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.
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