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| Former New York Met George Foster / N. Diunte |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New York Mets alumni week appearances May 6-8
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Bill White: Uppity: My Untold Story About the Games People Play
Bill White, the former All-Star first baseman, National League president and New York Yankees broadcaster recently released his memoirs, Uppity: My Untold Story About the Games People Play
. White speaks openly about his lengthy multi-faceted career in baseball and why he has distanced himself from the game. Click here to read the entire review of the book, as well as video of White speaking from his book signing in New Jersey.
. White speaks openly about his lengthy multi-faceted career in baseball and why he has distanced himself from the game. Click here to read the entire review of the book, as well as video of White speaking from his book signing in New Jersey.Sunday, May 1, 2011
Emilio 'Millito' Navarro, 105, world's oldest living baseball player
Emilio "Millito" Navarro, the world's oldest living baseball player died April 30, 2011, at his home in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was 105. Emilio 'Millito' Navarro, the Puerto Rican legend who played for the New York Cuban Stars in the Negro League from 1928-29, died Saturday in Ponce. He was 105.
The New York Yankees honored Navarro in 2008, selecting him in the ceremonial Negro Leagues draft. He was brought to Yankee Stadium where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Navarro's toss reached catcher Jorge Posada on the fly from 30 feet away. On the heels of his 103rd birthday, Navarro was astounded by the homage Yankees made.
"This is a dream for me," Navarro said. "I think I am in heaven."
Inducted into the Puerto Rican Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992, the second baseman was the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues. Standing only 5'5", Navarro impressed with his quick bat, flashy hands and speed.
Navarro played for 20 seasons with the Ponce Lions in the Puerto Rican Winter League, as well as playing in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. After his playing career was over, he was a physical education teacher and coach in Ponce and Caguas. Active past the age of 100, Navarro would often do exercises in public to demonstrate his fitness.
'Millito' gained notoriety in the past few years for being the world's oldest living professional baseball player. Topps honored Navarro in 2009 with an official baseball card in their Allen and Ginter set. In 2010, he was given the America's Outstanding Oldest Worker award from Experience Works.
Navarro is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. His wife died more than two decades ago at age 62 from breast cancer.
The New York Yankees honored Navarro in 2008, selecting him in the ceremonial Negro Leagues draft. He was brought to Yankee Stadium where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Navarro's toss reached catcher Jorge Posada on the fly from 30 feet away. On the heels of his 103rd birthday, Navarro was astounded by the homage Yankees made.
"This is a dream for me," Navarro said. "I think I am in heaven."
Inducted into the Puerto Rican Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992, the second baseman was the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues. Standing only 5'5", Navarro impressed with his quick bat, flashy hands and speed.
Navarro played for 20 seasons with the Ponce Lions in the Puerto Rican Winter League, as well as playing in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. After his playing career was over, he was a physical education teacher and coach in Ponce and Caguas. Active past the age of 100, Navarro would often do exercises in public to demonstrate his fitness.
'Millito' gained notoriety in the past few years for being the world's oldest living professional baseball player. Topps honored Navarro in 2009 with an official baseball card in their Allen and Ginter set. In 2010, he was given the America's Outstanding Oldest Worker award from Experience Works.
Navarro is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. His wife died more than two decades ago at age 62 from breast cancer.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Eddie Robinson goes to bat for his baseball family
Eddie Robinson, the 90-year-old All-Star first baseman who played for seven franchises during his 13 year major league career, saw one of his life-long crusades come to fruition with last week's agreement to extend pension payments to the group of MLB alumni that fell into the pension gap between 1947-1979.
Robinson appeared in New York for the announcement of payments to the MLB veterans. He spoke from his Fort Worth, Texas home about the excitement of his 20-year journey to get benefits for these retirees.
"I’m getting a pension and I’m happy, but it just didn’t seem fair," Robinson said. "I was in the group of the first player representatives that was formed, so I’ve had a great interest in what’s happened to players over the years, so when they dropped it back, I just didn’t think that was fair and I began to crusade to get something done about it."
Fueled by recent media interest from Douglas Gladstone's book, "A Bitter Cup of Coffee," which spotlights the plight of many of the retirees caught in this pension gap, Major League Baseball was more receptive of a meeting with Robinson's group of alumni. A meeting at the MLB offices in New York City helped to make their cause clearer to baseball's top brass.
"Our services committee of the MLB players alumni became more active," he said. "We got a couple of players on our committee who were lacking in years to get a pension and they added a lot of exuberance and get go to our committee. We had a meeting in New York with Michael Weiner and Rob Manfred, and after that, I think they saw the seriousness of it and that something should be done."
The lack of parity in service time needed for a pension after the 1980 agreement ate at Robinson for the past thirty years, even more so in recent time as more alumni passed away.
"The last year-and-a-half it’s been a real issue with us," he said. "It was so unfair to some players. Rich Hand, he just lacked a few days of having his four years and the reason he didn’t get those days was because there was a player’s strike. That robbed him of his pension. There were guys in World War II who had a year or two in the big leagues and when they came out they were too old or couldn’t win their job back. Even though they had their years, being in the service robbed them of getting a pension."
Robinson beamed with pride over the current agreement. While it isn't a true pension for those retirees, the annuity payments they will receive will not only help with their standard of living, but does something greater by validating their time as a major leaguer.
"Of course there are all of those guys in between who weren’t recognized and they couldn’t say, ‘I’m a big leaguer, I’m getting a pension.' This really authenticates it for those guys. That’s been one of my major goals since I’ve retired and fortunately I was able to achieve it."
Robinson appeared in New York for the announcement of payments to the MLB veterans. He spoke from his Fort Worth, Texas home about the excitement of his 20-year journey to get benefits for these retirees.
"I’m getting a pension and I’m happy, but it just didn’t seem fair," Robinson said. "I was in the group of the first player representatives that was formed, so I’ve had a great interest in what’s happened to players over the years, so when they dropped it back, I just didn’t think that was fair and I began to crusade to get something done about it."
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| Eddie Robinson / SMU Press |
Fueled by recent media interest from Douglas Gladstone's book, "A Bitter Cup of Coffee," which spotlights the plight of many of the retirees caught in this pension gap, Major League Baseball was more receptive of a meeting with Robinson's group of alumni. A meeting at the MLB offices in New York City helped to make their cause clearer to baseball's top brass.
"Our services committee of the MLB players alumni became more active," he said. "We got a couple of players on our committee who were lacking in years to get a pension and they added a lot of exuberance and get go to our committee. We had a meeting in New York with Michael Weiner and Rob Manfred, and after that, I think they saw the seriousness of it and that something should be done."
The lack of parity in service time needed for a pension after the 1980 agreement ate at Robinson for the past thirty years, even more so in recent time as more alumni passed away.
"The last year-and-a-half it’s been a real issue with us," he said. "It was so unfair to some players. Rich Hand, he just lacked a few days of having his four years and the reason he didn’t get those days was because there was a player’s strike. That robbed him of his pension. There were guys in World War II who had a year or two in the big leagues and when they came out they were too old or couldn’t win their job back. Even though they had their years, being in the service robbed them of getting a pension."
Robinson beamed with pride over the current agreement. While it isn't a true pension for those retirees, the annuity payments they will receive will not only help with their standard of living, but does something greater by validating their time as a major leaguer.
"Of course there are all of those guys in between who weren’t recognized and they couldn’t say, ‘I’m a big leaguer, I’m getting a pension.' This really authenticates it for those guys. That’s been one of my major goals since I’ve retired and fortunately I was able to achieve it."
Monday, April 25, 2011
Connie Marrero's centennial celebration
Tony Oliva still on cloud nine about his baseball career
Legendary Minnesota Twins outfielder Tony Oliva recently made an appearance in New York City at a baseball card show. Oliva, who just had a statue dedicated to himself at Target Field on opening day, took some time to reflect on his 50 years with the organization.
Long after he has retired his glove and spikes, at age 72 Tony Oliva still dreams about his baseball career. Born in 1938 in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Oliva went on to achieve major league stardom after humble beginnings growing up on the farm. As a young man, Oliva simply desired to follow in the footsteps of the Cubans that preceded him and play baseball. He never thought he would have experienced this journey.
“I still dream about everything I achieved. I dream about my career, dream about playing baseball, meeting so many people, traveling so much,” Oliva said. “Coming from where I came from, a poor family working in the country, to being able to come here and meet so many wonderful people. I had a chance to touch so many people's lives, visiting churches, schools, hospitals, and retirement homes. I never dreamed this would happen. I didn't plan it this way, but this is the way the big chief wanted it.”
Just a few weeks ago, Oliva had another dream come true when the Minnesota Twins unveiled a statue of his likeness outside of Gate Six on opening day at Target Field.
“Can you believe that? It's in Gate #6, which was my number. I tell people, you never know, from the farm in Cuba to having a statue of you in front of the big league stadium. It’s unbelievable,” Oliva glowingly said during a recent appearance in New York City.
Returning to New York for the first time in many years brought back vivid memories of playing in the city for the eight-time All-Star.
“I love New York. I love to come here, to play here, the tradition here. I'll never forget my first home run here was over Mickey Mantle's head. The ball went inside the monuments,” Oliva recalled. “For me to come to New York, it was unique. There were so many Hispanic people here in New York. They used to come over in right field to say hello. Some would scream to me because I did good here in New York. It was nice to be a part of the history here and play in front of all of these people.”
Brought to legendary scout “Papa” Joe Cambria by Roberto Fernandez Tapanes in 1960, Oliva made the journey from Cuba through Mexico to the United States to make his debut with Class-D Wytheville of the Appalachian League in 1961. Oliva tore through the league, batting an astounding .410, and after hitting .350 at Class-A Charlotte the following season, he was summoned to the major leagues for a late September call-up. He played 15 seasons for the Twins, winning three batting titles in the American League in addition to his aforementioned eight All-Star appearances.
Now working as a special assistant for the team, 2011 marks the 50th year that Oliva has been involved in the Twins organization as a player, coach, and administrator. He is still amazed that he is with the same team he started with a half-century ago. He expressed gratitude for the Twins ownership of the opportunities that he has received.
“Mr. Griffith for me was part of the family, like a second father," he said. "He did something for me that I will never forget. When I finished playing as a regular, he called me in and told me, ‘I want you to be in the organization as long as you want. I want you to be my hitting coach. How much do you want to make?’” Griffth asked Oliva. “I knew how much the coaches were making; the coaches don't make nothing. I told him, 'Give me what you think is the right amount.'"
Oliva was more than satisfied with Griffith's response.
"He paid me well; he gave me twice what the coaches were making. I didn't have to ask or beg him for a job, he offered it to me. He told me I could work here as long as I wanted. I thought it was nice of him to call me in and give me almost a lifetime job.”
As one of the proud faces of the franchise, Oliva has embraced his role as an ambassador for the club.
“I didn't believe something like this would happen to me. I've been with the organization for 50 years. I was supposed to be here only six months, 50 years later, I'm still here. I enjoy it more every day.”
Long after he has retired his glove and spikes, at age 72 Tony Oliva still dreams about his baseball career. Born in 1938 in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Oliva went on to achieve major league stardom after humble beginnings growing up on the farm. As a young man, Oliva simply desired to follow in the footsteps of the Cubans that preceded him and play baseball. He never thought he would have experienced this journey.
“I still dream about everything I achieved. I dream about my career, dream about playing baseball, meeting so many people, traveling so much,” Oliva said. “Coming from where I came from, a poor family working in the country, to being able to come here and meet so many wonderful people. I had a chance to touch so many people's lives, visiting churches, schools, hospitals, and retirement homes. I never dreamed this would happen. I didn't plan it this way, but this is the way the big chief wanted it.”
Just a few weeks ago, Oliva had another dream come true when the Minnesota Twins unveiled a statue of his likeness outside of Gate Six on opening day at Target Field.
“Can you believe that? It's in Gate #6, which was my number. I tell people, you never know, from the farm in Cuba to having a statue of you in front of the big league stadium. It’s unbelievable,” Oliva glowingly said during a recent appearance in New York City.
Returning to New York for the first time in many years brought back vivid memories of playing in the city for the eight-time All-Star.
“I love New York. I love to come here, to play here, the tradition here. I'll never forget my first home run here was over Mickey Mantle's head. The ball went inside the monuments,” Oliva recalled. “For me to come to New York, it was unique. There were so many Hispanic people here in New York. They used to come over in right field to say hello. Some would scream to me because I did good here in New York. It was nice to be a part of the history here and play in front of all of these people.”
Brought to legendary scout “Papa” Joe Cambria by Roberto Fernandez Tapanes in 1960, Oliva made the journey from Cuba through Mexico to the United States to make his debut with Class-D Wytheville of the Appalachian League in 1961. Oliva tore through the league, batting an astounding .410, and after hitting .350 at Class-A Charlotte the following season, he was summoned to the major leagues for a late September call-up. He played 15 seasons for the Twins, winning three batting titles in the American League in addition to his aforementioned eight All-Star appearances.
Now working as a special assistant for the team, 2011 marks the 50th year that Oliva has been involved in the Twins organization as a player, coach, and administrator. He is still amazed that he is with the same team he started with a half-century ago. He expressed gratitude for the Twins ownership of the opportunities that he has received.
“Mr. Griffith for me was part of the family, like a second father," he said. "He did something for me that I will never forget. When I finished playing as a regular, he called me in and told me, ‘I want you to be in the organization as long as you want. I want you to be my hitting coach. How much do you want to make?’” Griffth asked Oliva. “I knew how much the coaches were making; the coaches don't make nothing. I told him, 'Give me what you think is the right amount.'"
Oliva was more than satisfied with Griffith's response.
"He paid me well; he gave me twice what the coaches were making. I didn't have to ask or beg him for a job, he offered it to me. He told me I could work here as long as I wanted. I thought it was nice of him to call me in and give me almost a lifetime job.”
As one of the proud faces of the franchise, Oliva has embraced his role as an ambassador for the club.
“I didn't believe something like this would happen to me. I've been with the organization for 50 years. I was supposed to be here only six months, 50 years later, I'm still here. I enjoy it more every day.”
Friday, April 22, 2011
Former MLB players react to new pension deal for payment to non-vested retirees
The cups of coffee for many retired players just got a bit sweeter: Major League Baseball announced Thursday in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players Association an agreement to make annual payments to retired players who played before 1980 that did not have enough service time to qualify for a retirement benefit.
Since the 1980 season, all Major League players have vested as members of the benefit plan after just one day of service in the Major Leagues. Prior to 1980, players secured a pension benefit only after completing at least four years of Major League service. While these payments are not truly a pension for these retirees, it is income that will go a long way for many.
Author Doug Gladstone illuminated the plight of the 874 retirees that fell into the pension gap with his 2010 book “A Bitter Cup of Coffee.” In the book he details the struggle of the many veterans who have worked tirelessly to get the powers in baseball to change their stance on this issue of pension benefits. All of these alumni paid into the pension fund without receiving anything in return while MLB made record profits. All they wanted was a piece of what they helped to start.
“We don't live in a perfect world, and this is far from a perfect solution to this problem," Gladstone said in a release on Thursday. "What was announced today doesn't provide health insurance coverage, nor will any player's spouse or loved one receive a designated beneficiary payment after the man passes.”
While the arrangements may not be ideal for Gladstone, he does acknowledge that the men that he advocated for will be receiving payments for their service.
"However, I am elated that these men are at long last finally going to be compensated for their service and contributions to the national pastime. This was a wrong that should have been righted years ago.”
Steve Grilli, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays from 1975-1979 is one of the younger players included in this agreement. At the age of 61, he missed the full pension by one game. He was on the 40-man roster for the entire 1980 season with the Blue Jays. Unfortunately for Grilli, his phone never rang.
“I wasn’t getting rich playing ball," said Grilli during a phone interview Friday evening. "I drove a UPS truck in between seasons. I just wanted baseball to do the right thing. That’s been my mantra throughout all of this.
"I’m not going to say they did the right thing; they did something. I’m very sympathetic for the guys that passed on that didn’t get at shot at this. They’re making the gesture of giving us the same thing they gave the Negro Leaguers a few years back. It shows you they made a mistake. If they offered it to them, why wait all this time to do it for us?”
Grilli feels that this offer from MLB and the MLBPA is an appeal to get the retirees away from the bargaining table.
“There was a dam with a hole in it which was us; that was the problem," he said. "I think they just put their finger in it to hold it off and didn’t permanently fix it. I’m more appeased than satisfied. Let’s just give them this and they’ll go away. Should I die tomorrow, my wife isn’t going to get the small amount that I will be getting."
Alumni from the New York area teams that fell into this pension gap were pleased to hear that they will finally be compensated for their years of service. Former New York Yankee pitcher Johnny James, who pitched from 1958-1961, was excited to hear the news.
“About two months ago, Eli Grba had sent me an article from the Chicago papers that they were talking about it," James said from his Arizona home. "It's exciting to think about because it's just nice. I don't expect it to be a lot, but the fact that it is something, is very nice. I knew what the deal was when I played and the fact that I didn't play long enough wasn't Major League Baseball's fault, it was mine. I will admit when I saw the article, it gave me a good feeling.”
Former Brooklyn Dodger and New York Yankee pitcher Fred Kipp, whose ten year career yielded stints in the big leagues from 1957-1960, echoed similar sentiments.
“We can use it.," Kipp said. "I'm not destitute. I played about a year and a half in the majors and about 10 years in pro ball. I'm not bitter or anything. That was the rule, you had to have five years."
Fortunately for the 79-year-old Kipp, he had a construction business for 40 years that provided support for his family after baseball.
Playing for the New York Mets from 1973-1974, George “The Stork” Theodore was a favorite in many Queens households. Now living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Theodore shared his appreciation for the work that Gladstone performed to promote the cause.
“I know Doug Gladstone has been our greatest ally in this with his book A Bitter Cup of Coffee," Theodore said. "I think it is wonderful. Like I said, he's been fighting for us for quite a while and I know about four or five other players in the Utah area that are in the same boat as me. We're appreciative and it will be a nice help.”
With praise from players like Theodore, Gladstone is glad that his work did not fall on deaf ears.
“My sole purpose in writing this book was to do right by the boyhood heroes of my youth, who gave me numerous hours of enjoyment and pleasure while growing up. If in some small way my book helped bring this issue to light, I couldn't be more pleased."
Since the 1980 season, all Major League players have vested as members of the benefit plan after just one day of service in the Major Leagues. Prior to 1980, players secured a pension benefit only after completing at least four years of Major League service. While these payments are not truly a pension for these retirees, it is income that will go a long way for many.
Author Doug Gladstone illuminated the plight of the 874 retirees that fell into the pension gap with his 2010 book “A Bitter Cup of Coffee.” In the book he details the struggle of the many veterans who have worked tirelessly to get the powers in baseball to change their stance on this issue of pension benefits. All of these alumni paid into the pension fund without receiving anything in return while MLB made record profits. All they wanted was a piece of what they helped to start.
“We don't live in a perfect world, and this is far from a perfect solution to this problem," Gladstone said in a release on Thursday. "What was announced today doesn't provide health insurance coverage, nor will any player's spouse or loved one receive a designated beneficiary payment after the man passes.”
While the arrangements may not be ideal for Gladstone, he does acknowledge that the men that he advocated for will be receiving payments for their service.
"However, I am elated that these men are at long last finally going to be compensated for their service and contributions to the national pastime. This was a wrong that should have been righted years ago.”
 |
| Steve Grilli / Youtube |
Steve Grilli, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays from 1975-1979 is one of the younger players included in this agreement. At the age of 61, he missed the full pension by one game. He was on the 40-man roster for the entire 1980 season with the Blue Jays. Unfortunately for Grilli, his phone never rang.
“I wasn’t getting rich playing ball," said Grilli during a phone interview Friday evening. "I drove a UPS truck in between seasons. I just wanted baseball to do the right thing. That’s been my mantra throughout all of this.
"I’m not going to say they did the right thing; they did something. I’m very sympathetic for the guys that passed on that didn’t get at shot at this. They’re making the gesture of giving us the same thing they gave the Negro Leaguers a few years back. It shows you they made a mistake. If they offered it to them, why wait all this time to do it for us?”
Grilli feels that this offer from MLB and the MLBPA is an appeal to get the retirees away from the bargaining table.
“There was a dam with a hole in it which was us; that was the problem," he said. "I think they just put their finger in it to hold it off and didn’t permanently fix it. I’m more appeased than satisfied. Let’s just give them this and they’ll go away. Should I die tomorrow, my wife isn’t going to get the small amount that I will be getting."
Alumni from the New York area teams that fell into this pension gap were pleased to hear that they will finally be compensated for their years of service. Former New York Yankee pitcher Johnny James, who pitched from 1958-1961, was excited to hear the news.
“About two months ago, Eli Grba had sent me an article from the Chicago papers that they were talking about it," James said from his Arizona home. "It's exciting to think about because it's just nice. I don't expect it to be a lot, but the fact that it is something, is very nice. I knew what the deal was when I played and the fact that I didn't play long enough wasn't Major League Baseball's fault, it was mine. I will admit when I saw the article, it gave me a good feeling.”
Former Brooklyn Dodger and New York Yankee pitcher Fred Kipp, whose ten year career yielded stints in the big leagues from 1957-1960, echoed similar sentiments.
“We can use it.," Kipp said. "I'm not destitute. I played about a year and a half in the majors and about 10 years in pro ball. I'm not bitter or anything. That was the rule, you had to have five years."
Fortunately for the 79-year-old Kipp, he had a construction business for 40 years that provided support for his family after baseball.
Playing for the New York Mets from 1973-1974, George “The Stork” Theodore was a favorite in many Queens households. Now living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Theodore shared his appreciation for the work that Gladstone performed to promote the cause.
“I know Doug Gladstone has been our greatest ally in this with his book A Bitter Cup of Coffee," Theodore said. "I think it is wonderful. Like I said, he's been fighting for us for quite a while and I know about four or five other players in the Utah area that are in the same boat as me. We're appreciative and it will be a nice help.”
With praise from players like Theodore, Gladstone is glad that his work did not fall on deaf ears.
“My sole purpose in writing this book was to do right by the boyhood heroes of my youth, who gave me numerous hours of enjoyment and pleasure while growing up. If in some small way my book helped bring this issue to light, I couldn't be more pleased."
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Follow Baseball Happenings on Twtitter
Now you can follow the writings of Baseball Happenings as well as my other site for Examiner.com via Twitter. Click on the link on this page or on the right menu bar to follow on Twitter. I hope that this will increase the level of interactivity on this site between the readers and myself.
So long Brad Emaus
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| Brad Emaus / Xyku / Flickr |
Emaus looked overmatched by major league pitching, batting a lithe .162 during his tenure. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson justified Emaus' brief trial in Flushing. "We just decided that based on what we'd seen in spring training and what we'd seen so far this season, that we'd given it enough time."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Stanley Glenn, 84, Negro League catcher and president
Stanley "Doc" Glenn, a catcher with the Philadelphia Stars of the Negro Leagues died Saturday, April 16, 2011 due to natural causes at his home in Yeadon, Pennsylvania. He was 84.
Born Sept 19, 1926 in Wachatreague, VA, Glenn was a star at John Bartram High School in Philadelphia where he quickly drew the attention of the Stars Hall of Fame player / manager Oscar Charleston. Charleston signed him off of the sandlots in 1944 shortly after graduating from high school. Within a week of graduating, he was making $175 per month playing in the Negro Leagues.
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| Stanley Glenn (r.) at 2007 Judy Johnson Night / N. Diunte |
."
His career, like many ballplayers at the time, was interrupted by World War II. He served as a technician in the Army Medical Corps during from September 1945 through November 1946, taking time off to play with the Stars when the opportunity presented itself. Upon his return from military service, he earned the nickname "Doc" for his physical therapy work performed during the war.
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| Glenn as a member of the Philly Stars |
Glenn's Hartford teammate Gene Conley, who would go on to win championships in both MLB (Milwaukee Braves) and the NBA (Boston Celtics), was in his first year in pro ball when he pitched a game with Glenn as his catcher. Conley's performance that night was reminiscent of another lanky Negro League hurler.
"Stanley was my catcher the first season I played in A-ball," Conley recalled in a 2008 interview. "I liked him. I pitched a lot to him. I won my 20th game against Wilkes Barre. He was behind the plate when they gave me a night in Hartford. It was Gene Conley night. I pitched a shutout and beat Wilkes Barre 2-0 that night. After the last out, Stanley comes running out to the mound. Remember Podres jumping into Campanella's arms? He jumped up on me and said, 'I love you like a brother. You reminded me of Satch tonight!' He used to catch ol' Satch. I'll never forget that. It was a warm feeling. It was a good thing that he did; it made me feel good. The whole thing was nice. It was my 20th win, they gave me a night, and Stanley came out there and grabbed me. I tell people my first catcher told me I reminded him of Satchel Paige!"
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| Stanley Glenn Negro League Art Card / Author's Collection |
Glenn was ceremoniously given his first baseball card by the Topps Company in 2007, when he was included in their Allen and Ginter set. His inclusion in the set opened up his career to a new generation of fans and collectors alike. He received a tremendous amount of fan mail after the printing of the card with requests for his signature and information on his career.
Mr. Glenn often appeared at the Delaware Blue Rocks annual Judy Johnson Tribute Night, where he graciously signed autographs and spoke about the history of Negro League baseball for many hours throughout the ballgame, often giving fans his home phone number to contact him with their questions. He was honored by the club in 2008 with special artwork bearing his image that was given to fans entering the stadium that evening. His passing dims another beacon that was able to illuminate the rich history of the Negro Leagues.
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| 2010 Judy Johnson Tribute Night |
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Eddie Joost, 94, last manager of the Philadelphia Athletics dies
Two-time All-Star shortstop and the last manager of the Philadelphia Athletics franchise Eddie Joost passed away Tuesday in Fair Oaks, CA. He was 94.
Joost began his major league career in 1936 with the Cincinnati Reds after starting only three seasons prior with the San Francisco Missions of the Pacific Coast League. Quickly disregarded by manager Charlie Dressen, who said Joost, "will never be a major league player," he became the starting second baseman for the Reds when they won the World Series in 1940.
After his World Series victory, his career was derailed as he committed 45 errors at shortstop for the next two consecutive seasons. Joost was jettisoned to the Boston Braves in 1943 where he hit .185 in 496 at-bats. He skipped the 1944 season to work for a meat packer that was an essential service to the war efforts. Returning to Boston in 1945 rested and refreshed, Joost was off to a strong start when his wrist was broken by Billy Jurges sliding into second base.
The Braves suspended Joost after they claimed he deserted the club once they let him go home following his injury. With his career stalled on the suspended list, Joost thought his days were over. Rescued by the Rochester Red Wings of the AAA International League, Joost flourished. In 1946, he had career highs in home runs and RBIs. This tremendous showing piqued the interest of the legendary Connie Mack.
The 84-year-old Mack was looking for a shortstop after a dismal finish to the 1946 season. When Mack contacted Joost, he reassured the veteran that he wasn't concerned with his rocky past.
"You can play. That's all I care about," Mack said.
Nineteen-forty-seven began a eight-year stay with the Athletics where Joost earned MVP considerations five times along with two All-Star selections. Between 1947 and 1952, Joost slugged 109 home runs, while walking over 100 times in each of the six seasons.
At the end of the 1953 season with Joost now 37 and the Athletics in financial disarray, he was offered the position of player-manager in a cost-cutting move. Once again, Joost was unsure of his abilities. New to managing, Joost expressed his concerns to Mr. Mack. Mack reassured his faith in Joost.
"You've been a great player for me," Mack said. "I know you'll do well."
The Athletics, who had only one starter that hit over .300 that season, finished in last place in the American League with 103 losses. When the Athletics moved to Kansas City following the 1954 season, Joost was not asked to go west with the team.
Seeking a large bonus to continue his career, Joost signed with the Boston Red Sox for $10,000 in 1955. Joost suffered a broken hand early in the season and never effectively recovered to regain his old form. He briefly managed in the Red Sox farm system the following season with the San Francisco Seals, but quit the team quickly when he was turned off by the individualistic nature of their young bonus players.
"They were all individual players, all great, but we kept losing. I quit, and walked away from baseball," Joost said.
After his baseball career had ended, Joost moved to Hawaii, where he worked for Wilson Sporting Goods before retiring. I had the opportunity to meet Joost in 2008 (pictured above) at the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society Museum. Joost was a frequent supporter of the society and at the time was extremely lucid and pleasant. I was impressed by the vigor and firm handshake he displayed at the age of 92 that represented a man much younger than his years. It was this youthful spirit he exuded that kept him going much longer when many others would have perished.
More Info -
Big-leaguer Eddie Joost dies at 94 - SFGate.com
Eddie Joost recalls how Connie Mack revived his big league career - Baseball Digest
Baseball History Podcast: Eddie Joost - Baseball History Podcast
Joost began his major league career in 1936 with the Cincinnati Reds after starting only three seasons prior with the San Francisco Missions of the Pacific Coast League. Quickly disregarded by manager Charlie Dressen, who said Joost, "will never be a major league player," he became the starting second baseman for the Reds when they won the World Series in 1940.
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| Eddie Joost with the author @ Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society 8/2008 |
The Braves suspended Joost after they claimed he deserted the club once they let him go home following his injury. With his career stalled on the suspended list, Joost thought his days were over. Rescued by the Rochester Red Wings of the AAA International League, Joost flourished. In 1946, he had career highs in home runs and RBIs. This tremendous showing piqued the interest of the legendary Connie Mack.
The 84-year-old Mack was looking for a shortstop after a dismal finish to the 1946 season. When Mack contacted Joost, he reassured the veteran that he wasn't concerned with his rocky past.
"You can play. That's all I care about," Mack said.
Nineteen-forty-seven began a eight-year stay with the Athletics where Joost earned MVP considerations five times along with two All-Star selections. Between 1947 and 1952, Joost slugged 109 home runs, while walking over 100 times in each of the six seasons.
At the end of the 1953 season with Joost now 37 and the Athletics in financial disarray, he was offered the position of player-manager in a cost-cutting move. Once again, Joost was unsure of his abilities. New to managing, Joost expressed his concerns to Mr. Mack. Mack reassured his faith in Joost.
"You've been a great player for me," Mack said. "I know you'll do well."
The Athletics, who had only one starter that hit over .300 that season, finished in last place in the American League with 103 losses. When the Athletics moved to Kansas City following the 1954 season, Joost was not asked to go west with the team.
Seeking a large bonus to continue his career, Joost signed with the Boston Red Sox for $10,000 in 1955. Joost suffered a broken hand early in the season and never effectively recovered to regain his old form. He briefly managed in the Red Sox farm system the following season with the San Francisco Seals, but quit the team quickly when he was turned off by the individualistic nature of their young bonus players.
"They were all individual players, all great, but we kept losing. I quit, and walked away from baseball," Joost said.
After his baseball career had ended, Joost moved to Hawaii, where he worked for Wilson Sporting Goods before retiring. I had the opportunity to meet Joost in 2008 (pictured above) at the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society Museum. Joost was a frequent supporter of the society and at the time was extremely lucid and pleasant. I was impressed by the vigor and firm handshake he displayed at the age of 92 that represented a man much younger than his years. It was this youthful spirit he exuded that kept him going much longer when many others would have perished.
More Info -
Big-leaguer Eddie Joost dies at 94 - SFGate.com
Eddie Joost recalls how Connie Mack revived his big league career - Baseball Digest
Baseball History Podcast: Eddie Joost - Baseball History Podcast
Monday, April 11, 2011
Eddie Robinson: "Lucky Me: My Sixty-Five Years in Baseball"
Anyone who is involved in the game of professional baseball for sixty-five years is more than lucky; they’re blessed. Eddie Robinson, now 90, recounts his lengthy career as a player, coach and executive in his autobiography, “Lucky Me: My Sixty-Five Years in Baseball
,” which is currently available via SMU Press.
Robinson, along with help from co-author C. Paul Rogers III, speaks eloquently about his six-plus decades in baseball. Growing up in Paris, TX, Robinson had his start from humble beginnings in the farming community during the Great Depression. Signed into professional ball in 1939, he began a career that saw Robinson make stops with seven different American League ball clubs from 1942-1957, as well as three years of World War II Service that almost stopped his playing days dead in its tracks.
Recovering from a botched surgery to remove a bone tumor during World War II, Robinson endured a long and hard road to return to baseball in 1946. Not only did Robinson come back, he excelled. Robinson had a banner year that season, winning the MVP of the Triple-A International League, beating out an upstart Jackie Robinson, who was on his quest to make baseball history. This wouldn’t be the first time that the Indians farmhand would have a brush with baseball’s integration, as he was involved in some controversy surrounding the debut of Larry Doby the following season.
Robinson was the only right-handed first baseman on the club, and was asked to defer to Doby by lending the rookie his glove to play the position. Only days before, manager Lou Boudreau has assured Robinson that he was the team’s primary first baseman. A flummoxed Robinson threatened to quit after lending Doby his glove; however, he explained his reasoning was not due to Doby’s race.
“I threatened to quit because of my anger at Boudreau, not because he was a black guy coming in,” he said.
After winning the World Series with the Indians in 1948, he was traded to the Washington Senators for Mickey Vernon. This would begin the merry-go-round that would see him visit seven teams in the next nine seasons. It is through these travels where the book takes shape.
Robinson adds colorful tidbits about his career at the end of extra chapter entitled, “Extra Innings,” which are anecdotes that enliven the stories of his career. Through his play with seven different franchises, Robinson details many innings that illustrate the depth of his career. Robinson has a story for seemingly every “name” player from the 1940s and 1950s and tells them in a manner that keeps the pages turning.
For the New York fans, Robinson expertly details his time as a member of the New York Yankees from 1954-56, where he helped man first base under Casey Stengel’s platoon. Robinson would later return to the Yankees in the early 1980s as a scout.
While not a Hall of Famer, Robinson merits a lot of credit for his long relationship with the national pastime. Whether it was as a player, coach or executive, Robinson put his best foot forward and reaped the rewards of a long-time association with the sport. “Lucky Me,” allows the reader to ride along with Robinson through his sixty years in baseball, taking in the scenery every stop of the way.
,” which is currently available via SMU Press. |
| Eddie Robinson - Lucky Me / SMU Press |
Recovering from a botched surgery to remove a bone tumor during World War II, Robinson endured a long and hard road to return to baseball in 1946. Not only did Robinson come back, he excelled. Robinson had a banner year that season, winning the MVP of the Triple-A International League, beating out an upstart Jackie Robinson, who was on his quest to make baseball history. This wouldn’t be the first time that the Indians farmhand would have a brush with baseball’s integration, as he was involved in some controversy surrounding the debut of Larry Doby the following season.
Robinson was the only right-handed first baseman on the club, and was asked to defer to Doby by lending the rookie his glove to play the position. Only days before, manager Lou Boudreau has assured Robinson that he was the team’s primary first baseman. A flummoxed Robinson threatened to quit after lending Doby his glove; however, he explained his reasoning was not due to Doby’s race.
“I threatened to quit because of my anger at Boudreau, not because he was a black guy coming in,” he said.
After winning the World Series with the Indians in 1948, he was traded to the Washington Senators for Mickey Vernon. This would begin the merry-go-round that would see him visit seven teams in the next nine seasons. It is through these travels where the book takes shape.
Robinson adds colorful tidbits about his career at the end of extra chapter entitled, “Extra Innings,” which are anecdotes that enliven the stories of his career. Through his play with seven different franchises, Robinson details many innings that illustrate the depth of his career. Robinson has a story for seemingly every “name” player from the 1940s and 1950s and tells them in a manner that keeps the pages turning.
For the New York fans, Robinson expertly details his time as a member of the New York Yankees from 1954-56, where he helped man first base under Casey Stengel’s platoon. Robinson would later return to the Yankees in the early 1980s as a scout.
While not a Hall of Famer, Robinson merits a lot of credit for his long relationship with the national pastime. Whether it was as a player, coach or executive, Robinson put his best foot forward and reaped the rewards of a long-time association with the sport. “Lucky Me,” allows the reader to ride along with Robinson through his sixty years in baseball, taking in the scenery every stop of the way.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Bill White | The Making Behind His Book 'Uppity'
Former New York Yankees broadcaster Bill White made an appearance this Saturday at Bookends in Ridgewood, New Jersey to promote his memoir, Uppity: My Untold Story of the Games People Play. Legions of Yankee fans are familiar with White only from his work in the broadcast booth alongside Phil Rizzuto; however, White was a pioneer in baseball, a member of a select group of African-American players to debut in the 1950s. He endured racial taunts and the laws of Jim Crow segregation to achieve a celebrated 13-year major league career with the Giants, Cardinals, and Phillies.
White attempted to redirect all of the negativity he faced from the fans and the opposition into his output on the field. He explained how he turned the racial epithets hurled at him as the only African-American player in the Carolina League in 1953 into fuel against the opposing pitchers.
"I was the lone African-American in the entire league," White recalled. "We played in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham. All of the teams were in the South. After I got down there and I figured out what I was going through, I'd rather I played someplace else, but I stayed there, overcame that, and it made me play harder. I hit almost .300 and drove in close to 100 runs. I think that what I went through, back to what my mother and grandmother taught me, it helped me do better. I took it out on the baseball."
Between 1956 and 1969, White was named to the All-Star team five times, won six Gold Gloves and a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. White then spent 18 seasons doing commentary for Yankees games from 1971-1988 before being named President of the National League in 1989. At the time, White was the highest ranking African-American in professional sports.
After his five-year tenure presiding over the National League, White washed his hands with baseball after a 40-year career as a player, broadcaster and executive. He became a recluse, staying far away from the spotlight of the media. Asked if he currently follows the major leagues, he responded with a resounding, “No.” So at 77, then why did he choose such a public display of his career?
"I think that there are a lot of young kids, not necessarily minorities that gotta realize they can do whatever they want to do if they work hard enough," he said. "It doesn't make much difference where you come from. I grew up in the South in a steel mill town. I took advantage of whatever opportunities were given to me. I had parents who said, ‘Hey you're going to get an education, you are somebody, you've gotta work twice as hard as the people you are competing with to be successful, so go out and do it.’ That's the way I've worked all my life and the way I've done things all my life. That’s why I wrote the book."
White’s title Uppity, which represented the then-white view of the educated, high-achieving blacks, stemmed from a comment he heard from Giants’ executive Chub Feeney.
"When I came out of the Army, two years later Orlando Cepeda was Rookie of the Year," he recalled. "Right behind him was Willie McCovey. I said to management, ‘Find me some place to play,’ and the GM said, 'Bill, you're too uppity.'"
At that time, the executives did not care for players giving them orders to be traded, especially from those that were black. White later received his wish, being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. It is there where his career flourished, beginning a string of five All-Star appearances in six seasons.
White, who spends much of his time traveling in his mobile home, reflected on the return to where his big league career began in 1956. It was an awe struck experience that has stayed close to him for over 50 years.
"Like any other young player, I was star struck playing with guys like Willie Mays and Alvin Dark," he said. "I lived right above the Polo Grounds and I walked to work. As a kid coming from a small town, I didn't really get a chance to see the great things in New York, the Statue of Liberty, plays, and museums. I didn't get a chance to see those things and I missed them."
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| Bill White signing copies of his book Uppity / N. Diunte |
White attempted to redirect all of the negativity he faced from the fans and the opposition into his output on the field. He explained how he turned the racial epithets hurled at him as the only African-American player in the Carolina League in 1953 into fuel against the opposing pitchers.
"I was the lone African-American in the entire league," White recalled. "We played in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham. All of the teams were in the South. After I got down there and I figured out what I was going through, I'd rather I played someplace else, but I stayed there, overcame that, and it made me play harder. I hit almost .300 and drove in close to 100 runs. I think that what I went through, back to what my mother and grandmother taught me, it helped me do better. I took it out on the baseball."
Between 1956 and 1969, White was named to the All-Star team five times, won six Gold Gloves and a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. White then spent 18 seasons doing commentary for Yankees games from 1971-1988 before being named President of the National League in 1989. At the time, White was the highest ranking African-American in professional sports.
After his five-year tenure presiding over the National League, White washed his hands with baseball after a 40-year career as a player, broadcaster and executive. He became a recluse, staying far away from the spotlight of the media. Asked if he currently follows the major leagues, he responded with a resounding, “No.” So at 77, then why did he choose such a public display of his career?
"I think that there are a lot of young kids, not necessarily minorities that gotta realize they can do whatever they want to do if they work hard enough," he said. "It doesn't make much difference where you come from. I grew up in the South in a steel mill town. I took advantage of whatever opportunities were given to me. I had parents who said, ‘Hey you're going to get an education, you are somebody, you've gotta work twice as hard as the people you are competing with to be successful, so go out and do it.’ That's the way I've worked all my life and the way I've done things all my life. That’s why I wrote the book."
White’s title Uppity, which represented the then-white view of the educated, high-achieving blacks, stemmed from a comment he heard from Giants’ executive Chub Feeney.
"When I came out of the Army, two years later Orlando Cepeda was Rookie of the Year," he recalled. "Right behind him was Willie McCovey. I said to management, ‘Find me some place to play,’ and the GM said, 'Bill, you're too uppity.'"
At that time, the executives did not care for players giving them orders to be traded, especially from those that were black. White later received his wish, being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. It is there where his career flourished, beginning a string of five All-Star appearances in six seasons.
White, who spends much of his time traveling in his mobile home, reflected on the return to where his big league career began in 1956. It was an awe struck experience that has stayed close to him for over 50 years.
"Like any other young player, I was star struck playing with guys like Willie Mays and Alvin Dark," he said. "I lived right above the Polo Grounds and I walked to work. As a kid coming from a small town, I didn't really get a chance to see the great things in New York, the Statue of Liberty, plays, and museums. I didn't get a chance to see those things and I missed them."
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Brad Emaus and the history of the Mets Rule 5 draft
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| Brad Emaus |
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Spook Jacobs: 'He's worth $30,000 in the minor leagues!'
Former Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey scoffed at the possibility of losing fomer farmhand Spook Jacobs to another franchise. Jacobs was signed by the Dodgers in 1946 and quickly ascended the ranks of Brooklyn’s farm system, moving from Class-D Thomasville to Class-AA Mobile by 1949. After batting .304 for Mobile in 1950, the White Sox made a run for Jacobs.
The recently deceased Jacobs discussed in a 2009 interview how Rickey would not sell Jacobs to the White Sox even though he was blocked at the major league level by Jackie Robinson.
“If you are behind Jackie Robinson, you don’t have much of a chance,” Jacobs lamented. “We had 28 farm teams; that’s 28 other second baseman and with two in the big leagues, that’s 30 second baseman. You don’t have much of a chance when they won’t let you go and you have to stay. The White Sox offered $30,000 for me and Branch Rickey said, ‘He’s worth that much in the minor leagues!’ Unbelievable!”
Bound by the reserve clause, there wasn’t much Jacobs could do except continue to play hard and hope for an injury at the big league level or a trade. After the 1953 season, the Dodgers left Jacobs unprotected and the Philadelphia A’s drafted him in what we now know as the Rule 5 draft. Jacobs started at second base for A’s the entire 1954 season, and continued with them for parts of the 1955 and 1956 seasons before being traded during the 1956 season to Pittsburgh where he appeared with them for 11 games. He finished with a career .247 batting average in 188 games played.
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| Spook Jacobs / 1955 Topps |
“If you are behind Jackie Robinson, you don’t have much of a chance,” Jacobs lamented. “We had 28 farm teams; that’s 28 other second baseman and with two in the big leagues, that’s 30 second baseman. You don’t have much of a chance when they won’t let you go and you have to stay. The White Sox offered $30,000 for me and Branch Rickey said, ‘He’s worth that much in the minor leagues!’ Unbelievable!”
Bound by the reserve clause, there wasn’t much Jacobs could do except continue to play hard and hope for an injury at the big league level or a trade. After the 1953 season, the Dodgers left Jacobs unprotected and the Philadelphia A’s drafted him in what we now know as the Rule 5 draft. Jacobs started at second base for A’s the entire 1954 season, and continued with them for parts of the 1955 and 1956 seasons before being traded during the 1956 season to Pittsburgh where he appeared with them for 11 games. He finished with a career .247 batting average in 188 games played.
Marty Marion, former National League MVP, dies at 93
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| Marty Marion |
At 6'2" in height, Marion revolutionized the shortstop position when it was known primarily as a place for short and speedy defenders. His range and soft hands were his trademark, helping to pave the way for other tall shortstops such as Cal Ripken Jr., Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
Marion was voted MVP of the National League in 1944, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series pennant. He would play 11 seasons for the Cardinals from 1940-50 and then two additional seasons as a player-manager for the St. Louis Browns from 1952-53.
As a manger, Marion managed the Cardinals in 1951 and then replaced Rogers Hornsby as manager of the Browns in 1952. He took over the reigns of the Chicago White Sox ballclub late in the 1954 season and managed them through the end of the 1956 season.
Marion received as high of 40% of the Hall of Fame vote when he was eligible. In later years, he received support from the Veterans Committee. Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda put Marion in the same class as two other Hall of Fame shortstops, stating, "He was an outstanding shortstop for the Cardinals on the same level as Phil Rizzuto and Pee Wee Reese."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Bill Deck's Negro Leagues Journey With The Philadelphia Stars Before WWII
About two weeks ago, I reported on the death of one of the oldest living alums from the Negro Leagues, former Philadelphia Stars pitcher Bill Deck. Deck died in Philadelphia at the age of 95 after an extended stay in a nursing home.
In November 2007 on a Friday afternoon after a long day of teaching, I decided to drive to Mr. Deck's home in North Philadelphia to see if he would be willing to talk about his baseball career. After a few knocks on the door, a tall, lithe man with a baritone voice appeared. He briefly questioned my purpose for the visit; when I told him what I was there for, he graciously invited me inside.
I understood his initial skepticism as there was a horrific shooting of a cop the day prior about two blocks away at a nearby gas station. After entering, we spent close to two hours discussing his career in baseball, his World War II service, and his life after baseball. Upon discovering the news of his passing, I decided it was best to share visions of the career of another Negro Leaguer who has taken his stories to eternal rest.
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| Bill Deck - Philadelphia Stars |
Falling In Love With The Game
Deck became enamored with the national pastime after moving to Darby, PA from North Carolina at the age of ten.
“That’s when I became wrapped up in baseball," he said. "I would go to the games every day. We were what you would call ball chasers. We would get the foul balls and bring them back in. That was the good part.”
A few years later, his family migrated across the Delaware County border into Southwest Philadelphia. It was there where he began playing baseball.
“I started playing ball when I was 13 years old,” he said. “We had moved to Southwest Philadelphia from Darby. They had a little team there, it was a mixed team, black and white. I was the only black on the team. When it came time to play against the other teams in our age group, they wouldn’t let me play. They said I was too good. I only played for special occasions, so I played with kids older than myself.”
A major opportunity arose when the family moved back to Darby. His neighbor was Ed Bolden, who was the owner of the Hilldale Daises (who would later own the Philadelphia Stars).
“I had access to every game that came there," he said. "It taught you the basics of baseball, you learned everything. We had a kids team in Darby, and they would allow us to play like on a Monday, because the big time baseball was on the weekends. They would allow us to play in the park, provided we cut the grass and to put the lines down. I learned more about that than the players did. You learned how to put down a pitcher's mound, the batters box, etc. You learned a lot by just being around.”
Watching Legends Play
His memories of watching the legends play in Hilldale Park were vivid. His lauded the merits of shortstop Dick Lundy, who many feel belongs in the Hall of Fame.
“There was a player with the Bacharach Giants, this was when I was still young," he said. "I used to watch him, he was a shortstop, Dick Lundy. He was the best shortstop I’ve ever seen. He was so smooth. He made hard plays look easy. His rival, Jake Stephens, played for Hilldale. I used to compare the two of them. Jake Stevens was a good shortstop. He’d make an easy play look hard, kicking up dust and everything, but Dick Lundy was the opposite. He made hard plays look easy.”
Deck also had the pleasure of watching Hall of Famer Judy Johnson operate on an up close and personal basis with the Hilldale team. While many are quick to sing the praises of Brooks Robinson and fellow Negro Leaguer Ray Dandridge as the best at the hot corner, Deck offered up the Delaware native.
“I’d rate him the number one against anybody," he said. "He was actually that good. Nothing got past him. Being a kid, I was around 13-14 years old watching guys like that play; just to have a catch with him was the highlight of your life.”
Breaking Into The Negro Leagues With The Philadelphia Stars
As Deck spent more time around Bolden's squad, the more he learned and matured as a player. He eventually had his shot with the Philadelphia Stars in 1939. Deck described how he made his way into the Negro Leagues.
“They way you made your way in, people would notice you playing," he noted. "I was a pitcher. Hilldale had a pitcher, Red Ryan. He taught me how to throw the curveball. I perfected it so good, it drew everyone’s attention. As I grew older, I developed a few pitches and that’s when they gave me a chance to play.”
The person that opened the door for him was his former neighbor, Bolden.
“Ed Bolden wrote me a letter, and asked me if I would come to talk to him. And that’s how I got started.”
While his stay with the Stars was brief, he most memorable moment came during a stop in Iowa.
“The best game I ever pitched was on a Tuesday night," Deck recalled. "We had played in Chicago, and we stopped in Des Moines, IA. We had a night game. I didn’t start the game. We were playing the St. Louis Stars, one of the big teams out West. In the 3rd inning, the manager came in and asked me, 'Could you come in and stop these guys from hitting?' I said, 'I just pitched Sunday, what are you talking about, that’s only two days rest!' He told me, 'They’re making us look like chumps.' I replied, 'Ok, I’ll give it a shot. I don’t know how long I’ll last, ‘cause you know I just pitched Sunday.' Anyway, it was very warm that night, and I guess that’s what did it. From the 3rd inning to the 9th inning, I didn’t give up a hit. It was the greatest moment of my life. It was in the papers. There were big write-ups in the Des Moines paper the next morning. I went to the restaurant the next day and the people asked, 'Are you the guy who pitched last night?' It was quite a crowd at the game, so I said 'Yeah, it was me.'”
Deck found his manager Jud Wilson to be very difficult to deal with. Wilson was a grizzled veteran who was known for his short fuse. He knew his days were numbered with Wilson at the helm.
“The manager of the team was Jud Wilson," he said. "He was a great third baseman. He was very hard to get along with. He didn’t like me at all I don’t think. In those days, the jobs were hard to come by. A rookie coming in, they were very choosy about who they wanted to play with them. If I come in, they’ve gotta move one of the old-timers. All of a sudden, here comes this kid to take his place. Anyway, that’s when he said, 'I’m going to send you down to the Bacharach Giants.'”
Playing With The Bacharach Giants
He continued to play until 1950, playing for the lesser known all-black semi-pro teams.
“I played for the Bacharach Giants and the [Philadelphia] Stars from 1939-1942," he said. "We played all up and down the East Coast. We’d go up to Connecticut and play. I got married in between. You had to have a job to boost the money up. We’d play in New Haven, come down the coast, play different teams. Around 1950, I finally stopped. I didn’t have that high hard one anymore. I played a little semi-pro after that. When I came out of the service, we moved to a little place called Lamont. I played with them in the Suburban League, to show them how to play ball. They’ve seen it [baseball], but they didn’t understand it.”
Serving As a Black Marine During World War II
His playing career was interrupted by his military service in World War II. Deck discussed how he was part of one of the pioneering Marine units in the service.
“I was one of the first black Marines in 1942," he said. "When they opened up the Marine Corp for Black Marines, I went to sign up in 1942 and became a Marine in 1943. It was separate. You could go in the Marines. They took three black guys from Germantown in the Marines. We were segregated right then. We had a different training camp. We went to Camp LeJune, and that’s where we took boot camp training.”
After returning from World War II, Deck moved to Lamont, PA. It was there where he was visited by another pioneer, Jackie Robinson.
“There was much buzz going on after Jackie Robinson,” he said. “Jackie came to visit us in Lamont and explained to us about baseball. One of the fellows that lived up there knew someone who knew Jackie Robinson and he asked if Jackie could come to speak to us. That was in 1947.”
He also sensed that Robinson's breaking of the color line spelled the end for Negro League baseball.
“I knew that would break the Negro Leagues down. Everyone from kids on up they were thriving to go into the majors, black and whites. That little team we started in Lamont, a lot of those kids, the big leagues would look at them, send scouts out, and send them to farm clubs.”
Life After Baseball
After baseball, Deck went into the field of masonry, which he attributed to his longevity.
“[After baseball] I took up bricklaying," he said. "I put in 25 years. When I got married, I bought a farm in Wildwood, NJ. I bought that place in 1952. We kept it until 1993. We’d go out there and spend time on the shore, Rio Grande, NJ. It was getting too much for me to keep the place looking decent. My wife told me to sell it, and we went back to Philadelphia. After that I’ve just been retired.”
At the time of the interview, the 92-year-old Deck still felt that he could get around pretty well.
“I like to go around places,” he said. “I had to stop driving. That’s a drawback. I’m going back to the doctors to see if they can help my eyes to see if I can get licensed again. My doctor told me physically I am in good enough shape. The years of bricklaying helped.”
In the mid 1990s, Deck ran into a familiar face while visiting a museum in downtown Philadelphia. He couldn't believe what he saw.
“I went down the museum once, down at 7th and Arch, the Negro Museum," he said. "I saw this big picture on the wall, I said, 'That’s a picture taken at Parkside in 1939.' This lady that ran the museum at the time, she told me to come into her office, she wanted to talk to me. She asked me a lot of questions, almost like you are doing. I told her, 'On this picture there, that’s me right there! She asked, 'Do you mind if we keep this?' I said, 'Sure.' I had seen this picture before, but I hadn’t noticed it this closely. They enlarged it and had it hanging up. A few guys I knew down there said, 'Deck, do you know they have your picture hanging at the museum?' This was about ten years ago. I remember when that picture was taken. Right away, it brought my mind back to 1939.”
Long after Deck threw his final pitch, he admitted that baseball had never left him.
“You get it in your blood and it stays there forever," he said. "I watch spring training when they televise it. I followed baseball all of these years. I’ll turn away something else to get to a baseball game. And you almost know what’s going to happen. It’s instinct or something.”
Only later in his life did Deck gain some fanfare for his accomplishments almost 60 years prior.
“Lately, I get a lot of mail," he said. "I never would have believed it. When it first started, they used to send us letters from Buck O’Neil. They used to send us a check twice a year. All of the black players, the ones that were living, but they stopped that.”
When asked about how he wanted to be remembered, Deck was humbled by the thought of it.
“I just want to be remembered as being out there trying to play. The thought of being remembered means a lot.”
Monday, March 7, 2011
Duke Snider's Philadelphia grab eclipsed that of Willie Mays in the World Series
Duke Snider made an award winning grab on Memorial Day in 1954 that still stands as the best ever, yes, even better than Willie Mays' grab in the 1954 World Series. The catch is one of many highlights detailed in Jason Aronoff's "Going, Going ... Caught!: Baseball's Great Outfield Catches as Described by Those Who Saw Them, 1887-1964
" In baseball circles, one just has to say “The Catch” and immediately visions of Willie Mays racing towards the depths of the Polo Grounds appear. While many regard Mays tracking down Vic Wertz’s smash as the best ever, some witnesses argued Mays’ catch wasn’t even the best one that year! The recently deceased Duke Snider made a snag on Memorial Day earlier that year that easily rivaled, if not surpassed Mays’ highlight in New York.
The Brooklyn Dodgers were facing the Philadelphia Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia on May 31, 1954. Entrenched in a 12-inning battle, Phillies third baseman Willie “Puddin Head” Jones stepped to the plate against Clem Labine. Jones laced a screaming shot towards the left-center field gap that forced Snider into an all-out sprint towards the wood-faced concrete wall. Snider miraculously managed to dig his foot into the wall and propelled himself seemingly higher to reach out over his head and across his body to make a spinning backhanded catch against the fence. He stumbled down the wall and pulled the ball out of the webbing of his glove. Second base umpire Jocko Conlan signaled the out and the Dodgers mobbed Snider for preserving the victory.
The Brooklyn Eagle’s Dave Anderson labeled Snider’s grab as, “the greatest, absolutely the greatest, catch in baseball history.” Dodgers coach Jake Pitler told the New York Post that Snider’s catch was like no other he witnessed in baseball.
“In forty years of baseball, I never saw a catch like Snider made.”
In a 2009 interview I conducted with Dodger outfielder Don Thompson, he gave me a bird’s-eye view from his position in left field, where he was inserted as a late inning defensive replacement.
“A man in upstate New York contacted me about a book he was writing about baseball’s greatest catches," Thompson said. He asked me about a catch Duke Snider made on Memorial Day in 1954. I was in the field, as I went in during the 8th or 9th inning. Snider made a catch you wouldn’t believe unless you were there to see it. Puddin Head Jones hit a ball to left-center field; Snider had a better shot at it than I did. He was running towards the fence, jumped and turned, and sorta stuck his cleats in the wooden fence there and caught this ball. It may have gone over, but he jumped and turned and caught this ball. This author rated this number one. Snider was going right towards the fence as hard as he could, turned at the last minute, stuck his cleats in the fence and caught this ball. He rated it over Mays’ catch in the World Series. Mays had a long way to go, but he didn’t have anything obstructing him. Alston said not only did he have a long way to go, he had to jump, and he had the fence to contend with. I was playing left field, I was right there. He stuck his cleats in that old fence, and I couldn’t believe that he had it. He backhanded it for the catch.”
Bob “Mickey” Micelotta was on first base when the ball was hit. Micelotta was a rookie infielder for the Phillies, making only his third plate appearance in the major leagues. He drew a walk off of Labine to extend the inning for Jones’ drive. There was some speculation Snider trapped the ball against the wall with his near-impossible catch. In a July 2009 letter from Micelotta, he affirmed Snider’s awe inspiring leap.
“I did see the catch," Micelotta said. "I was on first base and the play was right in front of me. He did catch it!”