The KOM League Remembered

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-103499612011-08-18T07:36:13.091-07:00The KOM League RememberedJohn Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15433441451088634913noreply@blogger.comBlogger451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10349961.post-1135450255528933262005-12-24T10:43:00.000-08:002005-12-24T10:53:49.430-08:00Posts from July to Dec.Flash Report 6—Starting July 6, 2005 <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Flash Report Back from the brink July 6, 2005 Well, I have good news and bad. The good news is that the computer is back to where it was data-wise on January 28, 2005. The bad news is that there are six months worth (or worthless) of files that are not yet retrieved and probably will never be. The other bad news is that no matter what I have done to get back online this computer will fail at some point. Thanks to all who send notes wishing my computer a quick "get well." Those were all appreciated. Special note to all who don't want these reports!! This e-mail is being sent based on the list of those on the e-mail file that existed January 28, 2005. Since that time a number of people have asked to be deleted from the distribution list. If you are one of those people and you are receiving this report just let me know and I'll update the file so you won't receive any more copies. I feel awful that scores of people have been added since late January and I have no way at present to get back in touch with them. If you are aware of anyone who should be receiving these reports and don't, let me know. I'm not sure what I've missed in the last week or so. Many of you have probably sent e-mails. If you did and it required an answer try me one more time. The latest KOM League agenda is that Yours Truly will be appearing before the noon Rotary tomorrow here in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City> and on August 18-20 I've been invited to join the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids at their booth for Cowtown Days. Former Whiz Kid and long-time banker in the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City> area, Ben Craig will be the Grand Marshall. If the <st1:city st="on">Overland</st1:City> or Butterfield Stage Coach lines are able to pull the stagecoach through the prairies of Western Missouri and <st1:place st="on">Southeast Kansas</st1:place>, I'll be there. If you have anything to share with regard to any subject other than religion, politics and sex send them along. Together we'll get the Flash Reports up and chugging once more. One glimmer of hope!! The old hard drive where all the current information is stored was sent to a "specialist" who is a reader of some of this material. If that can be recovered that will be the best news I've had since the doctor diagnosed me as ugly but stated that the condition was not terminal. See ya!!! The KOM League Flash Report for July 7, 2005 Disclaimer: The old batboy is attempting to work his way back to putting out a Flash Report that is somewhat relevant and secondarily interesting. The offer to delete anyone's name from the mailing list who didn't wish to receive these reports was well received and there are a "bunch" fewer recipients this time around. That's okay, I've learned to accept rejection while still smiling. Had a nice meal at noon and then addressed the local Rotary Club. They weren't sure I earned my keep but I had a good time anyway and even sold a handful of books. The Mantle book tour will have yet another appearance in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place>. The local library called shortly after my return from Rotary and have set up an event for November 10th. That will be the fourth event held at that site and the first since they constructed the new building. That event would be worth attending just to view the sculpture at the entrance to the library. I could never describe it. Just a reminder that the book signing tour has about run its course so if you're in my neck of the woods drop by and I'll fill your cup with tomatoes. There were 106 plants in the beginning and one looks like it has cancer and four or five get topped nightly by the deer. However, the other 100 or so are between five and 6.5 feet tall and are just about ready to start an avalanche in the back yard. I've mentioned in previous Flash Reports that the largest thing on my agenda for the summer was the tomato crop. I'm sure the largest thing on my plate in a few weeks will be one variety of tomato that is supposed to weight 3 pounds by the time it ripens. From all appearances it is now 2/3rds of the way there. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Mantle book and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City></st1:place> Miner Scorecard John, Sorry to hear about your computer troubles. I too have had my fill of them recently, but am resigned to fix 'em up and go on - have become too attached, I fear. By the way, I gave Dad his copy of the Mantle book for Fathers' Day and he was delighted! He saw a lot of names and faces from the past, and we are both grateful to you for bringing those memories back to life. I also presented him with the 1950 Miners game day program, which really touched his heart. You see, I had not realized, on that day in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Springfield</st1:place></st1:City> when I bought it from you, that the inside cover included an ad for the C&A Barbecue. Dad worked at the C&A, along with his brothers and some folks who would become the dearest friends of his life, from the time he was twelve years old. By the time that program was printed, he had worked himself (literally) into a 25% ownership share in the chain. The C&A was his first love, and he claims that that it was the last job he ever held where he looked forward to going to work -- every single day. Thanks again, and good luck with your fancy adding machine. Dave Fraley Ed note: That scorecard is a gem and a great piece of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City></st1:place> history. I have a couple of those laying around the basement. If anyone wants a copy of it worse than I do, let me know. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Expressions of sympathy John: As you see I have received the Flash Report. Sorry that I didn't respond at once because I just got back from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Our son returned from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region> and this was the first time we saw him in over a year and a half. Sorry to hear about your problem with your computer. I had the same thing happen to me. Talk to you later. Ken Boehme Iola 51 Hey John, sorry to hear about your computer Crash. I always enjoy your news Flashes. Hopefully you'll be on line again soon. Cuno....(Barragan) John, Great to have you back. Dick Getter Clearly, I received your e-mail. Technology is wonderful when it worksbut such a pain when it does not as evidenced by your current dilemma.   <pre>I have much technical support at the University, but I seem to be able to do things that sometimes give them fits. I dread having a computer when I retire this next Spring.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>On a personal note, the class of '56 from CHS will be having their 50th anniversary next year. Like all of us from those innocent years by comparison to the present, where did all the time go?<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I am retiring in May 2006 which will give me 41 years of full time service in higher education and 44 years in education. This will be my third retirement, but it will be the definitive one. I have had a wonderful life with a loving, supportive family. What more can one asked?<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Should your travels bring you to the Greater Cincinnati area, please let me know as it would be fun to reminisce about <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> days. Your e-mails over the years evoked some powerful and good memories. The <st1:placename st="on">National</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Underground</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Railroad</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Freedom</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType> in <st1:city st="on">Cincinnati</st1:City>, which I helped in a big way to build, has already become a "must see" icon in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>As a closing side note, I went back to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO</st1:State></st1:place> this past May for my 45th graduation anniversary from MIZZOU. While there, my wife Karen and I had a wonderful visit with my cousin Eugene Boothe and his wife Charlotte (nee: Corder) who live in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Columbia</st1:place></st1:City>. I remember that you and Gene (who now goes by the name of Ray since his first name was the same<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>as his father's, Raymond) were in school at Eugene Field as well as CHS. It was a very nice mini reunion. Blessings, Leon Boothe<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Keep them coming. Sorry to hear about your computer. -Charlie Hadley<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I HATE TO TELL YOU BUT I DID GET YOUR LAST E-MAIL. WALT Babcock<o:p></o:p></pre> Thanks for letting me know about Bunny Mick. Herbie Heiserer Thanks to all who sent their remarks about the computer crash. I wasn't aware that some of those on the mailing list even read these reports, let alone enjoy them. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Death of a former KOM League umpire William “Red” Wilcoxson William R. “Red” Wilcoxson, age 88, of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City>, died Saturday, July 2, 2005, at his residence. Red was born Nov. 15, 1916, in Commerce, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Okla.</st1:place></st1:State>, son of the late William Kenyon Wilcoxson and Mabel Bessie Moore Wilcoxson. He moved to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City> at an early age where he excelled in every sport he played. He managed the Joplin Merchants, a semi-pro baseball team, in the 1930s. He trained as a baseball umpire and was a colorful addition to the umpiring staff of the Western Association of Baseball Teams in the 1940s. During his military service he was a member of the 93rd Regiment baseball team. His later years were devoted to golf. Red was a member of the Joplin B.P.O.E. No. 501 for 48 years, and was a past exhalted ruler of that fraternal organization. Red married Mary Martha Reed on March 28, 1937, in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City>. They were married for over 57 years prior to her death in March of 1993. Red owned and operated several restaurants/cafes in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City></st1:place> area, and became co-owner of Fred and Reds Café located on main street in the 1950s. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, two brothers and a grandchild. Survivors include two sons, Larry Wilcoxson and wife, Judy, William R. “Bill” Wilcoxson II and wife, Sandra, all of Joplin; daughter, Mary Janet Chitwood and husband, Mike, of Aurora, Colo.; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Cryptside services will be Saturday, July 9, at 10 a.m. in Ozark Memorial Park Mausoleum with Bob Simon and the Joplin Lodge B.P.O.E. No. 501 officiating. Entombment will be in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Ozark</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Memorial Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. Ed note: Wilcoxson was a <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City></st1:place> legend as the aforementioned obituary stated. He joined the KOM League umpiring crew in 1948 after some rowdy <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburg</st1:place></st1:City> fans ran two umpires back to the east coast. League President, E. L. Dale called on the <st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City> restaunteur for help and Wilcoxson handled games at <st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:city st="on">Miami</st1:City> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburg</st1:place></st1:City>. Shortly into his KOM League career the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburg</st1:place></st1:City> fans did to him what they had done to the two umpires who had gone back to the east coast. Old Red called E. L. Dale and told him he had a good restaurant business in job and he didn't have to take that abuse. He abruptly left the KOM League. Fred and Reds Cafe on South Main in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City></st1:place> still stands. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Obituaries (Some of the readers will recognize the name and connection) Charles E. Land <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">WEBB CITY</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place> — Charles E. (Charlie) Land, 75, passed away on June 30, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. at his home. He was born on June 8, 1930, in <st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State> Charlie taught and coached school in <st1:city st="on">Edna</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kan.</st1:State>, Jasper, <st1:placename st="on">Webb</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City></st1:place>. He was a master carpenter and also a US Navy veteran. Charlie was also a member of the Webb City American Legion Post 322 and was inducted in the Joplin Officials Association Hall of Fame for his time of 15 years as a basketball official and 10 years as a football official. Charlie graduated from <st1:placename st="on">Carterville</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType> in 1948, and received his teaching degree from <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Pittsburg</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. He married Glenna Herrell on Sept. 2, 1950, and she preceded him in death in 1996. Survivors include a son, Chuck Land and wife, Lisa; daughters, Brenda Overman and husband, Doug and Teresa Webber and husband, Steve; his father, Amos Land; a sister, Lorretta Brooks; grandchildren, Jennifer Baines, Brent Bornkessel, Megan Webber, Zac Land, Madelyn Webber, Tyler Land, Ashley Land and Darci Land; and great-grandchildren, Seth and Ethan Baines. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Central</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">United</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Methodist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> with Rev. Joey Morris officiating. Burial with full military rites will be held at <st1:placetype st="on">Mount</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Hope</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Cemetery</st1:PlaceName> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Webb</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Pallbearers will be Max Page, Merlyn Elder, Cloyd Boyer, Tom Gosch, Denny Smith and Hal Simpson. The family will receive friends on Tuesday between 6 to 8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Webb</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. The family suggests memorials to the Webb City American Legion Post 322 in care of Simpson Funeral Home. Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home, of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Webb</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Ed note: This obituary was brought to my attention by Don Steele. Land was a former member of the Alba Aces and a close look at the list of pallbearers reveals the name of Cloyd Boyer. One other pallbearer that caught my eye was Merlyn Elder. I thought I only knew one person by the name of Merlyn and that being Mickey Mantle's wife. However, in 1947 my dad died and mother put the 1939 Ford up for sale. Merlyn Elder came to the house to look at it. I remembered all the things that my late father had to say about that vehicle and as Elder looked it over I recited its shortcomings. An uncle overheard my remarks and went inside to inform my mother that if she wanted to sell that vehicle she had better get her "gabby" seven-year old son inside. I guess I didn't harm the sale too much for mom got the $200 asking price. Now, I wonder if Elder recalls what had to have been his very first car. It didn't have a starter on it. It had to be cranked except on Monday mornings. A long trip to Carterville and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Webb</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> on Sunday to visit elderly grand and great grandparents ensured that there was enough juice in the magneto to start it with the twist of a key. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Newsletter The KOM League Remembered will be in the mail shortly. I got it done in time but with the recent computer problems and other pressing issues I neglected to go to the publisher with the money to pay the postage. They don't trust me. Thus, they were waiting on their dough before sending out the latest edition. I feared the worst with this edition but its not all that bad. This will be the last edition that will be sent to all those on the list unless my data files get corrected. Anyone who has subscribed for the first time since January 28, 2005 needs to get in touch with me so that I can add their name to the new file. As Jimmy Durante used to say "What a revolting development this is." <st1:place st="on">Reunion</st1:place> photos The 500+ photos taken at the 2005 KOM League reunion are also "toast." Unless that hard drive is miraculously restored the only memories of that event will be those captured by individuals and the video that Yours Truly took. Even one of the video tapes was blank by the time I got it home. However, there is some good news. I have three hours of the reunion on tape. It covers: The Friday noon luncheon The Friday evening picnic The Saturday evening banquet. If anyone would like to have a set of these in DVD format let me know. Don't expect a rapid respsonse, like a week, but I can burn the DVDs as I do other things around the old computer campfire. The <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City></st1:place> event There are two other DVDs that some of you might like. They contain the highlights of the Mantle weekend in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City> back in April. Guys on that video include: Bob Wiesler, Bill Virdon, Bunny Mick, The Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, Joplin Miners, Independence Yankees, David and Max Mantle and Mantle's first cousin, Jimmy Richardson. All of the videos are pretty good and would preserve a lot of memories. All that material is available. If interested in the details let me know. As I said previously I'm not attempting to sell these things for they quite frankly are not worth the effort that goes into producing them. They are available only to the true die-hards. Those folks receiving the KOM League DVDs have been satisfied, all four of them. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> KOM League Flash Report for July 11, 2005 (This date invented to honor the 7/11 Convenience Stores) <o:p> </o:p> Slow news week Not much has happened recently or if it has no one has bothered to inform me. This report is for those addicted to these things to let them know that neither the computer or the editor have died recently. Well, the computer did die but another was placed into operation minus much of the information the other contained. It may be necessary to start writing new material. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Bob Curley and Barney Rapp correspond Bob- I do have John's book about Mickey - he's quite an authority. I was with Merlyn Mantle last week in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:City> at HBO Sport's premier of their new Mantle documentary that will be aired on July 13, and she told me that she's very pleased with the book as it gives a good accounting of the family's early history. That was an interesting story about Bob Turley whom I've come to know pretty well over the past few years. I'll certainly remind him of that game the next time I see him. I'm sure he doesn't need any reminders - how could anybody forget 22 strikeouts in one game? As far as Barney Rapp's orchestra, I am very familiar with it. So many people have asked me over the years if I was related to Barney. My answer always is "I don't know, but probably". I even have some of his old sheet music and know that Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney both launched their singing careers with his band. Thanks, Bob, for giving me some insight into your years in baseball and some of the great players that you played with and against. Those memories have got to be priceless. Stay in touch. Barney Rapp <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>HBO <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>HELLO JOHN:: HBO is showing a Mantle movie shortly. Your thoughts on the reviews and pr-showing of it?? I don't have HBO so will catch at<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>another time down the road. regards, jfp<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Not being a TV critic,--I think its all bad-- and not having access to HBO I'm going to have to rely on all you "assistant editors" and "cub reporters" to keep tabs on that HBO special.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>It will probably be the greatest special of all-time and then my critics, of which there are many, will question why I turned down the offer to contribute to that effort.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>As a service to the readership:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Click here and read everything there is to date on the subject of the aforementioned topic.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><a href="http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=mantle+%2B+hbo">http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=mantle+%2B+hbo</a><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>The foregoing is brought to you by Greg Olds.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>A request from the readership:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>The family historian, Hallie Mantle, now in her 9th decade called Sunday to tell me there was going to be a special on her cousin (a few times removed.). Her grandfather and Mickey's grandfather were brothers (Charles was Mick's and David was her's.) She said she wasn't able get the show where she lives so I told her if someone taped the program and sent it to me I'd be sure she received it. <o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>Johnny, not Rosey, "The Riveter"<o:p></o:p></pre> John, Thank you so much for your entertaining and informative talk on Mickey Mantle to Columbia Downtown Rotary! Our members were riveted by your presentation, and I am most pleased that you sold some books! We truly appreciate your taking the time to share with us your insights on Mantle. It was indeed a pleasure to meet and visit with you. Let's keep in touch! Gratefully, Cindy Cindy Sheltmire Program Director Columbia Downtown Rotary <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> If you believe in such things I get amused reading the ranking of "Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory" on Amazon.com In their Friday July 8 ranking I was at 189,511th place among all their sales. On closer examination I found, however, that I'm ranked #1 and #2 of authors using the name of John G. Hall. There are 21 entries in that category and I'm even ahead of the namesake who writes about eschatology, the study of the end of the world. On Barnes & Noble I was 89,962. Numbers don't mean much since they are so fluid. Speaking of fluidity, moments ago I checked again and found I had plummeted to 327,000th place with Amazon.com but had "soared" to 70,071th place at Barnes and Noble. Neither Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble are the largest distributor of my latest book. Here are the top 10. 1. Myself (By a wide margin through book signings and pre-sales through the Flash Report) 2. Cowley Distributing Company and sold primarily at Gerbes and Dillons Supermarkets. 3. Ingrams (Probably went to Barnes & Noble) 4. Steve's Books and Sundries of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Tulsa</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place>. 5. Amazon. com 6. Gratis copies to the media who in most cases ignored it. (Twelve radio and newspaper outlets didn't let me down--about 50 did.) 7. Books-A-Million. 8. Wylie Pitts (Former Whiz Kid on a crusade to sell books.) 9. People who took a book(s) and promised to pay for it (them) and didn't. 10. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Hastings</st1:place></st1:City> Books. 11. Howard Hunt peddling them in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">New Haven</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Conn.</st1:State></st1:place> 12. Borders Books. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> That's all I know. If you know something share it, else this report will be smaller and less frequent. Jgh <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Flash Report for July 13, 2005 This is a "brief" Flash Report. I suppose anything called a "Flash" should be brief. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Society of American Baseball Research Quarterly (SABR) There is a full page ad in the SABR quarterly, with regard to my latest book. It was placed there courtesy of the only guy to ever pitch for all the following: Ponca City Dodgers, Duncan Utts, Des Moines Cubs, Sacramento Sad Sacs, Chicago White Sox, Nankai Hawks et. al.. Upon arriving home from work today my wife informed me that I had a telephone call from a doctor in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City></st1:place>(h). She first thought it was <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> where we used to know a few people. However, the call was from Dr. Howard Elson of the same town that has to endure watching the Pirates this year. From Dr. Elson I learned that the advertisement for the Mantle book has started arriving at the homes of the recipients of the SABR Quarterly. (If any of you subscribe and have seen the ad do me a favor--copy it and download it to <a href="mailto:jhall03@midamerica.net">jhall03@midamerica.net</a> ) Dr. Elson assured me that I would be receiving a lot of telephone calls and e-mails about that book. As I advised him, "Operators are standing by to take your order.") On a related note? I have no idea as to whether the SABR advertisement had any effect on book orders today or not. However, yesterday the Mantle book was at 70,000+ on the Amazon.com sales list and today it moved "down" (that's a good sign Joe) to 55,377. There are only 55,376 books on Amazon.com right now outselling my non-bestseller. Its pretty discouraging to see a book about a fictional character from <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">England</st1:country-region></st1:place> in first place, by a wide margin, and it hasn't been released. At least Harry Potter and the subject of my book have something in common. Their roots are from the mother country. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Plans coming together for a Baxter "bash" With an invitation to join the former Baxter Springs Whiz Kids for Cowtown Days August 18-20 plans now are being made to include a book signing at the Baxter Springs Historical Society. More on that as things develop. I hope all you former Whiz Kids and Whiz Kid fans can join in that event. We'll have a lot of things to discuss. There will probably be conversation regarding the July 13 premier of the HBO Special on the former Whiz Kid shortstop. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Want to contribute? There will be a different format for the next edition of the KOM League Remembered. It is now officially a quarterly publication. The next edition is in the very early stages of development and won't be out prior to frost nipping the blooms on the tomato vines. If you have a photo, or story, you'd like to share for that edition send it (them) along and it (they) will be considered by the editorial board. The board is a three entity organization comprised of Me, Myself and I. We have spirited debates before each edition is finalized and none ever agree on the final product. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Want to vent? The Mantle documentary is on HBO this evening (July 13) and I suspect some of the readership has access to that channel and will watch it. Since Mantle had many former teammates, family and close friends who read this Flash Report, I'll accept your comments and publish them in a later edition. For my part, I'll not express an opinion on any aspect of the presentation. Lets see if the Baxter Springs, <st1:city st="on">Independence</st1:City>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City></st1:place> and Commerce connections have the same viewpoint that the critics from "the other world" expouse. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The readership is always right! Hi John --I just got back from a week out of town and read your Flash Report. I know you are a stickler for accuracy, so ..... I think the "revolting development" quote belongs toWilliam Bendix from the old "Life of Riley" radio show. I may be wrong, but I think that's how I remember it. --Bill O'Donnell Ed reply: I'm so messed up I don't even know the difference between Bendix and Durante. You're right, of course. jgh So, Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are!!! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> There will always be a place to go!! Good afternoon Mr. Hall, (Dad) Did I read correctly that the last KOM Reunion will take place next year? If that is true, I hate to see that happen. I know everyone is getting older and the cost of traveling is becoming more costly. So, I understand that all things must come to an end sometimes. I plan to keep the Georgia-Florida-Alabama Minor Leagues going for a few more years or as long as the former Minor League Stars want to keep it going. If in the near future you or any member of the KOM would like to attend one of our Reunions, you will be Welcomed with open arms. God Bless you and thank you for all you have done for Minor League Baseball and the KOM. Clint Clint Chafin--Senior Draftsman <a href="mailto:clint.chafin@mcleanengineering.us">clint.chafin@mcleanengineering.us--</a>McLean Engineering Company Inc.--<st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">PO Box</st1:Street> 2587</st1:address>--815 South <st1:place st="on">Main</st1:place> S <o:p> </o:p> KOM League Flash Report for July 14, 2005 <o:p> </o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Review of HBOs look at Mickey Mantle from the Flash Report readers: As promised, the remarks from those watching and reporting about the July 13th HBO special are enclosed. I didn't see the program. I did hear from my son, daughter and grandsons. One grandson was pretty upset his grandpa didn't show up on a visual in that documentary. I explained that is was my own fault, and disdain for showing my face in public, that I only wound up being near the end of those on the list of credits. It would have been an honor to be the last name mentioned but the City of Miami, Oklahoma had that distinction, according to various sources.. #1 John - I liked the HBO thing (just finished watching); thought I might not. I was wondering if they'd somehow come up with a better recap of his early life than we - sorry, you - had in the book but your work remains unchallenged still. It's a selfish viewpoint for me to hold, worrying that the book might get eclipsed or even approached. But I can't help that. And anyway it didn't happen. HBO drew a much more well-rounded picture of the whole man than I had expected, particularly the last few years of Mantle's life. I hadn't heard much of that in great detail, and hadn't seen pictures of Mantle then. Powerful and inspiring stuff. In all, I think the HBO documentary would make a useful companion to the book. But the book remains the definitive work for anyone wanting to get the story of the years before 1951. And it always will be the first work that examined Mantle as a human being as well as a wonderful ballplayer. -Greg Olds--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Austin</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:State></st1:place> #2 John, I was actually in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:City> for the premier showing of the HBO documentary "Mantle" so tonight was my second viewing. I rarely cry or get misty eyed but both times watching this documentary had me misty eyed in several spots. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> The show was about his entire life from start to end. They had some never before seen footage and photos. They even had some footage of Mickey running out a base hit as a Joplin Miner. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. It makes me even more proud to have one son named Mickey and the other named Charles. I give the show five stars (the max).<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Regards, Randall Swearingen--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Houston</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:State></st1:place> #3<o:p></o:p> Hi Mr. Hall - Hope all is going great with you. I'm coaching an All Star team of 15-16 year olds and hurried home from our game to see the Mantle HBO Special. I thought it was great for about 47 minutes. The last portion was just plain sad to watch. I just don't understand why we, as Americans find it so important to show the bad, (or sad), sides of our heroes. The early photos and film of Mickey was great. A lot of game footage was awesome. My God that guy could run. I really felt sorry for Mrs. Mantle in her statement about the last few years with Mickey. I sure hope she is doing good these days. Anyhow, I did see your name on the credits! Pretty darn good !!<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Take care, and have a great summer<o:p></o:p> Jim Smith--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">San Diego</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">California</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> #4  <o:p></o:p> John - you should know that the HBO documentary is truly fabulous and as the final credits rolled, George Roy expressed Special Thanks to you. Required viewing. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Rod Nelson--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Denver</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Colorado</st1:State></st1:place> #5<o:p></o:p> Hey ~ John<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I think your following (or those chasing you) should know that your name, "John Hall", appeared on the credits at the end of the HBO special tonight of "Mickey Mantle". As Walt back East would say: "that <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> batboy is too cheap to have HBO". I thought the program was put together nicely. I wished they would have mentioned the KOM, but did not. Our <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City> got a small mention.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Take care, Jim Jay--Former KC A's batboy Ed note: Gee, did Mantle actually play in the KOM League? If you can confirm that it will make front page news.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Other comments received regarding last Flash Report #1 I COULDN'T HELP BUT NOTICE IN YOUR LAST HOT FLASH THAT SOME BALLPLAYER CONTRIBUTED A FULL PAGE AD FOR YOUR MANTLE BOOK IN THE "SABR QUARTERLY". YOU MENTIONED HE PLAYED AT <st1:city st="on">PONCA CITY</st1:City>,<st1:city st="on">DUNCAN</st1:City>,DES MOINES,<st1:city st="on">SACRAMENTO</st1:City>,<st1:city st="on">CHICAGO</st1:City>,NANKAI HAWKS(WAS THAT IN <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">JAPAN</st1:country-region></st1:place>). THIS MUST BE A VERY IMPORTANT MAN. I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO THIS COULD BE. WAS HE A BIG TALL DRINK OF WATER LIKE JOE STANKA. IF THIS IS A GOOD GUESS, I WOULD LIKE TO HONOR HIM AS MAN OF THE YEAR. BUT I NEVER LIKED TO BE OUT DONE, SO I AM TAKING OUT A DOUBLE PAGE "AD" IN THE (CORWITH HERALD) FOR YOUR BOOK. FOR THOSE THAT MAY NOT KNOW, IT IS IN <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">CORWITH</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">IOWA</st1:State></st1:place>. I CALLED THE HERALD'S AD DEPARTMENT TO PUT THE AD IN AND FOUND OUT THEY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS WHEN I LEFT TOWN. I GUESS THEY HAD NOTHING TO WRITE ABOUT ANYMORE. ALL KIDDING ASIDE, THAT WAS VERY NICE OF JOE TO DO SUCH A GOOD THING FOR YOU. I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU. WOULD I BE CONSIDERED A WHIZ KID IF I WAS "ONE" BACK IN MY HIGH SCHOOL, BUT IT WASN'T IN BAXTER? KEEP THE BULL COMING AND AM WAITING FOR SEPTEMBER IN <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">CARTHAGE</st1:place></st1:City> IN 2006. WALT BABCOCK #2   <pre>Hmmm. I always thought "Flash" meant no briefs! But I'm from the west<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>coast. Bill--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed reply:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>That's another version of which I am aware but didn't want to mention<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>in mixed company. (You'll have to read the introduction to the last<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Flash Report to understand this one.)<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>#3 The "Revolting Development & Mrs. Calabash update.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>John -- This is interesting. We just returned from the NC coast, where the <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>little town of Calabash is located. I remember the old Jimmy Durante TV <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>show, and the ending with Durante moving away with the spotlight on him saying, <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>"Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are ..." Like everyone else, <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>I used to wonder about "Mrs. Calabash," and what he meant by it.</pre> So --- as Paul Harvey is wont to say: "Now here is the rest of the story." It seems when Durante was younger and traveling as an entertainer, he stopped in a seafood restaurant in Calabash and became fond of the waitress/owner, perhaps even enamored. But it apparently was an unrequited situation. In any case, rumor has it he said he would never forget her. And it seems he didn't. The little restaurant is still there. The "Seafood Hut." And we often have lunch there. From William Bendix to Jimmy Durante. Does anyone remember "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat ?" ----Baseball Bill, from out of the past Ed note: The guy answered the telephone by saying "Duffy's Tavern, Archie speaking, Duffy isn't here" or something pretty close to that. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> It isn't <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s game anymore! Prior to the start of the All-Star game Sam Dixon send a note about all the non-Americans on Major League rosters. I told him the reason the number wasn't higher was due to the limitation on work visas. My friend Bill Clark, who scouted the world for a number of teams claims that the major league rosters would be populated by 60% or more of foreign players if the work visa limitation wasn't in effect. (<st1:place st="on">Clark</st1:place>, I did listen to your interview on KBIA.) Don't take my word for it. Go on the Internet and look up the roster for theWashington Senators, yes that's what they will always be to me. On the roster at the All-Star break were 15 non-Americans. That might explain why they are so good. I pointed that out to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dixon</st1:place></st1:City> and received this reply. "WOW! I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THERE WERE THAT MANY FOREIGN PLAYERS. I REALLY DON'T CARE TO WATCH MLB ANYMORE....TOO BAD!! I GOT DISGUSTED WATCHING THEM WAVING THEIR HOME COUNTRY FLAGS LAST NIGHT DURING THE "HOME RUN <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">DERBY</st1:place></st1:City>". I'M SOOOO GLAD THAT I WAS BORN WHEN I WAS!!!!! Ed note: I'm so happy to have been able to root for a team that had Musial, Slaughter and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Moore</st1:City></st1:place> in the outfield. Kurowski, Marion, Schoendienst and whoever happened to be on first weren't that bad either. With pitchers like Wilks, Brecheen, Pollet, Brazle, Munger et.al. throwing pitches to Walker Cooper, and backups Del Rice and Joe Garagiola it was a great time. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Still a possibility. The earlier mention of "Mickey Mantle Before the Glory" being made into a movie is still within the realm. There is some interest in doing such a project by those who can "make it happen." There are a lot of mud puddles to skip rock across before it can come to fruition but it gives me something to anticipate other than growing older and uglier each day. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> True story--as told by Joe Stanka Hi John, here's a little nonsense for you quarterly(?) edition.<o:p></o:p> Fun with names. These are true names, I have known or know of them all. One was my high school principal. <o:p></o:p> The Fail brothers, Never and his brother Will.<o:p></o:p> The Back brothers, Harry and Locket.<o:p></o:p> And last but not least, my niece, Cindy.<o:p></o:p> Niece Cindy Stanka was married while still in high school. The school required that any married while still in school must use her first, maiden, and married name. Cindy married a young man by the name of Lott.<o:p></o:p> She now had to go by the name of CINDY STANKA LOTT! Poor girl. Stay well, Joe Ed note: Where else can you read material like that found in this publication? Yea, I know, they put it on the front page of some large daily and call it news. Or they place it in the heart of the paper and call it investigative reporting or place it on the editorial page and declare it as fact. Mine goes in the comic section where it can be taken lightly or light-heartedly.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Bye for now! jgh Oh, one more thing. The Little League State tournament is held just a few blocks down the street from the KOM League Hall of Fame and "Vine Ripe Tomato Patch." The District Coordinator for Little League has asked me to come out to the event and sign the Mantle book for the youngsters. He is such a good guy that he is even going to set up a special tent for Yours Truly to escape the rays of the sun. It has been unrelenting since the conclusion of the KOM League reunion. There hasn't been significant rain on the "Vine Ripe Tomato Patch" in 30 days. No amount of watering makes up for a rain. So, without any rain in the offing I'm available to resume my "World Book Signing Tour" which had been placed on hold during the summer.   <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Flash Report for July 17, 2005 <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> KOM League newsletter making the rounds The Summer '05 edition of the The KOM League Remembered is now in Shady Cove, Oregon and Mattoon, Illinois. Mike Witwicki (<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City></st1:place>) called to see if he could obtain permission to use the poetry of Richard Tretter (Shady Cove) in his shopping center newsletter that was featured in the Summer '05 edition. As fate would have it Witwicki and Tretter were both on the the 1949 Ponca City Dodger roster but not at the same time. Witwicki left <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ponca City</st1:City></st1:place> and traveled the back roads of minor league baseball with Maury Wills et. al. and Tretter went to Hollywood where he appeared on many TV shows as well as on the big screen in numerous roles with guys like Robert Taylor, Vic Morrow and the most famous of them all, Lassie. I advised Witwicki that I was sure Tretter wouldn't mind sharing his poem with the folks in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State> but I would call and check it out. That gave me a chance to contact Tretter in Shady Cove who is always pleased to hear from someone who remembers his playing days. He informed me in the most recent conversation that his roommate from 1949 is going to be in the Shady Cove area later this summer. It will be the first time in 56 years that Tretter and Bobby Bonebrake have crossed paths. As a fallout of the conversation with Witwicki it now appears that there will be a book signing at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City></st1:place>'s largest mall in the near future. Since he is the manager of the mall he can make "suggestions" to his book retailers about signings. If and when that signing date works out the readership in that area will be advised. Maybe there can be a "mini" KOM League reunion in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mattoon</st1:place></st1:City>. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Stanka started something John, Stanka's remarks about names in the July 14th Flash Report brought to mind several unusual monikers that were hung on people I knew in my teenage years. Such as Ruble Bullman, Honey Harris, Slick Furr and the infamous Rabbit Sweatt. Honest.....I'm not making these up. One of my cousins from way back then loved to create nicknames for people and attempted to hang the godawful "Possum" Potts on me. Mercifully, that bad idea never gained any traction in these parts. Don Potts--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Rock Hill</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">SC</st1:State></st1:place> bat boy from a bygone era. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Report from Highlands Ranch, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Colorado</st1:place></st1:State> John, I was in Barnes & Noble today and they had two of your books on shelf in baseball section. I took both books out and displayed the front cover of book. They were really visible. I'll check in a couple of days to see if they sold. Bob Mallon--'49 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City> Yankees <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Programming update John: I just got the "Flash Report" of July 14 ... and it is a dandy. Thanks for "flashing" us, again. Do not despair, my friend ... just because you missed the July 13 airing of HBO's "Mantle". BTW, I missed it, too ... and won't make the same mistake twice. I did a little Internet 'sleuthing' just now and came up with a reprieve for those who want to watch the program. I thought you might like this and may want to share it with others. HBO's Replays HBO has scheduled 'replays' of "Mantle" for the next month, so (if you missed the first airing) ... all is not lost. You can still catch it on HBO. If you don't have HBO, perhaps one of your friends does and you could intrude and "couch potato" at their pad for an hour or so. ... or have them tape it for you. When you impose on others ... I believe in imposing all the way. It might be good to bring along a bag of chips or something as a "token of appreciation" . To make a long story short, I have just checked the future dates schedule on HBO's website. They will replay on a variety of dates and at a variety of times both AM & PM. Here is a quick summary of Date and AM/PM replays from HBO's national schedule listing: 7/16 (AM & PM); 7/19 (PM); 7/20 (AM); 7/22 (PM); 7/23 (AM); 7/24 (AM & PM); 7/25 (PM); 7/26 (AM); 7/27 (AM & PM); 7/28 (AM & PM); 7/31 (AM & PM); 8/2 (PM); 8/12 (PM); 8/13 (AM & PM); 8/15 (PM); 8/16 (PM). Like they say, "Check your local programming for dates and times in your area." Here are HBO's website links (if you want to check it out yourself): <a href="http://www.hbo.com/events/mantle/">MANTLE</a> The one-hour HBO Sports documentary will explore the life and career of one of baseball's most enduring icons, Yankees slugger Mickey Mantle, in MANTLE. The documentary will replay all month. Check the full replay schedule on the <a href="http://www.hbo.com/events/mantle/">Mantle website</a> I hope this is helpful! Ted Watts <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Planning on the trip to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> Hi, Just to let you know that we are home and ready to accept the DVD! Let us know exactly what we owe you. Think that you said, $ 35.00, but not sure so let us know and we will get a check off to you.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Paul made a reservation at Precious Moments this morn, but the girl seemed confused somewhat and said that there was no block of rooms at first, but then found it. There is a little confusion on our part as to the nights that we will be there as we don't have next years calendar. We assume that we will get there the afternoon or eve of the 6th and leave the 9th. Is that correct or do we stay the night of the 9th also? We had to make the reservation early because Paul needs a handicapped room with a shower (or we're in trouble and so is everyone else). <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Hope that you are all better. Take care and Hi to Noel. Mary Lou and Paul Hoffmeister Ed note: The registration for the "Last Hurrah" of the KOM League reunion thing is doing a brisk business. Be sure and contact the Precious Moments Best Western Hotel for reservations: The group is the KOM League, the rate is $59.99 per night and the toll fire number is 800-511-7676. On a related note George Fisher called Saturday evening from <st1:city st="on">West Point</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Utah</st1:State> to say he and wife Judy were planning on making the trip to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> for the KOM finale in September 2006. He has also been in contact with Lee Coonradt of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Layton</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Utah</st1:State></st1:place> and they hope to make the trip together. Fisher was with the 1947 Ponca City Dodgers and Coonradt was a member of the 1952 team. It is only poetic justice that Fisher makes it to the last reunion. He had to obtain his Social Security card in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> back in 1947 prior to taking the hill against the Carthage Cardinals for his first start in professional baseball. He was only 17-years of age at the time. Now, he's drawing that social security and has reached the three-score, ten and five plateau in birthdays.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Hot days of July--1951 and now! (Late night musing of an old guy at the computer) The heat and humidity of July remind me of a bygone era when I used to sit next to the bat rack at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> in 1951 and watch the insects circle the light standards some 80 feet above the on deck circle. To be honest most of the games the Cubs played that year were pretty boring except for a few games that ended in the ninth inning on a home run by Ponca City's Jack Denison or Carthage's Tommy Kordas chugging for all he was worth for home plate after clearing the center fielder's head with a "run off" inside the the park homer. We won a few games that year but lost a lot more. Dread was all that I faced after each game for it was necessary to take down the folding chairs from the box seats, put them on a dolly and haul them off to the storage site down the left field line. Back in the clubhouse it was never a pleasant scene if the club lost, which I've already indicated it did on a regular basis. Don Anderson, the manager, never seemed to be in a good mood and it was a lot worse after a defeat. Babcock, Tomicki, Mudd, Oxford, Vande Hey, Biebel and all the rest of the team only wanted out of there in order to go down to the White Rock Cafe. The main reasons for going were to eat a hamburger and have it served to them by Bonnie Smith. Bonnie's dad worked the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> police force by day and watched over the six stool eatery by night. My main goal was to get on my bicycle and make the 3-4 mile journey, which seemed like 50, to my home on the far side of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> without getting run down by some ornery dog. They always knew my route and were waiting to chase me until I reached the territory of the next bicycle chasing canine. At this time I can now admit that wasn't the best job I ever had and it paid about like many other jobs I was to later encounter--little or nothing. Memories, yep, that is what I was getting. Some of those memories have been pleasant and others stuck with me for years like an ugly tattoo. I've mentioned many times in the past that the impetus for ever starting to write about the KOM League was from negative experiences. Sometimes I think God keeps you around in order that you can learn some things and change your attitude about long held feelings. If I had to list the ten people I didn't like all that much back in 1951, Don Anderson would have been in that category. I had all kinds of reasons for placing him on that list but he never found out how I felt for another four decades. Now, on a regular basis the telephone rings and the voice on the other end says "This is Don in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Hemet</st1:place></st1:City>." Of course, the second I hear his "Hello John" I know who it is. Over the past decade I have averaged a call of an hour's duration about every two months. Each call from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:City> reveals another part of his life that I've never heard. We usually start out with the condition of his health and then get back to his baseball career which started in the Northern League in 1939. After three seasons in the Northern circuit <st1:city st="on">Anderson</st1:City> was slated to be sent to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Elmira</st1:place></st1:City> of the Eastern League but he said with the war raging he had to do his part so he joined the Marine Corps. He spent two years in the Pacific before returning to the <st1:place st="on">El Toro</st1:place>, California Marine base where he played some baseball. He was the only player on the team with professional experience and recalls playing against the like of Red Ruffing and Joe DiMaggio who played at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Santa Ana</st1:place></st1:City>. According to <st1:city st="on">Anderson</st1:City>, DiMaggio never got a hit off the <st1:place st="on">El Toro</st1:place> pitching staff. During those El Toro days <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:City> recalls playing against the Los Angeles Police Department. A member of the LAPD team was Kenny Washington who played in the same backfield at UCLA with Jackie Robinson. I listened as <st1:city st="on">Anderson</st1:City> spoke of his playing days in the Coastal Plain and North Carolina State League after the war and then going to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">St. Augustine</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Florida</st1:State></st1:place>. That is when he heard, but didn't see, two pitches go past him that season. It was a sign that he needed help. That is when he was fitted for glasses and he first used them in the KOM League. In his first game in 1949 at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> he was a perfect 6 for 6. Without any reservation, I rate Don Anderson as the best base runner I ever saw. He didn't steal a lot of bases but when he set his mind to it he could do it better than anyone for he knew the art of sliding and was the first player who I ever witnessed that slid and came straight up after touching the base. I was fascinated that he could do it in the same motion and not have to use his hands or knees to become upright. He was also the best stealer of home in the history of the KOM League. No one else even came close to his accomplishment in that area. He would have stole many more had the young pitchers not balked. Back in the days of the Carthage Cubs and Don Anderson's managing tenure about all I did in the late innings was watch the bugs circle the light standards as the cigar smoke wafted somewhere between the top of my head and where the bugs were. It was always hot and my only desire was to finish my tasks and get home. Now, 54 years later the telephone rings. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:City> asks, "Is it hot there John?" I reply, "Don, if you we were back in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> we'd be on a four week roll without a rain out." Don replies, "I would give anything if I could go back one more time and take my lead off third base and make that dash toward stealing home." But, he remarks, "I'm 87 years old but I still walk everyday and will do as long as God gives me strength." Back in the days <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:City> was on my "low esteem list" God wasn't a part of his vocabulary in a spiritual sense. Today, as it has been for the past 22 years, there is a change in his life and priorities. As much as he loves to talk about his baseball past he places that in far second place to his faith in God. >From where I was 54 years ago to where I am today I'm grateful to Don Anderson's God that has placed us back in touch to reminisce about the past and to be able to talk about things that have a meaning for the future. I've regretted many times that I had animosity toward Anderson for the way I thought he "picked" on me as his bat boy. I'm convinced now that anything that I perceived as bad treatment was not something he intentionally inflicted upon me. Whenever he has something nice to say to me, which he always does, it makes me feel even worse. When he closed his last call with the words "I appreciate who you are and what you do and will do so until my dying day" it made me wish I'd been a better bat boy lo those many summers past. The light bugs don't seem to be as numerous in 2005 as they were in 1951 and its sure a lot cooler when I speak with Anderson for we have gone from the "fans" in the stands keeping us cool to air-conditioning, which only the elite had back in the era of the Truman presidency. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <st1:city st="on">Palatine</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Illinois</st1:State>--The Johnny LaPorta family Johnny LaPorta was the Chicago Cub bat boy prior to playing minor league baseball at <st1:city st="on">St. Augustine</st1:City>, Fl; <st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO</st1:State> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Rock Hill</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">SC.</st1:State></st1:place> Johnny passed away in 1989 but I still hear from the family through his daughter Cindy. She sent a nice letter, received today, and reports that her mother, Angie is now at home after a long stint in a nursing home. Angie was a great fan of the 1949 Carthage Cubs and kept the best score book I have ever witnessed for an entire season. She even has the game scored where Mantle hit the fly ball that hit Bill Hornsby in the head which resulted in a two run homer for Mantle, one of only seven he hit that season. The main import of Cindy's letter was the discussion about the late Everett Ralston. Ralston was a high school classmate of mine who was fond of the LaPorta family. Just before Christmas he wrote me to secure the address of Angie. He sent them a Christmas card just prior to going into the hospital for knee replacement surgery. Just a few days later I received word that <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Everett</st1:place></st1:City> had suffered a fatal heart attack while in the hospital. When the news reached the LaPorta/Lange family it came as a shock just as it had to so many others on this Flash Report distribution list who knew him. Cindy saw a reference that Cromer Smotherman had placed one of the Mantle books in his local library. She purchased two. One will remain with the family and the other will be placed in the Palatine library. So, if any of the readers in that area want to read the book but don't want to buy here is a great opportunity. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> More on former Commerce, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State> boy and KOM League umpire! Subtitle: The chili powder could be harmful to your health Wilcoxson was 'Red' of Fred & Red's By Debby Woodin--Globe Staff Writer One of the owners who made a local chili parlor a nostalgic nameplate on Joplin's Main Street has died. William R. "Red" Wilcoxson, 88, a co-owner of Fred & Red's, died about 3 p.m. Saturday at his Joplin home after suffering for several years from a mysterious lung ailment that may have been caused by his prolonged exposure to the seasonings used in the chili at the locally famous eatery he and his son, Larry Wilcoxson, owned at 1719 S. Main St. Larry Wilcoxson said his father began noticing a loss of breath about seven years ago that became progressively worse. During a visit to the Mayo Clinic, his father was told that "the suspicion was that it was the spices that damaged the lungs," Larry Wilcoxson said Tuesday. "It would be kind of like a miner would get lung disease from working in the mines. He might have gotten it from working with the chili seasonings." Because of the elder Wilcoxson's age and a heart condition, he wasn't a candidate for a lung transplant, the son said. "It progressively got worse until he was on oxygen 24 hours a day," he said. The other half of the nameplate, Fred Herring, started a chili counter with a chili recipe of his own concoction in 1923 at 10th and Main streets. The original counter had 10 seats. By 1943, the diner - which served chili, spaghetti red, hamburgers and its own recipe of tamales - had grown so popular that Herring bought a vacant lot in the 1700 block of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Main Street</st1:address></st1:Street> and built the current restaurant. The small building that once housed the original restaurant was demolished years ago, Larry Wilcoxson said. Red Wilcoxson was a meat cutter at a grocery store that existed then across from the restaurant, and he cut the meat that Herring used. In 1956, Herring invited Wilcoxson to be a partner in the restaurant. Larry Wilcoxson was 13 years old, and he began helping his dad and Herring with the work. The Wilcoxsons bought out Herring in 1970, and Herring died a short time later. The father and son operated Fred & Red's together until Red Wilcoxson retired in 1985. Larry Wilcoxson, 61, said he is now ready to retire and is looking for a buyer who would assume the operation and its secret recipe of chili. So far, it has always been owner-operated. That, and the flavor of the chili, may have contributed to the eatery's longevity. Today, nostalgia goes a long way toward maintaining a hungry crowd. The configuration of the business - a limited amount of swivel stools at a U-shaped counter - hearkens to the old days. With seating limited, carryout also is a brisk trade. But the restaurant never installed a telephone for customers to call in orders, and it never expanded or changed its counter service at customer request, Larry Wilcoxson said. "There's been lots of times in those 49 years we wanted to change it to make it more convenient to operate, and our customers will tell us, 'Don't, because this has been successful and this is the way we like it,'" he said. Some of the customers are people who move away from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City> and visit Fred & Red's to reminisce, saying they like it that nothing much has changed. "We listen to the customers on the nostalgia end of it," Larry Wilcoxson said. In addition to Larry Wilcoxson, survivors include another son, Bill, of <st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City>; a daughter, Jeanette Chitwood, of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Denver</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Colo.</st1:State></st1:place>; and several grandchildren. Ed note: Special thanks goes to Carla Forseyth of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Colorado Springs</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Colo.</st1:State></st1:place> who brought this to my attention. In her younger days she lived in both <st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place>. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The KOM League Remembered (The book) Messing around on the Internet this weekend I was looking at some of the things that Amazon.com does with books. They showed a concordance for The KOM League Remembered (Sept. 2004 publication date) and listed the top 100 words in the book. If you want to click on any of these names you will see in what context they were used. I will tell you immediately that whatever program scanned those names did a fairly poor job of it. They made a lot of "b's as h's" etc. Some of the stuff is downright unfathomable. Anyway, you might want to amuse yourself to see how many things they messed up. (If the charts that follow are not readable just click on the following URL and follow the bouncing ball. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/sitb-next/0738533408/ref=sbx_con/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8#concordance">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/sitb-next/0738533408/ref=sbx_con/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8#concordance</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=1946&v=search-inside" title="30 occurrences">1946</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=1947&v=search-inside" title="52 occurrences">1947</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=1948&v=search-inside" title="56 occurrences">1948</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=1949&v=search-inside" title="62 occurrences">1949</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=1950&v=search-inside" title="62 occurrences">1950</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=1951&v=search-inside" title="58 occurrences">1951</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=1952&v=search-inside" title="46 occurrences">1952</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=al&v=search-inside" title="32 occurrences">al</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=another&v=search-inside" title="26 occurrences">another</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=bartlesville&v=search-inside" title="75 occurrences">bartlesville</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=baseball&v=search-inside" title="105 occurrences">baseball</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=bill&v=search-inside" title="54 occurrences">bill</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=bob&v=search-inside" title="75 occurrences">bob</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=browns&v=search-inside" title="47 occurrences">browns</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=career&v=search-inside" title="51 occurrences">career</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=carthage&v=search-inside" title="126 occurrences">carthage</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=chanute&v=search-inside" title="65 occurrences">chanute</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=city&v=search-inside" title="132 occurrences">city</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=club&v=search-inside" title="80 occurrences">club</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=courtesy&v=search-inside" title="155 occurrences">courtesy</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=cubs&v=search-inside" title="31 occurrences">cubs</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=davis&v=search-inside" title="23 occurrences">davis</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=day&v=search-inside" title="38 occurrences">day</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=dodgers&v=search-inside" title="55 occurrences">dodgers</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=don&v=search-inside" title="63 occurrences">don</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=during&v=search-inside" title="41 occurrences">during</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=ed&v=search-inside" title="29 occurrences">ed</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=family&v=search-inside" title="23 occurrences">family</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=first&v=search-inside" title="67 occurrences">first</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=front&v=search-inside" title="48 occurrences">front</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=game&v=search-inside" title="120 occurrences">game</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=george&v=search-inside" title="27 occurrences">george</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=hack&v=search-inside" title="31 occurrences">hack</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=history&v=search-inside" title="29 occurrences">history</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=hit&v=search-inside" title="30 occurrences">hit</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=home&v=search-inside" title="50 occurrences">home</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=independence&v=search-inside" title="70 occurrences">independence</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=jack&v=search-inside" title="33 occurrences">jack</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=jim&v=search-inside" title="63 occurrences">jim</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=joe&v=search-inside" title="57 occurrences">joe</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=john&v=search-inside" title="38 occurrences">john</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=july&v=search-inside" title="50 occurrences">july</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=june&v=search-inside" title="41 occurrences">june</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=kansas&v=search-inside" title="49 occurrences">kansas</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=kom&v=search-inside" title="172 occurrences">kom</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=last&v=search-inside" title="30 occurrences">last</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=later&v=search-inside" title="30 occurrences">later</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=le&v=search-inside" title="24 occurrences">le</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=league&v=search-inside" title="411 occurrences">league</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=left&v=search-inside" title="86 occurrences">left</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=lola&v=search-inside" title="44 occurrences">lola</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=lou&v=search-inside" title="24 occurrences">lou</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=louis&v=search-inside" title="30 occurrences">louis</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=major&v=search-inside" title="50 occurrences">major</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=manager&v=search-inside" title="68 occurrences">manager</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=mantle&v=search-inside" title="28 occurrences">mantle</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=may&v=search-inside" title="45 occurrences">may</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=member&v=search-inside" title="33 occurrences">member</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=miami&v=search-inside" title="91 occurrences">miami</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=middle&v=search-inside" title="23 occurrences">middle</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=minor&v=search-inside" title="32 occurrences">minor</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=missouri&v=search-inside" title="29 occurrences">missouri</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=name&v=search-inside" title="24 occurrences">name</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=native&v=search-inside" title="31 occurrences">native</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=new&v=search-inside" title="57 occurrences">new</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=oklahoma&v=search-inside" title="32 occurrences">oklahoma</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=owls&v=search-inside" title="26 occurrences">owls</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=photo&v=search-inside" title="73 occurrences">photo</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=pictured&v=search-inside" title="25 occurrences">pictured</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=pirates&v=search-inside" title="26 occurrences">pirates</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=pitcher&v=search-inside" title="26 occurrences">pitcher</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=pittsburg&v=search-inside" title="37 occurrences">pittsburg</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=pittshurg&v=search-inside" title="33 occurrences">pittshurg</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=played&v=search-inside" title="85 occurrences">played</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=players&v=search-inside" title="78 occurrences">players</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=playing&v=search-inside" title="26 occurrences">playing</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=ponca&v=search-inside" title="102 occurrences">ponca</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=professional&v=search-inside" title="25 occurrences">professional</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=ray&v=search-inside" title="29 occurrences">ray</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=record&v=search-inside" title="29 occurrences">record</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=right&v=search-inside" title="66 occurrences">right</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=row&v=search-inside" title="100 occurrences">row</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=season&v=search-inside" title="121 occurrences">season</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=spent&v=search-inside" title="31 occurrences">spent</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=st&v=search-inside" title="29 occurrences">st</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=started&v=search-inside" title="25 occurrences">started</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=state&v=search-inside" title="41 occurrences">state</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=taken&v=search-inside" title="23 occurrences">taken</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=team&v=search-inside" title="111 occurrences">team</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=three&v=search-inside" title="30 occurrences">three</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=time&v=search-inside" title="63 occurrences">time</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=tom&v=search-inside" title="31 occurrences">tom</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=two&v=search-inside" title="48 occurrences">two</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=western&v=search-inside" title="28 occurrences">western</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=won&v=search-inside" title="24 occurrences">won</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=world&v=search-inside" title="37 occurrences">world</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=yankees&v=search-inside" title="49 occurrences">yankees</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=year&v=search-inside" title="100 occurrences">year</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=york&v=search-inside" title="23 occurrences">york</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0738533408/ref=sib_con_vae/002-1712344-6657601?%5Fencoding=UTF8&keywords=young&v=search-inside" title="25 occurrences">young</a> If you are really bored click on the (learn more) items and find out just how simple or complex this book is to read I'm not sure what is transpiring with the Mantle book as far as Amazon.com is concerned. That title has been running about 70,000th in sales for a couple of months. Over the weekend it "rose" to around 16,000th in sales and then has danced around 20,000-50,000th place since that time. Amazon.com is far and away the largest seller of books in the world. That surge, if its real, most likely is attributable to the full page ad that was placed in the latest edition of the SABR Quarterly. (If anyone gets that publication I'd appreciate your downloading me a copy of the advertisement.) I'm not counting any chickens before their hatching (increased sales) so I'm finishing up this report and pointing the KOM League truck toward SW Missouri, SE Kansas and NE Oklahoma for a hot week on the road. I'm not counting any chickens before their hatching (increased sales) so I'm finishing up this report and pointing the KOM League truck toward SW Missouri, SE Kansas and NE Oklahoma for a hot week on the road. This is for business, not pleasure. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> KOM League Flash Report for July 21, 2005 <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> In case you miss it! The summer of 2005 in the <st1:place st="on">Midwest</st1:place> is like the ones experienced in the old KOM League days. The temps are over 100, it hasn't rained for a month and the trees beckon the dogs as they walk down the street. The much anticipated tomato crop for 2005 is quickly going the way of the pennant hopes of 90% of the teams in baseball. Dry weather and the impending water restrictions in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> threatens to make my bumper crop a bummer instead. With hot nights the blooms are refusing to set so the prospects of late Fall tomatoes are dwindling rapidly. So, I'll have to find something else to occupy my summer evenings. I may have to crank up the old book signing tour. There are a couple in the offing and I've been asked to schedule an event in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pryor</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Okla.</st1:State></st1:place> That is close to being a significant city in the life of the Mantle family. The Mantles moved to Adair, just a handful of miles north of Pryor in 1899. When Mickey's uncle Emmett was a youngster his mother passed away and he moved in with his aunt and uncle in Pryor and they raised him. Emmett became a meat-cutter in the Safeway Grocery chain prior to his early death. About the time Emmett went to live with his new parents in Pryor, the rest of the family moved to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Spavinaw</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> where Mickey was born a decade later. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Don Anderson John, Enjoyed your story on Don Anderson. We can picture you riding home after a game and trying to get there without a dog bite. Nowadays , it would be more than a dog to worry about. Our doors were always left unlocked, never even thought about a key in those days. "Hello" to Noel. J. Getter Ed note: I mentioned in the latest edition of the KOM League Remembered newsletter a conversation I had with Jim Conroy of the 1951 Carthage Cubs. I thought when he used the term "Gramps" he was referring to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:City>. He did a real "front end alignment" on me with this note. "Thanks for the newsletter- I didn't realize anything I write or say will be held against me. The Mr. Gramp I referred to was not Don Anderson but Hank Gramp the Cub scout who signed me." I've got to start listening a little better. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> No Possum's in the KOM League John, what year and which KOM team did "Possum Potts" play with? Also, in the FR reports on book sales etc. by Amazon it showed the Flesch Index. My mother's maiden name was Flesch, and this index was created by a Dr. Rudolph Flesch. Do you think I could trace or get any info on him from Amazon, or do you have a suggestion? Thanks, Bob C. (Curley) Ed note: Bob Curley was informed that Potts was the batboy for Rock Hill, SC about the same Yours Truly was "hauling lumber" for the Carthage Cubs. The inquiry about Mr. Flesch was pretty simple to solve. There is only one person by that name in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> and his telephone number was passed along to Curley. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Forgiveness!! John, I am the least church oriented guy on your flash report mailing list. BUT, if any preacher I was ever forced to listen to, had ever preached a sermon to his flock about the beauty of forgiveness like the one you preached in the 7 17 05 Flash Report, I would consider going back just to hear him again. Hate is a terrible burden to carry around. Thanks for the grist for the thinking mill. Anonymous Ed note: The person who sent that note asked that it not be "KOM Stuff." I made the person anonymous for after receiving that message for I have thought about it a lot as the old truck racked up a few hundred miles this week in three states. It seems to me that their is far too much hatred among "rationale" people and the word forgiveness is not even in their vocabulary. All of us have witnessed it in every day relationships. Families get embroiled in this due to divorces, disputes over what is or isn't left in a will etc... You all can fill in the blanks. Some people get "bent out of shape" over religion, politics and even sports teams. Disputes start over seemingly small issues but since neither side will back down it escalates much like the legendary Hatfields and McCoys feud. To me, the main issue over which friends are lost, and unreconcilable differences occur, are do to one party believing that only they have the handle on truth. I can recall being in a church service when I expressed my opinion about a certain topic. The lady in charge informed me I had the right to be wrong. Never did it occur to her that her "narrow beliefs" could stand a little introspection. I didn't argue with the lady but learned quickly that if I had an opinion that I even remotely thought might go against her opinion then I wouldn't express it else I would become her enemy. Thus, if you ever see anything in this report, like maybe this article, and smoke starts coming out your ears and nostrils just remember that if you ignore or tolerate what I say "this too shall pass," and pretty quickly. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>There are still books remaining<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Hi John, Sorry that we missed seeing the Mantle story on HBO last night. Sounds as though it was pretty well done. I'll try to see it later. I'm<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>sure they will run it again. We don't have HBO, but we were out to dinner anyway.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre> <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Re : Joe Stanka's unusual names in this Flash Report: We had a minister once who had children named: Brick, Rock and Pebble! Pebble is a Dr.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>now. ( a girl) The <st1:placename st="on">History</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:PlaceType> here is exhibiting the History of Baseball in <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:City> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Greene</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> now through August 20th. They are having<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>round table discussions on July 23 and July 30 from 10:30 -12 in the morning. Bill is doing the one on July 23. Don't know who else is<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>participating. Think Bunny (Mick) is doing pretty well on the chemo, but is weak and has no appetite. He is enjoying hearing from KOMers. We try to<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>talk to them about once a week. Hope all is well with you and Noel. No news yet on when our Lisa and Linda will have their surgery. Linda is<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>still being tested. Please keep them in your prayers. I need 2 more Mantle books if you still have some available! If not, I will go to Barnes<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>& Noble. Please autograph. Blessings! Shirley V. (Virdon)</pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Helping hand John, I've been following the trials and tribulations of your computer over the recent month. Found a hard copy of the report from 3/17 wherein all of the e-mail addresses were displayed. Since that time, I think you've been doing them as blind copies, but I thought the below list of addresses from the pre-crash days may be of some help.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Regarding the KOM newsletter copies, I'm sure that we would enjoy several (5 or so would be great) extra copies for the various elements of the family.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> We'll be sending a formal note via the auspicious USPS, but until then, please accept the thanks of our family for the support that you and the other former KOMers have afforded us following Brandon's passing. Curtis Davis <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Delaware</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Sports</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and Hall of Fame At the last KOM League reunion there was a total of $330 raised for a flower/memorial fund. Brandy Davis died the day the reunion concluded and a check was sent to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Delaware</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Sports</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and Hall of Fame. They sent a thank you note on July 16, 2005 acknowledging the gift.. The thanks go out to all of those who donated to the fund at Chanute and Joe Stanka who donated following the reunion. The check was made in the name of all the former KOM Leaguers. Attention: In the letter from the <st1:state st="on">Delaware</st1:State> group were four free tickets to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Sports</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and Hall of Fame. If any of you live in that area or plan to visit and would like to have these tickets please let me know and I'll send them to you. You can go and see the tribute they have paid to Brandy. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> New fishing book now available! Paul Oakes hurled for the 1949 Ponca City Dodgers. He has just released a book entitled "Don't Read This--You Might Get Hooked on Fishing." He send a note and a copy of his book cover. In his note he said. "Enclosed is a picture of the new book, with a little addendum added to give it the KOM flavor. It can be purchased on Amazon.com, Borders Bookstores, Target.com and on the Internet through True Fishing Stories.com. There are baseball stories, politics and lots of fishing stories in the book. Carl Erskine has a page and for a 78-year-old broken down pitcher, his handwriting is extraordinary. I will plan to attend the reunion in Chanute in 2006, but I will wait to make hotel reservation until I know about my Canadian fishing trip next June." Your truly, Paul R. Oakes. Ed note: Just a couple of comments about Paul's note. One, the reunion isn't going to be in Chanute and its not going to be in June. It will be in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> in September 2006. Secondly, the mention of Carl Erskine isn't name dropping. They were boyhood friends and teammates back in their youth in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Hoosier</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Does Mantle deserve to be in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame? Hi, John Just wanted to drop you a quick note. Mom and I went to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame yesterday in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO.</st1:State></st1:place> I noticed that they did not show any information on the KOM league, and even Mickey Mantle. Mickey should have been there (in my mind) since he played for the Joplin Miners, and had such as great career. I thought that you ought to provide them with information. And, you really should visit the MO HOF. I enjoyed it. It seems to be a project in-the-works. One very large room has been started, but is not available for viewing, yet. They have a very nice individual display for Stan Musial. One word of caution, when you go to see it. Take Hwy 65 south to Hwy 60. There are signs showing you the way, at least, that far. It is east of Hwy 65, about a mile at the top of a hill, on the right. Oddly, they do not have a sign on the road to indicate that it is there. I realized that I had arrived when I saw a bronze statue of a baseball player, then suddenly the building became visible. Fortunately, I did not have traffic behind me, so I was able to slow down quickly and turn in. It would be a nice stop, when you visit your mother next time. How is she doing these days? I hope she is well. Take care. Tom Scheerer <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Getting excited Tonight I hope to watch the Mantle film at my daughter's house. (I don't have HBO) Thanks to the reader who wrote the e-mail with all the HBO times. I plan also to look for your name listed in the credits. Congrats !!! (And I hope your own book is still being considered for a film) --Bill O'Baseball PS On Aug. 1, ESPN will be at our Durham Bulls ballpark. They are making a tour of many minor league parks all summer. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Thought for the day! (You gotta think this one through) There are three kinds of people in the world-- (1) Those who can count and (2) those who can't. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Discussion about the KOM League DVD et.al.  <o:p></o:p> Hi, We need to pay you! Let us know what we owe!!! <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> We went to a minor league game today with the church group and sat in the sun with temp. at 100 degrees! Had to leave after 3rd inning. Felt kind of sick when we got home and took a nap. The young people seem to enjoy the loud music and games between innings. There were soooo many concession stands and it seems like most people were around those. As far as I could see, it was more a social affair than a ball game. I felt sorry for the players as it seemed that the game was secondary for most. I guess that they need to appeal to families as it is too expensive to take a family to the majors for most.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Take care. Paul and Mary Lou Hoffmeister Ed reply: That kind of outing in the sun and noise isn't anything that appeals to me either. I was back in KOM League country at the first of the week. I hit <st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City>, <st1:city st="on">Miami</st1:City> and came within 23 miles of both <st1:city st="on">Bartlesville</st1:City> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City>. I was within 45 miles of Chanute and Iola. The only towns I didn't get near were <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ponca City</st1:place></st1:City> and Blackwell. It was pretty hot and dry out that way although I did hit rain both yesterday and late last night. Everything is drying up. Hoffmeister's response  <o:p></o:p> While you were writing to us, I was writing to Tom Shales at "The Washington Post" suggesting that he may enjoy reading your book as there was an article by him about the documentary entitled," Mantle an unflinching, loving look" (or was it book??!). I gave him your phone number, cell number, social security number, etc.! Anyway, who knows?? Will let you know if I hear anything or better yet, let us know if you do! I did get confirmation that they received the letter immediately.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> We received the DVD's and have looked at two of them so far. We enjoyed!! You did a great job! Thanks so much!! It was fun to relive the reunion! <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> LET US KNOW WHAT WE OWE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Yes, it has been soooo dry. We need rain desperately too. Ed reply: Let the contact with Tom Shales be the payment for the videos. I'll let you know if he gets in touch. Thanks for that act of kindness. <o:p></o:p> Hoffmeister's reply John, No we won't do that as it was too much work for you not to get paid something. I am putting a check in mail to what I think was the amount that you mentioned in one of the Flash Reports. If we find out that it is more, we'll send the rest.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I got another email from the Washington Post and apparently Tom Shales prefers "snail mail" so will get one off to him tonight. Just a chance, but as they say, any ship in the storm! We sure would be happy if you hear from him or someone there! You deserve it! Us Again<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Ed note: Many people who have read the Mantle book have gone out of their way to ensure it is read by a wider audience. For example: 1. Books have been purchased to give to others. 2. Books have been placed in libraries. 3. Media personnel have been contacted. That includes the press, radio and television. 4. A few people have taken a sizable number of books to sell. If any of you have the time and inclination you can go to Amazon.com. After typing in the name of the book, it will show you a screen with a lot of information. One of the things Amazon encourages is for those who have read a book to write a brief review. I find these highly interesting with regard to other books. Nobody has ever written a review for any of my books. If you care to be the first to do so, hustle over to Amazon.com and follow the bouncing ball.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Harry Mantle or Mickey Potter? Well, tonight I'm in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City> physically and 22,000th on the Amazon site. I wish I understood how they do that ranking. On second thought I wish I had named my book "Mickey Potter" or "Harry Mantle." Changing my name to Rowling and claiming <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region> as my homeland might have helped too. Ed note: That message was sent Monday evening from the Ramada Inn in <st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City> to Greg Olds in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Austin</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:State></st1:place>. It seems as though the Amazon. com ranking of book sales is about as comprehensible as most political polls. All I can say is that I'm still getting orders through Amazon.com so someone evidently is purchasing the Mantle book.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> On a related note<o:p></o:p> Mr. Hall: I know you have sent this information but I need to know where to purchase the Mantle Book. Could you please assist?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Mel Aytes<o:p></o:p> Ed note: If anyone else is curious about how to obtain a copy of the book I'd be happy to provide the information. However, I now suspect I've exhausted the sales prospects among the readers of this publication.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> New sales outlet The recent full page ad in the SABR Quarterly has generated some interest in the Mantle book particularly along the eastern seaboard. Orders came in pretty quickly from that part of the country from some "highly successful" individuals who idolized Mantle in their youth. <o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Error? I appreciate everyone who purchases and reads anything I write. I must admit my wife is not as long-suffering when criticism is offered with regard to my writing. There was a call the other day that she overheard. The person wanted me to know that I had misspelled the name of a former Yankee. He noted the page and the correct spelling. I knew where he was going and patiently allowed him to "rake the author" over the coals. After he made that "correction" he also had a comment about another little habit Mickey had as a kid and evidently maintained for most of his life. That will not be mentioned. The caller never did say whether he liked, or hated the book. All he wanted to do was correct the spelling of that one Yankee. I took my copy of the book and looked up the page. I asked him to take a look at the beginning and end of the sentence in question and tell me what he saw. His reply was "Quotation marks." Well, I remarked, "When I quote someone I don't have the liberty to change anything." I thanked the caller for his interest and my wife informed me that I wasn't called because the fellow wanted to help me but to criticize. I told her that if that was the biggest criticism leveled about the book I wasn't going to get one whit upset. (Now, I'll confess. There is one story in the book about Mantle, and two of his teammates going into <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Columbus</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> after a Whiz Kid game. The book said one of the fellows was Jim Kenega. According to Bob Steele, who was one member of the trio, he corrected me by saying the third fellow was Buddy Ball. If I ever re-issue the book I'll happily put Ball's name in that spot. It just so happens that Ball was my physical education instructor at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Joplin</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Junior College</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> in 1958 and a great guy. Lou Holtz thought the same thing about Ball and for many years was his top recruiter at the Universities of Arkansas and <st1:state st="on">Minnesota</st1:State> before he retired and moved to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Duncan</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place>.)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Flash Report for July 25, 2005 (Only five months to the day left until Christmas) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Note: This edition is a potpourri of what others have written, or may write and how this Editor has been accused of telling tall tales in the Mantle book. Read further if any of this sounds interesting. If not, hit the delete key and live happily ever after. In reading the criticism of my work on the Mantle book be reminded of a comment Ray Mantle (Mick's brother) shared with me. He said, "The only thing I don't like about the book is that I didn't write it." And later he remarked to Yours Truly, "You're the first person to ever get it right." The defense rests. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> World Series begins Don Gutteridge throws out first pitch to open Series By KEVIN FLAHERTY Morning Sun Staff Writer Muggy heat didn't stop Don Gutteridge from putting the ball in the strike zone to open the National Baseball Congress Hap Dumont Baseball 16-Under World Series. The former major league baseball player, 94, had a familiar target as his neighbor, Drew Beasley, a catcher for the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City></st1:place> Miners, caught the ceremonial first pitch at JayCee Ballpark. Beasley said he had played catch with Gutteridge before, when <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburg</st1:place></st1:City> hosted the USA Baseball Junior National Team and Gutteridge wanted to practice. "It was pretty special to catch the ball from him because he is my neighbor," Beasley said. "He said that he was scared that he would knock me down." With the 12 participating teams and 80-100 spectators looking on, Gutteridge gave the ball a slight windup before putting the pitch right on the money. "I didn't know how close they were going to put me to him," Gutteridge said. "I would have tried to throw the ball from wherever they put me at and hope that it got to him." <a href="http://www.morningsun.net/stories/072305/loc_20050723030.shtml">http://www.morningsun.net/stories/072305/loc_20050723030.shtml</a> Gutteridge played baseball for four major league teams between 1936 and 1948. He started his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, before moving to the American League with the St. Louis Browns. His years with the Browns including a World Series berth against his old team in the Trolley Car Series in 1944. He was the first batter in the series, and was, at one time, considered baseball's fastest man. He finished his career with stints in <st1:city st="on">Boston</st1:City> and <st1:city st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:City> before spending time as a manager and scout before returning home to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburg</st1:place></st1:City>, where he grew up. Getting to throw out the first pitch was the latest of in a long line of honors bestowed on Gutteridge, and he said that each mention was more humbling than the one before it. "Oh, it really means something every time you're honored by the people in your hometown," Gutteridge said. "They are the ones who love you, and they know you more than anyone else." Beasley said that catching the ball from Gutteridge was the start of what he hoped was a special tournament. "I'm looking forward to, hopefully, a lot of wins," Beasley said. "I hope that we have a good tournament and a good time." Gutteridge said that he was going to be in the stands for some of the games and that he was looking forward to watching some good baseball. "I sure hope so. I'm going to be here tomorrow morning at 9," Gutteridge said. "I figure I'll see several games and see a lot of these kids play at least. They look like big kids for 15- and 16-year-olds. I hope to see them all in the major leagues. "I hope they get to go to the World Series," Gutteridge said, pointing to one of his World Series rings. "I hope they all get to wear one of these rings. That's what it's all about." Two days of pool-play games start at 9 a.m. today at JayCee, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Pittsburg</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>'s Al Ortolani Field and the Frontenac Sports Complex. Ed note: Don Gutteridge was single-handedly responsible for the St. Louis Browns placing a minor league affiliate at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> in 1946 where it remained through the 1951 season. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> It carries the Bill O'Donnell seal of approval. Hi John --Well I did watch the Mantle film on HBO and liked it. I think you would like it too. I give it two thumbs up. --Bill O <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>A former KOM League connection<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note: Ray "Fido" Murphy owned both the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:City> and Chanute Owl franchises in 1946. He is one of the more memorable characters for those<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>who played for the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Topeka</st1:City></st1:place> and Chanute clubs and later with the Miami Owls. He was, to say the least, someone who no one who knew him could<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>ever forget. To get a lively discussion going at any KOM League event all anyone has to do is say "Fido."<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Over the years I have mentioned him in some of the KOM League publications and there seems to be some interest still in the fellow. He had <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>umpired in the Western Association prior to WW II and during the war he managed a submarine shipyard team at Quonset, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Rhode Island</st1:State></st1:place>. After<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>the war he moved took most of those players with him to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Topeka</st1:City></st1:place> where they were dubbed, "The Kombat Kids." Fido wasn't the best judge<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>of baseball talent in the world. He had spring training at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> in 1946 and the best players were left to play for Goldie Howard at<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Chanute in Class D ball and the lesser talent went to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:City> in the Class C circuit. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>In a move I could never figure out and it still "bugs" me to this day is what Fido did at the conclusion of spring drills. There was a young <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>boy named Jimmy Carnes who he took back to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Topeka</st1:City></st1:place> as their bat boy. I suspect that Fido had some ulterior motive like, having a dog sitter. Fido had a<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>black cocker spaniel who went on road trips with the team and was even in the dugout during the games. The players learned to hate that poor <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>dog because Fido would demand that the players look after the animal when the animal had to do what animals do.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Well, I'm not going to go into a dissertation on Ray Fido Murphy. But, when Rod Nelson sent along the following note it got the "juices going" again.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Nelson's note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Tom Bartell asked about Fido Murphy who was indeed a colorful character. He was the eccentric baseball and football promoter and owner of the <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>post-war Class C Western League Topeka Owls and Class D KOM League Chanute (KS) Owls. Murphy was described by the Saturday Evening <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Post in 1947 as “Baseball’s Dizziest Owner”. He had first reached national acclaim in a 1942 Esquire piece titled: “World’s Greatest Athlete; Recalling<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre> Fido Murphy’s Amazing Exploits in Baseball, Football, Basketball, Coaching and Umping.”</pre> <pre>The following URL describes Mrs. Fido Murphy. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_Adrian">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_Adrian</a><o:p></o:p></pre> Iris Adrian (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_29" title="May 29">29 May</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1912" title="1912">1912</a> – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_17" title="September 17">17 September</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994" title="1994">1994</a>) was an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States">American</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film" title="Film">film</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actor" title="Actor">actress</a>. Born in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles%2C_California" title="Los Angeles, California">Los Angeles, California</a>, Adrian won a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty_pageant" title="Beauty pageant">beauty pageant</a> and worked with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziegfeld_Follies" title="Ziegfeld Follies">Ziegfeld Follies</a>, before she entered films at the end of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_movies" title="Silent movies">silent era</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chasing_Husbands&action=edit" title="Chasing Husbands">Chasing Husbands</a>, (1928). During the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1930s" title="1930s">1930s</a> she specialized in playing glamorous gold-diggers and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangster" title="Gangster">gangsters</a>' "dames", and played supporting roles in numerous features. She was considered a versatile actress, who could play drama or comedy, and she was also regarded as a capable dancer, dancing in a couple of films with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Raft" title="George Raft">George Raft</a>. She continued to act regularly without achieving star status and by the end of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960s" title="1960s">1960s</a> had appeared in more than one hundred films. In her later years she appeared in several <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney" title="Walt Disney">Walt Disney</a> films, including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Darn_Cat%21" title="That Darn Cat!">That Darn Cat!</a> (1965), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Love_Bug" title="The Love Bug">The Love Bug</a> (1970), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Shaggy_D.A.&action=edit" title="The Shaggy D.A.">The Shaggy D.A.</a> (1976) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freaky_Friday" title="Freaky Friday">Freaky Friday</a> (1976). She also played numerous guest roles in such <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_series" title="Television series">television series</a> as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Smart" title="Get Smart">Get Smart</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beverly_Hillbillies" title="The Beverly Hillbillies">The Beverly Hillbillies</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Acres" title="Green Acres">Green Acres</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petticoat_Junction" title="Petticoat Junction">Petticoat Junction</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Munsters" title="The Munsters">The Munsters</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Love_Boat" title="The Love Boat">The Love Boat</a>. She was married three times, the first time to Charles Over in 1935 (divorced in 1936), the second to George Jay, and her final marriage was to Ray "Fido" Murphy which lasted over 30 years. Known for sense of humor, she wryly commented in an interview late in her life that the only thing she did not like about aging was that she could no longer attract gangsters. She died in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Los Angeles</st1:place></st1:City>, from injuries she sustained during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Northridge_earthquake" title="1994 Northridge earthquake">1994 Northridge earthquake</a> nine months earlier, and was interred in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Lawn_Cemetery" title="Forest Lawn Cemetery">Forest Lawn </a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Lawn_Cemetery" title="Forest Lawn Cemetery">Cemetery</a>. <pre>Putting Tom in touch with John (me)<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>John - meet Tom. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Tom - meet John.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Tom is the one looking for info on Murphy for a book he's working on regarding Barnstorming. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>John is the one that knows all there is to know about the KOM League and just released the epic Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory book which is featured in <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>the most recent SABR Bulletin..<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I suspect John's neighbor Bill Clark might have a story or two to share about Fido Murphy, too. And come to think of it, my cousin Charlie (Chuck) <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>McCormick probably has a story or two since he played with <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:City> after returning from WW2, too. Rod Nelson</pre> Ed response We got around to talking about Fido at the last KOM League reunion. Lee Dodson has begged me to write a book about Fido but with my writing successes I'm not sure it would sell a dozen books. Fido has been gone too long for very many people to even remember him or care about hearing more. He would make a great couple of chapters in "characters" of the minor league game. I'll tell you about Iris, Fido never allowed her to come to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:City>. I guess by then she wasn't young and cute enough to be seen in public. While at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:City> Fido usually had a young thing on each arm. Dodson said Fido stashed Iris in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City> during the summer. He'd go back there in the winter during the Bears season. He scouted for both the Chicago Bears and New York Giants in the NFL. <pre>There is a "ton" of stuff at this source but you have to be a member to get on the site. This is basically the story Lee Dodson related to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Capital Journal back in 2003. Good stuff.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><a href="http://cjonline.com/login.shtml?orq:http://cjonline.com/stories/092803/our_spo">http://cjonline.com/login.shtml?orq:http://cjonline.com/stories/092803/our_</a>sports.shtml <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>If Mr. Bartell is interested in Fido, I'd suggest he comb the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Lockport</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">New York</st1:State></st1:place> telephone directory. There are 35 people with that name and I'd bet <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>about what I have of this week's paycheck ($0.00) that he'd find some of Fido's kin. <o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>People heard from over weekend<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><st1:city st="on">Ada</st1:City> Wright--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Miami</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Okla.</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Dr. & Mrs. (<st1:city st="on">Ada</st1:City>) Wright were huge fans of the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City> baseball clubs during their KOM League existence. They followed the team at home and<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>on the road. Long after the "Boys of those few summers" grew up and did other things, many still visited the Wright family where they had once roomed<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>with <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ada</st1:City></st1:place>'s parents (the Middletons) in a 13-room home.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>A few months ago <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ada</st1:place></st1:City> asked that I cease sending the newsletter since she didn't know many of the names. However, I sent her the summer edition for <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>2005 and she was very interested in the story of Newt Keithley. She called to tell me she had gone to school with both Keithley and his wife. She had some<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>observations to share about that family of which I was unaware. She was greatly interested in learning Mrs. Keithley's first name. Since Mrs. Keithley<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>didn't indicate that in her letter I'm relying on some of the former <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Miami</st1:City></st1:place> players or fans to help me out with this one.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Charlie Weber</pre> John: Just finished making my reservation for the 2006 bash. My hip is coming along but it sure is a slow process.One day I walk without a cane then need it the next day.This getting old is the pits but it beats the alternative.Hope this finds you and yours well. See you in 2006 or maybe sooner. Regards Charlie Weber <pre>Bob Passarella:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Last year, about this time, Brandy Davis was scouting minor league teams on the east coast for the Houston Astros. He gave me a call and asked<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>how he could get hold of former Carthage Cub shortstop, Bob Passarella. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:City> had read about Passarella over the past few years in the KOM League<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Flash Reports and newsletters. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:City> was provided with the telephone number and address and he stopped by and paid a visit to a very surprised<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>host.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>When Passarella saw the front page of the summer edition of the KOM League Remembered he anticipated what would be inside the cover. He was <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>shocked and saddened to learn of the death of a person of whom he counted as a friend after last summer's visit. The pair had made plans to meet again<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>this year for dinner and a baseball game. Passarella confided that he really looked forward to the second time in his life when former major league player<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>would come to his house. It was not to be. Passarella said, "I'm so sorry that I won't have the pleasure of Brandy's company this year or ever."<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Passarella admitted that Brandy had spoken with him about attending a KOM League reunion. He said that during their visit last year Brandy <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>threatened to drive to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Scranton</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Penn.</st1:State></st1:place> and pick Passarella up and take him along for the trip to Chanute.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>SABR Quarterly readership<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>With the advertisement taking up an entire page in the Society of American Baseball Research's Quarterly the orders for the<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Mantle book have come in from places as diverse as <st1:city st="on">Sioux City</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Iowa</st1:State>; <st1:city st="on">McKeesport</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Penn.</st1:State> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Nashua</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">New Hampshire</st1:State></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>That is a segue to the following. I promised to share with the readership all comments about the Mantle book be they good, bad or ugly.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>In today's mail I received the first real criticism of the book. It was referred to as a collection of "tall tales." One even stood out above<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>the others in the critic's view. Every person has the right to believe or cast aspersions on any story. However, I stand by every incident related <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>in that book as being the recollection of at least one person and validated by two or more people. I contend that no one knows<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>everything about anybody other than themselves--and sometimes we deceive ourselves.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>So, with that brief explanation I give you the score on the book so far. Favorable comments 500+, unfavorable 1 and undecided 1.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>If a politician had those numbers he/she would call it a landslide. </pre> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Flash Report for August 1, 2005 Ed note: Here's hoping the material coming out of the KOM League Flash Reports in August will be better than the stuff shared in July. After looking over the material in this report I'm not sure that goal will be accomplished except for the material that was submitted by others. That is the best kind of "grist for this mill." If any of you have something to share, don't be afraid to do so. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Any "gamers" out there? On September 24, 2005, the Cross County Mall at <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">700 Broadway Avenue East</st1:address></st1:Street> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Illinois</st1:State></st1:place> will be the site of a book signing sponsored by Waldenbooks and promoted by the Mall "boss," Mike Witwicki. The signing will be tied in with a sports memorabilia show and I'm told that I'll be the only "book signer" on the premises that day. Since I've been to book signings previously in life when no one showed up I'm interested in ensuring worthwhile trip. Thus, if you are reader in East Central Illinois, Western Indiana or portions of Northern Kentucky you might want to hitch up the horses and come into <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mattoon</st1:place></st1:City> for a mini- KOM League reunion. We could hang out for a while on Saturday, eat a bite or two and still get home in time to milk the cows, feed the chickens and slop the hogs. If that sounds like a good "idee" to any of you let me know My wife wanted to know if that was a long trip. I told her it was nearly the same distance from <st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City> to <st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City> as it was from <st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City> to the last KOM League reunion at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chanute</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place>. Chanute is four miles closer but due to Interstate highways from <st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mattoon</st1:place></st1:City> the drive is 41 minutes less. After all the driving Mike Witwicki has done in coming from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mattoon</st1:place></st1:City> to KOM League reunions, everywhere, I've got to make this trip for him. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Get 'em Fido Really enjoyed the stories and info about Fido (Murphy). I sure remember that dog in the dugout. In fact, somewhere in my clippings I should still have the Saturday Evening Post picture of our dugout, with Fido standing there along with the dog. I'm reminded of the "love" Lee (Dodson) had for Fido, especially after he had to go to Trautman to get his money from Fido. John, Thursday night we (N.Ky.Sports Hall Of Fame)members are going to be honored, at the Florence Freedom ball park before the game with the Windy City Thunderbolts at & P.M.There is a team called Mid-Missouri in the league. I believe the league is a class D or C classification. They sure have a nice park. It looks like a big league park, compared to what we played in at Chanute..It'll be nice to see some of those guys. We only have meetings during the winter months...... Bob Curley Ed note: We don't herald it too loudly around these parts that the Mid-Missouri Mavericks are located in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place> Curley is right, Mid-Missouri is a Class D team even though the leagues don't go to that level anymore. It is classified as "A" ball but that is very generous. In three seasons this team has tried everything. Jack Clark was one of the managers and now if you go out to the ballpark you can see that future Hall of Famer, Jim Gentile as he leads the Mavericks "inaction" each night. Its hard to be tough on minor league teams, but when they average giving up 13 runs a game you know you aren't going to see the hometowners win very often. If pressed to make a comparison, this current Mid-Missouri, Class A team would have given the 1950 Iola Indians and Chanute Athletics a run for their money for last place. Personally, I think they could have done it. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:City> photo   <pre>Hello, John.....My Aunt Mona Lou (widow of Gale, Pittsburg Browns-'48) Blakeley passed on to me the most recent edition of the KOMLR (June-2005)<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre> that featured the recently departed Brandy Davis. I was intrigued by the photo of Brandy on page two where he is wearing a Houston Colt .45's road uniform <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>(obvious because of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:State></st1:place> flag on the left sleeve rather than the Astros' logo patch) and a Moultrie (GA) Colt .22's cap. I'm guessing that this photo may <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>have been taken during spring training circa 1963. If anyone knows for sure when it was taken, please let me know. In 1962 The Moultrie (GA) Colt .22's <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>were a Class D Ga-FL League affiliate of the Houston Colt .45's. In 1963, with the re-classification of the minor leagues and the new National Agreement <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>between the majors and minors, Moultrie and the Georgia-Florida League were now "Class-A". That is a fantastic and rare photo and thank you to the person that submitted it.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed Hoke<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>The photo was shared by Brandy's son, Curtis. I suspect if anyone out there has the date on that photo it will be Curtis.<o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Adding to the list Mr. Hall --I'm not sure if you remember me or not, but we met during the Mickey Mantle Weekend in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City> back in April. I've been meaning for some time to send you an e-mail requesting that I be added to your blast list of the KOM League Flash Report. I started reading your report when I worked at The Joplin Globe. Anvil Welch received your report and he forwarded it over to me after he was done reading it. I would like to start receiving your report to keep on the events and happenings in the KOM. Thanks for all you do and thanks for adding me to your list. Please feel free to call me if I could ever be of any assistance, Craig Hull <st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City> Convention and Visitors Bureau, <st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City> Sports Authority 602 South Main <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State> <st1:postalcode st="on">64801</st1:PostalCode></st1:place> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>First e-mail from China<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Glad you are taking some of the complaining. There seems to be a lot of it going around and I've about had my fill here this month. Did I tell<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>you I'm writing this from <st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region>, north of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Guangzhou</st1:City></st1:place>? I've been teaching a language camp at a primary school and will head home later this week. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>My wife's family is from south of here and we will visit them a few days before returning. Sure wish I had your camera skills here. You'd have<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>a field day!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>John, is your health OK? The last couple of Flash Reports have had a couple of comments that suggested you weren't doing so well. Hope they<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>were just passing jokes and that all is well. You've become a bit of a treasure in my life, opening doors to seeing parts of that area I'd<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>never have noticed on my own, both photos and history.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Best to you. Bill<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>William G. Trudeau, Director<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>International English Program<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State> Southern <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">3590 E. Newman Rd</st1:address></st1:Street><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO</st1:State> <st1:postalcode st="on">64801-1595</st1:PostalCode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Life is just a "passing joke." There have been a couple of trips to see a doctor who has met me with a knife in one hand and a can<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>of liquid nitrogen in the other. All is well, however. I've complained a long time about being ugly and the doctor has been trying to<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>reconfigure that pimple that was located between my shoulders before it turned into a head. In other words, I had minor surgery to<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>both ears probably due to the State of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place>. Yep, I spent too many hours in the blazing sun thinking I was immune from the effects<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>of those rays.</pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> And now a message from a reader who can write!   <pre>John, (1) I thoroughly enjoyed your latest Flash Report. Your comments about being nearly <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>overwhelmed with fresh tomatoes rang a bell here. We also have been tussling with <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>the same (happy) problem recently. Kind folks have been dropping off bagfuls of the little devils at the <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>church office where my wife is pastor's secretary. Along with squash, peaches and cucumbers, she's <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>been lugging them home a couple of times a week.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Being a worshiper of tomatoes, I refuse to let one sit around long enough to go bad.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I spent most of yesterday afternoon in the kitchen, using about two dozen tomatoes <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>to concoct yet another batch of Don's Revenge, which is what I've named my homemade<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>salsa. It yielded three quarts and one pint, all now secured in Mason jars. It takes both<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>hands to eat Don's Revenge; one to scoop it up on tortilla chips and the other to operate<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>the Kleenex. Verily, I do like it hot.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>(2) My column last week for our local newspaper was a quick critique of various sports.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I got the idea from an early July email conversation with our friend Ted Watts. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Unfortunately, my editor snipped out some of what I considered "A Material" in order to<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>fit the available space...which was kinda disappointing. Be that as it may, I'm pasting<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>it in below for your reading enjoyment. Or boredom and disappointment. Whichever<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>comes first.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Don Potts--Fellow Ex-Bathauler<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> Okay, Fans, Let's Talk Some Sports by Don Potts   It's late July and we're once again, mercifully, about to emerge from what some of us consider The Sports Doldrums. Whazzat? That's the dead zone that appears annually between the conclusion of college basketball's March Madness and the beginning of the NFL and college football/basketball seasons. Although many will certainly disagree with that statement, it's how this writer feels. The following paragraphs will, hopefully, explain why. Major League Baseball: Years ago I was an avid fan, knowing the names of most of the teams' managers and their star players. Not any more. Not since the greed took over and spoiled everything. Greedy players, their agents and greedy owners created numerous management-union conflicts, strikes, holdouts, etc., which turned millions of us off. Hard to empathize with a mediocre player who claims he's insulted at being offered a mere $8 mil contract for playing a game for six months. Mickey Mantle must be rolling over in his grave. NBA: 82 games per season are too many. Cut the schedule in half. Change the playoff formula so that 50% of the teams do not make the playoffs. Change the timeout rules, so the final two minutes of the games do not consume half an hour. NASCAR: People seem to be either fulltime, all-out racing fans or they totally ignore the sport. Doesn't seem to be many part-time fans when it comes to auto racing. I've been to several of the big races up at Charlotte Motor Speedway and ultimately decided it's just not my cup of tea. Three hours of watching guys I know nothing about drive around a track practicing their left turns is not my idea of excitement. Golf: Although I've played a few times in my lifetime, I'm not a golfer. I've never had the talent, patience nor the desire to take lessons and practice, practice, practice. Spending four consecutive afternoons in front of the tube listening to two announcers whispering is not what I consider a good expenditure of my time. But I do get a kick out of occasionally watching the final few holes of the final day of a tournament. That, to me, is about the only real drama to be found in a four-day golf telecast. Hockey: It's my impression that few people living south of the <st1:place st="on">Mason-Dixon Line</st1:place> give a rat's rear about hockey. I was recently surprised to learn that there are five minor league hockey teams playing in our state. How many of them can you name and where are they based? See what I mean? I'm reminded of an old gag line, source unknown: "I went to the fights and a hockey game broke out!" I think the sport's TV ratings would greatly improve if they made the pucks the size of pizzas. That way the viewers at home would, like the players, be able to know exactly where the puck is at all times. Tennis: Somewhere in my attic is a cheap racket I bought back in the 70's. I put it there less than a year after I acquired it and have not touched it since Nixon was president. 'Nuff said? Soccer: Some folks who apparently measure these things claim that soccer is played by more people worldwide than any other sport. Good for them. I think it's the most boring game imaginable. I admittedly get more enjoyment out of seeing lots of scoring, regardless of which sport's involved, than watching a defensive struggle. Soccer teams run up and down a field for two or three hours, the final score is 1-0 and the fans in the stands are foaming at the mouth and waving flags. I do not understand this at all. Would you pay $35 to watch a basketball game that involved 60 blocked shots and an ultimate final score of 8-5? Neither would most people. Boxing: Starting in my teens, I was a huge boxing fan for decades. That ended over 20 years ago. I believe they lost me when Frazier, Ali, Norton, Leonard, Duran and those of their era passed from the scene. I used to know the names of every title-holder in every weight category, plus the top contenders for their crowns. Nowadays, the number of weight categories has been greatly increased and the number of champions roughly approximates the number of peaches Springs Farms sells each summer. I haven't watched a boxing match on TV in years, although they're carried on various cable channels quite often. Just cannot get excited about watching two nobodys (Ordonez vs. <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Hidalgo</st1:State></st1:place>) mix it up for ten or more rounds. And forget about any post-fight interviews, since neither of them speaks English. Wrestling/Rasslin': Not a sport. Pro wrestling is best described as either showbiz or an exhibition. You'd have to be insane to loan money to someone who believes it's for real. Delete the word Smackdown and insert Turnoff. The love of sports transcends all borders and language barriers. We Americans have our Super Bowl, World Series and the Final Four. The blokes have <st1:place st="on">Wimbledon</st1:place>, soccer and cricket. <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Spain</st1:place></st1:country-region> is known for its bullfighting traditions. And then there's those wussy French with their bike race. Talk about a rough 'n tumble bunch of folks. I can only guess at what they do between the Tour de France races, but I suspect they do a lot of wine tasting and ironing of white flags. Just a guess, mind you. So I'm once again looking forward to the football season and college basketball. Perhaps my Redskins will return to respectability this season and make the playoffs.... for a change. Maybe my Duke Blue Devils will bounce back and knock those haughty Tar Heels off their perch as NCAA national champs. And, like most Gamecocks fans, I just can't wait to see Coach Spurrier on the sidelines this season, surrounded by his players, assistant coaches and all those probation officers. Goodbye doldrums! Ed note: I can't find anything in Don's article with which I could disagree. I'm not much of a Redskins, Blue Devil or Tar Heel fan but I attribute that to regional loyalty on his part and lack of same on mine. Around these parts all we have are the Rams, Chiefs, Royals and Cardinals. You can't attribute "big-time" to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Missouri</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> athlete program at this stage in history. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Comment about article on Editor's Rotary presentation Just finished the Flash Report July 30 and I found the little bit of your history most interesting, I just wished that she had continued to the present day, but you have covered that pretty good. Enjoy receiving the Flash Reports. Dale Hendricks--former Ponca City Dodger--<st1:city st="on">Bremerton</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Wash.</st1:place></st1:State> Ed note: I fear that not much of my history is very interesting. The writer of the Rotary article pretty much summarized the essence of mundane life. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> You never know whats out there! I'll preface this by stating Bob Mallon was Mickey Mantle's roommate in 1949. Mallon has never been one for even coming close to making up tall tales--as this Editor has been accused. With that in mind I share the following note from Mallon. I'm leaving out a couple of names just to ensure I don't mess up some "well laid plans" of an individual interested in purchasing those baseballs. jgh " John, did you ever hear of a ______ ________? She lived in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City> in 1949. She said she used to date Mick. She has a ball with my autograph and Mickey's autograph. And she has a ball she got from Mick in the majors. Her dad remembers all of us. And especially Skizas.......... Her father's name was ______ ______. I can not remember her to save my life. The ball is legitimate it is my signature and Mickey's. She dated Mickey several times and they became friends. He even saw her in a hotel with Billy Martin and Whitey Ford. Her 5 year old twins were with her and they got autographed balls. Her sons have all the balls. ........." Bob Ed note: This is a story that I have no doubt about. I hear them all the time from various sources. Last week I heard a great one from Joe Stanka who had been told a story by one of his <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sacramento</st1:place></st1:City> teammates. It involved Mantle and Irv Noren making a car trip from <st1:state st="on">New York</st1:State> to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State> at the end of a baseball season in the 1950's. I've made a new policy not to relate most of these types stories for I don't appreciate the comments I receive for telling "tall tales." I'll keep the stories to myself and cut down on the "nasty mail." And, believe me, I get it. There are times I consider turning off my computer, cutting off the telephone lines and pitching all my correspondence into file 13. There are some narrow-minded folks who don't believe anything that hasn't already been reported. They maintain they if they don't know about a certain incident then it couldn't have happened. This forum, and the KOM League newsletter, have come under harsh criticism over the past decade for making certain statements about aspects of a former KOM Leaguers life. As it turns out, the accusers have had to make a return trip to these forums to admit the information being disseminated was in fact correct but they made such acknowledgments very grudgingly. Hey, my only reason for "hanging around" is to shed a ray of light on a league most everyone else either ignored or forgot. I don't recall anyone ever writing a book about "E. L. Dale's league" or publishing a newsletter or getting hold of former players and holding reunions on a rather frequent basis, until about 1994. Thats my editorial for the month of August. If you think its a bit harsh, blame it on the hot weather, I probably will. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Post script--Say it isn't true Rafael--You did so before a Senate hearing! I just heard the evening news. Either some major sports figures in this country are absent-minded, dumb or liars--or maybe all of the aforementioned.. I don't know about you but I'm thoroughly fed up with most of "big-time" sports. What a farce. Rafael Palmeiro claimed today he didn't know he was taking steroids. Do you think he thought it was the Viagra he has been peddling on those TV ads? Could it be that the steroids he was taking caused him to need the Viagra? Well, its a thought. It appears to me that all the fellows who have been suspected of being on the "juice" have all had mysterious illnesses in recent years. Last year weren't they even speculating Giambi might die? Now the talking heads claim Palmeiro has doomed his chances for the Hall of Fame. Does the same standard apply to Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and the late Bobby Bonds son? Gosh, I never thought I would say it but these guys are starting to make Pete Rose smell like one--rose that is. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Apology For well over a month Yours Truly has been operating a patch-work system of correspondence. There are a couple of ways that e-mails can be transmitted. The file that is working the best at the present forces me to show everyone to whom the e-mail is sent through "TO" or "CC." I've had some complaints in that regard. With my older program I could use the "BCC" (Blind Carbon Copy) function and it appeared the e-mail was only going to myself. I hope to get back to that capability real soon. It will all depend if my hard drive can be restored by the folks in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Holland</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:State></st1:place>. I could go back to the older program and submit these reports on that system but it would eliminate all about 100 recipients. So, hang with me. If my old hard drive gets restored I'm going to clean up the old mailing list. I'll delete any name for whom I haven't heard from in six months and it will streamline the process. If you receive this message and don't get another for about two weeks you might want to get in touch if you wish to remain on the mailing list. DON'T send any message to stay on the mailing list as a result of this Flash Report. If you wish to be taken off the distribution list then you can send that notification at any time. Thanks. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> KOM League Flash Report for 8/8/05 <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Note: If this is a second copy you received of this report, I apologize. The first was transmitted prematurely and with an attachment that should not have been included. Catching up on back news I trust some of you noticed that the frequency of the Flash Report tailed off a bit recently. There are many reasons for it but none that is worth boring you with. This a short report and is being shared only to let you know I haven't got rich on the Mantle book and left for a distant island in the Pacific. However, when I do get rich that is a great idea. The following covers material received in the past week to ten days.: From San Diego Hi Mr. Hall - Did you manage to catch the Hall of Fame induction speeches this weekend? I'm telling you, Ryne Sandberg sure nailed his! His statements about the current lack of respect for the game, and the manner in which todays stars carry themselves was right on the button. His comment about "some players" working harder at finding the red light on the camera in the dugout than playing ball, had to be aimed at Sammy Sosa, (among others). It was great to see Jerry Coleman get in. I got to met him once here in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:City> and the guy is amazing. What a life he has led, yet he is as nice a guy as you could ever meet. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Anyhow, hope all is well with you.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Jim Smith<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> PS - Just FYI,... there's still a few of us out here, (at least one any ways), that still would love to hear those "tall tales," like the one from Mr. Stanka that you mentioned about the Mick and the old days in general. Ed note: I've heard some other pretty good "tall tales" in recent days. But, I promised not to share them. Maybe I can come up with another publication, for a limited audience, and use nothing but tall tales. Jim, you'll be the first and maybe the only one on the distribution list.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Me and Old Willie (Nelson that is) Willie Nelson recorded "On the Road Again" back in the early 80's. That's what Yours Truly will be doing a little of in the next few weeks. Here is the "expanded" world tour of "Mickey Mantle Before The Glory" book signings--also known as "Taking long trips without any assurance of selling anything." Here goes. August 17, 2005--3:00 to 7:00 P.M--Dillons Grocery--Pryor, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State>. You don't need an address. Its on Highway 69 at the south end of town. August 18-20, 2005 Cowtown Days (Located somewhere in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Baxter Springs</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place>--Probably at the rodeo arena ) If you are really curious, as I will be coming in from Pryor from the south, go to <a href="http://www.baxtersprings.us/">www.BaxterSprings.us</a> and look it up. September 24, 2005--10:00 A.M until they run me off--Cross County Mall--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Illinois</st1:State></st1:place> That site is <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">700 Broadway Avenue E.</st1:address></st1:Street> I have also started making some obligations for November but will hold back on those details for a few weeks. If you want a book signing in your area call my booking agent. If you can't locate J. K. Rowling just settle for Yours Truly. You know that address. If you are in the Christmas mood around late October and early November keep an eye on the KOM League Quarterly Newsletter. I might possibly have a "Santa Special" if a couple of books I've written in the past 13 months are still around in significant numbers. I sure hope they aren't. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> A new reader (This is an interesting side note to history) Brian Jackson is the latest subscriber to the KOM League Flash Report. He sent in his $1,000 annual subscription fee and was added to the mailing list. He works for Life Share, the Transplant Donor Service of Oklahoma and he is preparing an article regarding the late Joe Pollock who was a tissue donor. All who knew Pollock recognize what a great individual he was. Now, two years after his passing there is even more to learn about this remarkable man. When <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City>'s story is released it will be shared with this audience. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:City> is an interesting fellow in his own right. We have some mutual interests. One story he shared caused me to return the $1,000 annual subscription fee to the Flash Report. He told about his mother and a school yard bully in Wink, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:State>. This bully, with Coke bottle thick glasses was "wailing the tar" out of her little brother. The bully was in the third grade and his mother's little brother was in the first. Even after the school bell ended recess the bully wouldn't let the little fellow up from the "foot well" of the swing set. Thus, the young lady went over and put a beating on the bully. The bully later wrote many songs but one that he probably didn't dedicate to the young girl who pummeled him many years earlier. One of the bully's most famous songs was "Pretty Woman" and his name was Roy Orbison. To check out parts of this story go to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Orbison">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Orbison</a> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Moultrie</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ga.</st1:State></st1:place> and Brandy Davis Hello, In the latest KOM flash report someone wrote in about a Spring Training Photo of Mr. Brandy Davis. They stated he played for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Moultrie</st1:place></st1:City>. Since I live in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Moultrie</st1:place></st1:City> and since I am working on a History of the teams that played here, I would like to get a copy of the photo if possible. In 1962, <st1:city st="on">Moultrie</st1:City> was Class D and in 1963, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Moultrie</st1:place></st1:City> was Class A. I know that teams trained at the old Spence Field Air Base in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Moultrie</st1:place></st1:City> just before the season started. To see pictures of the old Spence Air Base go to <a href="http://www.spence-air-base.com/">www.spence-air-base.com</a> Don’t forget about the Georgia-Florida-Alabama Minor Leagues Reunion Aug. 12 and 13. The reunion will be held in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Moultrie</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ga.</st1:State></st1:place> and all former Minor League Stars are invited. God Bless, Clint Chafin <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">--4789 Tallokas Rd</st1:address></st1:Street>--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Moultrie</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ga</st1:State> <st1:postalcode st="on">31788</st1:PostalCode></st1:place> P. S. Can you email me a copy of what a Chanute Athletics uniform looked like? Thanks, Clint PSS: If not, it’s no big deal. Please pray for us this weekend. The Georgia-Florida-Alabama Leagues Reunion starts Friday. Ed note: Finding and downloading a photo of the Chanute Athletics uniform was no problem. However, after I sent it Clint figured out what he really wanted was a photo of the 1946 Chanute Owl uniform. He got it. One thing <st1:city st="on">Topeka</st1:City>, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City> and Chanute had in common is that they all wore uniforms that were similar. Chanute wore them for a year before sending them to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City> who wore them for three more seasons. I wonder if one of those "outfits" is still around? My best guess is, "NO." <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Humboldt</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> et. al. Hi John, I have mentioned to you previously re my lifelong buddy who resides in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Arcata</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">CA</st1:State></st1:place> and taught at Humboldt State Univ for years until retiring. He is the one who offered the non-credit Baseball History course there. In fact, he just came out of retirement this summer and taught that class for 14 students, 8 of whom he says cared!!! Maybe I will get a copy of his final exam and you and I will "go back to college". Anyway, Rodney Sievers is his name, and you autographed and sent him a Mantle book. He is very pleased with the book. Rodney has quite a collection of old magazines, mainly Sport, one of my all-time favorites. This week he sent me an article from the Feb 1959 edition on the subject of Bob Cerv. I was a huge Bob Cerv fan back then but there are two other connections which make this article important to me. First, my mother was never a sports fan. But for some reason, the summer when Bob Cerv broke his jaw he became her hero and she listened to every game he played from then on. I have never figured that one out but it is something I always remember. Second, the article in Sport was written by none other than our own Kansas City Star legend, Mr. Joe McGuff, one of the truly fine and renowned sportswriters ever to grace the pages of sports sections anywhere. I am sure you are aware of Joe's deteriorating condition with that awful Lou Gehrig disease, ALS. It is such a shame and a waste. But there was a great article in the KC Star recently re him and Tom Watson and Joe still manages to maintain a great smile and attitude, with the wonderful help of a great and gracious wife. Was a true tear-filled story to read. Anyway, I have mailed the article to you as thought perhaps you have not seen it and it is good. Rod also says Cerv was roommate to Mantle and Maris in 1961, when Roger broke the record???????? Great column in KC Star yesterday by Joe Posnanski re: the push to get Buck O'Neill into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Apparently it was recently announced there will be one final big opportunity for Negro League stars to get in, sometime next Spring. I guess Joe has been traveling all summer with Buck and is going to write a book about him. It will be a good one as the subject matter is certainly there and anything Joe P writes will be GREAT. He is truly one of the best and I have no idea how the Star keeps him. My neighbor has finally ran out of tomatoes!!!!!! Ed note: Yours Truly hasn't run out of tomatoes. Now, they fall out of the freezer every time I open the door to place some more in there. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> KOM League made it twice Guys, We are going for one last look-see for the final Bibliography in the Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball. Please review the revised list to see if your favorite minor league book is there. Lloyd Johnson Ed note: When this is published all you former KOM Leaguers can be assured that two books where you are mentioned; Majoring in The Minors and The KOM League Remembered, made that list. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Thanks to all I had many clippings from readers all over this country with regard to the coverage of HBO's documentary on Mickey Mantle. If you sent a clipping and didn't hear back from me I share my shame before ever member of this very limited reading audience. Also, thanks to those who sent clippings out of the Daily Oklahoman regarding Babe Ruth. That article was well done. One reader, Paul Nichols, sent a couple of copies of the Mantle documentary. The oldest living member of the Mantle family that I know, Hallie, wanted to see the HBO special but had no way to get it at her Osage County, Missouri home. I'm going to share a copy with her. I think she will enjoy most of it. I have seen parts of the special and Ray and Max Mantle did a good job. That's about all of the special I have had the time to peruse. I'm going into a semi-hibernation state for the next couple of weeks and maybe I'll get around to viewing it all. I must get to the last part so I can see my name on the list of credits. The only problem is that I don't know why its there. I have a suspicion but will keep that between me and the English cocker watching over my shoulder as I print this. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> KOM League Flash Report Update for 8/9/05 The Flash Report of 8/8/05 and the mention of a book signing in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pryor</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> evoked some responses. In an effort to maximize the number of people who can attend the event the date has been changed to Friday August 19, 2005. The time of day will be from 3:00 P.M. until they roll up the sidewalk. Friday is payday and the fine folks from nearby <st1:city st="on">Chelsea</st1:City>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pensacola</st1:City></st1:place>, Adair, Spavinaw, Big Cabin, Strang, Patton, Harmony Star, Tip, Hoot Owl et.al. will be in town to eat, buy groceries and do all the fun things to be found in the largest city in the area between Claremore and Vinita. My goal will be to divert some of the business from the newest "Wally World Mega-Mart Behemouth" down the street to the smaller, but friendlier Dillons Supermarket. Clarification: One reader of yesterday's Flash Report was curious about the $1,000 subscription price mentioned. I told him that was satire. He responded with, "We live down here in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State> and don't understand satire." My wife jumped all over me for telling stories like that. She said that most people don't understand my sense of humor. In fact, she didn't think that was humorous at all. So, I apologize. The subscription price is really $5,000, I just didn't want to shock anyone. <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Flash Report for August 14, 2005 <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Preview of coming attractions Most of the readership can't make it to the events to be mentioned in this section and a large portion of them couldn't care less. So this is for those who care "a little bit." 1. I wish to "plug" the 2006 KOM League reunion at every opportunity. I'm hearing from a rather sizable number of people who are going to make every attempt possible to attend the last KOM League reunion in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place>. The event will be September 7-9, 2006. It isn't too early to begin booking rooms at the Precious Moments Best Western Hotel in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City>. All events, including full meals-three times a day, will be held at the <st1:placename st="on">Precious</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Moments</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Museum</st1:PlaceType> restaurant one of the nicer places in <st1:place st="on">Southwest Missouri</st1:place>. 2. This coming Friday, August 19, from 3:00--7:00 p.m. there will be book signing for all my books at the Dillons Grocery at <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">501 S. Mill St.</st1:address></st1:Street> (Highway 69) in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pryor</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place>. After Terrell Lester's article in the Claremore Progress I'm not sure what to expect as far as turnout. There is still an article to appear in the Pryor Times and Lester is also affiliated with that publication. To comment about Terrell's recent article you can contact him at: <a href="mailto:sports@claremoreprogress.com">sports@claremoreprogress.com</a> 3. Saturday August 20 from noon until whenever, I'll be a guest of the Baxter Springs, Kansas Historical Society. The following is a letter received last week which tells of the event. "Mr. Hall, we look forward to seeing you in Baxter Springs at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Heritage</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, immediately following the Cowtown Days parade. If you wish to come by earlier and set up the book display we should have someone there as early as 9:30. We have sent invitations to the City Council, the Board of Education, the Kiwanis Club, the Lions Club, and to former Whiz Kids and their spouses. If you have someone you would like to receive a personal invitation, please let me know. " The Historical Society shared with me the text of the invitations that were sent: "The Baxter Springs Historical Society will host a reception at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Heritage</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> immediately following the Cowtown Days parade on Saturday, August 20. Mr. Ben Craig of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Overland Park</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place>, who has been selected as this year's Grand Marshal for the parade, and Bob and DeAnne Binns of Baxter Springs, who have been selected to represent Mr. and Mrs. John Baxter, will be honored. Also present and participating in the reception will be Mr. John Hall, author, who recently published a book "Before the Glory," a biography of Mickey Mantle. Mr. Hall will have books available for sale which he will personally sign. The book, which is mostly about Mickey's early life, is well-written and researched. You will enjoy meeting and visiting with Mr. Hall. Ben Craig, a former Whiz Kid baseball player, was a teammate of Mickey Mantle when Mickey played for the Whiz Kids. Mr. Craig is welcomed back to his home town to be honored throughout the Cowtown Days Celebration. He is a prominent banker in Johnson County, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas</st1:place></st1:State>...We hope to see you the 20th. Baxter Springs Historical Society." For the big city folks who have never seen anything like Cowtown days here is the agenda. From here use your imagination. (There will be cow patty bingo. Anyone want me to grab some chips and send them to you? Cowtown Day agenda Saturday August 20 Marshal: Dennis Burke Stage MC: Jamie Carlisle 9:00am Cowboy Rick radio show 9:00am Fish Race @ Pizza Hut 10:00am Hay Waller @ PizzaHut 10:00am Pie and Cake Contest <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Central</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">School</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> 11:00am Boy Scout Bean Feed @ Library 12:00pm Cowtown Parade (Downtown) Parade Marshall: Ben Craig Mr & Mrs Baxter: Bob and Deanne Binns 1:30pm Fairways & Carnival open 1:30pm Sunflower Dance and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Baton</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Academy</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> Bingo, Wal-Mart Sponsor 2:00pm Memorial Service F-16 jets fly over 2:45pm Border Creek Raiders Shoot out Contest Winners (Chamber Tent) Cow Patty Bingo Meet the Whiz Kids Booth 3:00pm <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Battle</st1:City></st1:place> of the Bands (Main Stage) 4:30pm Border Creek Raiders Shoot out 4:45pm <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Battle</st1:City></st1:place> of the Bands (continued) Saturday Evening <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Marshall</st1:place></st1:City>: Jerry Leverich Stage MC: Bert Kellum 6:00pm Carriage Rides 6:45pm Border Creek Raiders Shoot out 7:00pm Stage Welcome 7:30pm Wild West Show 8:00pm Coupe Deville 9:00pm Intermission Border Creek Raiders Shoot out Crowning Cowtown Queen Booth Prizes, etc. 9:15pm Coupe Deville 10:00pm Stage drawing for Mustang Raffle prizes 10:30pm Conclusion of Festival 4. September 24, 2005. the Cross County Mall at <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">700 Broadway Avenue East</st1:address></st1:Street> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Illinois</st1:State></st1:place> will be the site of a book signing sponsored by Waldenbooks and promoted by the Mall "boss," Mike Witwicki. In a "warm-up" for that event Yours Truly will appear on WDWS radio in Champagne/Urbana the afternoon of September 15. The appearance will be on the Gary O'Brien show and the scheduled time is 3:15 P. M. Witwicki and Yours Truly will share the microphone. Therefore, we should be able to say a lot about those Ponca City Dodgers of 1949-50. At present there is some problem with WDWS doing Internet broadcasting. If I find that the show will be going out on the Internet you'll be apprised so you can be sure to miss it. 5. That is the last planned activity on the book circuit until November 11 when the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> Public Library will host a forum and book signing. This is where it all began back in 1995, on the coldest May day any attendee ever encountered. It started with a Saturday morning event at the Library and concluded that evening, at a nearby park, where it was so cold we all envied the hog that had been roasting all day. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The "tongue in cheek" about the Flash Report subscription Here are some of the responses: Oh, $5,000! Well then, can I sign up several times. The $1,000 threw me. What are you? On MLB salaries?? William G. Trudeau, Director-- International English Program--<st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State> Southern <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> Sam Dixon already put his check in the mail for $1,000. As his Business Agent, I need confirmation you will accept that payment in full????? Casey C. Just send me the $5,000 and I'll continue reading the report. Hank Chott Whew! I was expecting $7500 on the subscription..what a deal now! Anon. Please discontinue email to me--thank you. Former KOM Leaguer--John M. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> He spotted a super star John - We were at the Nationwide PGA golf tournament in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO</st1:State></st1:place>, today and ran into one of your old friends. We were in the UPS food tent eating lunch and noticed a man setting at the end of our table who looked very familiar. Although it had been 40 years since I had seen him in person I knew he was a great baseball player from our youth. It was your old friend Bill Virdon. Told him I had never forgiven the Cardinals for trading him and that he and I had a mutual friend named John Hall. He had some very nice things to say about you. Wish our professional baseball players of today were more like Bill Virdon and the players of his era. Hope all is well with you and your family. Take care. Merle Southern And that is a segue to this note:   <pre>John, That's an excellent review of your book! With his permission, you should use that on a jacket in a Christmas promotion. Did you ever contact </pre> <pre>anyone with the Yankees? Rick Cerrone is their P.R. guy and we know him. Also our good friend Art Richman. He is probably the one to make contact </pre> <pre>with. I'll maybe send him one of the books and see what may happen as for promotion in N.Y. area. Good Luck with interviews and signings.</pre> <pre> </pre> <pre>Shirley V.(irdon)</pre> Ed reply:   <pre>Shirley, I thank you for your thoughts on book promotion. If you know a handful of people with the Yankees and would be willing to send the books to </pre> <pre>them I'd be happy to provide you with as many free copies as you'd like. Thanks. </pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> A note from the land of 10,000 lakes Hey John, I spoke with you today (8/12) regarding a co-worker of mine who has a bunch of photographs and autographs from Mickey Mantle. If you could either pass on my email address or send me Randle's email address so I can get in contact with him, that would be great! Thanks again for your help, and have a great day!   <pre>AJO--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Minneapolis</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Minn.</st1:State></st1:place></pre> <pre> </pre> <pre>Editor's action: Randall, I had a call today from the person listed below. She wanted to know who would provide the best </pre> <pre>appraisal of Mantle material and your name is the only one that came to mind. Here is the message. John Hall</pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Going on a cruise Walt Babcock called Saturday evening after reading the Terrell Lester's review. Babcock knew me before any of the rest of the former players would admit it. He can't let anything get by and wanted to commend me on my name change. Its in the article if you look close enough. I informed Babcock the newspapers could call me anything if they kept saying such nice things. The Babcocks are going on a cruise. At the end of the cruise Walt and his long-suffering wife, Marge, are going to visit some former Ft. Leonard Wood Hilltopper friends in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">California</st1:place></st1:State>. After his KOM League career, Babcock was a member of a National Baseball Congress championship team. That tournament was a <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Wichita</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> fixture. A number of fellows on that team were professionals , even major leaguers. The two Babcock is going to visit are Ed Staab and former Dodger/Cardinal infielder Dick Gray. Babcock mentioned that Staab and former Iola Indian, Dick Getter, were teammates in the Texas League. So, if Getter or anyone else wants to be remembered to these two fellows when Babcock gets to <st1:place st="on">Southern California</st1:place> let me know and I'll put you in touch with him. Babcock claims that the only thing Gray ever accomplished in baseball was keeping the towels wet during one of his pitching performances and draping them over him between innnings. He credited Gray with an assist in making that win possible. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Stanka's reaction to Claremore newspaper review. John, just got through reading the latest "flash", aka item. While it was nice to have a write-up about the book and yourself, it would have been better still if Terrell Lester would have said something nice about you also and given the book a good review instead of a minor mention that one was available. Just a thought. bye, (Joe) stanka Ed reply: Joe, you can't have everything. When you are a Class D guy all your life you have to take what crumbs crumble your way. By the way, I've been watching this Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals for the last nine weeks and his pitching skills remind me of only one guy--guess who? Did you teach him that kind of control? Stanka's reply: Since I don't know anything about this Chris Carpenter of whom you speak, I must only assume by your statement of "did I teach him control", that he has trouble finding the plate. From a member of the 1952 Bartlesville/Pittsburg Pirates Congratulations John. It is about time your work and dedication to baseball is noticed. Todays baseball players have no idea how baseball players of years gone by had to struggle. They did it because they loved the game and never in their wildest dreams did they ever think they would get paid for doing something they loved to do. If someone would have paid my rent, I think I would have done it for nothing. Thanks John for keeping the old memories alive. Bob Gordon Sam <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dixon</st1:City></st1:place>'s comments pertaining Claremore Progress review: WOW!!! No way could a book review....AND.....character review be any more truer....or better than the one Terrell Lester gave you!!!! There is NO WAY I could be any prouder of you!!!! Us KOM'ers have known your talents for many years!!.... I'm glad that there is someone else [ especially of such stature ] that is publicizing just SOME of your talents. Because of your love "of the game"...coupled together with your writing abilities [ accuracy & investigating ] you have authored the true life of the KOM League; its players and....fans. That is just part of the story! .The time; money and personal sacrifices you have endured for getting us KOM League "young boys of summer" together. ......Then....after that.......the planning and directing of all our reunions. Many, Many hours on the phone; traveling....and time sacrificed. ......Also....doing an outstanding job of: .........MC'ing all of our WONDERFUL banquets!! ......On top of all this........taking time & spending your own money to attend funerals and send flowers for our departed teammates. John...when you left "the ministry".....you really didn't ! ..you just do your ministry outside of the church confines. We that have been so fortunate to know you...AND...Noel...want you to realize that you BOTH are VERY VERY SPECIAL.....and we want you to know this ! Mushy???......NO........ just telling it like it is!!!! Sam.---- Ed reply: WOW!!!! ............. This has been a great weekend. We've had great rains, unbelievable book reviews and overly kind remarks from players like you who made the KOM league GREAT and the memories lasting. Very much appreciated, your friend, John. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Available to all Any book that has been written by Yours Truly is available for reading even without purchasing a copy. In the beginning God created libraries. He did so that those who for any reason who didn't buy a book could still read it. Over the past few weeks I've noted an influx of orders through Baker and Taylor. They are the largest wholesale distributor of books to libraries. Thus, I assume that some of you have been asking your local "word bank" to place the Mantle book in stock. As a reminder there are three books that ensured I'll forever be in debt. If you wish to read any of the three they are available from "better and worse" bookstores, through the Internet sources and from me, your friend in the KOM League business. If you wish to have any of these books stocked in your local library go in and give the librarian part or all of the following information and plead with him/her to get these books on the shelf. Title Author ISBN Majoring in The Minors John G. Hall 1-882336-09-7 The KOM League Remembered John G. Hall 0-7385-3340-8 Mickey Mantle Before the Glory John G. Hall 1-58597-317-3 These aren't the greatest books ever written but objectively speaking, "They aren't the worst, either." They are "okay" reading due to the subject matter (and the subject does matter at least to a few people.) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Al Solenberger remembers former teammate Readers react in various ways to stories based upon their perspective. In 1951 Al Solenberger, Ronnie Kline and Brandy Davis were rooming together on the road at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> when the telephone rang in their room at the Bess Hotel. The voice of the caller was that of Branch Rickey. This story has been related in other KOM League publications but merits retelling. Solenberger didn’t believe it was Mr. Rickey at that late hour or at any hour for that matter. He hung up Rickey twice before finally being convinced that the Pirate head man wanted to tell Kline and Davis they were on their way out of <st1:city st="on">Bartlesville</st1:City> and on to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:City> of the Southern Association. Rickey started out giving the pair their choice of staying in <st1:city st="on">Bartlesville</st1:City> or going to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:City>. He figured they’d jump at the chance of going higher in the Pirate organization. When they both chose to stay in Bartlesville Rickey then told them to get to <st1:city st="on">Tulsa</st1:City> and hop the plane the next day to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Louisiana</st1:place></st1:State>. They missed their connection and went back to <st1:city st="on">Bartlesville</st1:City> where Kline pitched and <st1:city st="on">Davis</st1:City> homered and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> went down to defeat. Upon their arrival in New Orleans Kline was told he was scheduled to pitch that day. When he informed Joe. L. Brown, team president, that he had pitched the previous evening the brother of the famous comedian, Joe E. Brown, was not very happy with <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bartlesville</st1:place></st1:City> manager, Tedd Gullic. But, there was nothing Brown could do but watch his Pelicans go down to another defeat. The foregoing prefaces the emotions Al Solenberger had upon receiving his Summer ‘05 edition of the KOM League Remembered. “Hi Guys: Received last edition of KOM Remembered and must admit I didn’t want to open it. I sat it down for a couple of days before I decided to read about Brandy. He was one of the best persons that I had the privilege to know. I also had the privilege of being his roommate on the road. I feel certain that you guys got to know him as well as anyone. I felt like he was seriously ill when he didn’t respond to my get well cards. He will surely be missed by all. There is nothing like this program that you have taken on your own to make flourish. All of us so called ‘enemies’ are eternally grateful to you for your actions. You will be long remembered by all of us for your diligence in keeping this going as long as you have. You have enriched all of our lives. Hopefully, I can make the next and probably the last reunion. Forever thankful for your work.” Sincerely, Al Solenberger P. S. Enclosed find my remittance for the coming issues. Ed note: Since the history of the KOM League cannot be changed Solenberger will always be the all-time hit leader and all-time great guy. It will be great to see Solenberger at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> next September. Hey, that reunion is now less than 13 months distant. Gosh. And how the time will fly. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> From <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cincinnati</st1:place></st1:City> Enclosed is the check for the newsletter. It is always a great pleasure to receive it. Thanks for all the wonderful memories that the articles that you write brings back to our still youthful minds. Hope to be able to make the ‘Last’ reunion next year. Ken Boehme—Iola ‘51   From Windsor and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Castle</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:placename st="on">Newbill</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> Hi Brother. I'm writing to thank you for the prompt action on getting your book to my friend, Mr. Miller. John, you are the best. I am so thankful to have you in my life all these years. Us old codgers have truly been blessed. I am planning on making the last reunion in '06, but you never know. I will be 76 this month. I have outlived all the male members of my family now. I just wanted to thank you John. I hope we get to see each other one more time, Noel too. You sure picked a keeper when you picked her. Your ole Brother, Bob Newbill-Windsor, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place>--1949 Independence Yankees. From <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Covington</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kentucky</st1:State></st1:place> John, that was a terrific, super write-up by Terrell Lester. Deservedly so. I really enjoyed it. Bob Curley Ed note: Writers of stories enjoy feedback. So, if anyone is interested contact Mr. Lester at the e-mail address contained at the start of this report. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Animal/human story--the best kind Jim Jay, former KC A's bat boy is a good friend. He attends all KOM League functions since the A's can't get anyone together to relive the "good old days." Jay recalled an event this summer where I reported a successful attempt to save a large dog that had been hit along Highway 50 in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jefferson City</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place>. The following happened east of <st1:city st="on">Kansas City</st1:City> in a town named <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Odessa</st1:place></st1:City>. "John ~ You rescue dogs.........my daughter-in-law, Sabrina, (outside of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Odessa</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO</st1:State></st1:place>) rescues a lamb. Jim ************************************************************************** Well.....this morning I had to rescue one of my neighbors lambs. I kept hearing it making its lamb noise. On my way out to work, I drove into their property & listened for the area the lamb was. Sure enough, the dumb thing had its HEAD STUCK in the fencing. I'm thinking, "oh great". I grabbed a towel out of my van to put across my clothes as I waded through the weeds. Of courses, I checked first to make sure no snakes were around! The lamb wasn't very much help.....as I kept trying to push its head back through the fencing, it was pushing INTO the fence! By this point, the other lamb came over to investigate & one of the llamas started walking close to me. I was thinking at that point, "great, the damn thing is gonna spit on me!" I kept trying to push the lambs head back through the fence and wasn't making any progress. I stopped and started talking to the dumb thing and told it to basically help me out a little by not pushing against the fence. Then I decided to grab hold of its muzzle (ok.....I'm sure its not called a muzzle on them), and told it DO NOT BITE ME OR YOU WILL DIE STUCK IN THE FENCE. Well.....that worked!! I was able to push its head back through the fence and it wasn't trying to push into the fence!" <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> About ready for "Prime-Time" Minor surgery, sure, right. Some things that are minor can turn into something else. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned going to see the dermatologist for a pair of skin problems. It appeared he took care of both, in short order. But, a week after the surgery I looked like "Rudolph the Red-Eared Reindeer." I finally went to a walk-in clinic a weekend ago and the old doctor said I had cellulitis. Since Dr. Morgan had doctored both Preacher Roe and Bill Virdon during their time in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">West Plains</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> I figured he knew what he's doing especially since Roe has reached his 90th birthday. (Born 2/26/1915--Ash Flat, Arkansas.) So, last week I took drugs and drug around the house. This coming week I'm scheduled to go back to the specialist to let him see what the "country doctor" accomplished. It hasn't been a very pleasant way to spend my vacation. However, by weeks-end end I hope the Pryor and Baxter Springs trip will have cured my case of "crummies." <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Remembered Notice! August 16, 2005 Early this morning the KOM League lost one of its good guys. Last night David Newkirk went to bed at his home on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Preston Park Drive</st1:address></st1:Street> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Yukon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> without an apparent problem. This morning he awoke in the hands of his Maker. His son, Shawn called shortly after lunch to relay the news of his father's passing. The obituary has yet to be written but will be passed along as soon as it is available. Newkirk's funeral will be Friday at 2:00 P. M. at the First Christian Church at 23rd & <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Council Road</st1:address></st1:Street> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Bethany</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place>. Services will be conducted by the Mercer-Adams Funeral Home. Flowers will be sent in the name of all the former KOM Leaguers who Newkirk dearly loved. Personal condolences can be sent to: The Newkirk Family 813 Preston Park Drive Yukon, Oklahoma 73099 Dave Newkirk-(P) Born Blackwell, OK--Died 8/16/05 Yukon, Okla. 1949-Chanute, KS, KOM League. 1950-51 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Iola</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">KS</st1:State></st1:place> KOM League. 1952-54 In Military Service. Played for <st1:city st="on">Grand Junction</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">CO</st1:State> and <st1:placetype st="on">Fort</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Warren</st1:PlaceName> <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">AFB of Cheyenne</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">WY</st1:State></st1:place> (Semi-Pro). 1956-57 <st1:city st="on">Shreveport</st1:City>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">LA</st1:City> <st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:State></st1:place> League. 1958-59 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Buffalo</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">NY</st1:State></st1:place> International League. 1959 <st1:city st="on">San Antonio</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">TX</st1:State> <st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:State> League and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sioux City</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">IA</st1:State></st1:place> Three-I League. The stories on this guy are legend. He was a great story-teller and his time on the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas</st1:place></st1:State> City A's roster during two springs was a special time in his life. He is one of the few guys who could keep pace with a teammate at <st1:city st="on">Grand Junction</st1:City> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Ft.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Warren</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> during their service days. The teammate--Billy Martin. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The KOM League Flash Report for 8/22/05 <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>This section is in regard to a column written by Terrell Lester a week ago!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>This information is a bit "dated" but it will give me a chance to test my "recovering" computer. It has more<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>symptoms than a hypochondriac.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I'm taking a great risk and sharing some comments from my trip into <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pryor</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> and Baxter<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Springs, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> this past weekend. It is the attachment to this report. If you want to keep this report<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>brief then ignore the attachment. If you do, however, you might miss out on a laugh or two. I attempted<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>to test the weekend trip report with a few readers last night but either my "make shift" computer didn't work<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>or about 50 people received the report and ignored it. So, if you are seeing the attachment for the second<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>time you'll know the reason.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Word from <st1:place st="on">Cape Cod</st1:place></pre> <pre>JOHN, I HURT MY HEEL PLAYING TENNIS OVER THE WINTER. IT HAS FINALLY HEALED</pre> <pre>SO I CAN RUN AGAIN. THIS MORNING THE TEAM HAD A GAME AND I SHOWED UP OUT OF</pre> <pre>THE BLUE JUST TO SEE IF I COULD STILL HIT AND FIELD WELL ENOUGH TO PLAY. I</pre> <pre>SURPRISED MYSELF AND DID PRETTY WELL. I HADN'T SEEN ANY OF THE PLAYERS OVER</pre> <pre>THE WINTER AND IT WAS LIKE A KOM LEAGUE <st1:place st="on">REUNION</st1:place>. WE HAVE THE <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">CAPE</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">COD</st1:PlaceName></st1:place></pre> <pre>OLDTIMER'S LEAGUE AND YOU MUST BE BETWEEN 57- 90 YEARS OLD TO PLAY. WE HAVE</pre> <pre>21 TEAMS (300 PLAYERS) IN THE LEAGUE AND IT BECOMES VERY COMPETITIVE. IT IS</pre> <pre>A <st1:place st="on">LOT</st1:place> OF FUN AND IT LOOKS LIKE I WILL BE READY FOR NEXT YEAR. WALT</pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>JOHN, JUST GOT THROUGH READING YOUR LAST HOT FLASH AND I MUST SAY</pre> <pre>TERRELL LESTER REALLY GAVE YOU A VERY NICE PAT ON THE BACK IT WAS WELL</pre> <pre>DESERVED. IT WAS A MUCH NICER PAT ON THE BACK THEN A CLASS "D" WRITER</pre> <pre>SHOULD ORDINARILY GET. BUT WHEN YOU ONLY HAD CLASS "D" PITCHERS LIKE JOE</pre> <pre>STANKA TO WRITE ABOUT IT DID TAKE YOU DOWN A NOTCH. YOU HAVE IMPROVED A LOT</pre> <pre>SINCE YOU HAVE GOTTEN AWAY FROM THAT KIND OF WRITING. JOE HAD AN AFFECT ON A</pre> <pre><st1:place st="on">LOT</st1:place> OF PEOPLE. </pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre> THIS CHRIS CARPENTER FOR THE CARDINALS IS REALLY DOING VERY WELL FOR A</pre> <pre>YOUNG KID. HE REMINDS ME A LOT OF WALT BABCOCK. WALT HAD EIGHTEEN COMPLETE</pre> <pre>GAMES AT <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">CARTHAGE</st1:City></st1:place> IN 1951. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY COMPLETE GAMES CHRIS HAS</pre> <pre>BUT HE MUST NOT HAVE BEEN TAUGHT THE SIX OR SEVEN INNING GAME THAT MOST</pre> <pre>PITCHERS RELIE ON TODAY. NOW YOU COULDN'T COMPARE HIM WITH JOE STANKA JUST</pre> <pre>BECAUSE HE IS 6' 5". JOE WAS AS WILD AS A MARCH HARE IN EARLY SPRING. THIS</pre> <pre>CARPENTER KID KNOWS WHERE HE IS THROWNG THE BALL AND DOES IT VERY WELL.. I</pre> <pre>HOPE JOE DOESN'T READ THIS BECAUSE IT WOULD PROBABLY HURT HIM ENOUGH FOR HIM</pre> <pre>NOT TO GO TO <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">CARTHAGE</st1:place></st1:City> IN SEPT. 2006. HE IS THAT KIND OF GUY. SIGNED "UNKNOWN<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note: "Unknown" is just another name for Walter what's his name?<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Yes John, he (Terrell Lester) is obviously a great writer, but great writers are made by having GREAT THINGS TO WRITE ABOUT and all he <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>says about John G. Hall is not even enough!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats. Casey C.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>>From a former colleague in state government</pre> <pre>One word. WOW!!!!!</pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>What a great article--Dan Kay--<st1:city st="on">Ottawa</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas</st1:place></st1:State></pre> From <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State> Terrell Lester "did you up real nice"!!!!! But he spoke the truth. I just returned home [to the lake] from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Houston</st1:place></st1:City>. We had a new grandson on Augest 4th. I had been in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Houston</st1:place></st1:City> for a month as my daughter was having a few health problems. Both are doing fine so here I set trying to catch up on your flash reports. Still haven't had time to finish reading the Mick book, but what I have read so far is great. I really enjoyed reading about the family happenings. Hope to finish the book before long. Sounds like the book is selling well but we all knew it would. Take care, Bobbie Crampton From <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> What a great review! And much deserved, I'm sure. Congratulations, John.--Pat Elliot   <pre>From Terrell Lester</pre> Thousand pardons ... I had not read my emails before I sent you the column from the weekend paper ... You beat me to it ... As I said in the previous missive, I will send a hard copy of the sports section ... and the Claremore Progress / Pryor Daily Times Sunday sports sections are combined ... we began putting them together only on Sunday about 2 months ago, when they moved me to Claremore full time and made me sports editor over both newspapers ... (heckuva deal for a retired sports writer) ...The move was ostensibly for the football and high school sports seasons, but we made the move early to work out all the bugs .... Still, the bugs found their way in (i.e. writings and ramblings about John G. Hall) .... But, since I am the Sporting Ed, I can bug whoever, whomever I want. I was semi-impressed that you had already obtained the column on-line ... although I should not have been surprised at your ingenuity and capacity. You would have made a good detective. See you Friday. Terrell <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>Nonpareil got to some of the readership:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Some of you gave Yours Truly some "grief" about the reference in Terrell Lester's recent article. I know what the word means as<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>most of you do. I only inquire as to which of the three definitions listed below you place me.<o:p></o:p></pre> <ol start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="">A person or thing that has no equal; a paragon.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">See <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=painted%20bunting">painted bunting</a>. (A South American bird)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">A small, flat chocolate drop covered with white pellets of sugar. </li> </ol> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Newkirk's passsing From Houston, Texas John, really sorry to hear about Dave's passing. I didn't get to know him very well, but sure liked what time we spent together at the meetings and also on the phone a few times. I will be mailing a check this afternoon. Joe Stanka From Dallas, Texas The second person to get in touch was Merlyn Mantle. She had just heard of Dave's death through the memo I sent to Danny and David. She had planned on calling beforehand since she was wanting some more copies of the book. She commented, "The book is wonderful." I asked her to repeat that and she did. She wondered if Newkirk was about the same age as Mickey and I informed her that they broke into the KOM League the same season. She remarked, "There are no ballplayers like the old ones." I found out a couple of things that I will share that aren't confidential. If any of you saw an MRI of Mantle's for sale on the internet it was legitimate. However, the attorneys got hold of the person in possession of it and it has been taken off the internet. Stealing confidential medical files is a crime and it is a good bet the fellow trying to peddle the MRI is going to get a good bit of punishment...like prison time if convicted. Also, I asked Merlyn if she ever hears from Ryne Duren. As a matter of fact she had spoken with him last night. For all you baseball fans what was the outstanding physical feature of this pitcher? If you said Coke bottle glasses you are on my wavelength. However, if you would see <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Duren</st1:place></st1:City> these days you wouldn't recognize him. After eye surgery he no longer wears glasses. Some of you fellows remember Tom Sturdivant. He is another of the Mantle's teammates who stays in touch with the family. Sturdivant is pretty well known to a number of former KOM Leaguers as they played with him in many of the D & C leagues. He was hurt in an auto accident a number of years ago and he is having a tough time. He still resides in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma City</st1:place></st1:City>. From <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dayton</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ohio</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p> JOHN, THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING ME ON ALL THE INFO. John Palcher<o:p></o:p> From <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Lawrence</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p> What a SURPRISE!!!! He was "one of a kind!!!"<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I wonder if his leg problems had anything to do with it?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I caught Dave in Chanute....1950...and...maybe a game for Iola 1951. ....I also think he was with Chanute in 1949 ?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> My.......you never know! ............It makes a person aware of their mortality.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I'll send a card tomorrow. Sam Dixon<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> From <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Covington</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kentucky</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p> John, I am very sory to hear of Dave Newkirk's passing. I got to know him somewhat from our reunions. I'll cerainly express my sympathy to the family. Even at our ages it seems our time here on earth is very short. I just can't believe I'll be eighty in thirty five days. Bob Curley<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> From <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ramona</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">California</st1:State></st1:place> Does anyone wish to be a kind-hearted soul? A note was received from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ramona</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">California</st1:State></st1:place> today. It read, "Just a quick not to let you now of my interest in the KOMLR (That's the printed newsletter.) I have not had contact with any of the players on the 1950 Carthag team except for Don Anderson. If you include my phone number, 760-788-1359 and my address 23741 Calistoga Place. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ramona</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Calif.</st1:State> <st1:postalcode st="on">92065</st1:PostalCode></st1:place>, maybe someone will get in touch. I'm still active in coaching baseball at the local high school and play golf three or four times a week when at home. Pleaes find a check enclosed for the KOMLR and the Mantle book and a KOM League baseball cap. Please make a reservation for the June reunion next year in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City>. My wife Connie and I plan to attend and I would enjoy a round of gof on the course next to the baseball fied. Thanks for everything you do! Galen Bowman Ed note: If you played with or against Bowman in 1950 get in touch with him. He was a pitcher. I could name the guys on the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> club from 1950 but you know who you are. If you played in 1949 or 1951 you might wish to get in touch with Bowman. Not much changed over that three year span and you might find out that you had a lot in common, like dating the same girl, eating at the C &W Cafe and residing int he same rooming house. And by the way, if you get in touch with Bowman tell him to come to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> in September instead of June. He'd have that golf course to himself if he shows up in June.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Another Class D reunion is history<o:p></o:p> Hello Mr. Hall, (Dad) Well the 2005 Georgia-Florida-Alabama Minor Leagues Reunion is over. We had a very successful weekend. We started the weekend off with a Golf Tourney and boy was that fun. My team finished Third out of three teams. We had a Home Run Derby and 85 year old Jim Tyler (pitched for Dublin-Eastman 1950, Eastman 1951 & 1952 and Sandersville in 1953) batting practice for us. Believe it or not, but Mr. Tyler can still bring it and boy can he hit. The <st1:place st="on">Reunion</st1:place> on Saturday was great fun. We capped off the night with Special Guest Speaker, Taylor Phillips. Mr. Phillips was on the 1957 World Champion Miluwakee Braves. Can’t wait till next year. Again, anyone connected to the KOM is Welcome to attend our Reunions. God Bless, Clint Chafin <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Getter and Kroger John, when and where in the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:State> league did Dick Getter play? Also, in the whatever it may be worth dept., while in Krogers today, I was looking in the books for sale, and it struck me to ask where they get their books , hardback and paperback. The mgr. was out so an office gent gave me a form to fill out requesting the Mantle book, as well as Majoring, and the KOMLR books. Filled in my phone no. and I expect to hear from her whether she can get me the book. Hopefully they can, and stock more of them, Who knows.............. Bob Curley Ed reply: Getter played in the Texas League with <st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:City> in 1955, 1957-58 & 59 and wound up playing for <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">San Antonio</st1:City></st1:place> in 1960. With regard to Kroger Grocery they purchase their books & magazines through regional distributors. I can assure you their policy is to stock everything a customer requests. If they don't have it, they can get it. If any of you ever go to a Krogers, Ralphs, Bakers, Dillons, Gerbes, Food for Less etc. they are all under the same umbrella and they'll do about anything to sell a product. Just ask. When you request a book from them let them know that the guy who wrote it gets his "weakly" paycheck from them. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Information Hey Mr. Hall! Continued kudos on all that you do – you’re a wonderful person! Do you have any contact info for any remaining members of the 1947 Indy Yankees? Just wanted to know. Thanks! Kevin McFarland Proud Son of Bill McFarland KOM League 1947 Ed note: I appreciate the kind remarks of the readers full well knowing that "wonderful" is something I've never been or will be. However, the contact information on former players is dwindling like a snowman on a hot day. It is rapidly coming to the place that the only news I receive is "not so good." The scary thing is that the guy who prepares these reports went across town on the evening of August 16th for a birthday celebration for a grandson that was wearing diapers and a toothless smile 'just a few weeks ago.' When he got his present this year it wasn't the toy cars but a real one. The little guy just turned 18 and it made me realize we're all on steep slide going down hill all too swiftly. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The end--of the beginning--if you don't open the attachment. Okay, I made it through the e-mail comments. If you are interested you can pull up the attachment of what went on during the trip into <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State> and <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas</st1:place></st1:State> last weekend.   One other item. When my computer hard drive was restored the e-mail address list was gone. I had to revert to an old version. Thus, if you know someone who received Flash Reports until recently and no longer get them (lucky people) let me know. If they don't want back on the list I'll understand. The KOM League Flash Report for 8/24/05 <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> September song August is careening toward September rather rapidly. So, it is time to announce a few things that will happen with regard to the Mantle book next month. This is basically the I-70 tour through Central Missouri and <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State>. Date Place City, State Time 13 Boone Landing <st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mo.</st1:place></st1:State> 1:30 p. m. (Speaking engagement at residential care facility.) *15 <st1:city st="on">WDWS-AM</st1:City> <st1:state st="on">Champagne</st1:State>/<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Urbana</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ill.</st1:State></st1:place> 3:15 p. m. (The Gary O'Brien Show>) *21 WXET 107.9 FM Effingham, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ill.</st1:place></st1:State> 8:00 a. m. (The Mark and Kenna Morning Show.) 24 Cross County Mall <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ill.</st1:State></st1:place> 10.00 a. m. (Book signing at sports collectible show sponsored by Waldenbooks.) If anyone in a radius of 400 miles would like to sponsor a book signing let me know and I'll show up with a truckload of books and an ink pen full of fluid. Not only do the Mantle books make all trips with me but so does Majoring in The Minors and The KOM League Remembered. The latter two items are about depleted. So, if you want a copy of either of these you'll have to put the word in early. * The radio interviews will be by telephone, and live from the very seat in which I am now residing. Once again, if you wish to read the book and don't want to purchase a copy, for any reason, just contact your local library and ask them to add it to their collection. That is the reason libraries exist. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> An Ailing Whiz Kid Hi John...Just wanted to let you know I was unable to see you in Baxter last Saturday..we had some things going on at our church and just couldn't make it. Am sure a great time was had by all. I did want to tell you about our brother Bob (Steele.) He recently found out that his body is not making red blood cells which is, obviously, very serious. He is currently taking blood transfusions and shots of Aranesp, a treatment for anemia. His bone marrow has been checked with no signs of leukemia or cancer. We're told that the diagnosis is myleodisplastia (not sure that is spelled right.) Would appreciate your putting him on your prayer list. Will keep you informed of his progress. Regards, Don Steele Ed note: Bob Steele and Mickey Mantle were teammates for a couple of seasons with the Whiz Kids. When Baxter Springs joined the Southeast Kansas Ban Johnson League, in 1949, they played their first game in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Coffeyville</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place>. Steele pitched and won, Mantle played shortstop and homered. We wish Steele all the best. If any of you would like to send him a card let me know and I'll forward his address. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Comment regarding trip to Pryor and Baxter John Hall, you yourself are truly an institution-------great reading for this afternoon!!!! Ed note: The institution is where I'm heading as soon as the bed is ready. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Thanks!!! First round of thanks goes to Bob Mallon. He, Mantle's first roommate in professional baseball was the first person to go on the Barnes and Noble website and make a comment regarding "Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory." You can all read what Mallon had to say by going to Barnes and Noble.com and looking up the name of the book. When you get there go to the "Comments" or "Book Review" section and you'll also see where he was kind enough to rate the book with five stars. It doesn't get any better than that. Secondly, my thanks go out to anonymous folks by the score. Some letters, telephone calls, e-mails and other forms of communication are done so if I promise not to reveal a person's identity or their deeds of kindness. I can say that many people have received every conceivable item that is published by Yours Truly due entirely to the generosity of others. If you ever get something by mail that you didn't request, it is a good bet that someone sent me a note and asked that it be shared anonymously. You can bet it didn't come from my philanthropy for I have my generous impulses under tight reign. Well, I was accused of that by the lady and her husband who showed up at the book signing last Friday at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pryor</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> as close to dead drunk as you could get without being so. When they demanded a free book I nearly caved-in, but then wondered if the liquor store clerk gave them the stuff that had them in such a "great mood." <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Tough summer for Len Van de Hey "John: It has been a long absence, with a hip revision that hasn't gone smoothly leading to an attack of gout which has rendered golf a 'no-no' for most of the summer and more importantly the sudden death of one of my sons (46). It hasn't been a good year. We are sorry to have missed the Chanute 'doings', but very much plan on the next (last) one - reservations have been made. I was so saddened by the demise of Brandy. What a true gentleman - likewise Dave Newkirk. I have still monitored your reports. A few comments: As Walt surely remembers, Ed Staab and Dick Getter were teammates in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Duluth</st1:City></st1:place> in 1952. That was quite a league. I question Billy Martin being a teammate of Dave Newkirk's at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Grand Junction</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">CO</st1:State></st1:place> and Warren AFB. We (<st1:placetype st="on">Ft.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Carson</st1:PlaceName>) played these teams in 1954 while Martin was playing for <st1:placetype st="on">Ft.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Carson</st1:PlaceName> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Goodland</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">KS</st1:State></st1:place>. Sounds like the book is doing well. Keep up the good work. Len" Ed reply: My continued solace goes out to you and the family over the death of one of your sons. That has to be the worst thing that can happen to a parent. Sorry to hear about the bad hip. Also, thanks for the update on all the "who played with who." I probably misplaced Staab and Getter. They were at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Duluth</st1:place></st1:City>. Somewhere in the mix Martin and Newkirk were teammates. I have pictures of that pair. I think they hooked up the year after you left Goodland and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Ft.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Carson</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>. Everything else is going okay. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Mantle book to a <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State> pastor Well, I hope the special is still available. We want Mantle Before the Glory, signed of course. I need your address so we can send you a check. We are still trying to come up with a salutation for the pastor. Got any ideas? Debbie Kelly P.S. That guy gave you a really good write-up. Glad someone in the press appreciates good writing. (That was in regard to Terrell Lester's column.) Ed note: I suggested "Parson to Parson" the takeoff off on the old Edward R. Murrow TV show. However, I must realize I'm older than many of my readers and they probably never heard of Murrow or "Person to Person." <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="4" width="90%"> </div> Taxation/donation/taxation or "fleecing?" Hey - It seems as if it is time for me to renew my membership/subscription/donation/taxation for the KOM Newsletter. I have not a clue what the tab is or when it is due and will rely on your good offices to let me know so Carol can get you a check. Sounds as " If You Write The Book They Will All Come......And Be Critics ". You did good. Neil Tongue-in-cheek reply: For those who can afford it the price is exorbitantly high at $50 per year. For those less fortunate its $100. I reward the well-to-do and stick it to the poor. How about that? <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Only in newspaper archives John where would I get information on the 1934 Springfield Cardinals? I am told there is quite a big of information about daddy out there somewhere when he played for the Cardinals that year. I have searched the internet but must not be looking in the right place. Thanks Sally Howard <st1:city st="on">Groves</st1:City> Ed reply: The only place I would know to get good and reliable information on the 1934 <st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:City> club would be through the archives of the Historical Society of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place>. The information would be in the Springfield News-Leader. The internet would be "mum" on this subject. Ed note: Sally Groves is the daughter of the late "and great" Frank "Goldie" Howard. His KOM League days were spent as manager of Chanute '46 and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City> '47 and part of '48 until Burleigh Grimes ran him off. Boo! on Burly. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> It worked the second time Got the newsletter but didn't get the attachment. (Trip to Pryor and Baxter Springs) Could you attempt to send again? Wylie told me something of the couple coming into the store wanting to know what you were selling but I'd rather hear you tell it! Mary Ann Pitts Action--it was resent Reply: Thank you, John! I fell off my chair laughing! If I hear Wylie tell that Billy Cook story again, I'm canning him! LOL........................... Mary Ann <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Reaction to Pryor/Baxter Springs trip   <pre>John, this is too funny.!!!!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Remembering In the Good Old Days when playing hurt was a badge of honor.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Today's so-called athletes with huge contracts have a hang-nail cannot play!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Big difference to be sure. Thanks for keeping the history alive!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>God Bless!!!!! Yours, Tom Earp<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Them hang-nails hurt "plenty heap bad Tonto."<o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Special non-KOM League offering   <pre>USPS delivered the CDs and KOM newsletter this afternoon. Nancy and I will be turning off the TV, taking the phone off the <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>hook and sedating the boxers before settling in after supper to play the CDs. The one and only cut I've heard of Mercer's had me nearly falling <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>down laughing, so I just know we're in for a fun evening. And more laughs from all the replays, which are sure to come later on.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Thanks a million for the kindness! Don Potts--Batboy five decades ago for the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Rock Hill</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">SC</st1:State></st1:place> Chiefs<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>A couple of days have passed and I have heard from Potts. I sure hope he didn't fall down laughing at the entire CD of Roy D. Mercer's<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Greatest Hits. If some of you have never heard of Mercer, you should. That is, if you can take <st1:place st="on">Midwest</st1:place> humorous telephone calls.</pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> A funny place for the KOM League Flash Report to appear <pre>Google Alert for: KOM League</pre> <a href="http://local.yahoo.com/KS/Augusta/95763966/Other+Professional+Services/8120308/Pet+Sitting+Services/">Pet Sitting Services in Augusta, KS 67010 on Yahoo! Local</a> <a href="http://breeders.dogbreedinfo.com/index.php?c=Labradoodle">http://breeders.dogbreedinfo.com/index.php?c=Labradoodle</a> · KOM League Flash Report. KOM League Flash Report All about the old, defunct but still alive and ...   <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>The foregoing was found while surfing the internet recently. I wonder if someone in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Augusta</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> "pet sits' and reads these<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Flash Reports while doing so? More than likely they copy the reports and use them in bird cages or for clean up.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Okay, one more time.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>For those who missed the book review by Terrell Lester this is where you can go and fetch it. I'm not printing the whole thing out<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>again for fear I'd be accused of "gloating," or something to that effect. Just click on this: </pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><a href="http://www.claremoreprogress.com/archive/article21387">Claremore<o:p></o:p></a></pre> <pre><a href="http://www.claremoreprogress.com/archive/article21387">Progress - Sports</a></pre> <pre>"Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory" is a can't-put-it-down read that captures and<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre> reveals for the first time the early days, the KOM League days, ...<o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Another request for the Flash Report attachment   <pre>Walt Babcock e-mailed to complain he didn't get the attachment to the August 21 Flash Report. I wrote back telling him he should leave well <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>enough alone and included the report in printed rather than attachment form.</pre> <pre> <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Babcock's reply:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>WHY THE HELL DID I ASK ABOUT THE ATTACHMENT WITH YOUR 8-22-05 HOT FLASH? MY GOD IT TOOK ME TWO<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>HOURS AND I MISSED SUPPER. SO I GOT MY OWN. JOHN, JUST KIDDING BECAUSE I REALLY ENJOYED <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">READING</st1:place></st1:City> <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>ABOUT PEOPLE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOU. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I NEVER DID LEARN THE END TO THE WOMAN & MAN DRUNK STORY. SEE I DID READ IT<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>VERY CLOSELY. WALT<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>There sadly is no end, or good one, for those who consume too much of anything. The pair went out the door and probably home once<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>again to drown their daily cares with alcohol. <o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> In selling books --you take your chances! John: I also have trouble with my computer. I can't find any of my sent e-mails and can't remember if I asked you about crazy (name omitted) in (town omitted) who swears he wants to buy an unopened case of (Mantle) books for 40% off. How many books are in a box? I will tell him to send a cashier's check or credit card. OK? Barb Ed note: If anyone is interested in a case of books there are 28 per case. I can't imagine anybody wanting that many. However, a "few" places have taken that many and more. This is just to reveal that there are enough books remaining to fill a few Christmas orders. Keep that in mind. I'll guarantee you that I will. If I don't sell some more of the Mantle books there won't be any Christmas. Bah! Humbug! <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The KOM League Flash Report for August 31, 2005 <o:p> </o:p> Disclaimer: With what has transpired in the past few days things like KOM League Flash Reports don't seem all that significant. However, after being concerned for some of those I know in the south and following a number of calls from the friends of the Bill and Joyce Bagwell I did some calling around <st1:state st="on">Louisiana</st1:State> and <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Mississippi</st1:place></st1:State>. That precipitated the first article of this Flash Report and then the remainder of the "stuff" that has accumulated over the past week or so was added. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Hurricane Great concern was raised among the KOM League"family: regarding the fate of Joyce and Bill Bagwell of Homer, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Louisiana</st1:State></st1:place>. They reside in the Northern part of the <st1:placename st="on">Pelican</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> and are closer to Magnolia, <st1:state st="on">Arkansas</st1:State> than they nearest largest town in that area, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Shreveport</st1:place></st1:City>. While others were suffering immensely in that part of the world, the Bagwells were on "dry ground." I placed a call to them and Billy stated that they didn't get a drop of rain. He and Joyce took their mobile generators to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Vicksburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Miss.</st1:State></st1:place> yesterday. He reported the eye of the hurricane passed over the home of his brother-in-law and at Meridien and the place was utter devastation. He reported that from Meridien they didn't see a sign of electricity until getting within 20 miles of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Vicksburg</st1:place></st1:City>. Bagwell said the devastation was so great it would make you cry, but crying would help anybody. I told him a number of his KOM League buddies had called me showing concern for him and the family. He said he greatly appreciated the thoughts and it meant a great deal to him to be remembered. Of course, this is only a glimpse of the hardship being experienced by our fellow countrymen/women in the Gulf Coast States. If I hear from any others of our group who live in the <st1:state st="on">Alabama</st1:State>, <st1:state st="on">Mississippi</st1:State>, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Louisiana</st1:place></st1:State> torrider I'll be passing along the information. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Hall of Fame recognition of a gift!-- (When recognition means more than the donor can imagine) This week Yours Truly sent copy of a recent Hall of Fame citation to two people who I thought would be interested. It was in regard to a copy of Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory that was donated to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">HOF</st1:City></st1:place>. Upon receiving a nice certificate for that donation the following note was sent to two people. "I couldn't think of anyone with whom I could share this who would appreciate it. Just lets you know that the names of Leathers Publishing and Greg Olds are both at the Baseball Hall of Fame. So, if all the other copies books are lost at one will remain on file for a long time. John Hall (If anyone would like to see a copy of the certificate the HOF gives in respect to a donation let me know and I'll download a copy in living color, suitable for framing, but no one would frame it.) This note came from Greg Olds. "And folks used to say I'd never amount to nothin'. But, in truth, this is nice." >From <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Overland Park</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> came this note. "John, This means a lot - especially right now. Tom is in the hospital. He told me recently that his favorite dream was to be in the major leagues and be at bat and hit a home run. Now he is in the Hall of Fame! That is so amazing and all due to your amazing life. Did you ever suppose that you would be an author, a historian and a focal point for so many people in so many places who, through you, can share their joys and sorrows, their past glories and hopes. Your life is surely one that will be in the Great Eternal Hall of Fame. Barbara Ed reply: Kind words, thanks. I'm sorry to hear about Tom. Please send me his hospital name and room number. I'm not sure I'm much of a focal point but to be in that "Great Eternal Hall of Fame" would be the greatest of all honors. Reply from Leathers Publishing Tom is in ______ <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">_____Health</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, but he doesn't want anyone to know! He is so weird about that. But he cried when I told him he was now in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He really was pleased. We hope he will be out of ICU soon. Barbara Ed note: I regret that it won't be possible to give out Tom Leathers place of hospitalization. However, it doesn't prevent any of us from showing our concern or offering prayers if we are so inclined. His friend, Harold Ensley, passed away recently. When I interviewed Ensley for my first book he was very guarded with two items: His age and his physical condition. He told me that if he revealed his age he was afraid everyone would think he was too old and wouldn't watch his television program any longer. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Catching up! I've gotten behind on your emails in the last week. You seem to have gotten your computer problems sorted out, or are well on the way. Nice work. <o:p> </o:p> Brenda and I greatly enjoyed the account of your Pryor and Baxter Springs weekend. Did Terrell Lester write anything in the Claremore paper? (Well, I just scanned your KOM epistle and see he must have; I'll get to it.) <o:p> </o:p> I was surprised and pleased that people still know where the Mantle home site at Spavinaw was located. And your visit in the front yard of the Cannon place at Baxter Springs was vintage John Hall, the sort of thing that helps make your Mantle book so fine. Ditto, the encounter with the guy who drew you the map of Bagdad Corner. <o:p> </o:p> Now if you'll excuse me I have a bit of reading to do. <o:p> </o:p> -Greg <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>Taking a "Stabb" at Staab<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Previously someone writing you mentioned something about Ed Stabb when talking about Dave Newkirk. I am interested in<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre> finding out more info on Stabb. If you know or there is anyone you could pass this along to I would appreciate it greatly.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Thanks</pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Rusty Aton</pre> <pre><a href="mailto:rda160@excite.com">rda160@excite.com</a></pre> <pre>1336 <st1:place st="on">W Plainview</st1:place></pre> <pre><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Springfield</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO</st1:State> <st1:postalcode st="on">65810</st1:PostalCode></st1:place></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Anyone with information on Ed Staab here is your chance to be an expert.</pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> About Ensley JOHN, I BELIEVE HAROLD ENSLEY HAD A SON THAT WAS ON THE <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">KANSAS</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">UNIV.</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> BASKETBALL TEAM IN THE EARLY 60S OR LATE 50S. DICK HARPE WAS THE COACH THEN. THIS OLD MEMORY CELLS. JP--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dayton</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ohio</st1:State></st1:place> Ed note: Harold Ensley's son's name was "Dusty." Or at least his nickname was Dusty.<o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> From 1947 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City> <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1947-Independence-KS-Yankees-Schedule-Class-D_W0QQitemZ5233031622QQcategoryZ24441QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem">http://cgi.ebay.com/1947-Independence-KS-Yankees-Schedule-Class-D_W0QQitemZ5233031622QQcategoryZ24441QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem</a> Ebay Item, I thought you might be interested. Ed note: I thank whoever sent the e-bay item of a 1947 Independence Yankee pocket schedule. I see KOM League stuff quite regularly on e-bay but have never bid on anything. My wife tells me instead of bidding I should be selling. She further advised that if I started buying I'd be packing and finding another place of abode. <o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> More about recent articles. Watched Ensley from his TV start when we lived in Chanute...and caught Newkirk his second year in pro-ball....in Chanute also. ...Both within a few years of one another.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Hard to fathom that Dave will not be in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> with us next year.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Take care' <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Sam Dixon. Ed note: If anyone would like to go to the Legacy website and pay tribute to Newkirk you can do so between now and 9/27/05. Just click on the following and follow the instructions. It would be nice if a few KOM Leaguers shared their views on this site. <a href="http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?ID=GB14861195">http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?ID=GB14861195</a><o:p></o:p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Way to go, Bob John, I go into Barnes & Noble about every week looking for book bargains.I got a good one yesterday for 10.00 bucks. "Pennants & Pinstripes The <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">New York</st1:State></st1:place> Yankees 1903 2002".While I'm there I always take the two books of yours off the shelf and put them on the table face up.They put them back on the shelf and I come in the next week and put them out on the table, face up.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Bob Mallon--Highlands Ranch, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Colorado</st1:place></st1:State> <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The KOM League Flash Report for 9/05/05 A small report to conclude Labor Day! What started as a battle between Yours Truly and a wisteria shrub that I have "talked" into becoming tree turned into a long day in the yard. When you start trimming a wisteria you don't know where to stop. It was like the barber who tried to give me a crew-cut when he was drunk and wound up shaving my head. I was 11 years old and I won't tell you what my mother did to that poor old fellow. He had originally lived in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Leavenworth</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> and knew *Murry Dickson pretty well--he was even Dickson's barber. After the head-shaving the old barber was trying to talk my mother into taking his Murry Dickson ball glove home to me as a token of his something or another. I don't think he was all that sorry he shaved my head but no one ever wished to get in the way of my mother when she got upset. When she got home and told me about the Dickson glove that was offered as a peace-offering I was upset that she didn't take it. My hair would and eventually did grow out but I never had a Murry Dickson ball glove. Geez, I never thought I'd get off on that tangent talking about wisteria. Anyhow, all day was spent cutting, mowing, hauling, scrubbing, washing and getting the outside ready for the Fall season. Over the past couple of days a few things have been sprouting here and there on this computer so this report is to trim up some of the "new growth" and to get rid of some of the clutter that has accumulated in the e-mail file. (For you youngsters. This is the profile of Murry Dickson's big league career.) * <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/d/dicksmu01.shtml">http://www.baseball-reference.com/d/dicksmu01.shtml</a> Just so you don't think my mother was a mean lady, this is the rest of the story. A half-dozen years or so after my "scalping" that barber moved across the street from us. His wife died shortly after the move. For most of that barber's remaining years mother fixed and had my step-dad take the Sunday noon meal over to him. He loved Mother's cooking, who didn't, and would retell the story many times to my step-dad about how mother tore into him for what he had done to her son. As time passed the old barber found a girl friend and asked my mother if they could be married in her front room. The old barber also had another request, "Would your son conduct the ceremony?" So, every thing came off like clock-work, the old barber was married to his second wife by Yours Truly. Now, if you think I got the Murry Dickson baseball glove for conducting that ceremony that would be the conclusion of one of the greatest shaggy dog stories ever. No, I didn't get the glove, the marriage didn't last very long and shortly thereafter mother was sending meals to the old barber with my step-dad doing the delivery honors. I've had visions many times of the barber's estate auction. I'm sure his daughter threw that old glove on a table and someone bought it for twenty-five cents or less and never knew the history of that piece of leather or even knew who Murry Dickson was. Oh, the year I got the head shaving and "almost" got the Dickson glove--that fellow won 20 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates who only won 64 and wound up in 7th place. Yep, it was 1951. It was the Fall of the year right after I finished my career in baseball. I was washed up after that season since there weren't any more <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> teams and no one for whom to "fetch bats." <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Worried about others! After reporting on the status of Joyce and Bill Bagwell in the last report I heard from the Westrum-Self family from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:State>. They were concerned about former Joplin Miner third baseman, David Waters. "John, Have you heard or do you know the e-mail of Dave (Muddy) Waters in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Mississippi</st1:State></st1:place>. I know they live there somewhere." Cynthia Westrum-Self Ed reply: I've not been able to find anything about the Waters family. They live in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Bentonia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mississippi</st1:State></st1:place>. That town is located Northeast of Jackson, Ms. and North of Interstate 20. It appears the heavy weather didn't go that far except for the rain and some wind. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Death of Ralph "Lefty" Germano John, I am very sad to tell you of my dads passing August 29th. He went peacefully. I have to tell you several days ago I was looking at his scrapbook and noticed a photo of a team he played on and looked at the names of the guys. They were all gone. It made me think of watching the start of a game and the teams are all lined up on the 1st base side and the 3rd base side ... the Star Spangled Banner concludes and the announcer says "And the home team takes the field...." I see the 8 guys run to their positions and the announcer says...." And the starting pitcher, Ralph "Lefty" Germano takes the mound for....." His team was just waiting for him and now they are all together with a new owner and different uniforms. It is hard. I was so very fortunate to have him as long as I did. He was 87. God Bless John. My dad enjoyed talking to you on the phone that day. Rocky Germano Ed reply: So sorry to hear the sad news. To my knowledge only one member of the 1941 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> Browns of the Western Association survives. The survivor is Frank Mancuso, the catcher. Sincerest regards, John Hall. Check the following URL for the obituary and the way to leave a message on the Guest Book. <a href="http://www.legacy.com/denver/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14996734">http://www.legacy.com/denver/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14996734</a> GERMANO, RALPH ROCCO "LEFTY" Ralph Rocco "Lefty" Germano, Sr. 87, born Denver, Co. Survived by son, Rocky (Joan) Germano; Grandaughters: Jacy, Lisa & Jana Germano. Also many cousins and relatives. Mass, Friday, 10am, viewing 1 hour prior, at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community Church, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">7700 W. 80th Ave.</st1:address></st1:Street> Burial to follow at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Olivet</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Cemetery</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Donations to Spirit of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Christ</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Building</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> Fund. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Note from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State>   <pre>John: Thinking about all of the suffering in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State> over the last year due to hurricanes, it is not as great as <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>compared to the overall suffering and loss in <st1:state st="on">Louisiana</st1:State> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Mississippi</st1:State></st1:place>. The one thing that helped keep the <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>damage down in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Florida</st1:State></st1:place> is that the newer homes (within the last 5 years) have been constructed to new hurricane <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>standards. A lot of the damage in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State> was to the older homes and mobile homes. Smart people got out of there <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>while the getting was good! <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>When we could not evacuate when Charley came through, I thought we were going to die. That was a category 4 <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>hurricane. It was like one big tornado. I can only imagine what people went through who did not heed the <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>evacuation warnings or could not evacuate.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I do not think we have heard all of the bad news due to Hurricane Katrina. The economic impacts will be felt all <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>over for some time.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Don Murray, AICP, Planning Division Manager<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Naples</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Florida</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>Mantle book delivered<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Lee Goodpasture of the 1947 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Independence</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> Yankees recently took a copy of the Mantle<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>book to the Clinton County Leader in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Plattsburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place> Lee wrote this note. "Dear John: I bet you didn't know <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>that I was a legend. Enclosed is proof thereof.(Copy of the article was enclosed) All kidding aside the Editor <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>of the Plattsburg newspaper was really impressed by your book. He played for the high school team I coached in <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>the early 70s. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I couldn't put the book down until I had read it all. Even Carlene read it and thought it was<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>great. Its a great history lesson how people lived and how poor a lot of us were. I had a<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>brother who got married just to get the rice we were so poor. I better close before I tell a lie. Hope <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>you are both well. Your friend, Lee Goodpasture.<o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The only request to see the certificate Yes John, I'd like to see the copy of the certificate from the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">HOF</st1:place></st1:City> about Leathers and Olds. Also, I kept going back to Kroger and asking about the book, and couldn't get an answer till yesterday. They told me they couldn't get it. I came back at them about Dillons association with Kroger, and that the author of the book was a Dillons employee. I'm not going to be satisfied with their answer. I'm going back at them. Bob <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Curley-Covington</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">KY</st1:State></st1:place> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Dave Newkirk's Tribute page in the Daily Oklahoman The Oklahoman Guest Book for Dave G. Newkirk has received one or more new entries. To read the entry or entries, visit the Guest Book by clicking on the link below. If you are unable to click on this link, please cut and paste it into your browser's address bar. <a href="http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?ID=GB14861195">http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?ID=GB14861195</a> I saw two other KOM League tributes on the legacy site and they were both from guys who caught Newkirk in the KOM League. If you would care to read those tributes you'll figure out who those two catchers were. One lives in <st1:city st="on">Cincinnati</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ohio</st1:State> and the other in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Lawrence</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place>. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Schedule update The schedule of events for September where shared a couple of weeks ago. There has been a change in one of the items. I know that few if any of you will have an ounce of interest. However, I have to put something in these reports so here is the change. Date Place City, State Time *13 Boone Landing <st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place> 1:30 p. m. (Speaking engagement at residential care facility.) 15 WDWS-AM <st1:state st="on">Champagne</st1:State>/<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Urbana</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ill.</st1:State></st1:place> 3:15 p. m. (The Gary O'Brien Show) 21 WXET 107.9 FM Effingham, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Ill.</st1:State></st1:place> 8:00 a. m. (The Mark and Kenna Morning Show.) 24 Cross County Mall <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ill.</st1:State></st1:place> 10.00 a. m. (Book signing at sports collectible show sponsored by Waldenbooks.) <o:p> </o:p> *Update: The Boone Landing appearance will be at 2:00 p. m. on September 27th. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> One of those e-mails that turn into multiples. Hi John--I just got back from vacation in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Wisconsin</st1:place></st1:State> (wife's reunion). Beautiful weather while there. Thanks for the interesting article. Again I thought of my favorite baseball pitcher -- STEVE DALKOWSKI ! It is famously reported that his fastball "rose like a softball pitcher's." The fastest of all time, they say, and with that rising fastball, who could hit him? I think I need to go visit him up in Conn. at the rest home and get his story firsthand, and try to determine where all that fastball rise and velocity came from. Say ---- this could make a book, couldn't it ? ha ha--Bill O' PS I saw Eddie Feigner pitch several times back in the early 50s when I was a teen. He used to pitch from second base, and even centerfield as part of his act. And even blindfolded. Quite an athlete. Ed note: I encouraged O'Donnell to go visit Dalkowski while time permits. He responded thusly. " You are right. And I am a procrastinator of the first rank. My better half reminds me often of this failing. I admire you, your ability to get things done and FINISH!! <o:p> </o:p> Bill's reply: As a kid, I saw some of the fastest softball pitchers in the world, as my little town had a top-notch team and played teams from <st1:city st="on">New York City</st1:City>, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:City>, etc. In those days, the pitchers were like hired guns, moving from one team to another. These guys were so good that pitching was nearly 99% of the game. They all had a lot of strike-outs, and had fast fastballs that rose, dipped, and went in and out. My town had a kid about my age who taught himself how to pitch and was good enough to be in the national softball hall of fame. He pitched all over the country, but mostly, I think, for the Kodak teams from <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Rochester</st1:City> <st1:state st="on">NY</st1:State></st1:place>. His name is Bobby "Dubbie" Herman. The fastest I ever saw might have been Roy Stephenson of the Grumman (sp?) Wildcats from <st1:place st="on">Long Island</st1:place> (I think). He threw the ball "slingshot" style rather than windmill (like Eddie Feigner). Anyhow-----with all that, I still loved baseball best, and had young teen dreams of one day pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, which was the favorite team of both my brother and me. In those tender days, we argued who was the greatest -- Joe D, Ted Williams, or Stan the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Man.</st1:place></st1:State> My brother and I always liked Musial best. Ah, those good old innocent days! The future was long and far, and the past short and near. Now the reverse is true. Bill O'Donnell <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Getting the book into <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cincinnati</st1:place></st1:City>'s supermarket community! John, I went back at them today, and I feel sure I'll get some results. I asked for the mgr. but got service mgr instead. I proceeded to tell them about you and Dillons, and that really they were full of crap that they couldn't get the book. I did not have the ISBN number with me so I looked it up in the MM book. Is that the one I need. I'll get that to them too ?????????????? Bob Curley Ed note: With more folks like Bob Curley out there I could rid my garage of a bunch of books and have a place to put the KOM League truck when the snow begins to fly. Frost is about 30 days away if things hold true to form. Then there will be some cold nights and cool days and then, whammo, the snow and "freezy skid stuff" will be upon us. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> New ranking Everyone likes to look at polls and rankings. So, in that spirit I present the following. A few weeks ago I listed the top sellers of the Mickey Mantle Book. The first three slots are unchanged, from there it is a free for all. 1. The Editor's own efforts. 2. Cowley Distributing--Jefferson City, MO--(Mostly through Gerbes/Dillons Supermarkets and bookstores in Jefferson City and Columbia, MO.) 3. Steve's Books and Sundries--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Tulsa</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Okla.</st1:State></st1:place> 4. Amazon.com 5. Ingram Wholesaler--(Even though they've never reimbursed me a cent.) 6. Baker and Taylor Wholesaler (Basically library suppliers) 7. People who were sent books and didn't pay for them. (I'll start listing their names shortly.) 8. Books sent to media outlets--gratis. (Radio, TV and newspapers.) 9. Barnes and Noble 10. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Hastings</st1:City></st1:place> Books 11. Books-A- Million 12. The Book Barn--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Joplin</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place> 13. Tiger Tales Book Store--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Columbia</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place> 14. Wylie Pitts--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Baxter Springs</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> 15. Howard Hunt--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Hartford</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Connecticut</st1:State></st1:place>. 16. Orders sent directly to Leathers Publishing. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> It will be here a year from this week. The final, last, concluding, ending, terminal and swan song of KOM League reunions will be upon us in just twelve months. Thats about 365 days or 8760 hours. At the pace some of us are moving it will take those 31,536,000 seconds to make up our minds and then get to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> for the "last hurrah." Many of you have expressed an intent to attend. I guess its time for me to start making a list of the names. Of course, the ones that really count are those who register at the Precious Moments Hotel in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> where a special room rate has already been established. Preliminary work has already begun with Ted Easley at the Precious Moments World Headquarters and it will be a special treat this time around. All food will be prepared and eaten at the Precious Moments cafe. In the past when the events have been held at Precious Moments, all the food has been catered from outside sources. Here are a couple of URLs you can click on to learn more about where we'll be spending most of our time, this time next year. <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/MOCARprecious.html">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/MOCARprecious.html</a> <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==748">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==748</a> <a href="http://www.preciousmoments.com/">http://www.preciousmoments.com/</a> <a href="http://www.google.com/local?hl=en&hs=oyv&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official_s&q=precious+moments&near=Carthage,+MO+64836&sa=X&oi=localr">http://www.google.com/local?hl=en&hs=oyv&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official_s&q=precious+moments&near=Carthage,+MO+64836&sa=X&oi=localr</a> A refresher course: The 60th Anniversary Celebration of the KOM League (The final one) Date: September 7-9, 2006 Place: Precious Moments--Carthage, MO Accommodations: Precious Moments Best Western. Group rate $59.99 To make reservations on-line go to <a href="http://hotel.preciousmoments.com/">http://hotel.preciousmoments.com</a> or call 417-359-5900 (If you have any trouble making reservations, let me know. Sometimes folks have a difficult time understanding old geezers like myself making reservations that far in advance.) The reason for getting a handle on the number of attendees. There are be a number of special events and "things" planned for this event. My wife is after me each day with this request, "Tell me how many ladies you think will be there." She has some things in the planning stages that require a ballpark estimate of attendees. I fully realize that our age most of us don't even purchase green bananas. But, if you think there is a chance you'll be showing up in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City>, let me know. Even if you have expressed an intent in the past to attend, let me know again. I lost a pretty good list of names when my computer crashed late this summer. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> What do you think? Until Pat Robertson made Hugo Chavez from <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Venezuela</st1:country-region></st1:place> the focus of attention not many people, other than Fidel Castro, ever heard of the "Presidente" of that country. When his face started appearing on TV I thought I was watching the highlights, or better stated--lowlights, of the Chicago Cubs on ESPN. This Venezuelan "leader" and Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs are dead-ringers for each other. If they ever run that guy out of the country he can move to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City> and pass for Zambrano. The way Dusty Baker's boys are doing Chavez couldn't hurt them all that much. Hey, if you haven't checked on the Cubs lately they are only about eight games out. The problem is, its eight games out of last place, not first. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> The KOM League Flash Report for 9/07/05 Explanation: There really isn't much rhyme or reason for these Flash Reports. They probably are cheaper than paying a therapist to listen to the flashbacks to my childhood. I have been aware for about a decade that some people scan these Flash Reports and KOM League newsletters for obituaries. The people searching for such information have a much wider audience than I do and they sometimes find news in these reports they don't get anywhere else. Thus, when I receive a notice of the passing of any former baseball player I put out a Flash Report. With the sophistication of search engines such as Google you can be notified of anything that transpires. All you have to do is go to their site and enter some key phrases such as; The KOM League; Mickey Mantle Before the Glory etc. and you'll receive everything that gets on the Internet regarding those subjects. If you wanted the notices of deaths of ballplayers that would be very easily entered into Google and each day you'd be flooded with relevant and irrelevant information. That segues into a note that Bob Mallon--<st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City> '49 sent today. You may find it interesting who the New York Yankees signed in 1949 out of the Metro St. Louis area and sent to either <st1:city st="on">Independence</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State> or <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">McAlester</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> of the Sooner State League. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Getting the reunion ball rolling Hi John: I just wanted you to know that only my wife will be with me at the reunion next year so maybe you will pass this on. We have already made our reservations and am looking forward to seeing everyone again. Take care!!!!!! Paul Hoffmeister-'49-50 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> Cubs<o:p></o:p> John: Responding to your note about who plans to make the next reunion.I have made reservations for 3 nights.Hope this finds you and yours well. The hip is coming along but it is a slow process. Charlie Weber-'49 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Independence</st1:place></st1:City> Yankees<o:p></o:p> John, I have made reservations at the Precious Moments for Sept 7-9, 2006. The Pittsburg Browns will be represented at the final KOM Reunion. I will also encourage all of the Springfield Generals Good Old Gals & Pals to attend. We (Good Olds Gals & Pals) can plan to have one of our annual reunions immediately before or after the KOM Reunion. <o:p></o:p> Best Regards, Frank Hungerford--'47 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburg</st1:place></st1:City> Browns<o:p></o:p> Ed note: There have been a number of others who have contacted me in the past and still others who have registered at the Precious Moments Hotel. What I will be doing for the next nearly 12 months is providing the names of those planning to attend. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Nearing of the end...of baseball season John--I just sent this to a baseball buddy of mine. Don't know what inspired it -- a spur of the moment thing. But thought you might like to see it. ---Bill O'Donnell P.S. He's a long-time Cub fan, and used to live in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State>. ----- Original Message ----- <o:p></o:p> From: <a href="mailto:wodonnell1@nc.rr.com" title="wodonnell1@nc.rr.com">William O'Donnell</a> <o:p></o:p> To: <a href="mailto:orahpharo@juno.com" title="orahpharo@juno.com">John W W Pharo</a> <o:p></o:p> Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 12:56 AM<o:p></o:p> Subject: The Season of Baseball winding down ...<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Hello, doc... Well, the old ball game is getting close to the end for another year. The (<st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Durham</st1:place></st1:City>) Bulls are done at home, and some leaves are falling from the trees. Have you noticed how fast the months are going by lately? And the Cubbies tanked even earlier than usual. I think the lack of steroids is having its effect. A cold front is on baseball's horizon. The players' heads are shrinking and so are their arms. Soon we'll be back to the great game of the '40s and '50s, except all the players are Hispanic and there are no guys named Musial, or Williams, or Robin Roberts. Hurricanes abound and <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">New Orleans</st1:City></st1:place> and Mardi Gras have disappeared forever, vanished. A new age is upon us. I don't know what it is. It's made up of global warming, and stem cells, and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region>. A guy can only wait and watch and keep his eyes and ears open. One can only wait for Godot. Ed note: If any of you have thoughts to share, don't hesitate to send them along. You'll find some folks who will agree with you and others get mad because you had the skill or nerve to write them. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Then and now   <pre>John, I have a clipping from 1949 that says Yankees sign 4 area boys, John Hecht and Bob Mallon from St.Louis and Bob Heller of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Maryville</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ill.</st1:State></st1:place> <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>and Relly Herzog from New <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ill.</st1:State></st1:place> Hecht, Heller, and Herzog will report to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">McAlester</st1:place></st1:City>, Ok. In the Sooner State League while Mallon goes to<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Independence</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> in the K-O-M league. There is more to the article. Bob Mallon-1949 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Independence</st1:City></st1:place> Yankees.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>This is the obituary that Mallon shared in today's e-mail.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>HELLER, ROBERT<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Robert Heller., Collinsville, IL, died Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL, Monday, September 05, 2005; born Maryville, IL, Wednesday, June 24, 1931; <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>age 74 yrs.; married August 31, 1963; wife, Betty Jean Heller (nee Reszely) of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Collinsville</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">IL</st1:State></st1:place>; father, Rudolph Heller (deceased); mother, Mary Ann<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Heller (nee Olic) (deceased); daughter, Laura Heller of Athens, GA; son, Michael Heller of Collinsville, IL; grandson, Jackson Robert Heller of<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:city st="on">Athens</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">GA.</st1:State> Member Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Maryville</st1:City></st1:place>. Memorials to Masses or donors choice. He was a retired civil<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>service worker for the Army having worked on the Chinook and Black Hawk helicopter projects. After retirement, he worked several years for Dynamic<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Research in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">MO.</st1:State></st1:place> He was a Korean War Navy veteran and a member of the Maryville American Legion. In his younger years he played minor <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>league baseball for the Yankees and the Cubs. Funeral Mass at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.,<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Fr. Stephen Sotiroff. Visitation HERR Funeral Home, Collinsville, Thursday, September 8, 2005 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment Calvary Cemetery in<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Edwardsville</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">IL</st1:State></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Bob Mallon and Whitey Herzog are the only two survivors of that foursome the Yankees signed back in 1949. John Hecht passed away in 1994.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Herzog played two seasons at <st1:city st="on">McAlester</st1:City> before winding up with <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City> in the Western Association. I have seen the article Mallon quoted<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>when those four fellows were first signed and I really don't know where the first name of Relly came from. Some of you probably do. If my memory<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>isn't shot I think that same article appeared in an early June, 1949 edition of The Sporting News. <o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Nothing goes unnoticed In the last Flash Report Bill O'Donnell shared some memories of Eddie Feigner. That got the attention of former <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> Cub and Topeka Owl, Don Annen. When Annen played at <st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City> in 1950 he was rated one of the top prospects in the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City> Cub system. Barring injury he would have probably played at Wrigley Field in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City>. John: How about a change of pace - baseball to fast pitch softball. In your last newsletter it contained a reference to Eddie Feigner the pitcher for the King and his Court. The King (Eddie Feigner) and his Court consisted of 3 teammates (4 total) which barnstormed extensively for years putting on a fantastic show. I batted against Fegner many times in the late forties and again in the late fifties after a back injury ended my baseball career. A fast pitch softball team of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Madison</st1:place></st1:City> all-stars faced the King and his Court many times in this time frame. Wins and loses were evenly divided, but he put on a super show. Feigner would demonstrate to the fans the different pitching styles used. Namely they were the figure eight, slingshot, windmill and the his favorite the whirly gig ( illegal). He would also throw the assortment of pitches used in softball at this time. They included the fastball, curve, riser, drop, screwballs and knucklers. Only two pitchers, at this time, threw over 100 miles per hour namely Feigner and Bob Feller. A Softball pitcher threw from 45 ft., while baseball pitchers throw from 60 ft.. Do the math. Harry Bright a teammate of mine at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Topeka</st1:City></st1:place> called softball a pussies game, when I told him about my softball days. I told Harry there was no one in baseball who could throw the ball by me because of my softball background. I meant every word of it then - and now. Obviously, because of the pitching distances a different mindset is involved in hitting. The velocities of the pitches are comparable. I had many a beer with Feigner after our games. When I told him of my baseball ambitions he couldn't resist telling me how easy it was to strikeout baseball players. I believed him. Having played both sports I can truthfully say each are equally challenging. Thanks for listening, Don Annen -- <st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">911 Lake Ct.--</st1:Street> <st1:city st="on">Madison</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Wi</st1:State></st1:address>. -- 53715 (608) 256-7456 Ed note: When some name is mentioned there are times I list ONE URL that you can click and find something out about that person. With so many people, like Feigner, you could stay on Google for hours. This is to let you know that whenever you see one reference you can rest assured there are many more out that that you can research at your leisure or ignore at your pleasure. <a href="http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/feignered.shtml">http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/feignered.shtml</a> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre>Reader recalls Bill Mosley</pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>John, Saw your ad in the recent SABR newsletter.....what's your mailing address?<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I'd like to order a book....<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>How's Bill Mosley doin? I wrote a few magazine articles about Mantle's life in Commerce, and he and his lovely wife <st1:place st="on">Neva</st1:place> gave me some good<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>stories. I'll send 'em w/ the check.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Take care,<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Jim Kreuz<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Lake Jackson</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Tx</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed reply:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Jim, my address is: (Provided but not listed here.)<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Mosley is doing well. <st1:place st="on">Neva</st1:place> died a few years ago and he has remarried. He and his "new" bride came to the book kickoff in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Joplin</st1:place></st1:City> back in <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>April and they enjoyed meeting all the "old guys" once more.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>I suspect that Mosley and <st1:place st="on">Neva</st1:place> told you about going on the honeymoon with Merlyn and Mickey.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>There we're some other "juicy stories" that Mosley shared with me that I couldn't print. Bill is still living in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:City> and retired from coaching. <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Thanks for getting in touch. </pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Ed note:<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Bill Mosley and Mickey Mantle were high school teammates and friends. Mosley and his late wife, <st1:place st="on">Neva</st1:place>, even accompanied Mickey and Merlyn <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>on their honeymoon. Mantle called Mosley the best athlete he ever saw at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Commerce</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.</pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Murry Dickson Murry Dickson was mentioned in one of my "rambling" articles in a recent Flash Report. Rod Nelson was kind enough to send along some sources if you would enjoy going on-line to view some of his experiences in WW II.   <pre>Sources<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>The Sporting News, various issues, 1942-1989. His obituary appeared October <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>2, 1989.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Retrosheet.org<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Keith Barnwell, stories in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Leavenworth</st1:City></st1:place> Times, April 2, 4 and 5, 1989, in <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Dickson's file at the Hall of Fame library.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Murry Dickson, answers to questionnaire by the National League Service <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>Bureau (undated, but after 1945), in his <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">HOF</st1:City></st1:place> file.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Murry Dickson's wartime photographs at <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><a href="http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/baseball_enlists/one.htm">http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/baseball_enlists/one.htm</a><o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>James N. Giglio, Musial: From Stash to Stan The Man (<st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:placename st="on">Missouri</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> Press, 2001).<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Milton Gross, "Are They Still Throwing the Spitter?" Sport, October 1956, p. 28.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Bill James and Rob Neyer, The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers (Fireside, Simon & Schuster, 2004).<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Anna Jovanovich, manuscript and interview with the Syracuse Post-Standard, May 5, 1995, p. D-1, both in Dickson's <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">HOF</st1:City></st1:place> file.<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Kevin Kerrane, Dollar Sign on the Muscle (Fireside, Simon & Schuster, 1984), discusses the modern prejudice against "little righties."<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>William Marshall, Baseball's Pivotal Era: 1945-1951 (The University Press of Kentucky, 1999).<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Murray</st1:City></st1:place> Polner, Branch Rickey (New American Library, 1982).<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Frederick Turner, When The Boys Came Back (Henry Holt and Company, 1996).<o:p></o:p></pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> <pre> </pre> KOM League Flash Report for 9/11/05 It happened 9/11 Three years ago today the "few" and the "brave" headed out of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">New York</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> by air. It was the first anniversary of the attack on <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> and most citizens were fearful of flying. The KOM League visit to <st1:place st="on">Cooperstown</st1:place> had concluded and the only feasible way home for most was to board an airliner. The trip from <st1:city st="on">Syracuse</st1:City> to <st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:City> via <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cincinnati</st1:place></st1:City> was the last and most enjoyable flights of my life. There were no delays in take-offs and landings and it was fun being on your own "private" jet. It is hard to believe those three years have passed so rapidly and by this time next year the reunion of the KOM League will be the final act of a play that has "run off Broadway" for six decades. What didn't someone come up with the term "KOM-pany" during that period of time? If I had thought of it, I would have. Come and join us in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carthage</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place> next September 7-9. If you plan to attend, let me know. <st1:place st="on">Reunion</st1:place> "hopefuls" John, Bob and I plan on being there. Don't think he has made reservations yet but plans to. Joan Speake <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> This week on radio Around 3:15 p.m. on September 15, Yours Truly will be a guest on the Gary O'Brien Show. The show comes from WDWS-AM in Champagne/Urbana, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State>. I don't think WDWS is streaming their programming at this time. Thus, none of you will feel obligated to listen. If you are in that area, as a number of former KOM Leaguer's are, you may wish to to warn Lou Skizas that we might be talking about him. Six days after the WDWS interview, and presuming I don't get banned from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State> radio, I'll be on the morning show over WXET-FM in Effingham. Both of those shows are a prelude to the visit to the Cross County Mall in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Mattoon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Illinois</st1:State></st1:place> on Saturday September 24. Saturday's are "not big deals" in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Missouri</st1:place></st1:State>. The football season concluded for the "top" university in the Show Me State after one game and three quarters. That is how long it took them to "tank" for the "seventy-eleventh" consecutive season. So, if any of you have a suggestion as to where Yours Truly can head out to sign books on the weekends, until football season is "officially" over, I'm open to suggestions. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Whitey "Relly" Herzog name resolved. John: To answer your wondering about where Relly came from I can clear that up for you. Before he got into pro ball that was what every one in this area called him. Don't know how he spelled his name if was Darell or Dorell. They both may be spelled wrong but that is where the Relly came from. Charlie Weber-1949 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Independence</st1:City></st1:place> Yankees. Ed note: It all makes sense. Whitey Herzog's given name was Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog. So, to make it easy they called him Relly? Really. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Italian Tribune The Italian Tribune in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Newark</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">New Jersey</st1:State></st1:place> is called "The Premier Italian American Newspaper Since 1931." On the front cover of the August 25, 2005 edition are two photos--a team photo of the 1950 Joplin Miners and another photo of Carl Lombardi showing off his baseball collection. On page one, if you look closely, you can see a copy of the book that came as close as 11,000th place on the top seller list of Amazon. com. However, on page two is a full-blown copy of the book and another photo. This one shows Carl Lombardi Jr., his son Jacob and Mickey Mantle's oldest living son, David. I'm not sure if you can get the entire story to download but the website for the newspaper is <a href="http://www.italiantribune.com/">www.ItalianTribune.com</a> I'm not sure if very many people will be impressed that Yours Truly finagled his way into a top Italian newspaper. However, I think my son-in-law, James Pescaglia, might get a chuckle out of it. (And, it isn't pronounced the way it looks. Just forget it has a "G" in it.) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> A past teammate revisited John, last Wednesday my wife and I went to a restaurant where Joe Nuxhall and Greg Hoard were signing books about Joe. "Joe, rounding third and heading for home". This was Joe's sign off after each game (He announced for the Reds after his playing days concluded) . After eating, we got in line and bought one of the books. It took Joe a few minutes to recognize me. Said I was heavier when we were team mates at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:City>. We had a nice conversation about our time in <st1:city st="on">Tulsa</st1:City> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tampa</st1:place></st1:City>. He mentioned Tommy Reis who was our teammate in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:City>. Tom bought an older car while in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:City>, and thought the world of it. Joe told about the time he and a couple other guys put a smoke bomb and it was with a whistle, under the hood of Tom's car, and when he started it went off, whistling and smoking. Tom is now 90 years old, and I'm going to visit him tomorrow at the Baptist home in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Newport</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ky.</st1:State></st1:place> It's just across the <st1:place st="on">Licking river</st1:place> in the next county. I'm also going to get Jack Hurley, Ken Boehme, and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Bill</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Harbour</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>, together again very shortly. Just some rambling by an old man that's going to be eighty this month, Bob Curley--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Covington</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">KY</st1:State></st1:place>! Ed note: Joe Nuxhall and Bob Curley were the finalists for the last pitching roster spot for the Cincinnati Reds in 1953. Nuxhall got it. However, it still didn't dim Curley's love for the game. It is demonstrated by the fellows with whom he still remains in contact. It is great that he is visiting with a 90- year old former teammate now in a nursing home and he still keeps up with former KOM Leaguers such as Hurley, Boehme and Harbour. And, happy birthday to Bob Curley. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> More softball memories John, I read the article about softball. After baseball I caught for one of the best fast pitch softball teams in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:City></st1:place>, " Broeker Cigar team." I was amazed how these pitchers could make the ball move. We had a left hander Harold Siebert who must have had at least 5 different pitches. We used the old "CLAW" type glove to catch with in those days and my hand would be sore after a game. I think a top pitcher in baseball and softball, both of them would be tough. There would not be very many hits or runs in softball games. I remember Charley Colombo and some other great soccer players played in The " <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:City></st1:place> softball League." Mickey was always saying Bill Mosley was a better athlete than he was. Bob Mallon <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> More research on the way Dave Cox caught for the 1946 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Pittsburg</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State></st1:place> Browns. He and wife Eileen attended their first KOM League reunion this past June in Chanute. The only regret the Cox's expressed was that they waited so long to attend. They promise to be in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carthage</st1:place></st1:City> next September. In the meantime, Eilene is excited about finishing off her husband's scrapbook and was wondering about the availability of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburg</st1:place></st1:City> Sun microfilm. I was able to tell Eilene how to work out the mechanics of getting her library in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Moline</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Illinois</st1:State></st1:place> in touch with the Kansas State Historical Society. Once the microfilm starts going from <st1:state st="on">Kansas</st1:State> to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:State> it won't be long before Dave's scrapbook will multiply greatly in size and interest. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> KOM League Special Note 9/14/05 Ed note: Seldom do I ever stop long enough for lunch to go inside for the food, let alone read part of a newspaper. Today I stopped at McDonald's in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Eldon</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Missouri</st1:State></st1:place> (the town that inspired the TV sitcom "Petticoat Junction".) The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City> Star was on the table and after scanning the sports section I turned to the middle part of the paper and found some unsettling news in the "Metropolitan" section. The major story in that section was the news of the death of a fellow who had become a big part of my life recently. Tom Leathers had pleaded and prodded me to let him publish "Mickey Mantle Before the Glory." After a couple of years going back and forth we came to an agreement and I never regretted for one minute that decision. In recent weeks I have mentioned that Leathers was in the hospital but he was adamant he didn't want anyone to know where he was and start sending flowers and sympathy cards. Last night as I sat at my computer I had him on my mind. Today, around noon I knew why. Tom Leathers, publisher of The Squire, dies By JIM SULLINGER The Kansas City Star <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/business/local/12633697.htm">http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/business/local/12633697.htm</a> Tom Leathers, a <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City> area journalist and publisher of The Squire, died Monday at age 77. In addition to editing and publishing weekly newspapers for many years, he was the host of talk shows on area radio stations and cable television in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Johnson</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. He also appeared in several movies shot in the <st1:city st="on">Kansas City</st1:City> area: “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge” with Paul Newman, “Truman” with Gary Sinise and Robert Altman’s “<st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City>.” Leathers was president of The Ad Center, an advertising agency, and publisher of more than 150 books by area and <st1:place st="on">Midwest</st1:place> authors. He was raised in <st1:city st="on">Kansas City</st1:City> and attended <st1:placename st="on">Kansas</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType>, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manhattan</st1:place></st1:City>, where he earned a degree in journalism. He formerly covered police and city government for The Kansas City Star. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy as a naval air intelligence officer. Leathers founded the Best in Theatre Awards and was formerly a member of advisory boards for the Dream Factory, ALS Society and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">St. Joseph</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Health</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. He was on the advisory board of <st1:placename st="on">Avila</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">College</st1:PlaceType> and was program chairman of the Men’s Breakfast Club at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">United</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Methodist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> of the Resurrection in Leawood. He was married to Patty Leathers, a post-anesthesia nurse, and had two sons — David Leathers, former publisher of Kansas City Homes & Gardens, and Kevin Leathers, a <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:State> attorney. Ed note: The following is the article I found in the newspaper at lunch. Notice the first person quoted in this article. Yep, it is the same Ben Craig, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City> banker, who was Mickey Mantle's teammate with the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids. If you read this column closely you'll find why Yours Truly was an admirer of Leathers. You have to tip your hat a guy who goes his own way. With gadfly’s death, Squire no more <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/12637871.htm">http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/12637871.htm</a> Publisher ‘was the consummate outsider’ By JIM SULLINGER The <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Kansas City</st1:City></st1:place> Star “His papers were extensions of his personality.” Ben Craig Tom Leathers, a fixture in <st1:city st="on">Kansas City</st1:City>’s journalism community, will be remembered as a publisher who didn’t flinch from criticizing <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City>’s elite or powerful institutions. For more than four decades, his voice was heard through the pages of The Squire newspaper, which circulated mainly in <st1:placename st="on">Johnson</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">County</st1:PlaceType> and south <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:City>. He died Monday at age 77, and his newspaper will die with him. “His papers were extensions of his personality,” said Ben Craig, a banker and civic leader in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Johnson</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. “He was a colorful writer with a sharp wit.” In addition to editing and publishing weekly newspapers for many years, Leathers was the host of talk shows on area radio stations and cable television in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Johnson</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Leathers, a Leawood resident, was president of The Ad Center, an advertising agency, and publisher of more than 200 books by area and <st1:place st="on">Midwest</st1:place> authors. He founded The Squire in 1959, and it was published as a weekly newspaper until 1996, when it became a monthly publication. In a short biography of the newspaper’s beginning, Leathers said he got the idea for The Squire when he was 10. “Something came to me one morning and said that my life had a purpose — to inform and help educate people through a newspaper of my own — through some form of journalism,” he wrote. He saved $2,000 to start the newspaper, but never had to use a dime of it. “The first issue made money,” he wrote. Friends said he loved to take local politicians to task, follow the area’s professional sports teams and write about the city’s television personalities. A reporter who would often see his name in The Squire was Dave Helling, formerly with KCTV5 and now with The Star. “He tweaked personalities, but I think he enjoyed much more tweaking the news coverage decisions that stations made,” Helling said. Leathers covered the 1968 robbery of the Metcalf State Bank in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Overland Park</st1:place></st1:City> and the subsequent shootout between one of the bandits, Henry Floyd Brown, and police at a nearby apartment complex. After Brown went to prison, Leathers stayed in contact with him, publishing a book of Brown’s poetry after his release in 1997 and helping him relocate to this area. In 1978, he took his only plunge into elective politics, challenging an incumbent for a seat on the Johnson County Commission and losing his bid after waging an aggressive campaign. Although he considered himself a political independent, he ran as a Democrat in a highly Republican area of the county. Former Kansas City Mayor Richard L. Berkley said he enjoyed spending time with Leathers, who shared his interests in sports, politics and photography. “Tom was a remarkable individual who knew the metropolitan area particularly well,” <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Berkley</st1:place></st1:City> said. “I may not always have agreed with him, but he spoke out on a lot of issues that were necessary to be discussed.” Steve Rose, chairman of Sun Publications, described Leathers as someone who liked to “tweak the establishment, a contrarian.” Leathers worked at The Sun for a short time as a sports columnist before starting The Squire. “He really pioneered the concept of the alternative weekly before anyone did it,” Rose said. “He was the consummate outsider, almost always taking the contrarian view.” Rose said one series of articles published by Leathers in the 1960s was particularly memorable and helped make The Squire successful. The series focused on suburban high school gangs, and Leathers called the series “The Rat Pack.” Leathers was born and raised in <st1:city st="on">Kansas City</st1:City> and attended <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Kansas</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, where he earned a degree in journalism. He worked for The Kansas City Star in the late 1940s covering police and city government. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy as a naval air intelligence officer. Leathers founded the Best in Theatre Awards and was formerly a member of advisory boards for the Dream Factory, ALS Society and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">St. Joseph</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Health</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. He was on the advisory board of <st1:placename st="on">Avila</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">College</st1:PlaceType> and was program chairman of the Men’s Breakfast Club at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">United</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Methodist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> of the Resurrection in Leawood. He was the winner of more than two dozen national journalism awards, including one for best sports writing in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> given by the Suburban Newspapers of America. He married Patty Leathers, a post-anesthesia nurse, about 10 years ago. He had two sons — David Leathers, former publisher of Kansas City Homes & Gardens, and Kevin Leathers, a <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:State> attorney. “He loved Kansas City, and I always told him he was the essence of what the First Amendment was all about — where you just say I’m going to write what I think in the paper and try to sell it to people,” Helling said. David Leathers said one more edition of The Squire will be printed and it will be a tribute The KOM League Flash Report for 9/19/2005 This report is to catch up on some of the material that accumulated over the past 3-4 days. I'm sure these reports aren'twelcomed by all recipients but the good news is that that don't cost anything and if unwanted, the delete key works wonders. If your delete key is becoming worn out due to these reports just send me a note and I'll find a way not to send them in the future. That's a better offer than any SPAMMER will offer. For the rest of you this is your "dose of KOM League news and other views." <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Bunny Mick's obituary from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tampa</st1:place></st1:City> Tribune <a href="http://legacy.com/TBO/LegacyHome.asp">http://legacy.com/TBO/LegacyHome.asp</a> MICK, M.F. "Bunny," 82, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, September 14, 2005, after a four-month battle with cancer. A native of <st1:city st="on">Tampa</st1:City>, he attended <st1:placename st="on">Gorrie</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Elementary School</st1:PlaceType>, <st1:placename st="on">Wilson</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Junior High School</st1:PlaceName>, <st1:placename st="on">H.B.</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Plant</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType> and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:placename st="on">Tampa</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>. Bunny was the leader of Plant's first state basketball championship in 1941 and was First Team All-State for two years. He left his basketball scholarship at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Tampa</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> to serve three years in the Army Air Force during World War II. Bunny played nine years of professional baseball with the New York Yankees organization, hitting over .300 eight times, once at .356, winning two batting titles. In 1949, his ratio of 104 walks to three strikeouts is still the best in baseball history, majors or minors. He was a player and manager for six years and coached in the major leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Houston Astros. He later became a vice president in the Astros organization. Bunny generally was considered to be the nation's premier instructor for bunting, base running and "working the count." As an insurance agent, he was the leading producer in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> for American Heritage Life Insurance Co. in 1960. He was a charter member of the Tampa Sports Authority and a member of the Downtown Sertoma Club, serving as president in 1965. Bunny was the top aide to Florida Gov. Claude Kirk, was <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:State> sports director and was appointed to "The Florida Council of 100" along with Bob Hope and Arnold Palmer. He was an avid fisherman and a member of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Idlewild</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Baptist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Bunny was predeceased by his older brother, Walter. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy; daughters, Dr. Terry Mick and husband, Wesley Cox, and Kathy Mick and husband, Michael Lehman; brother, Mitchell and wife, Helga; cousins, nephew, nieces and their families. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2005, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. Mac Dill Ave., with the Rev. Ken Whitten, senior pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church, officiating. A reception will follow immediately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Idlewild</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Baptist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, Recreation Ministry, <st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">1515 W. Bearss Ave.</st1:Street>, <st1:city st="on">Tampa</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">FL</st1:State> <st1:postalcode st="on">33613</st1:PostalCode></st1:address>. Published in the TBO.com on 9/16/2005 <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Joe Pollock John, We finally got Joe’s story up on our website. The newsletter has been delayed, but is expected out before the end of the month. Thank you so much for your help with the story. You and your books were wonderful sources of information. I will send you a copy of the newsletter when it comes out. Brian Jackson, Donor Family Representative LifeShare Transplant Donor Services of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State> 5801 N. Broadway, <st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">Suite</st1:Street> 300</st1:address> <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Oklahoma City</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">OK</st1:State> <st1:postalcode st="on">73120</st1:PostalCode></st1:place> 1.888.580.5680 x137 NOTE: Brian's mother was raised in Wink, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:State> and she once gave the school yard bully a "beatin" after he had attacked her little brother. I related that story a few weeks ago. Oh, the young man she "whupped up on" was Roy Orbison. Check that name out if you don't know him. You might know one of his hit songs, "Pretty Woman." Go to this site for a story on KOM Leaguer and friend, Joe Pollock. On here you'll see a couple of photos and the story. For those of you who don't have the energy to click on the URL the story is included. <a href="http://www.lifeshareoklahoma.org/">http://www.lifeshareoklahoma.org/</a> Not Your Average Joe The rain stopped on April 24, 2004, just in time for city officials in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Miami</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> to hold a special ceremony to dedicate the baseball field on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">5th Street</st1:address></st1:Street>. More than 100 friends, family members and former players gathered to honor local sports legend and hero, Joseph “Joe” Pollock. The words inscribed on the bronze plaque located at the edge of the field offer just a glimpse of Joe’s lifetime of giving to his community. With his death on July 22, 2003, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City>’s beloved coach, scoutmaster, and professional baseball player had shared the ultimate gift of life. By the time Joseph Steven Pollock graduated from <st1:placename st="on">Rhodes</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Cleveland</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Ohio</st1:State></st1:place>, he had earned recognition as a state champion saxophonist and an all-sports athlete. Joe was a starting halfback on the football team that also featured Heisman Trophy winner, Les Horvath, and NFL Coach, Don McCafferty. As an all-state track star, Joe was privileged to participate in a 100-yard exhibition race with a newly crowned Olympic champion. They matched strides for the first 25 yards, but for the rest of the race all Joe could see was the back of Jesse Owens. Following high school, Joe signed a professional baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1942. He only played a few months of minor league ball before trading in his ball glove, cap and cleats for a rifle, helmet and boots. Assigned to the Anti-Tank Company, 309th Infantry, Corporal Pollock bravely served his country in <st1:place st="on">Europe</st1:place> during World War II. The highly decorated soldier fought in the historic conflicts of Ardennes, the <st1:city st="on">Battle</st1:City> of The Bulge, and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Remagen</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Bridge</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. In addition to numerous combat and service medals, a special athletic award, signed by General Eisenhower, was presented to Joe for participating in the European Theater Track and Field Championships held in Nuremberg, Germany. The General stopped to wish Joe good luck as they watched his long jump being measured. Joe was crowned 100 Meter Champion and recognized as an All-Seventh Army Track Star. With the end of the war came a discharge from the Army and a return to the states to resume his career in professional baseball. Joe arrived in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State> in the spring of 1946 as a member of the Muskogee Reds in the Western Association. Instead of a doubleheader at the ball diamond, it was at a professional wrestling match in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Muskogee</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Civic</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> where he met his future bride. However, Marye Ruth Oliver soon became a regular fan at Joe’s games and enjoyed watching the KOM (Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri) League’s leading base stealer in action. She remembers cheering from behind the 3rd base line during one nine-inning game when Joe stole 6 bases (including home twice). In his book, “Majoring in the Minors,” baseball historian and author, John G. Hall, names Joe Pollock as “the fastest man in the (KOM) league in 1946,” with a record 119 bases stolen in 123 attempts (1946-1947 seasons). Hall recalls that Mutt Mantle from Commerce, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:State> attended games regularly so that son, Mickey, could cheer for his hero, Jumpin’ Joe. On November 16, 1946, Marye and Joe exchanged wedding vows. When Joe retired from baseball in 1947, the couple settled in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Miami</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Oklahoma</st1:State></st1:place> where they raised two sons, Kenneth and Ronald. The former soldier/ballplayer happily adapted to his new role of loving husband and doting father. Still wanting to share his love for baseball, Joe served on a committee that brought little league and youth league baseball franchises to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City>. He then coached in these leagues for the next 20 years. “Coach Joe,” as he was known by scores of youngsters (including Heisman Trophy winner, Steve Owens, and younger brother, Tinker), always saved a couple of spots on his roster so that every child would have an opportunity to play. Scoutmaster Joe participated in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for a total of eight years. When his son, Ron, was a member of the talent-laden track team at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Miami</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, Joe volunteered to help out as an assistant coach from 1970 -1973. During a recent interview, Steve Owens remarked, “I think Joe was so honest with young kids, and speaking for myself, I knew that he cared about me – not just for what I could do athletically – but, as a person. I think he sent that message not only to me, but to a lot of young kids growing up in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:City>. Joe gave of himself so much, in so many ways.” In February 2003, Joe was diagnosed with an inoperable heart condition. The prescribed diet and medications did little to help. Consistent with his lifetime of caring and giving, Joe was adamant about becoming a donor. “In his mind’s eye, if he could give a child a chance to walk, whether they went on into sports or not, or perhaps help a child that would have to go through life with a disfigurement…. that was the legacy he wanted to leave through his donation,” according to Marye. She notes that Joe’s donation has helped to create a greater local awareness of the need for organ, eye, and tissue donors. With every chance she gets, Marye explains donation to her friends and acquaintances. “We don’t like to think about it, but life is uncertain. I like to do anything I can to help people understand the importance of donation.” Joseph “Joe” Pollock died at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Integris</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Baptist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Regional</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename st="on">Health</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> on July 22, 2003. He was 82 years old. His family and community grieved the loss of their husband, father, grandfather, coach, soldier, ballplayer, hero and friend. The lifetime of unselfish giving to family, community, and country had come to an end, but not without one final act of love and compassion. By choosing to be a donor, Joe saved his best gift for last. <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Remembering Harry Truman's birthplace--<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Lamar</st1:City>, <st1:state st="on">Mo.</st1:State></st1:place>   <pre>John, once again I have to say thank you for all of the insightful stories! Joe (Nuxhall) The Nux, hadn't <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>thought about or remembered (him) for years!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>God, what a pleasure it is to hear from you and yours and other's memories!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>(I was) Just a number turner from the old Lamar town team! (Score board attendant) I did have a few great times with <o:p></o:p></pre> <pre>the guys!!!!<o:p></o:p></pre> <pre><o:p> </o:p></pre> <pre>Totally Yours with thanks. Keep them alive. Thomas Earp</pre> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr align="center" size="2" width="100%"> </div> Memories of Bunny Mick <p class="MsoNormal"&g