KOM League Flash Report and Updates

www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/44338619755/

 

 

JOE STANKA UPDATE OCTOBER 16, 2018-- 2:18 P.M.

 

JOE STANKA RELATED COMMENTS: Received within the first six hours of the notice of his passing.

 

How many of these former KOM players are still living? It seems that there are more and more passing with each update. I wish I could have been aware of this earlier in life...a great piece of history is slowly fading away. Chris Crane—Columbia, MO

 

Ed reply:

 

Every former KOM leaguer is at least 85 years old. Only a handful were born in 1934 and they are all deceased. If he can make it until early 2019 Shannon Deniston will make it to 100 and be the first former KOM league to do it. He was a long time college football coach at places such as Pepperdine and Drake Universities.

 

Of the approximately 1600 guys to don a KOM league uniform only around 17% are still with us. There were about .05% of the former players who I could never find or determine their fate.

 

•

 

I'm very sorry to hear this. I know how fond of him you were just from reading the Flash Reports. Jack Morris—The necrologist for the Society of American Baseball Research.

•

Wow, John I know this one probably hits home personally that perhaps any others. God Bless Joe Stanka and John Hall--longtime buddies and friends!! Casey Casebolt—Lenexa, KS

•

 

I am sad to hear about Joe. He was a special human being. We are blessed that Joe crossed paths thru the KOM with many players and fans. May he RIP! Jim Jay—Kansas City A’s batboy 56-57.

•

 

Mr. Hall, Didn't Joe Stanka pitch for Duncan of the Sooner State League? Ernesto Wallerstein—Ernesto played in the Sooner State league under the name of Ernie Klein and is a native of Havana, Cuba now living in New Jersey

 

Ed reply:

 

Yes, he sure did. He split the 1950 season between Duncan and Ponca City. He said he figured out his ERA for that year and it was the worst in baseball.

 

•

I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Stanka passing. He had a most interesting baseball career and his comments, via you, were always entertaining. Jerry Hogan-Fayetteville, AR

 

Ed reply:

 

Another voice is gone and all the more reason it seems like it is time for me to put this project to bed.

 

Hogan’s reply:

 

Given the status of Mr. Stanka and your relationship with him - which seemed like a really good one, with humor and respect - I can see how you might feel that way.

•

Hi John, Sorry to hear about Joe's passing. None of us are getting any younger...

Be sure to share the link to SABR bio when you post his obit and other details.

sabr.org/bioproj/person/d3043c8c Rod Nelson--Society of American Baseball Research.

 

A short time later Mr. Nelson shared this note and link: Checking for an online obit, I saw this... www.thegeorgetowndish.com/thedish/display-us-japan-baseba...

 

Ed reply:

 

That Japanese fellow, shown shaking hands with Josh Stanka e-mailed me prior to that event. His way of expressing what he wanted left me a bit puzzled and I sent the request on to the Stanka family. Josh took it from there as he is in handling the funeral details for his grandfather.

 

Ed comment:

 

As a result of that event, in Japan, Joe and Jean sent me a couple of baseball cards Josh picked up there. That was during the summer and that was the last thing the Stanka’s sent me during Joe’s time on earth. However, if I would start listing all the things the Stanka’s did for me over the years it would fill a couple of pages. To say they were generous would be an understatement.

 

•

 

John did this gentleman play with or for dad when he played in Ponca City. It sounds like it was around the same time Boyd Bartley my dad was coaching there?? Let me know when you have a minute? Thanks, Judith Bartley Jordan—Judith lives in California

 

Ed reply:

 

Joe played for the 1950 team in Ponca City when your dad was there. He came back in 1951 the year George Scherger managed there. Your mom and dad knew Joe and Jean very well.

 

Judith’s reply:

 

Wow. Dad would be sad as well as mom! Thank you so much for sharing!

•

Thanks for passing this one on to me John. You've told me a few times that Joe was dealing with some health issues. Joe Stanka another former Coast League player that I saw pitch with the Solons. A quick check with some of the P.C.L. rosters from the fifties shows me that not many of the guys are still living. Joe Stanka pitched on some poor Sacramento teams. In my letter to him I had mentioned that one of his teammates was the best outfielder that I ever saw play in the Coast League and that was Al Heist. Joe agreed to that. Talk to you later and again thanks. Barry McMahon --Ladysmith, BC, Canada

_______

______

 

************

JOSEPH DONALD STANKA

 

KOM League Special Report

October 16, 2018

Death of a legendary KOM leaguer!!!

 

Sadly, this report is to inform the readers of the death of former Ponca City Dodger and later Chicago White Sox and Nankai, Japan ace pitcher, Joseph Donald Stanka. I mentioned him in the October 15, KOM League News Update as being one of eight men from the 1950 Ponca City Dodgers as still living. When I wrote that I knew that he was not well and was happy to say that he was still with us. Shortly after penning that line, he was gone.

 

Contact has been established with the family and the final arrangements and obituary will be posted on the KOM site as soon as it reaches me. This is where the information will be found. www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/44338619755/in/

 

If any of you have your special memories of Stanka you are invited to share them and they will be included in future updates on this site.

************

2nd KOM League News Update for 10/15/2018

 

Former Carthage Cardinal and Ponca City Dodger

 

Obituary for Dwain P. Mintz

www.olsonfuneral.com/obituaries/Dwain-Mintz/#!/Obituary

 

Dwain Paul Mintz, 90, went to his heavenly home Thursday, October 11, 2018 and is now face to face with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Dwain was born March 1, 1928 in Racine, WI. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruth, parents, Paul and Esther Mintz of Rockford, IL., and in-laws, Ole and Rachel Anderson of New Hampton, IA.

 

Dwain is survived by his four children, Gary (Nancy) Mintz of Glendive, MT, Lyn (Mike) Kraft of Menomonie, Joleen (Craig) Smith of Winona, MN, and Kimberly (Joe) Beaudry of Hudson, WI. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Shannon, Marte, Heidi, Cole, KellyJo, Cory, Jill, Andrea, Becky and Haley and twenty-four great grandchildren. Dwain has one surviving brother, Verlin (Mars) Mintz of Bullhead City, AZ.

 

Dwain was baptized in 1928 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Racine, WI and confirmed in 1942 at St. Paul's Evangelical Church in Rockford, IL. He attended Rockford West High School and graduated from Bethany Lutheran High School in Mankato, MN. Dwain earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from Mankato State University, and a Ph.D. from Utah State University.

 

He attended Bethany Lutheran College from 1946-48 where he was an outstanding athlete. Dwain signed a professional baseball contract with the Cardinals and played in the 1947 season with their farm club. He also played in the Dodger organization before returning to Bethany in 1952 as the Vikings baseball and basketball coach.

 

Dwain married the love of his life, Ruth, December 23, 1950. They resided in Mankato, MN where he was a teacher and coached basketball and baseball at Bethany Lutheran College. In 1962 the Mintz family moved to Menomonie, WI where he continued his career as an educator and coach for 27 years. His athletic teams would go on to achieve high levels of success.

 

After retirement, Ruth and Dwain were snowbirds in Ocala, FL where they enjoyed golf, dancing, and spending time with friends. Throughout their lives they found much comfort in their church fellowship and felt the Lord's blessings in their lives.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 17 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Pastor Brett Voigt officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 prior to the service. Burial will be in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie is serving the family.

 

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church (1100 9th Street, Menomonie, WI 54751) or WELS Christian Aid and Relief or WELS Special Ministry.

 

Ed comments:

 

Back in the days of writing my books about the KOM league I spoke with Mintz a number of times. He played for the 1947 Carthage Cardinals and then returned as a member of the 1950 Ponca City Dodgers. There is a story about how he was beaned and the team didn’t even cover his medical bills. All they did for him was give him his release papers.

 

Surviving members of the 1947 Carthage Cardinals are: Nick Casaletto, Christopher Haughey and Hank Zich, that I can verify. John E. O’Grady and Robert C. Allen were also on that roster but I never found either of them, thus can’t verify their status. Casaletto is 92 and lives in Illinois. Christopher Haughey 93, who pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers, in 1943 was from Queens, NY but was residing in Fremont, CA back in 2011, when we last conversed. Hank Zich 89 is still living in his native hometown of Omaha, NE. I believe O’Grady was from Ohio and Allen from the Joplin, MO area. If Allen is still living I think he would be 97.

 

Other interesting members of that 1947 Carthage team included Wayne Boyer who was the second oldest of the Boyer brothers, three of which played major league baseball. Ray Diering’s brother Chuck played centerfield for the St. Louis Cardinals, Alvin Kluttz’s brother, Clyde, caught for a number of years in the National league, Robert Mahoney had a couple of cups of coffee in the American league, Roger Vander Weide was in the ownership group of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and Eddie Vargo was a long time National league umpire.

 

Surviving members of the 1950 Ponca City Dodgers with whom Mintz was a teammate are: Harry Crandall, Loren Doll, Clyde Girrens, Bob Henne, Charles H.Key, Roger Rossier, Joe Stanka and Ernest Jordan Jr. I could say a lot of those guys as well but will refrain from doing so at this time. Inquire if you have any questions about these guys. They were all very successful in their own right ranging from playing basketball for Adolph Rupp and Hank Iba to playing in the major leagues and donating millions of dollars to construction at USC in Los Angeles.

_________

_________

 

Comments from a very faithful reader

 

Was preparing a column for Wednesday about hard throwers I had seen or heard about. The name of Ron Necciai came to mind because I remembered him being the only person in professional baseball to strike out 27 batters in a 9-inning game. In researching him. I discovered he broke the record of 25 set in 1939 in a Northeast Arkansas League game while pitching for Paragould.. He later fanned 30 in a 15-inning game – in 1941. Same team, same league. Assume you’ve written about those games somewhere along the way. It was the first I remembered reading about them, however.

 

Necciai followed his 27 strikeouts with a 24 K game. He had only two balls put into play. One was an error. The other was a ground ball to the first baseman. He later fanned a hitter and the catcher dropped the ball, allowing Ron to record the 27th strikeout. He also walked one and hit one. Not perfect. He went to the Pirates in September and finished the year at 1-5, went into the service, suffered from ulcers, came back to baseball, hurt an arm and that was that.

 

And, of course, the column will tell the tale of Steve Dalkowski. I once had him in a tryout camp when I was a part-timer with the Pirates. He was out of the game and had come to Offutt AFB near Omaha to visit a friend. He saw a Pirates tryout camp advertised nearby and thrilled everyone. He said he hadn’t thrown for a while and wanted to know if he still had anything left in the tank. Even with a bad hose and out of shape, he was the fastest guy in the camp. We had no radar guns then, but it didn’t make any difference.

 

Need breakfast one of these days. Keep on keeping. I hang on your every word. Truly enjoy your digging.

 

Ol’ Clark—Bill Clark is a former big league scout for the Reds, Pirates, Braves, Padres and Pilots (yes, the Seattle club.) We can have breakfast since we both live in the same town.

________

________

 

DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP?

 

That question came from Mary Lou the wife of Paul Hoffmeister the former Carthage Cub among other teams in a long career. Mary Lou was referring to the Flickr site where all these reports are posted. All anyone has to do is click on the URL and they are there. To post an answer on the Flickr site you have to sign up with Yahoo.com but I’d rather folks send their comments by e-mail.

________

________

 

************

KOM League News Updates for 10/15/2018

•

Another great e-mail from you John. I'll be looking for more in the future and I hope we keep in touch. Hank Chott—Born in Chicago, played for the Iola Indians in 1950 and now resides in Glendora, CA

_________

________

 

“Seventy-two years ago today Oct 15th 1946 Enos Slaughter scored from first base on the single. I have a way of remembering that date.” The foregoing note reached me from Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada. That was Barry McMahon’s way of telling me today is his birthday. And, in memory of “Eno” here is a link to his most remembered play in a long career. www.youtube.com/watch?v Here is a short version for those of you in a hurry. www.youtube.com/watch

 

________

________

On this date in history the following applies to former KOM leaguers.

 

Charles Augustus Matzen—B. San Francisco, CA 1933. Pitched for the 1952 Bartlesville/Pittsburg Pirates. He passed away 8/16/2018 in Anthem, Arizona.

 

Norman Dale Ward—D. Irvine, CA in 2001. On the roster of the Carthage Cubs in 1951 and Blackwell, OK Broncos in 1952. He was born 1/5/1933 in Meramec (Eureka, MO). He was the younger brother of former big leaguer, Preston, of the same last name.

 

Howard Leonard Obergfell—D. Willingboro, NJ. 1996. Pitched for the 1948 Carthage, MO Cardinals. Born in Egg Harbor, N. J. 12/16/1927.

 

Millard Cole “P. J.” Harmon—D. 1997 Independence, MO. Played for the 1947 Chanute, KS A’s and the 1949 Pittsburg, KS Browns. Born 1/11/1926 in Horton, MO. In 1947 he was hit in the head with a pitch. Upon reaching first base he was in a daze. The first base coach told him to go from first to third on any ball hit to the outfield. He did just that. When the ball was hit he ran across the field crossing the pitchers mound on the way. When reaching third base he asked the coach if that is the way it should have been done.

 

Donald Frederick Hasenbalg—D. 2008 Tunkhannock, NJ. Member of the 1952 Independence, KS Browns. Born 4/25/1933 Paterson, NJ.

 

Harold Thomas Guinn—D. 1993 Solgohachia, AR. Member of the 1952 Iola, KS Indians. Born 11/24/1928 in Center Ridge, AR. Social Security has his date of death as October 15 whereas his tombstone has it as October 30 as does his Veteran’s Affairs file. Either way I learned something in taking another look at his life. He wasn’t a Catholic priest as some claimed. He married Wanda Tiner on 12/16/1955 in Contra Costa, CA. In his son’s obituary it referred to his father’s nickname as being “Mean Hog.” That had to be like someone calling a 600 pound man “Tiny.” Tom Guinn was a mild-mannered person.

 

Joseph G. Marsello—D. 2010 Danvers, MA. Played for the 1948 Miami, OK Owls. Born 12/29/1927 Lynn, MA.

 

James Robert England—D. 1998 Peoria, IL. 3rd baseman for 1951 Pittsburg, KS Browns. Born 9/2/1932 Lewiston, IL.

 

 

KOM League News Updates for 10/14/2018

If anyone sees this let me know. It will determine if this format is working.

•

John, just a word of thanks for your knowledge of baseball which you have freely shared. Admittedly, I knew nothing of the KOM league before meeting you & buying a copy of Majoring In The Minors. Big John Dingley was a good friend of mine, & as I recall you did a book signing at his baseball card shop, probably late in 1996. While I didn't know much about the league or most of the players, I found the book interesting, as I did your newsletter & more recently, the email Flash reports.

 

For some reason, your way of writing always makes the stories interesting. I've always been a Cardinal fan, especially Stan Musial & those of his era, & while not a great Mantle fan, I also enjoyed "Before the Glory" book. I also enjoy your excellent photography. Thanks again.

Bob Moore—Columbia, MO

 

Ed comment:

 

Big John Dingley operated a baseball card shop at the Midway Truck Stop on I-70, west of Columbia, MO. It was called Midway for it was and is the same distance west to Kansas City as it is east to St. Louis. Truck stops, abandoned warehouses, old telephone booths, highway rest stops and places like that were all potential sites for selling and signing my non-bestsellers. Actually, supermarkets became the best source for getting rid of the three books I have written. As in the case of meeting Mr. Moore it is hard to imagine I’ve been at this “gig” for all those years. I owe a lot of thanks to those who put up with it.

______

______

 

OCTOBER 14 MILESTONES

 

This date in KOM league history marks the birth, wedding anniversary, last contact established or death of these former players;

 

John J. Girrens Jr.- B. 1926—Wichita, KS and member of the 1948 Bartlesville, OK Oilers. Died 4/17/2018 in Colwich, KS

 

Thomas J. Guderian –B. 1933 in Washington state and member of 1952 Blackwell, OK Broncos. Lives in E. Wenatchee, WA

 

Serapio Charles Mentado-B. 1924 in Guanalcoa, Cuba and member of 1952 Blackwell, OK Broncos. Deceased but place and year is unknown.

 

Burl F. Moffit—His last contact with me was on this date in 2012. Member of the 1949 Independence, KS Yankees. He was born in Fagus, MO but now resides in a nursing home in Qulin, MO.

 

Scott Olin Mann--B. 1936 in Neosho Falls, KS. Batboy for the 1947 Iola, Kansas Cubs. Last known residence-Iola. KS. Note: Shortly after writing the above I found that Mr. Mann, now lives in Georgetown, TX.

 

Bennie Maxwell Lee- B. 1929 in Treece, KS. Member of the 1950 Miami, OK Eagles. Was a boyfriend of Merlyn Johnson prior to her becoming Mrs. Mickey Mantle. Died 2/25/2015 in Derby, KS.

 

Paul Samuel Perrin- D. 2013 in Tulsa, OK. Member of 1947 Chanute, KS Athletics.

 

Donald Andrew Tisnaret—Married Laura A. Sylvia on this date in 1950. He was a member of the 1947 Ponca City, OK Dodgres.

 

Thomas James Caciavelly—B. 1925 in St. Louis, MO. Member of the 1946 Pittsburg, KS Browns. Later owned largest Ford dealership in St. Louis, MO. Died 12/12/1990

 

Robert Ralph Carter-B. 1929 in Maryville. TN. Member of the 1948 Pittsburg, KS Browns. Died in 1980 but not on this date.

 

William J. Hopkins—D. 2016 Castle Shannon, PA. Member of the 1949 Ponca City, OK Dodgers. Born 3/10/1929 Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Herman Lloyd Humble—D. 1996 San Antonio, TX. Member of the 1951 Ponca City, OK Dodgers. Brother to Hall of Fame football player, Weldon, of the same last name. Born 9/3/1926 San Antonio.

_______

_______

 

KOM League News Updates for 10/13/2018

 

If anyone sees this let me know. It will determine if this format is working.

___

John, While it must have been a good run for you I have to confess a bit of a lump in my throat as I read your last bit of news. Although I came pretty late to the party, it has been a blessing to have bumped into you and learned more not only about my uncle, but the great pastime as it was played out in the bygone years. I truly have a much greater appreciation of the contributions of those you wrote about, and the memories you have worked so hard to keep alive.

You are a great man, and I only wish we were all a bit younger, say Sandlot age.

Emil Hagopian--West Bloomfield (Detroit) Michigan

 

Emil’s cousin, Emil Federow, was a teammate of Mickey Mantle with the Joplin Miners in 1950. That is an item that is never shown in the record books. However, Federow, was in the service in 1949 after a stint in the minor leagues in 1948. He was with Joplin for a short time in 1950 before winding up his career with brief stints in 1951-52 in the Evangeline league. Shortly after the conclusion of the 1952 season he was killed in an automobile accident on November 9. Many Flash Reports have mentioned Federow and his family’s search to document that Emil and Mantle were once teammates. I was able to document that for Emil Hagopian and he has been a follower of these reports ever since.

______•

John Hall, I realize there comes a time like this and you have presented your case well, as I would expect. But I just want you to know how truly heartbreaking this news is to me, a guy who read about you in the KC Star one Friday many moons ago and showed up with my son at the Red Bridge Library and was immediately mesmerized by your obvious knowledge of the old KOM League. Having been born and raised in Chanute and having attended many games as a small boy with my Uncle Ralph Chapman and his lovely wife Aunt Edna, I was definitely familiar with the League. And then I told my sis about it, who still resides in Chanute, and she remembered one aspect herself---all the teenage girls at Chanute High School were always "gaga" ove long, lanky, good-looking Bernie Tye.

 

But then the ultimate connection eventually came up when you mentioned the OLD Coach himself, Mr. Sam Dixon. What wonderful memories that rekindled and they still remain wonderful memories, even with both Sam and Babs now deceased. Sam was an insurance agent in Chanute and also a long-term manager of the American Legion team. Through a friend who played on the team I became the team batboy, statistician, etc for Sam and have more great memories as a result---like the 4th of July weekend tournament in Springfield, Mo where we rode in "Old Yeller", the AL converted hearse, with the rear window rolled down and threw M-80's(the REAL ones, not the piddly ones of today) out the back window while singing Sam and Babs' favorite song, "Goodnight Irene". Babs was busy watching Sam, as he loved to talk to us, even when driving, as he turned around in the seat to speak to us in the rear seat!! She was definitely a great co-driver!!

 

We had some great players on those teams, but the absolute top of the heap was Paul "Junior" Lindblad, whom you and I and Don Papst have discussed many times. What a shame the sad story continues with the Lindblad connection to the alzheimer's saga. Not sure you know but now his mother, Paul himself, two brothers, and daughter have succumbed to the deadly disease. Latest news I have is that his second daughter has now been admitted to a care home with the early stages. And the story unfortunately does not end there. (Some information provided here is not being shared as it is confidential Damned sad it is.

 

John my man, I will go to the Flicker site if that is my only option. But it will just never be the same and want you to know that.I must also say to you I have worried and wondered for many months about your "illness" and know you have not chosen to share any details but I sense this decision definitely is compounded by that issue. Whatever, God speed you in good health for many, many years. Of course, you have the wonderful advantage of a faithful, long-term loving nurse, that Noel lady-------God Bless you both!!!

I have many great memories of what you have shared over the years, but I am just daily truly amazed at the number of players you have been able to track down and even contact---the WORLD needs more John G, Halls

Your Pal and Loyal Reader

Casey Casebolt

Chanute High School--1961

Chanute Junior College--1963

Kansas State College--1966 (Now the great Pittsburg State University----Go Gorillas!!)

______•

John: Alas, all good things must come to an end. It has been obvious you have put your heart and soul into these weekly insights into the Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri League memories. I think they have been worthy of recognition by the Pulitzer Prize Committee.

I'll always be grateful for meeting you and obtaining that great book on Mickey Mantle. That book and your stories were always very meaningful to me because of my roots in Anderson, and Neosho, Missouri. Take care and God Bless you John, Leo Downey.

______•

John, What an amazing job you have done for many, many years. I just printed your last report. I have books downstairs with the early ones and although I don’t have a lot in between I thought the last should be there. My dad loved these KOM Reports so much. He read and reread them. He is probably saying a job well done. I say thank you for all you have done for so many for so long. Cindy Newbill-Kansas City metro. Cindy's dad, Bob, was a member of the 1949 Independence Yankees and a short time member in 1950. He was a special person and even declared I was the little brother he never had. That was the biggest honor I received in all my time writing about the KOM league.

_______•

Thank you or all the memories you have kept alive, and for the discoveries you brought to light for many other families. Bruce May Parma, OH—Bruce’s father, Wilbert was a member of the 1946 Carthage Cardinal pitching staff until a sore arm ended what was a promising career.

_____•

Duly read & forwarded. Neil said “no way old man, get your ass back to the computer & keep turning out those gems”. Me, too. Just don’t lose my email address. Dave in Austin, Texas.

 

Dave and the late Neil Gibson were Army Ranger were buddies. Dave claims to have a contact with Gibson and he relays my reports to him and receives Gibson’s input regarding those and sends it to me.

________•

 

Looks like my old catchers mitt I used in high school and while playing on Browns semipro team that Shag and Sonny Call played on. Still have it and my old catching gear. My Great Grandson wants it after I’m gone!! Merle Southern—lives in Rolla, MO during the summer and Florida in the winter. We were raised a few blocks from each other in Carthage, MO.

__________

Thanks for the stories. They have given me lots of enjoyment. I sad to see them go but I understand. Thank you for sharing. Bruce Hayse—Tallahassee, FL.

______•

Thank you John for introducing KOM to me. I have enjoyed read about the league and the players even though I never knew them. History is important and without your dedication many would have never known about baseball that was played in our own states at the ground level of America's past time. We always hear about the MLB players and their glory but not the ones that did not make it to the big show but that were so important to small town America. In time when America was trying to get back to some essence of Normalize that they once had. Again, thank you, Frank Houston—Columbia, Missouri via Oklahoma

______•

Thanks for today's Report. That catchers mitt is an interesting collectible and John you're the one that should have it. I will be checking out that Flicker site you can count on that. Barry McMahon- Ladysmith, BC, Canada

______•

Item from Mazi Hamric about her husband, Bob’s induction into Southwestern College’s Hall of Fame. “John if you want to see the little video you can click on Bob's name on the site below. www.southwesternpirates.com/general/2017-18/releases/2018...

 

**********

 

The KOM League

Flash Report

The end of another phase

October 11, 2018

_____________________________________________________________

 

When the decision was made to research the defunct KOM league, the first family I ever visited was Buck and Billie Walz in Jefferson City, Missouri in 1994. I wasn’t sure how I would be accepted or what they thought about talking with some “kid” who was inquiring about events that went back to the founding days of the league.

 

Buck was a 1946 graduate of Jefferson City, Missouri high school and Charlie Grimm recruited him to catch for the Iola, Kansas Cubs for their first year in the newly formed KOM league. A lot was written about him in my first book which included stories about how he stayed on at Iola through the 1948 season.

 

As my first visit was concluding, with the first former KOM leaguer I had seen in 42 years, Buck excused himself and said he’d be right back. Upon his return to the living room he had his Rawlings catcher’s mitt, in hand. It had a rip in the pocket of the mitt where thousands of fastballs and curveballs had slammed into it over its KOM league days. As I examined the mitt Buck explained that he had kept it nearly 50 years hoping that someday he could pass it along to someone who would appreciate it, for he had no family members to whom he could pass it on. He asked if I would like to have it and that is how it came to hang on the wall of my office for almost a quarter century. This is the photo of that catcher’s mitt. www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/44338619755

 

Over the years I conversed many times with Buck and Billie at KOM league reunions and at occasional chance meetings at restaurants in Jefferson City and Columbia. Both Billie and Buck were avid golfers and in their twilight years moved to Mesa, Arizona and lived next to a golf course. When they weren’t playing they were watching it on TV.

 

Billie died in Arizona in 2015and Buck moved back to Jefferson City. obittree.com/obituary/us/missouri/jefferson-city/freeman-...

 

We continued to communicate by e-mail and had every intention of meeting from time to time at Oscar’s Café in Jefferson City for lunch. It is in one of the late 2017 Flash Reports where Buck told me his old Iola Indian buddy and fellow golfing partner had run across an item at an Independence, Missouri garage sale. The item no one wanted was an old baseball signed by 18 or so people who no one at that garage sale ever heard of. Buck’s friend, Bill Hahn, recognized Buck’s name and sent it to him wanting to know more about it. Hahn had played at Iola, in 1950 so wasn’t familiar with the other names on the ball.

 

In the last call I ever received from Buck he told me he wanted me to have the baseball Hahn had given him from the Independence, MO garage sale. I asked him the names on the ball and he replied that when he passed it on to me I could figure that out. It would then be up to me to figure out if it was from the 1946-47 or 48 team. However, before Buck could make it out for lunch he said he had to make his annual Christmas trip to Arizona and we’d get together on his return.

 

Christmas came and went and Buck came home from Arizona. He’d send me comments on a regular basis about the photos I shared of my great grandkids. At this juncture of his life he was more interested in the beauty of young children than his faded memories of a baseball career from his youth. Things sort of bumped along for all of 2018 with health issues of both Buck and the guy writing this article. In early September I was having an estimate made by a flooring company employee who told me how much he loved baseball. He handed me his business card and the fellow’s name was, of course, Walz. Had it not been you wouldn’t be reading this story. This young man, 66 years of age, never knew that his second cousin, Buck, had ever played professional baseball. So, after the kitchen floor replacement estimate was done I told the salesman I had something to show him.

 

Down the stairs we went to the KOM league headquarters and old book repository. Once in the office I pointed to the catcher’s mitt displayed on the wall and the much younger, Mr. Walz, was very surprised and impressed seeing the old mitt. By the time his official reason for the visit to my house was completed, the cost estimate, I had accomplished one other thing. I had rid myself of another “Mickey Mantle—Before the Glory.” book.

 

A couple of weeks later September 11 was upon us. That was a fateful day in 2001 and it was repeated again 17 years later. I wasn’t aware of why it was fateful in, 2018, for another couple of weeks. This was the news.

 

Obituary for Buck Walz

freemanmortuary.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/36087...

 

Mr. Howard L. “Buck” Walz, age 90 of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Capital Region Medical Center.

 

He was born on June 13, 1928 in Jefferson City, a son of the late Carl and Sophia (Kuper) Walz. He was married on September 19, 1947 in Warrensburg, Mo., to Billie Jean Shaw, who preceded him in death on August 22, 2015.

 

Buck was a 1946 graduate of Jefferson City High School. After attending a year of Junior College, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict.

 

He owned Robertson Electronics in Jefferson City for over 38 years until retiring in 1988.

 

Buck played baseball while in the United States Army and, later, in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs organization for three years.

 

Buck and his beloved wife Billie were both avid golfers. Buck took pride in the fact that he had made nine holes-in-one. Long time members of the Jefferson City Country Club and First Baptist Church, their many activities centered around spending time with friends and family. They spent their retirement years travelling, golfing, and sharing time between Jefferson City and Sun City West, Arizona.

 

He was admired as being kind and generous, always willing to help others. Family and friends alike will remember Buck as a devoted husband, a loyal friend, and a loving member of his family.

 

Survivors include: two sisters, Wanda Alberts of Jefferson City, Mo. and Delores Shirley (Lyndal) of Eugene, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Judy Walz of Jefferson City, Mo.; a niece, Cherie Hallert (Marc) of Walnut Creek, Ca., whom he loved as a daughter; and multiple generations of adoring nieces and nephews.

 

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Carl Walz, Jr., Arthur Walz, and Franklin “Pete” Walz.

 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Missouri. Graveside services with military honors will be conducted at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens immediately following the visitation, with the Reverend Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Boys and Girls Club or to a charity of the donor's choice. To send flowers to the family of Buck Walz, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

 

Ed comment:

 

The obituary of Buck Walz was most likely written by one or both of his sisters. They had his sequence of military service and professional baseball career in the wrong order and the Iola Cubs weren’t a major league team in the KOM league. But, in that era some of those Cub teams might have had a tough time competing even at the Class D level. Okay, I joke a bit, but not too much.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The end of an era

 

For 20 years there has basically been at least a Flash Report prepared and sent weekly to the appreciative as well as those not so exuberant about having their e-mail file clogged up with the memories of a once young boy, now known as “An old geezer,” who hung around the Carthage Cubs ballpark in 1950-51.

 

As I absorbed the news of the death of Buck Walz it came to me that “enough is enough.” For some time I have contemplated when to bring the weekly drivel about the old league to a merciful conclusion. Since Buck Walz was the first KOM leaguer I personally visited, with regard to the writing some memories of the old Class D circuit, I thought his passing would be a proper time to pull the plug.

 

There is enough material in the public domain to keep anyone who is interested in the old league occupied for about as long as the old league operated—seven years.

 

For 16 years the “KOM League Remembered” newsletter was published, stamped, addressed and delivered to the United States Postal Service to fold, spindle, mutilate and sometimes deliver to the address intended. When that publication was no longer feasible to publish it went away without any forewarning and none of the recipients of that missive seemed to miss it at all.

 

Thus, I’m sure when these weekly reports aren’t in a person’s e-mail inbox, they, like the old newsletters, will not be missed. However, there is a chance that some newsworthy items might appear from time to time so I’m making an accommodation for that. For a period of time, to be determined by the number of times the site is accessed, I’m going to post some KOM League news on Flickr. It will be a format that will contain stories as they occur. For example that site will have articles and they will be dated as to when they were posted to the site. It may well turn out to be a long document but the latest article will always be the first one in the narrative attached which will preclude the reader from having to re- read an earlier posting.

 

For ease of searching the KOM league news will always be under the first photo found on the Flickr site at: www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/ This edition of the news will be found there. Then, as stories come up they will be added.

 

If the foregoing explanation is about as clear as thick mud feel free to ask for a clarification. From this report forward it is up to the initiative of each reader to check out the Flickr site to see if there is any items added.

 

Thanks for allowing me to share Flash Reports in the past and I trust you will continue to follow whatever may transpire from this day forward through the process just outlined.

______________________________________________________________________

Done