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Volume 7 No. 3 Official Publication of the Northeast Indiana Association Sept. 2005 •Formerly the Fort Wayne Oldtimer's Baseball Association*

metropolitan area of our size and population. That Making History includes of course the sport that is so near and dear to By Don Graham most of us, baseball. The text will include a 15,000 word section on all We are on the verge of making history folks. The sports; baseball, basketball, softball, football, hockey, Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society and the tennis, golf, boxing, , soccer, and various Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana have others, with baseball taking up a sizable portion of joined forces in compiling and publishing a two the article. After all, with the likes of , volume Allen County History Book. , , , Charlie This will be the most comprehensive history of Gehringer, , and Ned Garver, to name Allen County (including Fort Wayne) since way back but a handful of the greats who have played here at in the early part of the twentieth century. The purpose one time or another, the added coverage was needed. of this two book set is to preserve our county's (and Not to mention that both and city's) historical past for future generations to come. played here in the 1920's. And that the 1940's and 50's saw some great local semi-pro teams (GE Club, Capeharts, Allen Dairymen, etc.) win several national and world titles. And of course the Daisies too who entertained us with their stellar play from 1945-54. An 800+ word history of this (NEIBA/FWOBA) organization will also appear in the text and in fact has already been drafted and submitted. For information on how to purchase this hardbound two volume history book, use one of the following: Website: www.allencountyhistorybook.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (260) 387-2905 Editors Note: Photos (at left and on back) are representative only of photos that will appear in the AC History Book

• Fort Wayne Federals - 1923* Front L to R: Herb Roembke, George Brown, Al Bleich, St. Joe Central Little League Snitz Schneider. Middle L to R: Frankie Barnhart, Tootles Kinnerk, Al Gindlesparger, Red Biedenweg, Eddie Burt. Squad Had Fine Season Top L to R: Don Currie, Eddie Bornkamp, Jerry Carpenter, Bob Nulf, Dutch Wellman. Following an outstanding regular season, the St. Joe Central Little League team went on to play in the Not only will the set include biographies of Allen Junior Little League in Taylor, MI. And County (and Fort Wayne) families, churches, schools, although they came up a bit short finishing with a 1-4 . ' "isinesses, clubs and organizations, it will include a record, they did finish on a winning note by defeating arrative history of this area, complete with photo's, the Netherlands 7-3 behind the timely hitting of Alex as well. And playing a significant role in all of this Bloom, Brennon Gallagher, and Robert Geary. Our will be this County's and City's rich and historical hats are off to St. Joe Central for a great season. sports heritage which may well be unparalleled for a again with a major league best 29 home runs in 1919. NEIBA Officers After being sold to the before President Tony Martone the start of the 1920 season, Ruth would make just VP Marketing Patty Martone five more pitching appearances in 14 seasons. VP Hall of Fame Parnell Hisner Babe Ruth, the Hall of Famer with a career .342 VP Museum Tim Kindler average and career 2.28 ERA as a . He Secretary Don Graham could do both, them and get them out. Treasurer (acting) Marge Graham

HOF Committee Tony Martone Patty Martone Another Look Back Parnell Hisner Tim Kindler Don Graham Jack Massucci August 22,1886: Abner Powell Colin Lister Charlie Shipman was literally pulled down by the dog days of summer. Dona Schaefer Chicken Wolf of the Louisville Colonels hit a deep Line Drives News Publication drive and Powell took off after it, joined by a dog that had been sleeping by the outfield fence. The dog bit Editor Don Graham Powell's leg before the outfielder could get to the ball Associate Editor Tim Kindler Columnist Doug Brookhart and wouldn't let go. Wolf scored on a game-winning inside-the-park-homer. Association Offices September 11,1912: stole six bases to P.O. Box 40224 • Fort Wayne, IN 46804 set a major league record in leading the P.O. Box One • Auburn, IN 46706 Athletics to a 9-7 win over the . Collins (260) 672-2585 [FW] • (260) 927-9144 [Auburn] stole six more bases in a game on September 22. [email protected] • www.wwiivictory.org July 27,1918: Henry Heitman, Dodgers / Who Said, " Can't Hit" rookie, completed one of the shortest careers in major league history. Heitman appeared on the mound Babe Ruth did more to wipe out the perception that against the St. Louis Cardinals, gave up four straight pitchers can't hit than any player in baseball. hits and then left the game, never to play a major Long before he solidified his place in baseball league game again. history as the first to hit 30, 40, 50 and 60 home runs August 19,1921: of the Detroit Tigers gets in a season, the "Babe" was one of baseball's best his 3000th major league hit at 34, the youngest player pitchers. And as a pitcher, he rung up a respectable to reach that plateau. .304 batting average, hit 15 home runs and had 73 RBI's in 208 games. July 31,1932: Cleveland's new Municipal Stadium As for his pitching prowess, Ruth led the American opened only to see and the Philadelphia League with a 1.75 ERA and nine shutouts in 1916, Athletics beat the Indians 1-0 before 76,979 fans. posting a 23-12 record for the World Series champion February 26,1935: Babe Ruth is released by the . The very New York Yankees and signed by the Boston Braves. next year, 1917, he had a August 1,1945: of the New York Giants hits career-best 24 victories. his 500th home in a 9-2 victory over the Boston The multi-skilled Ruth had Braves at the Polo Grounds. Only Babe Ruth with a 94-46 record (.671 won- 714 and with 527 have more. loss percentage) for the Red Sox and Yankees. June 9,1950: The Boston Red Sox beat the St. Louis However, his skill with Browns 29-4 at Fenway Park and set major league i the bat was way too strong records for runs scored, 29; most extra base hits, 17; Babe Ruth for him to remain just a most total bases, 60; most runs over two games, 49; pitcher. He began playing some outfield in 1918 and and most hits in two games, 51. led the in home runs that year, and card averaging 10,000 additional fans per game Rapid Robert when he was scheduled to pitch; «He pitched for By J.D. Brookhart the Indians for 18 years, winning 266 games while ( If you haven't read the August 8th issue of Sports losing just 162; »He led the American League in illustrated yet, you should. This latest issue of SI seven times and set a record in 1946 by contains a story about , famed Cleveland striking out 348 batters; »He is the only pitcher to Indians hurler written by Frank Deford. throw a no-hitter on Opening Day Bob Feller was a great pitcher. Deford is a great ( vs. White Sox at old writer. The two teamed up to produce an interesting Comiskey Park, April 16,1940); »He was elected interview and superior story about Feller. Those of us to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. growing up in the 1950s remember Rapid Robert very well; the farm boy from Van Meter, Iowa, who at age 17, made the majors and did so in a big way. Hall of Famer Stammen Deford provides a detailed history of Feller's career while at the same time lets you know what the Hall of The Northeast Indiana Baseball Association has Famer is like today. lost another long-standing member. Orville "Pete" One discussion in Deford's piece stands out for me. Stammen, 77, passed away on He tells of how Hall of Famer said he I August 5 last at his residence in spent three days St. Henry, Ohio. Pete played for preparing to bat 1 the local North American Vans against Bullet Bob. and Allen Dairymen semi-pro Think of it, the best teams (1953-57) including the hitter in all of base­ 1956 National and Global World ball planning ahead Champion Dairymen team. He his at-bat against a •tV «y^jdBj wa s a catcner- Pete was ais°a great pitcher and Pete Stammen member of the NEIBA Hall of most interestingly Fame having been bestowed with that honor in 1991. Williams said of his planning ahead, "I loved it." That's Betts Guest At All-Star FanFest when baseball was its best, when all NEIBA Hall of Famer Feroen Betts was a guest the players loved speaker at the annual Major League All-Star FanFest Bob Feller the game. Read the held this year at Detroit's Cobo article. You will remember how you too were in love Hall. The FanFest was a five with the game. day affair (July 8-12) leading FELLER FACTS: -Full Name: Robert William up to the playing of the annual Andrew Feller; •Nicknames: "Rapid Robert" and Major League All-Star game on "Bullet Bob;" •Birth Date: November 3,1918; July 12 at Comerica Park. •Birth Place: Van Meter, Iowa; •Height: 6'-0"; Betts, who umpired from 1947 to 1981, received an •Weight: 185; »Threw: Right; •Position: Pitcher. invitation to the event from Dolly Brumfield White, DID YOU KNOW? »He was secretly signed by Ail-American Girls League the Cleveland Indians at the age of 16; «In his President. A hardy Congrats to our own Feroen. rookie season, he won 17 games and followed that with 24 the next year; «He had six seasons where he won 20 or more games and in each of those he WILL WHITE led the American League in wins; »He had three Cincinnati Redlegs (Reds) all-time leader in wins ^reer no-hitters and had 12 career one-hitters; (227), losses (165), (398), complete ( He was 23 and had 107 wins when he enlisted in games (391), shutouts (35), pitched (3,515), the Navy in 1941; «In his first two full seasons ERA (2.25), and a still standing ML record 75 starts, back from the service, he won 26 and 20 games 75 complete games and 680 in 1879. respectively; »He was baseball's biggest drawing Golden Dome Baseball "Bonus Baby" rules where players could be drafted and signed any time during their high school or The History of college careers for large signing bonuses that many Notre Dame Baseball kids of that time could not refuse. Many of Klein's ( (Part III) players played for only a season or two with the varsity squad before being drafted. Jake Klein's Years The greatest player to play at Notre Dame during By Tim Kindler coach Klein's tenure was future Hall of Famer and Knute Rockne, Ara Parseghian, and Digger Phelps Boston Red Sox great . Yastrzemski are a few of Notre Dame's athletic coaches that have was signed in February of 1959, and would go on to reached legendary status in the sports world. Notre replace the great Ted Dame Baseball also has a legendary coach, although Williams in left field. probably not as well known as the above mentioned Like Williams, Yaz coaches. His name is Clarence "Jake" Klein. Coach would also enter ML Klein was the head of Baseball's Hall of the baseball program at Fame, being inducted Notre Dame from 1934 in 1988. When he to 1976; an incredible retired in 1983, after 42 years! Even at 80 23 years in the majors, years of age in 1974, he he would rank first in had to be persuaded to career games played step down as coach. His with 3,308, seventh in overall record was 558- hits with 3,419, and 449-5 for a winning ninth in runs batted in percentage of .554. He with 1,844. With the had two baseball teams Carl Yastrzemski exception of Rafael ( "Jake" Klein which went on to earn "Steroids" Palmeiro, Yaz is the only player from the NCAA Tournament births and one which reached the American League with 3000 hits and 400 home runs. College World Series. In 1967, Yaz became the last player in the majors to Although very successful, Klein's teams, with the win the coveted crown (.326,44, 121). exception of the 1948 and 1957 clubs, never reached Another outstanding, yet underrated player to come the status of greatness. The Irish were 20-8 in 1948 from Notre Dame was pitcher Ron Reed. Reed was a and earned a birth in the NCAA Tournament by basketball star for the Irish and really didn't have winning the District 4 Tournament, but lost in the much success for Notre Dame on the Diamond. He first round of the Regionals. The 1957 team made it was drafted and signed with the after all the way to the College World Series. The team graduation in 1965. He played in the was led by two-time All-American Elmer Cohorst at farm system during the NBA's offseason where he and by Jim Morris at first base. Morris set the showed great promise. After a few years of being the record for College World Series batting average by Pistons sixth man off the bench, he decided to play going 10 for 14, a record which still stands to this baseball full time. He was in the majors for good with day. The Irish would eventually be beaten out of the the start of the 1968 season and made the National series, but not before beating Colorado State 23-2. League All-Star team that year. The following year Many factors during Klein's tenure as coach greatly he won 18 games and went on to pitch in the League affected the talent of the players who played at Notre Championship Series. On April, 8, 1974, Reed was Dame. There were only two players who reached star on the mound and got the win the night status in that attended Notre broke Babe Ruth's all-time record. Much Dame during Klein's tenure as coach. The reason for of the second half of Ron's career was spent in the this lack of talent stems from many factors. College mainly for the . Reed I scholarships were lacking in the area of baseball due teamed with Tug McGraw to help the Phillies win to the success of the football program, the depression their only World Series in 1980. When he retired in era economics of the 30's, World War II, the Korean 1984, he was 15th on the all-time games pitched list and Vietnam Wars, and Major League Baseball's " (continued on page 5) with 751 (one more than the great ). The few other players that did reach the majors had For The Record brief careers or "Cups of Coffees" in professional pitched 751 complete games during his / iseball. I thought it would be valuable to include a twenty-two year career — an average of 34 complete iew of the more interesting facts from some of these games per season. former Notre Dame players from this era. Louis Bevil spent a short time as a pitcher with the Pitcher Joe Niekro hit only one home run during his Washington Senators in 1942. He attended the same twenty-two year career. It came on May 29, 1976 and high school in Dixon, Illinois as did future president helped the defeat the Atlanta Braves Ronald Reagan. He also served three years as a Tank 4-3. The Braves pitcher: Joe's brother, . Commander in the Army's 13th Armored Division In 1946, Hall of Famer Bob Feller posted a pitching during WWII. Bevil won 19 games in 1948 pitching record of 26-15 for the Cleveland Indians while Joe for Orlando of the Florida State League. Haynes, a journeyman pitcher for the Chicago White Paul Schramka spent one semester playing at Notre Sox, went 7-9. But head-to-head Haynes beat Feller Dame before transferring to the University of San four times that year. Francisco. After graduation, he spent a couple of years in the minors before serving two years in the On June 28, 1907, the Washington Senators stole 13 Army during the Korean War. During the spring of bases against catcher in a 16-5 win 1953, Schramka spent time up with the Chicago Cubs over the New York Yankees. Rickey would not play filling in for the injured Hank Sauer. During his brief another game in the Major Leagues until 1914 with stint with the Cubs, he wore the number 14. The next the St. Louis Browns (two games). and only man to ever wear that number in a Cubs uniform again was "Mr. Cub," . Finally, Joseph E. Kernan caught for Notre Dame State Champs in 1967 and 1968. He never made it to the majors, but ould go on to serve his fellow Hoosiers in other The Don Ayres Time Corners Little League team distinguished capacities. He flew 26 combat missions (13-only) won the State Tournament at Georgetown, as a Naval Aviator during the Vietnam War. After defeating Eastside 5-1. Pitcher Evan Shimkus gave being shot down over North Vietnam, Joe was held up only three hits and one run in the victory. as a Prisoner of War for 11 months. He would later serve as South Bend mayor, Indiana's Lt. Governor, and finally as Indiana's Governor after the death of Some Trivia Governor Frank O'Bannon. Questions 1. Who are the players that were victims of the only And More Colorful Nicknames unassisted in World Series history? William Arthur "Candy" Cummings; Denton True 2. In 1956, Don Larson pitched the only "Cy" "Cyclone" Young; David "Beauty" Bancroft; in World Series history. The losing pitcher was? Hazen "Kiki" Cuvler; Fred "Crime Dog" McGriff; James "Pud" "Gentle Jeems" Galvin; Tris "Grey 3. Who once pitched 12 perfect innings only to lose? Eagle" Speaker; Nolan "The Ryan Express" Ryan; Eugene "Bubbles" Hargrave; Ozzie "The Wizard of Answers Oz" Smith; Hank "Hammerin Hank" Greenberg; 1. Pete Kilduff, , and Clarence Mitchell Don "Popeye" Zimmer; Dick "Dr. Strangeglove" of the Brooklyn Dodgers/Robins [Play made by Stuart; Virgil "Fire" Trucks; John "Jocko" Conlan; Cleveland 2B Bill Wambsganss in 1920 WS]. William "Pinky" Hargrave; Don "Donnie Baseball" . * *attingly; Alfred "Alamazoo" Jennings; Lou "The 2. Sal Maglie of the Brooklyn Dodgers [2-0]. von Horse" Gehrig; Lenny "Nails" Dykstra; Rich "El Guapo" Garces; Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams; 3. Harvey Haddix of Pittsburgh at Milwaukee Leo "The Lip" Durocher; Sam "Wahoo" Crawford. Braves, May 26,1959 [Lost in 13th 1-0]. Tod-Centlivre Team -1935 Front L to R: Red Krauss, Chuck Bobilya, George Langenberg, Ralph Troyer, Chet Nahrwold, Porky Slater, Jap Voirol, Mart Ellenwood, Robert Reeder (front center BB). Back L to R: Tod Soliday (Sponsor), Red Carrington (Sec-Treas), Arden Leakey, "Fuzz" Himmelstein, Steinhauser, Ted Bohnke, George Cartwright, Bill Harber, John Forney, O. L. Fawley (Pres).

•Federation League Post 47 Team - 1948• Front Row L to R: Herb Stearns, Carlton Wells, Jim Bercott (BB), Harold Boight, Jim Snodgrass. Back Row L to R: Herman Ludwig (Mgr), Howard Mingus, Ralph Jackemeyer, Richard Rohlfing, Marvin Reynolds, Wayne Ludwig, Paul Meyer.