who
will contribute to the cause when the time comes and I would encourage you to not be bashful about asking/soliciting. I will help in any way I can to
get the word out also. Good luck and keep me updated. I am not going to "bug" T_____ further until hear more from you. I would hope it all turns out
for the good and I can just see myself at the book signing, getting to meet T____ L_____ for the first time and be there next to the one gentleman I
know who deserves every single word or accolades coming his way.
Hi to Noel!!!
Gorillas are undefeated, ranked fourth nationally and first in Midwest. Washburn tomorrow and then Emporia State next weekend for Homecoming at
Pitt. ESU is highly nationally ranked so need to get by tomorrow and then next week should be a barn-burner. Still hope to see you at a game some
day?
Casey Casebolt
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Better off!!
Strikes me that you are probably better off without the grouch, whoever s/he may be.... Pat in Springfield
Ed Note: Pat was referring to the person who "ate my lunch" over a recent edition of the KOM League Remembered and a photo that wasn't up to his/her liking.
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Mrs. Harry Neighbors
Hi John -
I was in your neighborhood last week but am sorry that time did not permit me to look you up. My son, David, and his family have lived at
Camdenton for just one year now and David loves his work at the Medical Clinic at Laurie. I see you were going to be in Camdenton this week but
I left there Sunday, October 5 to return back to Tennessee. I was very apprehensive to drive the 600 mile trip (one way) alone as I had never
driven such a long trip alone before. I got along fine except driving through St. Louis really was a nightmare. Even driving through
Nashville was a picnic compared to driving through St. Louis. So I cut down to Hwy 44 and took the 270 bypass south of St. Louis on my trip
back home and that route was a much easier drive.
My main purpose to visit your state was to attend the baptism of my 14 year old grandson on September 28 but of course I was also anxious to
see my son, daughter in law and other two grandsons as well. Now that I know I can make such a long drive alone I will seriously
consider attending the 2004 reunion in Columbia as I can visit my family on the same trip.
It has been just over one year since I had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery but I am happy to report that I feel great and as near as
I know I am doing fine. I go back to my doctor next month for a six month checkup.
I also want to wish you well in securing a publisher for your book. I honestly do not know how you accomplish all of the projects you
undertake but all of your many KOM family and friends thank you for what you have done for us.
Best regards to you and your family. Pat Neighbors (widow of Harry Neighbors - Bartlesville 1949, 1950)
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Another KOM League feature
Hi John; Want to thank you for the pictures and as always you seem to have a talent for picking out interesting subjects. Dale Hendricks
Ed Note: Not many people receive the snapshots of the Midwest that this editor takes from time to time during his trips all over the Central and Southwest part of the Show Me State. Most of those who are on that distribution list enjoy the photos for they are memories from their youth or days in the KOM League.
"You've inspired me! I have been thinking about going out and taking pictures and I need to start doing it again! I loved that old car
picture - I mean I really, really loved it!
I just got a chance to look at these today - I bet you thought I was RUDE for not replying! I love your photos, please send them anytime!" R. Douglas
Ed Note: I suspect I have in excess of 10,000 photos of rural Missouri on my computer. If you would like to see a photo or two maybe once or twice a week send me a note and I will add your name to the distribution list. They aren't Grant Wood or Grandma Moses but they are all done by Grandpa John.
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Was there a Height who scouted for the Cards in '97?
John: Thanks for the info. I am pretty sure is was Height (or sounded like that) I do know in 1997 he was a part time scout for the Cards. Wayne G
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Envious of the KOM League library
I would love to have the opportunity to go through those old Sporting News editions. Those are collectors items you know? What condition are most of them in John? That guy in Canada gets BIG money for some. Do you also have old Sports Illustrated and Sport from Bill?
Ed Note: The KOM League reading room is open on request.
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Book writing
The following are quotes received from two different writers/authors.
"Diffidence is a curse; taking a compliment and believing in one's worth is tough but necessary for a full life. Writing a book (or
writing anything) is an act of courage, in my view. And an affirmation. Sharing that work is one of the finest things a person
can do. Now, others unknown to us both will, in time, also be in your debt for this book. You'll see."
"John, I don't know you, but I feel like I've gotten to know you over the course of the past year or so of newsletters. I'll just leave you with this thought: it's amazing what having your words between covers can do for their credibility. So do whatever you need to do to get your story in print."
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A question from a curious reader
Other than being a batboy at Carthage are there any other baseball connections besides being the slave, historian, convention director, tour guide, archivist, relentless e-mail writer, editor, publisher and soul of the KOM League ? Hmmm?
Ed Note: You know that would look better on a letterhead than "Founder-Pastor and General Overseer." Anonymous
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Mickey in the outfield?....No
John, Could you tell me whether Mickey Mantle played mostly Outfield or Shortstop for the Joplin Miners in 1950? I think it was outfield but have to be sure.
Thanks, Rusty Aton
Ed Reply: He played shortstop exclusively at both Independence and Joplin.
Reply from Rusty: Thanks...I almost put him down as an outfielder!
Ed Reply: It would have been very difficult for him to have made 55 errors as an outfielder as he did at shortstop that season.
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Mary Ann now an interested reader
John, Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed the reunion and all the effort you and Noel put into it plus all the effort that you have put into all that you have done for the KOM League. I never read the Flash Reports or the Newsletter before I went to the reunion, but now find them interesting since I met so many nice people and know who you are talking about now.
We are so sorry to hear that Duane Zimmer is doing so poorly and will get a card of to him today.
I was horrified that you got "scalded" about a photo. I just can't understand why anyone would be shocked by a photo of themselves, particularly at our age! I look into wrinkled mirrors every where I go. Can't understand why they make them that way now! Anyway, I just had to mention this as it seems so absurd. I don't recall seeing "Clark Gable" there!!!!!! You know what I mean. I still love him!
Thanks again for everything. It was a fun time and hope to see you all again! Mary Lou Hoffmeister
Ed reply:
You're too nice. Thanks for the comments. The person who "scalded" me over the photo has a penchant having something to gripe about.
I do know what you mean about Clark Gable. If you had come around Carthage in 1946-47 and stayed at Boots Court or ate at the C & W Cafe you would have seen him in the flesh. John
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The "real" John Hall is back on line.
Back on line today finally after intermittent off & on for a 10 days lost all my AOL and "favorites" but used a new AOL 8.0 disc and found out that I did not lose my address book but all "favorites" gone to ??? Bucky 10-12-03 11:40am
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He stayed put and they changed his address:
Hi John, My home address has been changed, I haven't moved. Seems like the fire dept couldn't find me. Do you have any idea how many people you have to notify of a change of address?
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About my prediction Missouri would be "creamed" by Nebraska last weekend.
John, You said "No way". So I didn't even bother to watch the game, assuming Nebr. would "do their thing". Oh, well, Maybe next year. Eldon Yung.
Ed Note: This editor fearlessly predicted Nebraska would roll all over Missouri. The last time the Tigers won was the day Jim Jones and his followers drank the Kool-Aid in Guyana. I felt safe in assuming that Missouri would live down to their expectations. Eldon Yung has to know the meaning of ambivalence. He is a native son of Guide Rock, Nebraska and holds a Ph.D from the University of Missouri. He taught many years at Central Missouri State University and warns all you Pittsburg State fans not to get to cocky or his Mules might kick your Gorillas. I am staying out of this fray even though Pittsburg State was the last institution to allow me to wear a cap and gown to a graduation ceremony.
By the way, I didn't bother to watch the Missouri-Nebraska game either. I spent the entire day peeling wallpaper from the walls of my daughters kitchen. It is a large room and by game time--6:00 P. M. I was ready for some rest. I watched the first series of downs and Missouri threw an interception. I drug myself out of bed and worked on the November edition of the KOM League Remembered until 9:30. I turned on the TV to see how many points Nebraska had ran up on the Tigers and was surprised to see that the Tigers had four more than did Nebraska. I sat down for the last eight minutes to figure out just how Missouri would blow that lead. They expanded it by another 14 points and I was shocked. At that point I turned on the national news to see what crises had happened in the world just as it had back in 1978 when the Tigers prevailed and Jim Jones and his congregation expired.
From a Florida reader:
Bedlam in Columbia! I was as the game the last time Mizzou beat the Cornflakes in Columbia... 1973. Went down to the last down, too, when Mizzou batted down and end-zone pass that would have given the Flakes the win. Jeff D. Simpson
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Hey John and Noel ~ 6-0 - Way to go. Go CHIEFS, ......... GO!!!!
Thank you for Sam's email. Sam had sent me a copy of the Ted Williams video tape which I really appreciated. As the nights get chillier, I will soon have the fireplace warming up and will sit down and watch the tape with my in-laws. My Mother-in-law (is from Joplin, as is Jeanie, and the GREEN family). She remembers going to see some Joplin Miners games and seeing the "Mick".... She really enjoys my stories about the KOM guys.....
I've been real busy with my real estate dealings, etc. Jeanie and I are driving Tuesday am to (via Memphis, then we leave with our daughter's family Thursday for Orlando for my just 6 year old grandsons appearance in the National "Tae Quon Doe" meet. He has his BLACK BELT and is in line for his 2nd Degree-Black Belt by Thanksgiving. I don't mess with him any more. Then we'll head home next Monday and watch the CHIEFS on the Monday Night Game somewhere near Mobile or Pensacola on our way to 2 nights in New Orleans. Then up thru Ark. for KC town.
The KOM reunion is always special to my wife and myself, and getting to see and know you better is always much fun.
Take care, GO "Jayhawks" too.......... JIM "blue" JAY
Ed Note: I think the "Chiefs" to whom Jim refers are none other than the western version of the St. Louis Rams. Look at the coaching staff and player personnel if you think I'm kidding. Also, I would like to point out that Jim and Jeanie are always going to exotic places. I think being a Major League batboy has its benefits over being a Class D lumber totter. Whereas my trips only get me as far as Joplin, Missouri--Jim on the other hand goes to New Orleans and other southern ports-of-call. I think the Kansas City A's gave him a better pension than the Carthage Cubs provided their old batboy.
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The bat
Mr. Hall - WOW!! That bat looks like a beauty!! You definitely have a prized keeper there! That will look great in your trophy room or office. Jim
Ed Note: The foregoing e-mail was from Jim Smith in San Diego. His dad played for the 1951 Ponca City Dodgers but it doesn't keep Jim from liking a former Independence Yankee. After the past reunion I mentioned that Wylie Pitts had presented me with a Mickey Mantle Louisville Slugger bat. Jim wanted to see it so I sent him a photo that was somewhat legible.
-30-
Flash Report
for
October 13, 2003
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Ed Note: The following series of e-mail all started with an e-mail from a sports editor in Oklahoma who heard about a KOM League item that appeared on the PBS Antiques Road Show.
PBS Antiques Road Show
Howdy! Its been raining footballs here today but finally have had a chance to tune in the baseball.
Don't know if you watch it or not, but PBS' Antiques Roadshow has been in Kansas City and on the episode which aired today, someone had a KOM League
item that was included in the show. Mary called frantically to tell me to change the channel (I was watching OU of course) but by the time I got the
channel changed, they had moved on to another item
Don't know if the PBS station there airs the show on Sunday afternoon, but you might check it out. (And let me know what the item was).
Jim Ellis--Miami, OK News-Record
Ed Note: If anyone out there saw that program and can enlighten Mr. Ellis as to what item was featured on that nationally broadcast show it would be appreciated. I am also curious as to what the item might be. If any of you have an "in" with your local PBS affiliate give them a call and find out how a copy of that program might be obtained. The show would be the one aired from a trip to Kansas City and shown on the weekend of October 11-12.
Possibly that show will run today in some markets. If it does I would appreciate someone taking time to watch it and report on the KOM League item that made it on that show. jgh
Those who saw the show:
Viewer #1
Hi John, My wife says it was a 1949 KOM year book with Mantle autograph. She thinks it was valued at $3000 to $3500 She remembers that there were other signatures in the book Jim Cobb-Washougal, Wash.
Ed Note: Jim Cobb was on that 1949 club for a while. He just missed having his photo in that yearbook which would mean he could be "hawking" his for more money, by seven times, than he made during that 1949 season.
(Follow-up comment from Jim Cobb)--Hi John. Watched the antique show and what it was showing was what looked to be a 5 x 8 pamphlet yellow covers.The picture of Mantle were on the right page.There were two photos of him.I only got a quick glance at the open page with his picture but I think my photo was on the left page.If not me it was the same pose as one I have here at home. My almost 5 minutes of fame. Jim Cobb
Viewer #2
Hi: The item appears in the first 5 minutes of the show. It was a 1949 year book with an autograph from Mickey Mantle in it. They put a value of $3-4 thousand. They did not give the name of the woman who owns it. Hope this helps.
Now, how about getting me a couple of world series tickets for the Cubs? In 1945, I was asked to go to a game in that series and I declined because I would have had to cut school. I said that I "would go next time," and this could be it. Now I can't afford the tickets and thought you might have a couple of extra's laying around. I do hope to be in Chicago during the world series time and my son, who is a great Cubs' fan too said he would fly in. So, John, it's up to you.
All the above depends on the Cubs getting there, of course. Hank Chott-Glendora, Calif.
Viewer #3
John - it was the first item shown on Hour 1 of the three-hour series from KC. The item was the yearbook for the 1949 Independence Yankees and guess
who had autographed it, next to his picture. The signature (in block letters rather than usual handwriting, as best I recall) was "Mick Mantle."
The dealer inspecting it said this was the earliest MM autograph he had seen or knows of and valued the book at three to four thousand
dollars. The publication was paperback, with a light green cover. The pages appeared to be five and a half inches wide and 7 inches
deep (or some other such standard size).
I don't think the lady said where she had gotten the book. And she gave no name. I forgot to get the name of the guy who estimated the
book's value. I'll try to get that next time the show airs, which ought to be soon. Greg Olds--Austin, TX
Ed reply:
Yes, that is the Independence Yankee Yearbook, just like the one that was stolen from me at Carthage in 1998.
Those things were selling regularly for $3 to $5K solely because someone you know brought these things to light about 8 years ago. The going rate on
those has now dropped to around $1700. There are only so many people who will put up the big bucks for something like that.
Don't go to any more trouble on this issue. I would sure like to know what the lady looks like who had the item. I could name around 20 people who had
access to those and at one time could name you where 18 of those were. The original owner of those things is easily determined. The ones with every
member of the team signing them were signed for a few club officials and a handful of fans. Then, the players signed each others "Year Book." They
didn't sign their own. Thus, if you find one signed by every player except one you then know who initially owned it.
That was not Mantle's first signature by a long shot. I know of three prior to that with Independence. Of course, I have seen, and own, autograph back to his
early high school days.
One thing to note about that "autograph." Greg Olds said it was signed, "Mick." Mantle did sign that way in his Independence Yankee days for his best friends. Knowing the distribution of that 1949 Yankee Yearbook I would hazard a guess that if the lady showing it actually lives in Kansas City I could tell you who it is with two questions.
Viewer #4
Hi John; We watched the Kansas City Antique Roadshow here at 6:00 our time today (Sunday). The item was a 1950 yearbook from some city in Kansas,,
(sorry we didn't catch the name). In the book was Mickey's signature and several photos of him in his KOM uniform. They valued it at $3000.00 to $4000.00 because of his signature. I'm sure you know where he played in 1950. Russ Oxford--Bothell, Wash.
Ed Reply: Yep, I know where he was in 1950--Joplin, Mo.. Of course, he did play in Salina, Hutchinson & Topeka in Kansas that year when the Miners went on the road.
Viewer #5
John--it was the green souvenir book of the 1949 Independence Yankees. The value $3,000-$5,000. My dad did not know the lady who had the book. She said something about finding it with some magazines, books or something. Cindy Newbill
Ed Note: Cindy knows all about the "little green book" for her daddy is in it.
Viewer # 6
Hi John: Dick was watching that show and it was a book or scorecard and he thinks it was yellow, that Mickey Mantle signed, it was signed as Mick Mantle and it was under a picture of him. Dick thinks it was him playing shortstop. It was last Monday morning at 1:00 a.m. The person getting it appraised found it in a box of old books brought from a garage sale it was a woman. Dick thinks it was the same book he sold when he sold all that baseball things we had over the years. Hope this is a small help. Molly P.S. Was there a old ballplayer named Hugh Higby? Dick thinks that is the name on that glove I asked you about last week with the number 350 on it? Thanks Molly McCoy
Ed Reply: Dick is right. It was the same yearbook that he sold in that large cache of baseball memorabilia back in the mid-1990's. The book was green but who knows, it may have yellowed over the years. On the subject of the baseball glove. I never heard of a Hugh Higby. I have heard of Kirby Higby. There was a Hugh High who pitched for six seasons in the Major Leagues from 1913 to 1918. His brother, Andy, was a long-time National League hurler for Brooklyn, Boston, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Philadelphia. He was around from 1922-31 on the big league scene. And, there was another brother, Charlie who pitched for the Philadelphia A's in 1919-20.
One the about the High brothers. They were "High" in name only. Andy was 5' 6", Charlie 5' 9" & Hugh was right at 5' 8".
Viewer #7
John, I believe the road show was shown in the D.C. area on October 6th. I too was out of the room and it was over by the time I returned. However,
my wife saw it. Apparently it was a 1949 scrap book of the KOM League, that was found among some magazines. Of course it had some Mantle memorabilia for
that year. The road show put a value on it of $3,500. I don't know anymore details. Ray Birch--Fairfax, Va.
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A non-viewer agreed to look up PBS.
John, I'll check PBS for the KOM item Jim Ellis mentioned. I have never watched that channel till now. Thought I would let you know I had an angiogram
procedure Friday. My PCP Dr. ordered a stress test earlier than my heart Dr. had it scheduled which was late November. The stress test was abnormal. Thus the
angiogram.
Fortunately, for now the cardiologist feels we can treat it with medicine, Keep an eye on it and if and when necessary, do angioplasty and put a
stint in there. I do feel very good though and can continue normal activity. I would miss my daily 3 mile walk. I believe someone up there likes me. I entreat
him often enough, I pray. Bob Curley.
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A double-header response.
Hi John: I didn't watch the Road Show. I'll look for it as it is carried at various times on PBS stations.
I called Floyd Temple and had an enjoyable conversation. He gave me the information I wanted and told me how he became manager at Iola.
He was most helpful. Thanks for giving me his phone number. Ray Nemec
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What has happened to this world?
In the last 8-10 days some "unthinkables" transpired.
Roy Horn got mauled by his "pet".
A world famous bear researcher and his girlfriend became a meal for one of the bears in Alaska.
A Brooklynite was raising a tiger and alligator in his high rise apartment.
Rush Limbaugh got mauled by the media.
Rush Limbaugh checked into a treatment facility. (Did you know that oxycontin, oxcyodone or hydrocodone used in any combination of those two drugs can cause deafness? Who do you know that lose his hearing in recent months?) The moral: Only take what is prescribed by a physician and then, with caution.
The Chicago Cubs have nearly overcome the curse of the goat.
Don Zimmer took on a guy 50 years his junior during the Saturday Yankee/Red Sox wrestle-mania fiasco. (Did you know that Zimmer's late brother, Hal, played for the Ponca City Dodgers in 1951?)
Oklahoma beat Texas in football by over 50 points.
Missouri beat Nebraska for the first time since this editor was 38 years old. They last beat Nebraska the same day Jim Jones and followers drank the "Kool Aid." (Look out something weird is about to happen.)
This editor has a "child" who turned 42 today.
The Antiques Road Show had a KOM League item featured in one of their telecasts.
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The "piling on" has begun
John, I just looked at some pictures you have taken of me in the last 3 or 4 years and they don't look like I did in the 1950s. Now I know why you have doctored
those pictures.I think I'll talk to my Lawyer. See you in court. Bob Mallon--1949-50 Independence Yankees.
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John:
I just read your 10-10 FR.
Too bad about Duane's (Zimmer's) health. Sue wasn't kidding when she said "he kept going so he could be with us in Carthage". I'm going to mail him ( today ) the video with *61...and ....the "Stan Musial" one being inducted in the Mo. Hall of Fame.
...NOT..."The Teammates"......as it deals with a teammate dying.
Sure would like to know WHO that ass hole was that got sooo upset about his/her picture. That person should realize that ALL of us don't actually look
like we "picture ourselves". Anyway....that was a REALLY GREAT edition of The KOMLR.
I want to THANK you for all the work you did in making the Carthage reunion soooo VERY OUTSTANDING. I have had some experience in what it takes to put on a KOM Reunion and I'm astounded on what you did for us at Carthage. [ With help from your "first wife".]
I can't say it was the BEST...because Bernie's 1996 Master of Ceremonies reunion can never be topped.....BUT, I believe what you accomplished in Carthage came in .....NEXT BEST.
That sure was nice....and true.....what "Our Queen", Norma Maring, wrote about you.
Glad to know you are continuing to get "Mickey Mantle-Before the Glory" published. There is no doubt to me that you WILL be successful!
Thanks for the dates of next years reunion. I'll call Lee so he will be up-to-date.
I have a 2:00 appointment here with a KU Student Newspaper writer that wants my opinion on Health Insurance......so I better close for now.
Take care' Sam Dixon
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Amazed
John, I was absolutely amazed when I read your comment re the message you received from a reader re: his (I assume?) pic in the KOMLR. How
short-sighted and egotistical some people can be!!! I am not even going to bother looking at that edition to try to figure out who might be the
culprit, only will say they are very narrow-minded and unappreciative of one great fellow!!! Keep up the great work.
Unless Babs signed that check from Dixon you had better have it "tested" for elasticity---------he is a shrewd CHARACTER!!!!
It was great to get the FR this morning. I had about one more day left in me before calling Mo Highway Patrol to check on you!! Withdrawal symptoms
were setting in also but now completely recovered!!!! The story about Dave Newkirk will pale anything else that can possible come along today!!!!
Casey Casebolt
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Absolutely amazed
Have seemed to be a bit busy past few days but I am about 2/3 of way through the pages and I am absolutely amazed at the contents and you ability to put
things together. John, you may be right about the issue of the book being "regional" but the potential readers out there who will want and enjoy this
book will overcome that issue. Mickey is still a hero to many my age even if the younger ones do not even recognize his name. I think the book has
tremendous potential. I am not sure how T___ L_____ works as far as the money but remember there are a lot of your friends out here in KOM land who
will contribute to the cause when the time comes and I would encourage you to not be bashful about asking/soliciting. I will help in any way I can to
get the word out also. Good luck and keep me updated. I am not going to "bug" T_____ further until hear more from you. I would hope it all turns out
for the good and I can just see myself at the book signing, getting to meet T____ L_____ for the first time and be there next to the one gentleman I
know who deserves every single word or accolades coming his way.
Hi to Noel!!!
Gorillas are undefeated, ranked fourth nationally and first in Midwest. Washburn tomorrow and then Emporia State next weekend for Homecoming at
Pitt. ESU is highly nationally ranked so need to get by tomorrow and then next week should be a barn-burner. Still hope to see you at a game some
day?
Casey Casebolt
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Better off!!
Strikes me that you are probably better off without the grouch, whoever s/he may be.... Pat in Springfield
Ed Note: Pat was referring to the person who "ate my lunch" over a recent edition of the KOM League Remembered and a photo that wasn't up to his/her liking.
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Mrs. Harry Neighbors
Hi John -
I was in your neighborhood last week but am sorry that time did not permit me to look you up. My son, David, and his family have lived at
Camdenton for just one year now and David loves his work at the Medical Clinic at Laurie. I see you were going to be in Camdenton this week but
I left there Sunday, October 5 to return back to Tennessee. I was very apprehensive to drive the 600 mile trip (one way) alone as I had never
driven such a long trip alone before. I got along fine except driving through St. Louis really was a nightmare. Even driving through
Nashville was a picnic compared to driving through St. Louis. So I cut down to Hwy 44 and took the 270 bypass south of St. Louis on my trip
back home and that route was a much easier drive.
My main purpose to visit your state was to attend the baptism of my 14 year old grandson on September 28 but of course I was also anxious to
see my son, daughter in law and other two grandsons as well. Now that I know I can make such a long drive alone I will seriously
consider attending the 2004 reunion in Columbia as I can visit my family on the same trip.
It has been just over one year since I had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery but I am happy to report that I feel great and as near as
I know I am doing fine. I go back to my doctor next month for a six month checkup.
I also want to wish you well in securing a publisher for your book. I honestly do not know how you accomplish all of the projects you
undertake but all of your many KOM family and friends thank you for what you have done for us.
Best regards to you and your family. Pat Neighbors (widow of Harry Neighbors - Bartlesville 1949, 1950)
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Another KOM League feature
Hi John; Want to thank you for the pictures and as always you seem to have a talent for picking out interesting subjects. Dale Hendricks
Ed Note: Not many people receive the snapshots of the Midwest that this editor takes from time to time during his trips all over the Central and Southwest part of the Show Me State. Most of those who are on that distribution list enjoy the photos for they are memories from their youth or days in the KOM League.
"You've inspired me! I have been thinking about going out and taking pictures and I need to start doing it again! I loved that old car
picture - I mean I really, really loved it!
I just got a chance to look at these today - I bet you thought I was RUDE for not replying! I love your photos, please send them anytime!" R. Douglas
Ed Note: I suspect I have in excess of 10,000 photos of rural Missouri on my computer. If you would like to see a photo or two maybe once or twice a week send me a note and I will add your name to the distribution list. They aren't Grant Wood or Grandma Moses but they are all done by Grandpa John.
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Was there a Height who scouted for the Cards in '97?
John: Thanks for the info. I am pretty sure is was Height (or sounded like that) I do know in 1997 he was a part time scout for the Cards. Wayne G
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Envious of the KOM League library
I would love to have the opportunity to go through those old Sporting News editions. Those are collectors items you know? What condition are most of them in John? That guy in Canada gets BIG money for some. Do you also have old Sports Illustrated and Sport from Bill?
Ed Note: The KOM League reading room is open on request.
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Book writing
The following are quotes received from two different writers/authors.
"Diffidence is a curse; taking a compliment and believing in one's worth is tough but necessary for a full life. Writing a book (or
writing anything) is an act of courage, in my view. And an affirmation. Sharing that work is one of the finest things a person
can do. Now, others unknown to us both will, in time, also be in your debt for this book. You'll see."
"John, I don't know you, but I feel like I've gotten to know you over the course of the past year or so of newsletters. I'll just leave you with this thought: it's amazing what having your words between covers can do for their credibility. So do whatever you need to do to get your story in print."
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A question from a curious reader
Other than being a batboy at Carthage are there any other baseball connections besides being the slave, historian, convention director, tour guide, archivist, relentless e-mail writer, editor, publisher and soul of the KOM League ? Hmmm?
Ed Note: You know that would look better on a letterhead than "Founder-Pastor and General Overseer." Anonymous
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Mickey in the outfield?....No
John, Could you tell me whether Mickey Mantle played mostly Outfield or Shortstop for the Joplin Miners in 1950? I think it was outfield but have to be sure.
Thanks, Rusty Aton
Ed Reply: He played shortstop exclusively at both Independence and Joplin.
Reply from Rusty: Thanks...I almost put him down as an outfielder!
Ed Reply: It would have been very difficult for him to have made 55 errors as an outfielder as he did at shortstop that season.
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Mary Ann now an interested reader
John, Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed the reunion and all the effort you and Noel put into it plus all the effort that you have put into all that you have done for the KOM League. I never read the Flash Reports or the Newsletter before I went to the reunion, but now find them interesting since I met so many nice people and know who you are talking about now.
We are so sorry to hear that Duane Zimmer is doing so poorly and will get a card of to him today.
I was horrified that you got "scalded" about a photo. I just can't understand why anyone would be shocked by a photo of themselves, particularly at our age! I look into wrinkled mirrors every where I go. Can't understand why they make them that way now! Anyway, I just had to mention this as it seems so absurd. I don't recall seeing "Clark Gable" there!!!!!! You know what I mean. I still love him!
Thanks again for everything. It was a fun time and hope to see you all again! Mary Lou Hoffmeister
Ed reply:
You're too nice. Thanks for the comments. The person who "scalded" me over the photo has a penchant having something to gripe about.
I do know what you mean about Clark Gable. If you had come around Carthage in 1946-47 and stayed at Boots Court or ate at the C & W Cafe you would have seen him in the flesh. John
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The "real" John Hall is back on line.
Back on line today finally after intermittent off & on for a 10 days lost all my AOL and "favorites" but used a new AOL 8.0 disc and found out that I did not lose my address book but all "favorites" gone to ??? Bucky 10-12-03 11:40am
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He stayed put and they changed his address:
Hi John, My home address has been changed, I haven't moved. Seems like the fire dept couldn't find me. Do you have any idea how many people you have to notify of a change of address?
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About my prediction Missouri would be "creamed" by Nebraska last weekend.
John, You said "No way". So I didn't even bother to watch the game, assuming Nebr. would "do their thing". Oh, well, Maybe next year. Eldon Yung.
Ed Note: This editor fearlessly predicted Nebraska would roll all over Missouri. The last time the Tigers won was the day Jim Jones and his followers drank the Kool-Aid in Guyana. I felt safe in assuming that Missouri would live down to their expectations. Eldon Yung has to know the meaning of ambivalence. He is a native son of Guide Rock, Nebraska and holds a Ph.D from the University of Missouri. He taught many years at Central Missouri State University and warns all you Pittsburg State fans not to get to cocky or his Mules might kick your Gorillas. I am staying out of this fray even though Pittsburg State was the last institution to allow me to wear a cap and gown to a graduation ceremony.
By the way, I didn't bother to watch the Missouri-Nebraska game either. I spent the entire day peeling wallpaper from the walls of my daughters kitchen. It is a large room and by game time--6:00 P. M. I was ready for some rest. I watched the first series of downs and Missouri threw an interception. I drug myself out of bed and worked on the November edition of the KOM League Remembered until 9:30. I turned on the TV to see how many points Nebraska had ran up on the Tigers and was surprised to see that the Tigers had four more than did Nebraska. I sat down for the last eight minutes to figure out just how Missouri would blow that lead. They expanded it by another 14 points and I was shocked. At that point I turned on the national news to see what crises had happened in the world just as it had back in 1978 when the Tigers prevailed and Jim Jones and his congregation expired.
From a Florida reader:
Bedlam in Columbia! I was as the game the last time Mizzou beat the Cornflakes in Columbia... 1973. Went down to the last down, too, when Mizzou batted down and end-zone pass that would have given the Flakes the win. Jeff D. Simpson
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Hey John and Noel ~ 6-0 - Way to go. Go CHIEFS, ......... GO!!!!
Thank you for Sam's email. Sam had sent me a copy of the Ted Williams video tape which I really appreciated. As the nights get chillier, I will soon have the fireplace warming up and will sit down and watch the tape with my in-laws. My Mother-in-law (is from Joplin, as is Jeanie, and the GREEN family). She remembers going to see some Joplin Miners games and seeing the "Mick".... She really enjoys my stories about the KOM guys.....
I've been real busy with my real estate dealings, etc. Jeanie and I are driving Tuesday am to (via Memphis, then we leave with our daughter's family Thursday for Orlando for my just 6 year old grandsons appearance in the National "Tae Quon Doe" meet. He has his BLACK BELT and is in line for his 2nd Degree-Black Belt by Thanksgiving. I don't mess with him any more. Then we'll head home next Monday and watch the CHIEFS on the Monday Night Game somewhere near Mobile or Pensacola on our way to 2 nights in New Orleans. Then up thru Ark. for KC town.
The KOM reunion is always special to my wife and myself, and getting to see and know you better is always much fun.
Take care, GO "Jayhawks" too.......... JIM "blue" JAY
Ed Note: I think the "Chiefs" to whom Jim refers are none other than the western version of the St. Louis Rams. Look at the coaching staff and player personnel if you think I'm kidding. Also, I would like to point out that Jim and Jeanie are always going to exotic places. I think being a Major League batboy has its benefits over being a Class D lumber totter. Whereas my trips only get me as far as Joplin, Missouri--Jim on the other hand goes to New Orleans and other southern ports-of-call. I think the Kansas City A's gave him a better pension than the Carthage Cubs provided their old batboy.
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The bat
Mr. Hall - WOW!! That bat looks like a beauty!! You definitely have a prized keeper there! That will look great in your trophy room or office. Jim
Ed Note: The foregoing e-mail was from Jim Smith in San Diego. His dad played for the 1951 Ponca City Dodgers but it doesn't keep Jim from liking a former Independence Yankee. After the past reunion I mentioned that Wylie Pitts had presented me with a Mickey Mantle Louisville Slugger bat. Jim wanted to see it so I sent him a photo that was somewhat legible.
-30-
Friday, October 10, 2003
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
October 10, 2003
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This is the best reunion testimony...ever.
John, In the past you have done many things for me with your originating contacts and writing. You have made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, recalled great memories, recalled, some of the bad and in general made my old life really bearable. But what took place at the last reunion is the summit for this old man. Seeing those two kids was something I should have done eons ago but just didn't have the guts to face the possible rejection. Lord it felt so great to see and hug those two again. I will always have a special place in my heart for Hal Brydle as well.
Went to Iola this weekend for a visit with them and can tell you I am a much happier old man tonight, was sort of a memory trip just going up there. Played basketball
at Coffeyville, knew people who were fans in Chanute from Thayer, found the house I roomed at in Chanute and the house where Paul Weeks and I were roommates. Even the house where Maury Shipman and I roomed my first year. The Tioga Hotel building is still there have pictures now where I signed my first contract. What a trip!!!!!!!. And again all due to you and Hal for setting it up. The Lord has smiled on you and made you a very special person John. Thanks to God and Thanks to you two fellas.
P.S. the general readership probably won't give a toot about this, but felt I needed to let you know my feelings. Check in the mail shortly for care package. newk (Dave Newkirk)
Ed Note: There is no way I can take any credit for setting up the reunion of Dave Newkirk, his two daughters and granddaughter. Hal Brydle pulled this off and I told him at the reunion it was the single greatest act ever associated with a KOM League event.
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Note from Salt Lake City
Hi John, Keeley Khoury here-
I heard the reunion was great fun! You had me going with that Warren Liston trick, I seriously did not know what to think and whether it was a joke or
not! Thank god it was! The following is a nice piece that I like, I wanted to share it with you in case you have never seen it. Take care, Love Keeley
Ed Note: The attachment was one about "Yellow Roses" which seems to have become quite popular on the Internet e-mail circuit in recent days.
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Is there a Rawlings baseball glove expert out there?
Hi John, I'm sure you are out on the road again but when you get back maybe you can help us find out about a glove a friend of our has it is a Rawlings number 350 the name is so faded you can't read it is there somewhere where we might find out whose signed glove that number is??? The weather in Omaha is really beautiful today and has been for the last week usually warn it was in the 80's the past few days and the red maple trees are now turning and they are beautiful. Well we will see how good the Cornhuskers are this Saturday when we come to Missouri they are always tough to beat on there home field. Let me know it you have any information on gloves. Molly and Dick McCoy
Ed Reply: Suspect that #350 was a model number which may or may not have any significance as to who wore such a number. I have a number of readers and maybe one with a PhD. in Rawlings sports gear will have an answer.
The weather is also great in Missouri. That will probably not bode well when the Cornhuskers come to Columbia on Saturday night. I am confident that they will leave Columbia with a 35 or higher point victory spread over the Tigers. The only Tigers on a roll are in Las Vegas and possibly the one in that Brooklyn apartment. I
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Could it have been Heininger instead of Height?
Hi John, Just read your latest........Wayne Gilmore asked about a player named Renard Height...........There was a former player named Reinard Heininger. He played one year in the Wisconsin State League at 1950 with the Wisconsin Rapids team. Hope this helps Wayne Gilmore.
Bill Goff
jjwwgg2@aol.com
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A note from Grass Valley, Calif.
Hello John and Noel, Read the October KOM League Remembered and it sounds like the reunion was a blast as usual. I recognized many names and it seems like Columbia is a wonderful place for the next one!! It was exciting seeing the picture of the seat Scotty purchased at the Carthage baseball park. This was just one of many highlights for Scotty regarding the KOM Baseball League. Looking back at people, places and things we attended at these reunions, it certainly was a great time of his life...
I hope I am on your list to receive a copy of the Mickey Mantle book when you get it published.... Wouldn't want to miss out on this. Do you need a deposit??? Would be glad to send one...
Again, I feel like so many of the KOM Players, friends, fans, etc. that you and Noel deserve a STAR in Heaven for making so many people happy by doing what you did and are still doing....
God Bless you both with lots of Love & Hugs. The Halls will never be forgotten by Midge Scotten from Grass Valley, CA
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Bad news!!
Dear John and Noel, sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you but it has been pretty crazy around here. Duane has been in and out of the hospital and is now at home with hospice care. His urine still has quite a bit of blood and they can't find the reason. His prostrate is very enlarged so he now has a catheter probably permanently. He is also on iv lasix and oxygen. Even with all this his spirits are good and he is enjoying the baseball play-offs. This causes a little problem since he is the only Yankees fan in the family--all the rest are huge Red Sox fans.
The Dr. seems to think that we have less than six months but only God knows for sure. He really enjoyed your card and I am sure would love to hear from you again. please keep us in your prayers as we do you and yours. I can't answer about a reunion next year but am thinking I would love to come even if is just me. I will try to keep you updated but finding time for the internet can be difficult as I am still trying to work full time. Love all of you, Sue Zimmer
Ed Note: If any of you fellows wish to send Duane a card it would be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Duane Zimmer
2104 Englewood Drive
Bellevue, NE 68005
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Who's on First?
As a youngster two of my best friends were "Amos and Andy." No, I am not referring to the radio personalities although I must admit I enjoyed listening to that program. Amos and Andy in my formative years went by the last name of Hammonds. Amos has long known of my love of baseball and sent along the following.
If you ever wish to entertain a group you can find a partner and perform the verbal rendition of "Who's on First." The script is available by clicking:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/humor4.shtml
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Bringing back school yard memories.
John, Enjoyed hearing about the Eugene Field softball team. I played at Mark Twain in 1953 and 1954. One of Eugene Field's top players at that time was Jim Hayslip. It was also good to hear that Merle Southern is doing well. Merle had a summer job cleaning up Muny Stadium and because he had a car we would often catch a ride out to Municipal Park with him.
Dave Richwine (CHS '59)
Ed Note: Getting into a discourse with Dave brings back some memories of a lot of guys with whom we associated in grade and high school. Most of the memories are good.
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The news from Lawrence, Kansas
Just mailed you $50.00 for my KOMLR. I meant to give it to you in Carthage.
Sure sorry you didn't do "your thing" with the "Perpetuators" in the last issue.
Loved the "Brick" story by Jessica and hope she is doing better than what is expected.
Soooo, we are going to get together in your city next year.....which is GREAT with me! I can't call the Stoney Creek Inn for reservations because I overlooked
the June dates ...but, I know you will give out that info MANY times in the future.
Glad the Cubs won last night. Hell, it was 1945 and I was a senior in High School when they last were in a World Series....against one of my old Chanute managers.....Chuck Hostetler. Sam Dixon
Ed Note: The "Perpetuators" section has some crazy stuff in it most months when I run out of the names of contributors. However, in order to get in as many photos as possible in the last edition , that space was filled with graphics. In fact, Sam Dixon the writer of this analysis of the last newsletter is depicted on that last page.
This is a reminder that the next reunion will take place on June 3-4-5 of 2004. You all burn that into your consciousness. I won't let you forget, however.
Sam's reference to Charlie Bates is a flashback to the 1945 World Series between the Cubs and Tigers. Charlie fell rounding third base which cost the Tigers a victory.
I am still at a loss as to who to root for in the current playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Marlins win it all. Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if the Cubs, Yankees or Red Sox took the crown. If you think I have a favorite this time around you are wrong. Of course, what I think doesn't matter anyway, does it?
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A printer understands
John, being in the printing business--I know how much all those halftone's (pictures) cost--and about 70 of them--well! Hope your Perpetuators come thru. Good job. Charles Kohler.
Ed Note: Charles was referring to the number of photos in the last edition of the KOM League Remembered. However, never fear, there won't be that many
photos in that publication anytime in the near future. The budget was exhausted on that pictorial output. And after all that trouble one recipient of that publication "carved me out a new one." That story is cited in the next article that could best be titled, "Scalded."
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Got scalded through the e-mail this week!
"Well John, you have finally put the last straw on me that broke my back. If that was the only photo you had of me, why did you bother putting it in the paper?
I had to look hard to even recognize myself.
Please cancel my subscription to the KOM Remembered and remove me from you Flash Report list. I no longer want to be associated with anything to do with the KOM." Anonymous
Ed Note: The foregoing is a serious e-mail. If any of the rest of you ever feel the same way thanks for keeping it to yourself. I have made a concentrated effort during the production of the newsletter to do as good a job as is in my power. Sometimes the photos aren't that great and many times the writing isn't very good either. But good intentions are there nonetheless. Keep in mind that nothing produced about the KOM League and shared through any means is undertaken by a
professional photographer, editor or author.
This isn't excuse making but I work a 40-hour shift each week and most of the time I prepare the newsletter and Flash Reports in a "semi-haze." I am sorry that I did not depict the person cited above in a better "light." (My wife waded in on this issue and as a unbiased observer said that the photo in question was not that bad. In fact she had a greater complaint than the "complainee" just cited for she was placed on the front page of that publication alongside Walt Babcock.) Each month when
I pick up my newsletter from the publisher some graphic artist employed by that company will have made a notation on the draft that the photos are "their normal poor quality."
I sure wouldn't make it as a politician would I? jgh
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One defeat is rewarded with a victory
Well, I would not have reported this letter had the aforementioned "scalding" not transpired. Here goes. "Dear John and Noel, Thank you for your note. It is I that should be saying 'thank you,' it was another outstanding reunion. They always are and as usual I had a great, great time!
Everyone is always so relaxed, enjoying seeing and visiting with each other, and what other group of people have a Santa Claus in September? I do not know if Cal Hrabos will get the Cadillac he asked Santa for at Christmas, but who knows, not every Santa gets sung 'Jingle Bells' to in September either.
John, your presentation left everyone in awe. Your never cease to amaze us. The only thing we have not seen you do is pull a rabbit out of a hat like most magicians do, but I do not know of ever seeing any bat boy doing that either. Is that not allowed according to the rules in the bat boy's manual?
Enclosed is a check for--if possible--one video (or disc) of the presentation plus if you should have any of the Mantle cards left, I would like one set.
Hang on to the future publication of the Mantle story...Simon & Schuster do not realize what they are missing. You have the KOM League family that will vouch for your talent of wiring, your memory, your tireless energy in the many hours of research, and your honesty. You have the respect from everyone. I don't think you even begin to realize how many of us feel indebted to you in appreciation. And Noel, she's the best wife you have ever had.. the only one you have ever had.. but the best. My love to you both! Norma Maring --Director of Wentworth Alumni Association (and former Queen of the Chanute Athletics)
Ed Note: Well, Norma left off walking on water. However, she did give me an idea. If there are any junior magicians out there who can pull rabbits from hats and would like to show me the trick, I'm ready. If you have a white tiger that needs a teammate, forget it.
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The book
Not much has been reported regarding the publishing of the Mantle book that Yours Truly has been "batting around" for the past four years and the last 14 months in earnest. One publisher has read it, as has been reported. Another is reading it now and yet another will be reading a couple of chapters in the next week. Each publishing company has their own set of submissions requirements once they agree to take a "look see." I thought I would mention what is going on since Midge Scotten asked about whether a deposit was needed.
One thing about shopping a manuscript is that the goal is to get the publisher to put up the money and even in some cases get an advance for finishing the work if they think it has merit.
The following is the format for the book that has been promised to the "faithful" readership far too long. Some of you have implored Yours Truly to get the book out while they are still living. I am doing my best. This will give the "faithful" some idea of what they can either save up their money to buy or if turned off by the content can take those same dollars to a casino and try to win some big money. (The following may not format too well on the e-mail program but I am sure that with a little effort you will be able to follow it.)
Mickey Mantle-Before the Glory
The little-known story of an
American icon’s formative years:
Mickey Charles Mantle
By John G. Hall
Foreword by Merlyn Mantle i
Preface viii
Acknowledgements xxix
List of Photos xlvi
List of Maps and Other Illustrations lvii
Chapter 1 The Mantle Migration: from England to Missouri 19
The Mantles’ genealogy is traced back two centuries to the coal fields of England. In 1848 Mickey Mantle’s great-great-grandfather moves his family to Missouri. The family takes up farming in the central part of the state, a welcome relief from the mines. About 1919, some of the Mantles, including Mickey’s father, Elven “Mutt” Mantle, then age 7, move to Oklahoma, planning to farm near the town of Spavinaw.
Chapter 2 Life in Oklahoma 24
Farming income is supplemented by a bit of bootlegging during Prohibition. The Dust Bowl days of the 1930s take their toll on the family economically and psychologically. Tired of trying to scratch a living from blowing dirt, Mickey’s father Mutt hears of opportunity a few counties away, in mining, the same occupation their ancestors had fled by coming to America.
Chapter 3 Farmed Out: the Move from Spavinaw to the Tri-State
In 1935, Mickey Mantle, nearly four years old, departs his native Spavinaw for Ottawa County, Oklahoma, in the Tri-State mining region. Life in the mines is dangerous, with injury, illness and frequent deaths assailing the miners. Tensions exist socially between farmers and miners, and a labor strike shortens tempers even further.
Chapter 4 Ottawa County in the 1930s
Life in the small town is hard for Mickey, his family and friends. Discipline is strict and certain, chores always to be done. But there also is play, abiding loyalty and love at home, as well as in the community of hard-working people who face hard times with relentless determination. And there is perpetual concern for the development of sound character in the local youth.
Chapter 5 Douthat: the First Innings of Organized Baseball
Mickey Mantle’s father begins playing baseball for a local mining company team, as a means of exposing Mickey to the game. In 1942, Mickey, nearly 11, plays for his first team, a kids team at Douthat, Oklahoma. His mother, also knowledgeable of the game, frequently quizzes her son at home about strategy and fashions some home-made sliding pads for him.
Chapter 6 The World War II Years: Backyard Baseball
The war means, for a time, the end of organized baseball for Ottawa County boys but most of them continue to play and learn the game in informal pickup games after school and during the summers when chores don’t need tending. Household conversation at the Mantles’ revolves around baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals.
Chapter 7 Commerce High School and a Near-Amputation
Mickey enters high school in 1945 and soon becomes a star not only in baseball but in football and basketball, as well. A football injury in his sophomore year nearly results in the amputation of a leg. Mickey’s parents, particularly his mother, are adamant that the leg not be removed. After many weeks, Mickey recovers. The Ottawa County seat, Miami, begins fielding a minor league professional team, spreading the lore of baseball even more deeply in the area.
Chapter 8 1947: The Baxter Springs Whiz Kids
Mickey begins to make a name for himself in baseball, as a rising star with the most widely followed kids’ team of the region, the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, in a nearby Kansas town. A season-end trip to St. Louis to see a Major League game provides lifelong memories.
Chapter 9 1948: The Commerce Comet Takes Off
Mickey Mantle has a highly successful season with the Whiz Kids, standing out even in the midst of a star-studded lineup. Area scouts representing professional baseball teams begin to take a look at the young man from Commerce. The author examines the still-repeated local legend that Mantle, while playing for the Whiz Kids, hit an amazingly long home run one day into the Spring River at Baxter Springs.
Chapter 10 Barney Barnett Sr., the Boyers and Others
Some of the significant early baseball figures who influenced and nurtured Mantle’s maturing baseball skills and his lifelong devotion to the game are discussed. Mickey’s innate shyness begins to give way to a love of pranks he sees his peers enjoy so much. A tryout for a college football scholarship fails, keeping Mantle on the path to a baseball career.
Chapter 11 An Assortment of Mantle’s Early Friends, Associates
A wide variety of friends, fellow baseball players and adults affected Mantle’s early years. They range from lifelong friends to brief but significant acquaintances, from serious-minded future business executives to the more fun-loving good old boys, from the playfully profane to the profoundly pious.
Chapter 12 1949: A Contract Is Signed
Professional scouts and team officials jockey for the inside track when it is decided that young Mickey Mantle is worth an initial contract as soon as he graduates from high school in the spring of 1949. The infighting between the suitors is given a close look in the days leading to Mantle signing to play his first season of professional baseball, for $1,150, including a $400 signing bonus.
Chapter 13 1949: The First Innings of Professional Baseball
Mickey Mantle plays his first professional game on June 14, 1949, at Chanute, Kansas. Playing shortstop for the Independence (Kansas) Yankees of the Class D Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri League, he gets two hits in four at-bats and handles four chances in the field without error.
Chapter 14 1949: The Independence Yankees
The Independence team’s supporters don’t see how they can possibly replace the unusually rich collection of stars who had played there in 1948. But Mickey Mantle and other gifted New York Yankee prospects bring home another title.
Chapter 15 1950: The Joplin Miners
After the success of his rookie season, Mantle is promoted from the Class D KOM League to the Joplin (Missouri) Miners of the Class C Western Association. Mantle develops the reputation of being the team’s leading prankster in a period when competition for such a designation is brisk.
Chapter 16 1950: The Western Association Pennant Chase 159
The Joplin Miners win the pennant but lose to Springfield Cubs in the playoffs. Mantle has another good year, his second and last full season in the minor leagues. Yankee Stadium beckons.
Appendix I A Day with Merlyn
The author and two former teammates of Mickey Mantle at Joplin, Missouri, visit Mantle’s widow, proposing to do a book on her late husband’s early life. After a cordial conversation, Mrs. Mantle takes her visitors on a tour of the places she and her husband knew in their younger days. Traveling mostly along old Route 66, the group sees the chat piles still standing from the old mining days, hears of the off-season visits to Commerce of Mantle’s New York Yankee teammate Billy Martin and is told numerous little-known bits of family history. Asked what she most would like people to know about here husband, she replies that he was the most generous person she had ever known.
Appendix II A Day with Johnny Lafalier
Mr. Lafalier, who knew Mickey Mantle since he was nine years old and Mantle 12, married the sister of Mantle’s wife Merlyn. Contacted by the author, he recounts many stories and observations about Mantle not very widely known. He shows the author around the Tri-State, pointing out three of the places the athlete lived while growing up and recalling numerous anecdotes.
Appendix III 1950 Joplin Miners Reminisce
Eight former members of the minor league team for which Mickey Mantle played his final full season of minor league ball gather 49 years later to reminisce about that season and Mantle. Coming from several states to a radio studio in Columbia, Missouri, the former baseball players, a tape recorder rolling, recall the days of their youth and of their association with a fellow baseball player then on the verge of fame.
Appendix IV Anecdotes from Ray, Roy and Max Mantle
Mickey Mantle’s twin brothers Ray and Roy recall their lives with him, as does Max Mantle, the son of one of Mutt Mantle’s brothers
.
Bibliography
Index
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-30-
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
10/06/03
Note: This will be a quiet Flash Report week. This is being written late Sunday evening. The KOM League truck is just about packed and the work week will again take me into Southwest Missouri. I'll hit all the "biggies" from Camdenton, on the Lake. down to Springfield and Joplin. I might even wave at the Carthage City Limit sign on the way through. If you see an old blue truck with a KOM League window decal and bumper sticker in front of a store or restaurant come on in and look me up. I have run into quite a number of former KOM League players and fans in than manner.
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Planning on the next reunion
John: We're looking forward to COLUMBIA!!!! Len and Kathy
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Keeter and Witwicki
Mike Witwicki called this afternoon to say that he and Don Keeter have already made reservations at the Stoney Creek Inn for the 2004 reunion. A contract was signed with that organization and FAXed back today. That means a strong committment has been tendered to fill up at least 50 rooms. At present, 49 remain.
To make reservations call 1-800 659 2220. Remember, there are usually twelve months between reunions. It is now eight months and counting until we gather one more time to recall not only the great times of the distant past--but now friendships have been rekindled and new ones made over the past nine years which seem to very important to a lot of folks.
I am committed to pushing this coming reunion very hard. It will be possible for both my wife and I to spend more time on the planning of this one since it will be held in Columbia and thus we should do a better job than has heretofore been the case.
I have heard from the following regarding their desire to attend the next reunion. I would love to see this list balloon to at least 50 names by the end of October.
Joan and Dick Getter
Casey Casebolt
Joe and Jean Stanka
Kathy Finck & Len Van De Hey
Many of the attendees won't hear about the reunion until some time late this month or early November when the KOM League Remembered makes its rounds of the United States.
Hope each of you who attended this year can return for the Columbia event and bring someone with you.
This is open to anyone interested in associating with a bunch of old guys. I would never say "old gals." I will say they are younger in most instances than the guys and a whole lot better looking.
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Confident another reunion would be held
See John, I knew you would do it!!!! This time I plan to be there for more than an hour or so but not sure yet as to actual schedule but I will bring my camera and will also have my autographed MM book by then to read!!!! Camera will be extra strong one so when I take pic of "my man" Mr. Dixon, it will not shatter the lens.
Warren Liston is just like all those writers---hardheaded!!! Hope he is Ok and doing well. From the e-mail it sounds as if he is recovering. Bet it did scare heck out of Delores as that part of the head really bleeds profusely with even a minor cut let alone one with all of those stitches.
The book I am currently reading is truly amazing John. I am mesmerized and think it is great---so far at least. Casey
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A fan letter for Lindy Snider
John-What a great note from Lindy Snider. And who says the younger generation is lost. This guy "gets it" about the privilege of playing baseball.
Joe Turek, Jr.
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First message received by e-mail since injury
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids
darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.
As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to
the spot where the brick had been thrown.
The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about
and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do
it?"
The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no
one else would stop..." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car.
"It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Now sobbing, the boy asked the
stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into
the wheelchair, then took out a linen kerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.
"Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his
wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar.
The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this
message "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!"
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our
choice to listen or not.
Ed Note: The person sending this note was my great-niece Jessica. This is her first e-mail message since receiving severe injuries in a vehicle accident in July.
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Reader recommends this site
You probably already know about this site.... lots of good history in here.
http://www.thebaseballpage.com/
Jeff D. Simpson
Ed Note: That was a great site but what Jeff sent for this editor's perusal were some snapshots from 1952. It was the 8th grade softball team from Eugene Field School in Carthage, MO. These were the "big guys" on campus. Us lowly 7th graders looked up to all those guys. However, they had to take the star of our 7th grade team, Gary Cleveland Smith, in order to have nine guys. He was also the Mark McGwire of the team.
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Anyone heard of this fellow?
John: Do you have any recollection of a man named Renard Height? (spelling might be off) If is still is living he would be around 85-90. He lived in St. Louis, and I believe has been a baseball scout. He was a patient of mine when living in St. Louis and I had great baseball talks with him. For some reason today his name popped in my head. Wayne Gilmore,
Ed Note: That name rings no bells for me. Any of you St. Louis guys recall the name?
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Comments about a recent article on Duane Coots.
You're right, John. The stats don't tell the story. But it was an accomplishment just to sign a pro contract back in those days, especially up in cold western NY State, where the season was short for HS players, and spring a long time a'coming. Thanks for the stats and teams. I'll follow up on it.
--Bill O'Donnell
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Small world
John - I note that included in the 1950 Yankee Instructional School was Sid Thrift (La Grange). Sid's grandson Jay Thrift played on a Vienna, Virginia Little League All Star team I managed back in the mid 70's. I think Sid is still a General Manager with one of the big clubs. Like any grandfather, Sid never missed one of his grandsons games unless he was on the road. Merle Southern
Ed note: Again, the foregoing note shows just how small the world is. Merle and Yours Truly used to play baseball, as kids, anywhere we could find a semi-level piece of ground and something that would serve as three bases and home plate. It seems as though cow pastures were about the best venue for supplying the essentials for baseball games. Merle got himself a good education and wound up making discoveries in Antarctica. They even named a mountain peak after him. His last name is Southern.
Also in the photos that Jeff Simpson sent of the Eugene Field School softball team, Merle was one of the fellows on that team.
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The endless world of Flash Reports
John, As you know, and as you have informed your readers from time to time, I have been entering your Flash Reports at a blogspot on the Internet, http://johnhall.blogspot.com
That way, anyone can look there for past accounts without opening their email.
FYI and all your readers. I tried typing in these words:
kom league flash report
in the blank slot supplied by the various search engines.
Yahoo -- It comes up No. 1
Google -- No. 1
AOL -- No. 1
MSN -- This is the oddball; it does not come up at all. Not the blogspot, anyway. What does come up is an older different one, going back to 2001 and 2002.
Bryce
Ed Note: The "oddball" turns out to be a very old KOM League website that I wasn't aware was still floating around in cyberspace. If you go to the MSN search engine and type in "The KOM League Flash Report" you will get many of the older edtions. Then if you click on "Home" that is at the top of the screen it will lead you to the front page of that site. You can click around on that thing for most of a day and even read a brief 30 page synopsis of "Majoring in The Minors." Or you can just click http://members.tripod.com/jhall03/index.htm and see what I mean.
Somewhere in cyberspace are scores of very old Flash Reports. As I recall they would be found under sports in Deja News. Don't spend a lot of time trying to find those antiques. Click here and see what you get. http://groups.google.com/groups?q=The+KOM+League+Flash+Report&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&start=10&sa=N If you click on the URL just cited you can go back as far as July 13, 1998 and read old Flash Reports. But for the life of me I can't imagine anyone wishing to do that. jgh
-30-
Thursday, October 02, 2003
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
October 2, 2003
Editor plea: This is a short report and would appreciate all the "regulars" reading both items. One is bad news and the other good.
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This editor confesses to past trangression:
This article is on the "up and up." When I wrote that tongue-in-cheek article last weekend and blamed it on Warren Liston I had no idea what was transpiring in his life. Now that he is "up and about" I will let Warren fill you all in on what befall him last week.
"Dear John---Boy writer:
Sorry I am late in getting to you, but I've just gotten out of Overland Park Regional Hospital and am recovering from severe trauma, not to mention a
headache.
Saturday I took a dive off my front sidewalk and over a 3-ft. wall to bonk my conk on the concrete apron below.. .. resulting in severe laceration to
forehead and fracturing the left eye socket bone in 3 places. Delores raced me to hospital where they sewed up cut with 22 stitches and put me in Intensive
Care Unit for 3 days. A pretty, young , plastic surgeon fastened the eye socket bone back with Titanium and plastic and says it should be okay.
Home now and slowly getting better, I think.
So, you see that Warren Liston what wrote those things in Pflash Report was an Imposter. Wasn't me.
Think that Carolina fella, Don Potts is on the right track. It was the Warren Liston in Lost Wages, Nev. (do you think he made all that up?) I have always dreamed of being a valet parking attendant at a Las Vegas, Nev. bordello, but have never heard of "Lost Wages". I think he made that up.
True, I am now a very colorful fellow with maroon, purple, red and green face and head but not that colorful. Anyway, I did not quite suffer a concussion-just 2 brain bruises, some shattered cheek bones..
New Subject: You obviously suffered a weekend of deep depression but are now back on track. Good boy!. You're tough. Forget hoity-toity Neew York
and it's high society and aim ofr a more down-to-earth publisher in the midwest-or any where else in the U. S.A..
Any writer worth his salt has had his bedroom walls plastered with rejection slips before he scored big. Go for it. Warren T.. P. S. I'm hurt that the computer never heard of the real me."
Ed Note: Hey team lets do something for Warren:
You can e-mail him at: warrenliston@yahoo.com
If you want to write him a letter or send a card here is how to do it:
Mr. Liston Warren
11322 Hubbard Road
Kansas City, KS 66109
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Experience the Great Outdoors Indoors!
That is the inscription that is contained on a brochure I picked up during my lunch hour today. And with that I can now officially announce the site of the 2004 KOM League Reunion.
For the first time in the history of KOM League events attendees can check into a facility and never leave for the rest of the time at KOM League function.
The "Brand New" Stoney Creek Inn of Columbia, Missouri will be the place we will eat, sleep, eat and do many other things that suit your fancy even down to excercise rooms, suanas, billards or drinking at a real western bar.
I can't mention everything but the place has coffee makers, refrigerators, microwaves, Internet Access, and HBO in each room, plus Handicap Accessible facilities, Whirlpool, dry suanas, indoor pool, Complimentary local shuttle transportation, Complimentary Continental Breakfast, Video Game Room, Northwoods Gift Shop, Guest Laundry, etc. and so on.
If you care to know more about the site of our next gathering go to www.stoneycreekinn.com
I can now promise that the menus will include Kansas City Strip Steak, Carved Prime Rib, Rib Eye Steak or Filet Mignons for the beef lover in you. Aside from that I have already looked at the caterers offerings and can promise chicken in any form, pork roast, hickory ham, along with scores of vegetable ans salads. If you feel as though you haven't been adequately fed at past KOM League functions I assure you it will not be the case this time around. (I'll keep you abreast--no pun intended--on the food prospects.)
Also if there is an interest we could even revert to a Whole Hog Roast. With that we would get red potatoes, country bean mix or baked beans, dinner rolls and butter, cole slaw, broccoli-cauliflower salad, Fruit Banquet of papaya, mango, pineapple, guava and grapes. Then we can top that off with hot apple, cherry peach or blackberry cobbler, New York cheesecake, chocolate marble cheesecake, carrot cake or double chocolate cake or mountainberry flan.
This time around I need to know if anyone is vegetarian and it will be arranged to have that as part of the catered banquets.
We will eat ALL of our meals at Stoney Creek. The only thing that each attendee will be out --aside from the registration fee is the cost of their room. The good news is that due to the anticipated size of the group we will get the rooms for $68 per night excluding the lodging tax. It has also been promised that for every 50 room nights there will be a free stay.
I haven't had time to calculate the registration fee but it will be in the vicinity of the $112.50 (plus or minus 15%) that was set for the previous reunion.
There is going to be some diversity at this renunion and my wife has promised to have some special functions for "Ladies Only." Guys we are going to be on our own for a number of hours.
I have been in touch with the ownership of the Mid-Missouri Mavericks and if they are in town that weekend we will be special guests and may get to throw out the first ball and appear on the Mavericks radio network. So, get your pitching arms and radio voice in tune for the possibility.
By staying at the Stoney Creek we will have access to the large banquet room and could show a Power Point Presentation that would be as big as a drive-in movie theater screen.
My wife is excited about the possibilities for the next reunion: If you share that enthusiasm make reservations starting now. The reservations are cancellable up to 24 hours prior to the date of the reunion.
Date: June 3-4-5, 2004
Where: Stoney Creek Inn
Address: 2602 South Providence Road
Town: Columbia, MO
Toll Free Reservations: 1-800-659-2220
Name of Group: The KOM League
Room Rate: $68 per single and/or double occupancy
I would like to start making a list of those who will plan on attending the reunion. I would also like to make a concentrated effort to get some of those who have attended for a couple of years to return. Also, it would also be nice to have some attend who have never been to a previous event. Your assistance in inviting a former teammate or old girlfriend would be appreciated. If you are married to someone other than your old girlfriend then maybe you shouldn't ask me to locate her for you.
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Note for emphasis: KOM League functions are "open door affairs." Anyone wishing to attend is cordially invited as long as you emulate the KOM Leaguers and pay your bills and stay out of trouble. On second thought, you don't even have to stay out of trouble. It's a free society. At our events you can say and do about anything you like.
By the way. At the coming event those of you with hobbies such as painting, carving, whittling, chewing, spittin' or any of those things are urged to bring along your special crafted items. If you have a collection that you would like to show off you can bring that along also. We will keep everything under close scrutiny and those who have had "questionable" motives at past reunions won't be allowed in the front door. The back door will also be guarded by ankle biting dogs.
-30-
The KOM League
Flash Report
for
October 1, 2003
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The "hopefuls" who went to the Instructional School of the New York Yankees at Phoenix, Arizona in 1950
Denis Jent sent me a photo this week of the players, trainer, coaches, manager and top brass of the New York Yankees but no identification of the players who were minor league prospects for the Bronx Bombers. I recognized a number of the guys due to having seen them in the KOM League and others by seeing their faces later on with the Yankees or other teams.
There are fifty facial images in that photo and not a one looks like Mickey Mantle, even though he was "purportedly" there--he wasn't. The following are guys I am sure are in that photo: (Underlined names are former KOM Leaguers--By early 1950 Wiesler was still a better prospect in the eyes of the Yankees than was Mantle.)
Tom Morgan, Cal Neeman, Denis Jent, Tom Sturdivant, Gus Triandos, Bob Wiesler, Casey Stengel, Del Webb, Dan Topping, Jim Turner, Bill Dickey, Gil McDougald, Al Pilarcik, Jim Finigan and Jim Brideweiser .
One thing about that photo is striking. Only the fellows affiliated with the big club had NY on their hats. The rest of the instructional school attendees were given caps with a block "N." I don't know if they were using the Norfolk, VA caps or it was a class distinction thing.
I guess I am going to have to "dig out" all the Sporting News that Bill Clark gave me recently that go back as far as 1946. I should be able to find the 1950 issue that mentioned the item I have just discussed. Surely that would have made the Sporting News.
Fifteen minutes later:
Hallelujah! I just returned from my garage library and am happy to report that the second Sporting News I picked up, out of the thousands out there, was the one with the information I needed. It was the February 1, 1950 edition of that publication. The article is on page 9 and is entitled, "Stengel and Aides Hold Classes for 44 Yank Hopefuls."
The players at that camp are listed along with the team or college they attended in 1949.
Pitchers in that photo: Dick Auberton-Ventura, Will Boemler-Quincy, Lew Burdette-Kansas City, Dick Carr-Norfolk, Art Del Duca-Norfolk, Jim Eskeberry-Twin Falls, Denis Jent-Joplin, Bob Maruca-Ventura, Tom Morgan-Ventura, Harry Schafer-Newark, Otto (Bruce) Schroeder-Twin Falls, Pete Vucurevich-Victoria, Robert Wiesler-Independence.
Catchers: Lou Berbert-Santa Clara Univ., Tom McKelvery-Newark, Cal Neeman-Joplin, Gus Triandos-Norfolk, Vic Mastro-Binghamton.
Infielders: Sid Thrift-La Grange, Charles Weiss-Amsterdam, James Finigan-Joplin, Gil McDougall (sp. McDougald ) Victoria, Gene Valla-Newark, Jim Brideweiser-Univ. of Southern Cal., Bill Cope-Twin Falls, Joe Polich-Norfolk, Georg Prigge-Easton and Tom Sturdivant (3b) Quincy. That is the same Sturdivant who later pitched for the Yankees. (Jimmy Richardson, Mickey Mantle's first cousin, called last night. I was mentioning this story. He said that he sees Sturdivant quite regularly in Oklahoma City. He reported that Sturdivant was driving new vehicles to destination sites and was seriously injured in an accident during one of those trips. He recalled that the wreck happened 2-3 years ago. He said that Tom is just now getting over the effects of the wreck.)
Outfielders: Marty Carlson-Quincy, Crawford Davidson-Norfolk, Frank Finnegan-Victoria, Elder Haapla-Amsterdam, Tom Kelly-Twin Falls, Al Pilarcik-Joplin, Bill Penna (sp. Renna) Twin Falls, Art Schult-Binghamton, Emil Tellinger-Quincy and Hank Workman--Kansas City.
One quote from the Sporting News article stated, "Assisting Casey from the coaching and scouting end were Jim Turner, pitching instructor; Joe Kuhel, first base instructor; Frank Crosetti, infield instructor; and Bill Dickey catching instructor. Stengel himself did the lecturing to the outfielders while Hank Bauer and Cliff Mapes illustrated his talks." That must have been a laugher.
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It is a small world
Hey John, I don't understand the latest E Mail from Liston. Sorry to hear about the reject on your book. It must be like being called into the manager's office.
Would you please send your address to me. Thanks for the good stories about a lot of people I know and played with and against.
Good luck--Cal Neeman
Ed Note: The e-mail from Neeman is a first from him. I thought it was rather strange that he got in touch moments after I wrote the article about the Yankees going to Phoenix with their young hopefuls in 1950. I guess the thought is most generally the father to the deed. I heard that somewhere and have always wanted to use that line.
Neeman was like a lot of young ballplayers who the Yankee had under contract who made it to the Major Leagues but with another organization. Cal spent time with the Cubs, Phillies, Pirates Senators and Indians during his seven years in the majors.
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I didn't know that!!
One of the benefits of having Bill Clark's old editions of the Sporting News gives me the opportunity to go through those old publications and look for references to the old KOM League. I was about to believe that I had read everything in those old editions or had seen the same story in some KOM League city newspaper.
Iola and Chanute were often accused of advertising for players at the Kansas City Post Office. The Feb. 1, 1950 edition of the Sporting News mentioned Charles Stephenson. He was a mystery player as far as I was concerned during my research in attempting to identify all former KOM Leaguers. He showed up in Iola and no record of his place of residence, age or playing stats were ever uncovered. The only reference I had on Mr. Stephenson was that when he got to Iola he appeared to be older than the normal rookie and Earl Sifers released him upon the recommendation of Windy Johnson. Here is the quote from the 2/1/50 edition of the Sporting News.
"Charles Stephenson an outfielder-pitcher from Peoria, Ill. has found it pays to advertise in The Sporting News. As a result of his ad, Stephenson has signed with the Iola (K-O-M) club. He played with the Flat Tire team in the Peoria Sunday Morning League last year and the Mackinaw (Ill.) Independents for three years. Stephenson is a product of Danvers (Ill.) High School."
Ed Note: I guarantee you that I will speak with every Stephenson in Peoria and Danvers before I die and attempt to ascertain how old he was when he reported to Iola in 1950. I am also intrigued by one of his clubs "The Flat Tires." Wow! that is the stuff made for novels.
Ten minutes later.
Well, I can now die. Moments after penning the foregoing statement I pulled up the list of every Stephenson in Peoria. The first name on that list was Kevin Stephenson. As luck would have it he is Charles son. After a brief conversation I found that Charles is very much alive and living in Phoenix. He is affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks and works in their VIP section. Small world eh?
E-mail addresses have been exchanged with Kevin Stephenson and we will be hearing from Charles within a short period of time, I hope. By the way, Sifers and Windy Johnson were way off base on the age of Charles. Kevin reports that is dad is 73 and that would have made him 20 years old when he reported to Iola in '50.
It turns out that Charles' dad was a standout performer for the Bradley Braves during his college days.
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Fooled my old cuz'
I thought you had lost your mind letting someone else take over for you. I was about to cancel your column. Ok, you got me on this one. I hold a grudge a long time, I'll get even....... cousin al
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Back from my pen name escapade
"Welcome Back", John. I'm sure the Class of CHS ' 57 were concerned.
Dave Richwine (CHS '59; PSU '67) GO GORILLAS
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Can't fool those Carolina lads
John, My Google.com search turned up only one Warren Liston. He's listed as the illegitimate son of the late, great Sonny Liston, currently resides in Lost Wages, Nevada, and works for a valet parking service at a local bordello.
Ergo, this --------- cannot possibly be the one who's sending out Flash Reports. Therefore, using my famous Carolina logic, I deduced that you were spoofing the heck out of all of us in the last F.R. Hey, my mama didn't raise no fool. Don Potts.
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Fun at the KOM League reunion
John, It was really fun being able to come by and observe the Friday baseball fun the reunion created for the players and families at the Carthage get-to-gether. I am 45 years of age, and have always had a passion for past minor league baseball information, from the SW Missouri area. Our local paper here in Springfield had a short note about the KOM reunion for 2003. I really wanted to go and just see what was to take place in Carthage for all of the past players. While at the Carthage ball field, it wasn't long before I was involved in conversations with people I had never met. Between the visiting, and watching the past players take BP, I was overtaken by the pure love of the game of baseball these people had, and the friendships that have been made from the past, and now restored in the golden years of these players and their family members. I came just to watch. I ended up talking, listening, and asking many questions of the past players, and quickly became a KOM life time fan.
I played my high school baseball here in Springfield, at Hillcrest High School, for a Missouri Hall of Fame Coach, Dick Birmingham. One of our greatest moments of the season, was to go to Carthage or Joplin and play a high school or Legion game at an old minor league ball park. Our Legion team would also go to Bartlesville each summer to play in the 4th of July tournament each year, and B-Ville has the best ball field in mid-America to this day, at the old KOM stadium. (FYI: The B-Ville ball park use to have the same distance for a homerun at all areas of fair territory. LF, RF and CF were all the same distance from home plate. That was a unique feature, but a few years ago, they moved home plate back towards the grandstands, and that changed the distance and made CF a little farther for a HR than LF and RF). I played my college baseball at Missouri Southern in Joplin. One of the reasons I picked Missouri Southern was because their home field was Joe Becker Stadium, the same field used by the Yankees in the Western Association League. I often felt this pride about playing college ball in a ball park that was once an old minor league ball park for many past minor leaguers. I often would tell my college teammates how neat it was to practice and play at an old minor league ball park. Many of my teammates did not see or feel the passion of that experience... but I sure did. There was an older man by the name of, "One Arm Brownie," who lived by Joe Becker Stadium, and he would come by to watch practice and games all the time. I would always try to talk with him every time he came by. He always had a baseball story to tell, and to this day, I still recall some of the stories.
My dad is 75, and he has a love for the game of baseball but never had the chance to really play baseball past high school. Dad and his cousin, would go downtown, here in Springfield, and watch many of the minor league games played at Whiteside Ball Park, over on Booneville Street. He has always told me many baseball stories about the minor league baseball, and the Western Association League, that was here in Springfield.
In closing, I just want to say, that I think it is great that these past minor leaguers are getting together. I am just so glad I have had the opportunity to hear some of their stories from when baseball was in its purest form.
Lindy Snider
3270 N. Rogers
Springfield, Mo 65803
Snider4life@aol.com
Associate Scout for the LA Dodgers
Full time sales rep for Roche Pharmaceuticals
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Fraternity brother reports!
JOHN--Just back home. My Bro told me Duane (Coots) was on the list, but he doesn't know why he wasn't selected this year. He feels the selection committee is too young and doesn't know about us "oldtimers." He suggested I get a copy of Duane's stats in Pro Ball and send it to the committee, along with my referral.
To that end, can you possibly e-mail Duane's pro stats to me? That would be great if you can.
--Bill O'Donnell
The Fraternity of Anonymous Minor Leaguers
PS I had a great time at the sports banquet and got to see a lot of old friends
Ed Reply:
Bill, the problem with a lot of guys is that they didn't play the game at the professional level very long and in some cases the numbers aren't eye-popping. What guys like Duane did really are reflected in their school boy careers and then in the city leagues in which they played after their abbreviated professional careers concluded. You know all too well that a lot of fine athletes had to give up the pro game because they had families to support and couldn't do it on "low minor league" salaries.
Duane Coots (P) Age 20 Canandaigua, N.Y. 1946 Johnson City Tenn., Appalachian League. 1947 Carthage, MO KOM League.
Duane was a 6-10 performer at Carthage with a 5.04 ERA with a 5th place ball club He walked 116 batters and fanned l07.
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Shouldn't mention this...but will
The new and improved "Mickey Mantle--Before The Glory" manuscript rode out of town headed west today. I won't reveal where or to whom it went. The only thing that I will say is that the guy who requested it is a former writer for a "big city" newspaper and he sat with Mutt, Lovell, Ray, Roy, Barbara and Butch the first time Mickey played with the Yankees in the city in which the reporter lived. I checked the guy out and asked him one simple question--"Did Lovell remain calm throughout the game?" When he replied that she was quite animated then I knew he was where he said he was back in 1951.
There has been a lot of input to this editor that I am not a liberty to re-create in these reports. The folks sending along advice and insights are well-known authors and they wanted to be helpful but not tainted by having their names spread about in the manner this report seems to accomplish.
The suggestions I have received state that vanity presses are not that bad. At least it gets an author's work published. I have concluded in recent days that the nature of my latest attempt at writing is regional in scope and probably the interest in the subject is limited to a couple of dozen Midwest folks. I can't imagine someone in New York or Boston caring one whit about the Tri-State Mining area of Northeast Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. In reviewing the manuscript I have to admit that 90% of the writing deals with one county in Oklahoma, two in Missouri and two in Kansas. That is where Mickey Mantle played all of his baseball during his time in Commerce, Baxter Springs, Independence and Joplin. His amateur and first two years in pro ball didn't find him traveling more than 200 miles from his hometown.
I have one person to thank for the latest manuscript being sent. He personally contacted the publisher and did such a great job of "selling" this editor that the publisher was "begging" me to let him have a chance at putting the book in print. Of course, he has yet to see the manuscript and has plenty of time to change his mind.
The person who went out on a limb recommending the manuscript to the publisher needed some type of re-assurance. Thus, I sent him a copy of the draft so that he would know a little bit more of what he had blindly recommended just two days previous. When he got the draft he replied, "John, I am thrilled and privileged to have the opportunity to preview the draft!!! I truly mean that. I will begin on it tonight. I have just printed it, 446 pages?. Seems I might be missing some at the end? I am not a computer guru though so probably me. But I am sure I have most of the 'meat"\'.
I am very glad that T_____ L_______ called you. He and I had a nice discussion on Monday a.m. I have never met him personally but have watched his talk show on TV (before some idiot decided it was not what was needed on that channel--the jerk!!) and am a subscriber to his paper, The ________.
Let me just say this John. I have known few people personally in my lifetime who have inspired people directly the way you have with the KOMérs. You have brought renewed life to many and, unknowingly, have probably even extended their years in some cases. You truly are an inspiration to me.
I am not sure where this will go with T_____ but I wish you the best. I feel a bit guilty with the next request but if this project with T_____ comes to fruition I would like to have the first "autographed" copy?
Best of luck. I will give you my true, honest straightforward assessment of the book within a few days, guaranteed!!!!" Anonymous--but barely
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Best idea of the year!!!
John, why not sell ads to help offset the cost of your newsletter. I would be happy to buy one for my real estate business. Sally Groves ( Goldie Howard's daughter)
Ed Reply:
Now that is a great idea. I tried that a few years ago and everyone laughed at me. Loren Doll did advertise a couple of times for the beef industry. However, that didn't last long. I would advertise your business if you think the outlay would be worth it. If you can claim that as a deduction on your income taxes that might prove to be the only benefit you would receive from your advertising. Think about, and let me know if you really want to do it. I could give you a whole page ad and throw in something about your daddy to personalize it.
Come to think about it I could even run a classified section. For example if someone wanted to sell of a baseball collection I am sure there are enough readers that it would get some attention. Ask Dick McCoy what happened when I let it be known he was attempting to sell some stuff cluttering up his basement. Both he and a collector here in Columbia, Mo both benefited, handsomely.
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Best plan of the year came from the former batboy of the KC A's, Jim Jay.
Resignation
I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an ADULT. I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year-old again.
I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four-star restaurant.
I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle. I want to see who can blow the biggest bubble. I want to think M&M's are better than money because you can eat them. I want to drink Kool-Aid,and eat lemonheads with my friends. I don't want to change clothes because I got a little dirty. I want to enjoy everyday like its summer vacation. I want to return to a time when life was simple.
When all you knew were colors, multiplication tables, and TV show theme songs, but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care. All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should make you worried or upset. I want to think the world is fair.
That everyone is honest and good. I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again, like a new hot wheel. I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more illness, and loss of loved ones.
I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination and mankind. I want to be in the roller derby and actually believe The Three Stooges are real.
So...here's my checkbook and my car-keys, my credit card bills and my 401K statements, my pager, my Cell Phone, my palm pilot, my fax machine and my DVD player, and last but not least my mortgage book. I am officially resigning from adulthood.
And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first cause...
"TAG YOU'RE IT AND YOU HAVE COOTIES"
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Special note:
For those of you who have confided in me that you are enduring some very horrendous physical problems my promise to you is sincere. You are in my thoughts constantly and as I go about my daily tasks I call your name in a silent prayer that your suffering will be alleviated as much as possible and that your days are somehow brighter for you have friends who care about you. jgh
-30-
The KOM League
Flash Report
Sept. 29, 2003
(The revised "duller" or
back to "normal" version.)
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Tongue in cheek is out the window
Last weekend I thought that I would take a few shots at myself and do a tongue-in-cheek Flash Report. Either some readers believed that to be on the level or they knew what Yours Truly was doing and intimated that they didn't. I got enough irate telephone calls and e-mails to cause my wife to say, "You hadn't ought to have done that. If you were to die no one would believe me when I told them you were no longer around to write your stupid e-mails."
I did have a couple of calls out of Texas and they were concerned for my health, welfare and safety. I had to advise all callers that I was my "normal" crazy self. The only thing I felt badly about was putting my constant "antagonist's" name, Warren Liston as the author. One caller was blaming yet another party for writing the last Flash Report. When the guy put the blame on Lee Dodson I knew I had to call a halt to the "fun." You see, Dodson has a computer but never reads the e-mail and I am not sure he even knows how. I figured anyone getting that Flash Report would know who sent it as soon as they went to reply, for my e-mail address would come up as the source of the item.
Late night a laughing voice called to say he had just received the previous three Flash Reports. He thought the cyanide bottle in one hand and the knife in the other was hilarious. He told me that I had a better chance of getting my Mantle book published than he would have in getting another job like the one the San Diego Padres just jerked out from under him.
Yes, Bill Clark attended the KOM League reunion in Columbia in early September and four days after that event found out he wasn't being offered a contract for 2004. Bill concluded that he knew how it felt to be rejected. As I tell anyone over 50 who loses a job, it isn't about talent and ability but all about money, jealousy, and a bias against the "elderly."
Clark is still under contract with the Padres until November at which time he will join a legion of readers of this Flash Report who are going to have to find something else to occupy their time. Upon considering Clark's plight a bright thought hit me. Why not let him write the KOM League material. You see, Clark is a former sports writer for the Columbia, Missouri Tribune and is as well-read as I am illiterate. When I approached him about the possibility of being the KOM League editor he replied, "Why would I want an non-paying job?" For that question I didn't have an answer. Another negative with Clark is that he will not get close to a computer and it is tough, if not impossible, to do these KOM League "things" without one.
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Keeping tabs
Hi John: Is William Boudreau, 1947 Ponca City first baseman still alive? Ray Nemec
This is where I send his newsletter. I spoke with him in the last couple of years so I presume he is still "kicking." John
Mr. Boudreau, William
33 Massachusetts Drive
Nashua, NH 03060 603-889-4507
Ed Note: Boudreau is not kin to Lou of the same last name. Bill was a member of the '47 Ponca City Dodgers. When he left baseball he got into the Postal Service and stayed there until he retired.
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Another place to send the manuscript
Hi John, Why don't you submit your manuscript to the television writers and producers? I know even without reading it it has to be better then the junk I have been watching.
Jim Cobb
P. S.. It seems in my clouded memory that I worked with Jim Turner (or he worked with me) at one time don't remember where might have been the old Portland Beavers.
Ed Note: I thank everyone for their suggestions on where to send the Mantle manuscript. There are other publishers out there who will review and possibly publish the book. Right now one publisher wants the manuscript and if I send it they have full acceptance or refusal rights for 12 weeks. In other words, I can't share it with any other publisher in that time frame. I wanted to have the book out by Christmas so that I could help the Salvation Army bell-ringers and buy the grandkids a sucker. But, when you play the game with the big boys you have to play by their rules.
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One reader didn't buy it for a minute!
John, It seems wholly inappropiate that Sammy Sosa has passed Mickey Mantle for all-time home runs. Hopefully, there is such a thing as a parallel universe and they have things right.
The University of Tennessee has a third-string quarterback by the name of Jim Bob Cooter. Couple that with their "Rocky Top" fight song -- the one with lyrics about moonshine stills and the like -- and you wonder why the people of Tennessee take exception with ESPN when that network uses the word "hick" and "UT" in the same sentence. Duh!
AND, I do not believe you have an "editor" writing your stuff now. It is the same old you. One way to compare sets of writing to see who owns authorship is to look at the transitions, such as: however, moreover, thusly, by the same token, thus, etc. Writers set a pattern. Your key thing is an error in style. I'll show you a perfect example, which was in the last Flash Report. I'll italicize the error:
Try Fullerton, California
Hi John; I just read Bob Hegwood's request for info about Del Crandall. I played against him in Fullerton, California after his career ended.
That sentence should read: I played against him in Fullerton, California, after his career ended.
Not only is there a comma after "Fullerton," there should also be one after "California."
It is not a matter of preference, either. There is no other rule. Your Flash Reports always have this error; your book, Majoring in the Minors, does not.
Bryce
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It was a futile attempt at humor
Can't tell whether you were being funny or what in your latest missive, so pardon me if it's all a belated April Fools Day thing and I'm too dense to get it. Anonymous
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Cub fans in shock
Can you believe it???? Next year is THIS YEAR!!!! (I'm waiting for the 3rd out to hit the "send" button) Lois in Iowa City, Iowa
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Call him "Concerned in Fulshear"
John, been trying to call you, line busy for __________time. Not to be too nosy, but, is something going on with you that you are not sharing?
Concerned. Joe
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Tracking Del Crandall
John: Is the Del Crandall you refer to the one who now lives Brea, Calif.? Ray Nemec
Ed Note: The private investigatory staff of the KOM League has located Mr. Crandall. Now, it will be up to Bob Hegwood to get in touch with him.
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He's back!!
Hi again John:
Sorry you feel the urge to hang it up. Enjoyed your newsletters immensely and will miss them for sure. As our former batsy you had the feel for the news we former Cubbies (1950) looked forward to. Per your Flash Report dated 9/27/03 I wish to be removed from your mailing list. If you ever consider a comeback please let me know. P.S. Sorry I missed the re-union again - My wife's health is not good at this time, but she is improving -thank god. Don Annen
Ed Note: I wrote Don a quick note to let him know that the last Flash Report was only an April Fools joke in September. I may be able to blame that "joke" on something that I always thought might happen if the "big Cub" time ever won a championship of any kind.
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JOHN, KOM MEMBERS & WIVES
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME THAT MELS, CELESTE, AND I EXPERIENCED AT THE REUNION. EVERYONE'S HOSPITATLITY WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I HAVE FELT SO WELCOME AND A PART OF IN A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS OF WHOM I HAD JUST MET IN SUCH A SHORT TIME, AN EXPERIENCE THAT I HAD THOUGHT DIDN'T EXIST ANY LONGER. WE HAD SUCH A GOOD VISIT WITH OUR DAD AND CHARLENE AND ARE KEEPING IN TOUCH. THANKS TO HAL (Brydle) HAVING SET UP EVERYTHING AND MAKING IT POSSIBLE. EVERYONE THERE HAD SUCH WONDERFUL STORIES TO SHARE, MY ONLY REGRET IS THAT WE WERE NOT THERE THE ENTIRE REUNION. ENJOYED READING YOUR NEWSLETTER AND LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING ONES IN THE FUTURE.
PLEASE BE SURE AND LET EVERYONE KNOW HOW MUCH THEIR HOSPITATLIY HAS MEANT TO US !!! STEPH RUSSELL (NEWKIRK)
Ed Note: This subject was mentioned in passing in a recent Flash Report when it was stated Oprah Winfrey didn't have anything on the KOM League. I mentioned to Hal Brydle at the reunion that what he had done was the "unsung" highlight of the most recently concluded reunion. In fact, I told him it was probably the highlight event of all previous reunions.
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That's about all.
-30-
The New and "Better"
KOM League Flash Report
Now under the editorship of former KOM League standout
Warren Liston
Whose goal is to improve this publication and make the
former editor just a "bad memory."
September 27, 2003
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The ship done sunk!
Don't give up the ship yet John. There are a few of us out here still trying for you!!! Casey
Ed Reply: It's too late. I, Warren Liston, am now "Editor and Chief" of all things that pertain to the KOM League.
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Who's John Grisham?
It sounds to me that you are very depressed about the book rejection. You shouldn't be! Look at John Grisham. His first novel was rejected many times. He kept
at it and wrote "the Firm" as his second novel and it got picked up. It wasn't until after his third novel that the first one was accepted and printed. So....keep submitting "before the Glory" and I'm sure it will be published. Surprising, isn't it that so many other Leagues are copying your initiative in having reunions and now Newsletters. Hmmmm. Relax, John, good things happen to good people and from this vantage point, you're one of the best!........Regards to Noel ......The Bass' (Danny and Helene-Silver Spring, Maryland)
Ed reply: I have taken over for John Hall. He said thanks, I think. He is now heavily sedated and being watched every waking second to ensure he doesn't try submitting another version of that book of his about Mickey Mantle or getting back on the e-mail. Warren Liston--new editor!
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Request granted
John, please take me off of the list. Thanks, Joe Dellasega
Ed Note: Dear Joe, looks like you had enough of the former editor also. Warren Liston
No More Please--Hal Elledge
Ed Note: Notice the number of people who didn't like John Hall's publications. It is a good thing he started cleaning out that mail file before he heading off to the treatment center.
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They will wonder how they ever tolerated Hall after reading Liston.
John, I always enjoy the "KOM League Flash Report". Please keep them coming. Thanks, Dave Richwine
Ed Note: I'll do my best to uphold the "low-standards" set by my predecessor. Obviously, Mr. Richwine and the former Flash Report editor came out of the same "neck of the woods" and never grew to appreciate the great style of writing exemplifed by Yours Truly during my "beat days" with the Kansas City Star. Warren
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Brain Schwarze wants to play baseball
John, I am not sure exactly what Brian Schwarze is looking for as far as "work"? Does he mean playing ball? I just was reading in the KC Star that Frank White, our Royals all-time great 2nd baseman has been named manager of the Wichita AAA team for next season and he will be going to Arizona for the winter to work with some level of minor league/instructional ball? I'm not sure this is pertinent nor what you are looking for?
As to the opening statements in your Sept 26 FR I have only this to say------------------------- I WANT MORE!!!!!!---notice there is not a "NO" in front of MORE. Send MORE John. If need be I can get to the office earlier in the morning to look for it----oops!!! just remembered---security on our system will not allow me to get on until 6:30. Oh well, I can stay later at night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not sure I can handle Warren Liston's writing as it obviously will contain many of those "segues" which I do not understand?
Do not give up anything yet John, I am still working on something!!! Be like Jimmy V----"don't give up, don't every give up"!!!!
Ed Note: I am so sorry you feel you may not be able to handle all my segues. Until John Hall introduced that word to me I didn't know how to transition from one subject to another. That is one thing I learned from him. In fact, that is about all the knowledge he ever imparted to me. You know, I don't think you all are going to miss him all that much. Warren
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Another potential publisher?
Ed Eakin, the founder of the press, and I were acquainted but he's passed on now. I believe a daughter is running the show now and we
don't know each other. Ed was a weekly newspaper publisher (and wrote a really good column) at Quanah, I think it was, near Wichita Falls,
for years before moving to Austin and starting the press. some 20 years ago or so.
They say (on their website) that they're swamped with submissions right now, so don't know if a phone call would work. In fact, they
seem to discourage phone calls (see the Submissions section of their website:
http://www.eakinpress.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/submissi.htm?L+scstore+jkyx7444ff537e53+1142636037
But I'm sure Simon & Schuster usually didn't take phone calls either, so you might try your telephone magic on Eakin. I think the book
suits them perfectly.
And let's not be too quick to drive over to Sedalia or give away free to your loyal and grateful readers of the KOMLR something yu've
sweated blood and money over for more than four years. As they say in football, it's time to stand tough in the pocket (while I watch
from over here on the sidelines).
Ed Reply: Don't worry about John Hall driving to Sedalia or anywhere else for that matter. In his condition I think they have even revoked his driving privileges. I don't know if being the new editor I can submit something on his behalf. I will check with his wife on that matter. Warren
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KOM League memorabilia for 2003....gone
John, Will take all the bats and maroon caps let me know the dollar amt. will send as soon as possible, please include the freight. newk
Ed Reply: I don't know all the shortened version names but assume you are Dave Newkirk. I looked through John's supply here at the KOM League Hall of Fame and "Junk store" and located three maroon hats and four of the Louisville Slugger bats. I am sending it to you for a fee of $75 for everything. Any proceeds will go toward John's rehabilitation. His medical bills will be quite high, as I understand it, because they don't know how to treat mentally disturbed former batboys. His preliminary diagnosis is "Batty Halls-heimers." It is roughly described as older guy who can't remember where the bats or the bat rack is for that matter. Warren
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Changing allegiance already?
.".... will be subscribing to kitty league letter...steve milman"
Ed Note: Does that mean Mr. Milman gave up on the KOM League newsletter when he discovered I was taking over for John Hall? Gee, I wish I had been given an opportunity to show in the KOM League publications what I displayed on the diamonds of the KOM League when I was known as "The best catcher in the league." Anyway, that is what the late Jim Hansen had to say about me. Warren
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Try Fullerton, California
Hi John; I just read Bob Hegwood's request for info about Del Crandall. I played against him and found that he was residing in Fullerton, California after his career ended. I do not know if he is still there. Possibly a call to telephone information would determine if he is still there. He was a fine person as well as being an outstanding catcher, We were friendly and spoke often after he said to me one night while I was at bat. "I wish I could hit like you" and I replied "If I could catch like you...we would be a heck of a good ballplayer." If Bob Hegwood finds him....Tell him hello for me.
Bill Goff--(Former Ft. Smith Giant of the Western Association.)
jjwwgg2@aol.com
Ed Note: I don't know how to look those things up like John used to. I will pass the information on to Bob Hegwood and maybe he will let me know when Crandall is located. Warren
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The balm of understanding from Santa Claus--a.k.a. Walt Babcock
THIS IS VERY APPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME SINCE JOHN IS IN THE DOLDRUMS ABOUT HIS REJECTION OF HIS HARD WORK (THE MANUSCRIPT). I JUST GOT THROUGH READING JOHN'S LATEST (HOT FLASH) AND HE NEEDS OUR HELP TO HELP HIM THROUGH THIS TIME OF NEED. AS I COMPLETED READING JOHN'S MISSILE THE FOLLOWING CAME FROM A FRIEND. WE ALL NEED TO READ THIS AND COUNT OUR BLESSINGS AND WISH FOR JOHN'S RESOLVE OF HIS ISSUES. I HOPE I HAVE SAID THIS LIKE I AM THINKING IT SHOULD BE SAID(IF YOU GET WHAT I'M SAYING.) BEST REGARDS TO YOU ALL, WALT
Golf Balls, Life & Two Cans of Beer
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and
poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a
unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty
space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the
important things-your family, your health, your children, your friends, your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only
they remained, your life would still be full.
"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff. If you put the sand
into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy
on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your
happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to
clean the house, and fix the disposal.
"Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her
hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life
may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."
Ed Reply: I will take this over to the insane ward where the old editor is now housed. I believe that all he needs is a shot of something and a handful of Prozac.
Don't worry about the old coot, I can handle things very well in his absence. You, like myself know that he didn't do a very good job with anything and the reason
he lasted as long as he did is that we tolerated him. It now appears we did him more harm than good. Warren
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Hello, John...I enjoyed your piece on Bert Convy...Very nicely done.
I wanted to ask you if you got out to see the Mid-Mo. Mavericks this past season and what was your take on the Frontier League. I know the Mavs didn't fair too well this year, but it's not whether you win or lose, but how much you enjoy going to the ballpark. I've always enjoyed the Frontier League...the Richmond Roosters are an hour away from here and I have also been to games in Chillicothe, Evansville, Kalamazoo, Zanesville and Newark (OH). My uncle, Gale Blakeley, who played (10) for the Pittsburg Browns in 1948, remembered playing at McBride Stadium in Richmond, IN when he was with the Lima (OH) Phillies of the Class D Ohio-Indiana League in 1950. The Richmond Tigers had a couple future major leaguers on their team that year...Billy Hoeft and Jim Bunning. Bunning, as you know, threw no-hitters in each the AL and NL and is now a U.S. senator representing the state of Kentucky.
Ed Hoke--Troy, OH
Ed Reply: I don't think my predecessor made it out to any Maverick games. That was one of his problems. He got too wrapped up in his own little world to see the bigger picture. I'm gong to give him a list of all the guys who got in touch since he "left the building" so to speak. I don't think you can anticipate his return any time soon, if ever. I sure am not going to tell him anybody enjoyed anything he ever did, as referenced by your Bert Convy statement. It would only tend to give him false hope that he is some kind of writer and and Simon and Schuster have aptly pointed out, "That boy editor ain't ready for prime time." Warren
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False alarm
John--I just learned from my brother that Duane (Coots) is NOT going into that sports hall of fame thing back in our hometown (as I told you before). I was sure I had been told that. Anyhow, he's sure to go in soon. They have this thing every year (for about the past 3 years). Sorry I told you wrong info before. I'm leaving tomorrow morning to be at the event. --Bill O' (O'Donnell)
Ed Reply: I called John Hall and "old coot" earlier in this report. Please understand that was not a reflection on Duane Coots. Hope you stay in touch with "the new KOM League Flash Report" under my editorship. Warren
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Charlie Kohler wants to know--What the hell happened? Taxes
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
Capital Gains Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Court Fines (indirect taxes)
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax Interest expense (tax on the money)
Inventory tax IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Local Income Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Septic Permit Tax
Service Charge Taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Taxes (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Road Toll Booth Taxes
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Tele! phone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Toll Bridge Taxes
Toll Tunnel Taxes
Traffic Fines (indirect taxation)
Trailer registration tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
COMMENTS: Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago and our nation was the most prosperous in the world, had absolutely no national debt,
had the largest middle class in the world and mom stayed home to raise the kids. Charles Kohler.
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The hardest part of taking over my new task.
Very shortly I am going to have to have Mr. Hall's telephone number changed. It seems that there are three John Hall's, at least, in Columbia, Missouri. One is a medical doctor and another is a construction company owner. The phone rings all the time with someone wanting to set up either an office visit for a sick loved one or asking for an estimate for a building project.
I'm now beginning to think that my predecessor got his wires crossed and tried to be a medical, construction and journalism conglomerate and failed miserably at all
of them. Don't attempt to get in touch with John at this time. I can handle all of the tasks he used to screw up. I have my priorities set and will do a far better job than has been done in the past with this publication. Also, I have some ideas for revamping that old KOM League Remembered Newsletter that has been cluttering the homes of a couple of dozen readers over the last nine years. Stayed tuned, I am going to clean up the mess Mr. Hall left behind. As for that Mantle manuscript it is beyond redemption. I am going to find John's file and totally revamp that thing if it is salvageable. If not I am going to bind it and take it to the "Shack out back" and do with it what we used to do with Montgomery Ward catalog before we got an inside privy back there on the Eastern Kansas plains during the 1930's. Warren
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The KOM League Flash Report
for September 26, 2003
The old Class D league that has been mostly forgotten with the
exception of a few old guys and young ladies.
Attention: If you receive these Flash Reports and wish you didn't, this is the time of year that I offer the recipients a quick way to be taken off the mailing list.
Also, if you receive more than one of these issues by virtue of having multiple e-mail addresses let me know. I understand that these reports are barely tolerable
and a double dose is almost more than anyone can endure.
Just send me a note that says "No more" and it will eliminate your receiving any further editions of this time-warn missive.
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The attempt is being made!!!
Before leaving Carthage from the 2003 reunion there were a number of people who pleaded with me to plan another event for 2004. I told them I would look into
the possibility of holding it in Columbia, MO in order that I could do an adequate job of planning without running all over creation attempting to put one together in
a KOM League city. The nearest town to Columbia representing the KOM League is 250 miles and putting the round trip figures together for 7-8 trips to a site in order to plan an event it is easy to see that 3360 miles and around 168 hours of time driving to and fro along with the meeting time in one of those cities quickly runs into a lot of hours.
Since the return from Carthage there has been some preliminary planning with regard to the Columbia possibility. Motels, food caterers and activities are all considerations. The first consideration in planning an event is the availability and acceptability of rooms. At reunions it is best to have all activities under one roof.
The Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia is the finest site in central Missouri. I spoke with them this week and asked about the first or last week in June of 2004. Unfortunately, the Methodists have the run of the place the first week and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have it the last week of that month.
At this time reunion planning is up in the air as are a number of things with which I am associated. All that is detailed later in this report.
As soon as I can offer something concrete about a reunion in 2004 you will hear from me.
Remember, that no matter what you read in this report it pales in significance to an encounter in a local super market this week. A gentleman was checking out at
the front register. When he saw me he blinked. I spoke to him as usual. He excused himself for blinking. It seems that he hadn't seen me around town for a while
and inquired of one of my neighbors as to my whereabouts. The neighbor confusing me with someone else (I think) replied, "Oh, he died."
Well, I haven't passed on as yet but as you read this Flash Report you might now understand how I can quote the Apostle Paul when he said, "Oh death, where is
thy sting...." Yep, the old batboy has struck out once again. Read on to see how one copes with rejection. jgh
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Great memories of Bert Convy by former teammate:
Bert Convy was a close friend of mine. I played ball with him in the Far West League, Klamath Falls Oregon. He went to North Hollywood High and I was at Van Nuys High. We played against each other in high school. He and Burt Reynolds had a base ball tryout in the North Hollywood Park each year for the youngsters. I was asked to help but my time would not allow me to. I was sure sorry when he died. I remember him in Miami but he was not there too long.
I used to run into him once in a while in Bruno's Italian restaurant in Sherman Oaks, he and his mom. Did not attend the funeral, and was very sorry for that. Ed Sack (1952 Miami, Okla. Eagles.)
For those of you who never managed to read my book about the KOM League you missed quite a section on Mr. Convy. He was born in St. Louis but headed west during the depression years. He got out of baseball after meeting Mickey Mantle in Miami in '52. Mickey had been sent home from the Yankees to recover from a rash. Convy and his manager, Johnny Davenport were walking down the street when Davenport spotted Mantle. Davenport knew Mantle from their time against each other in the Western Association in 1950. Davenport offered to introduce Convy to Mantle who jumped at the chance. He commented after meeting Mantle that if it took a body like that to play major league baseball then he was in the wrong business. Shortly afterward Convy was singing "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcyle Boots," and then on to the movies and TV. I am not going to recite the whole Convy story but if you go to his website you will see not only him but some "stuff" that I contributed to the creator of that site.
http://www.bertconvy.net/bertbaseball.html (This will give you his baseball career written my Yours Truly, me, my mothers only son and my wife's only husband.)
http://www.bertconvy.net/ This is the website that is a tribute to Convy's entire life. This website runs out of the hometown of Preacher Roe, Tedd Gullic, Bill
Virdon and country star Porter Waggoner.--If you don't know the name of the town with all that information then you are neither a baseball or country music fan.
I know that Hazel Park, MI shows up on Virdon's birth certificate but that only happened because the family was hungry and that was a place his dad could find work. Gullic was actually born at Koshkonong, MO but everyone born there claimed West Plains as their hometown. He ran an insurance agency with his sons
and grandson until his death.
West Plains was the trade area for Koshkonong and surrounding villages. Most of the aforementioned bought their groceries from Preacher Roe after he retired
from the game. In fact, Porter Waggoner started out as a butcher but was so bad at it he was advised to play the guitar. He found Dolly Parton and from there it
is history, as they say.
Preacher Roe had a grocery store in West Plains for years. Yes, I know that Preacher was born across the Arkansas border at Ash Flat, Arkansas and lived a number of years at Hardy, Ark. However, he has been on the West Plains scene for many years.. Every once in a while the readership needs a little history and geography lesson from the vast expanses of the "little known" Midwest.
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Can anyone out there give some advice to "Stan the Man's" grandson?
Dear John, I know we haven't talked in awhile. I was wondering about baseball this winter. I will be done with college in December and am trying to look into really bearing down and working this winter for spring training for the rookie team starting March 1. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it.
Thanks, I definitely owe you for your help. Brian Schwarze.
Ed Note: It is not always easy being the grandson of a Hall of Famer. If any of you out there know where Brian can get some work regarding his baseball aspirations let me know and I'll pass the information along.
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Simon said, "Thumbs down."
Most of you are aware that a draft manuscript of a book I have worked on for a "few" days was shuffled off to New York nearly one month ago. Yesterday it
came back. There was a terse note that basically read, "Alas, it is not for us." That was nice. At least my manuscript made it to the Big Apple while I stayed in Missouri and toiled at my sweatshop. (The publisher that had "first rejection rights" was Simon & Schuster.)
I think the manuscript was happy to be back home although I can't say that I was that excited to see it. It didn't appear to have been abused too badly so it is
possible that is could take another trip in a different envelope to another publishing house someday, should I be able to work up the nerve to face rejection yet
another time.
Fortunately, I live with a lady who has told me for 43 years not to get too excited or depressed over any eventuality. I admit that as I sit at this computer with a
bottle of cyanide in one hand and a sharp knife in the other that she is indeed right. (Try keying in data with your hands thus occupied.)
Since this column is always a "tell all" I just figured it was owed the readership to hear another tale of the "agony of defeat" as well as the "thrill of victory." Come
to think of it, it has been a long time since I have known the latter. Ah well, as they say in the baseball world, "Wait till next year." You know a lot of players say
that and find out the next year they have been traded, sold or given their outright release. Wonder if that will happen in this instance?
Bulletin--Update--hold the phone etc.
The very instant that the aforementioned "pity party" rejection note was completed the telephone rang. I figured it was either Simon & Schuster begging for a
second shot at the manuscript or my wife calling downstairs to find out if I had sipped the cyanide yet. It was neither. One the other end of the line was former Independence Yankee, Denis Jent, calling from Indianapolis, Indiana. He said, "I finally found that picture I told you about." Well, not wanting to appear brain
dead I extended the conversation hoping Denis would fill me in on the photo. When it was obvious he wasn't going to mention the content of the photo, I blurted
out, "What is the nature of that photo?" Then Denis informed me it was the one taken at Phoenix, Arizona in the winter of 1950 when he, Bob Wiesler, Mickey Mantle, Al Pilarcik--all former Independence Yankees went out to the early training camp of the Yankees.
Denis went on to tell me who most of the '50 Yankees and "hopefuls" were in the photo including top Yankee brass such as; Del Webb, Dan Topping, Casey
Stengel and Jim Turner. When he mentioned Turner I replied, "That's your old buddy isn't it?" Saying the name of Jim Turner in Denis Jent's presence is like yelling fire in a crowded theater or bringing up the name of Adolph "Buzz" Arlitt in the presence of Sam Dixon.
Turner was the pitching coach at Phoenix that winter who told Jent to go out to the mound without warming up. Jent protested, a little, saying he wasn't warmed up yet. Turner told him it was a warm day and he didn't need to throw on the sideline before taking the mound. Denis Jent's baseball career ended for all intents and purposes on that mound that day.
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Another Class D League newsletter to hit the market place. (Destined to shove the KOM League Remembered into oblivion)
Dear Kitty League friends,
The Bull Pen newsletter is almost ready to go to press!
The Bull Pen will be the “official” newsletter for former Kitty League players, fans, and followers. The first issue is dedicated to the Kitty League Centennial Reunion and will include an article describing the reunion events and lots of photos. Thank you to Ruth Carver, Lynn Rothenhausler, and Jim Werkheiser for sharing your photos!
The Fall 2003 issue will be 8-1/2” x 11” size and 20 pages in length. Subsequent issues may be a page or two shorter depending on how much material I have to work with. They will be mailed flat in a manila envelope rather than folded in half. Among the regular articles and columns featured will be the “Researcher’s Notepad” (my column), “The Hot Corner” by veteran Kitty Leaguer Curt Englebright, “Tales of the Kitty” with interesting and funny stories about the league, and updates on the new Kitty League independent circuit slated for the 2004 season. There will also be a “Letters to the Editor” style forum for readers to express their opinions.
Hopefully it will be a lighthearted and interesting publication for everyone!
WHY A NEWSLETTER?
I’ve always wanted to create one for the Kitty League ever since I came across “The KOM League Remembered,” a booklet-style publication written by John Hall. (That’s how I got the idea to organize a reunion, too!) Having the chance to meet all the players and their families at the reunion, I felt it would be a great way for everyone to stay in touch and know what’s going on with everyone. It will also give the players an opportunity to share their memories of what it was like to play in the league.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Subscriptions will be four issues (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer) for $24.00 per year. This will cover printing, postage, and related expenses. It’s not my desire to make a profit from this little publication, but only to break even (or as close as possible). Hopefully there will be some revenue generated from the sale of advertisement space that may lower the subscription rate for next year.
SPACE FOR RENT!
Advertising space will be available to readers with small businesses or special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or other announcements they’d like to share. Space will be available on a first come, first served basis and will be limited! Here is what will be available:
REGULAR ADVERTISEMENTS
Back Cover (Full Page) = $100.00 per year
Back Cover (Half Page) = $50.00 per year
Inside Page (Half Page) = $25.00 per year
Inside Page (1/4 Page) = $15.00 per year
Inside Page (Business Card) = $10.00 per year
SPECIAL OCCASION ADS (ONE-TIME USAGE)
Back Cover (Full Page) = $25.00 an issue
Back Cover (Half Page) = $12.50 an issue
Inside Page (Half Page) = $6.25 an issue
Inside Page (1/4 Page) = $3.75 an issue
Inside Page (Business Card) = $2.50 an issue
HOW CAN I SUBSCRIBE?
Simply send me an e-mail to this address and let me know you’re interested in subscribing, then send a check or money order for $24.00 payable to the Kitty League Reunion to:
The Bull Pen
283 Murrell Road
Dickson, TN 37055
The sooner you can let me know via e-mail, the better. The Bull Pen goes to press the first week of October and should be in your mailbox by mid-month. I will have a more consistent publication schedule with the Winter 2004 issue.
NEED BIRTHDAYS!
This is directed more towards the players’ wives and children and other Kitty League hangers-on (like myself). Please e-mail me your birthdays (you don’t have to give the year unless you’d like to!) as I will have a section honoring birthdays in each issue.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
Please let me know what you think about this hair-brained scheme! Will it work? I need encouragement!
Thanks! Kevin McCann
Editor/Publisher/Husband/Father
Ed Note: I wish Kevin all the best in this endeavor. However, at the end of his note he put Editor/Publisher/ Husband/Father. I will only say that when he gets knee deep in this task he can delete 50% of those appellations. Being a husband and father will be a thing of the past. If you think not contact my wife and two orphan children who are now adults.
I am glad that Kevin is coming out with his newsletter. I think maybe it is now time for me to "hang it up" and do something more meaningful with my spare moments. I think we all ought to send Kevin $24 and forget all about this KOM League stuff. It sounds to me as if he is a man with a plan. Or maybe I can copy his stuff and come out with a publication that doesn't continue to be the laughing stock of "real publishers."
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Note to Warren Liston
I have told you for a number of years that it would become clear when my writing days were over. Well, the "boy editor" now thinks it is time to turn the task over to the master. Do you want to move to the KOM League headquarters and publish the newsletter and Flash Report out of Columbia, Missouri or should the equipment be hauled over to your place in Kansas City? Let me know soon. By the way do you want me to throw in the book manuscript along with all my data files or should I delete all that stuff and let you start with a clean slate? John Hall
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One last thing
Bob Hegwood, former Miami and Topeka Owl is attempting to locate a guy he played against in the Western Association by the name of Del Crandall. Of course, any baseball fan of the 1950's remembers Crandall who made it to the Major Leagues with the Milwaukee Braves. Bob has some great memories of Crandall during the days Del was catching for the Leavenworth Braves and Bob was catching the likes of Winlow "Windy" Johnson of the Topeka Owls. He recalls Crandall moaning about having to face Johnson. He told Hegwood one night after facing Johnson that if every pitcher in baseball was that tough he would quit the game. For you KOM League fans, Johnson was the guy who managed Iola for two seasons in both 1949 & 1950. The 1949 team was as good as the 1950 was bad.
Anyway, if anyone has a telephone number or address for Crandall, Hegwood would love to be able to contact him.
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