KOM League Flash Report for 12/7/21 Yellowshafted Flicker

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The KOM League

Flash Report

for

12/7/2021

 

To view this report go to: www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/51733797453/

 

This report was shared by e-mail to those of you requested it late on the 7th of December and in the early morning hours of the 8th. Thanks to everyone who asked to receive the report by e-mail during the time the world of the Internet was having a hard time. If you got the e-mail go ahead and open this submission and look at a very pretty picture. The medical procedure mentioned in the opening of the report occurred this morning and all went well.

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Today, the flags were at half mast as I made my morning rounds. My wife asked if they were flying at 50% up the flagpole in memory of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, by the Japanese, or for the death of a man who fought in that war and died this week.

 

Arriving home on the advent of the first snow shower of the season a decision was made to go down stairs to the KOM League dugout and check a few things on the computer Quickly, it was learned that the flag is at half mast due to what happened at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the recent death of Robert Dole . Also, some others things were found such as a reminder that there hasn’t been a KOM League Flash Report since October 11.

 

During that nearly two month lull in reporting a number of deaths have transpired of fellows who played in the league and thus have not been mentioned in these reports. What happens so often is that two former teammates will pass away within just days of each other. That happened in the case of Bill Virdon and George Francis Paul of the 1950 Independence, Kansas Yankees along with Bob McEvilly and Lloyd Koehnke of the 1951 Pittsburg, Kansas Browns.

 

There will be an attempt to get all the information about the deceased in this report. There is only a short window in which to get this done for tomorrow will be taken up with something that is necessary but not highly anticipated.

 

Most usually this forum doesn’t address personal issues. However, it was difficult to miss the irony of a set of circumstances that have led up to tomorrow’s event. This old guy has done his best to keep the medical community in Columbia, Missouri solvent this year I used to think old people were always sick, going to the hospital and complaining about their aches and pains. Now, being one of those elder citizens, my earlier beliefs have come to fruition.

 

In the early days of the KOM league there was an umpire by the name of Ward Elmer Mohs, born in Kansas, a later resident of Tulsa, Okla. and at one time the chief of KOM league umpires. Much has been written about him in my years of publishing books and these reports. Unfortunately, he was drowned while fishing below the spillway at Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma on 6/23/1952. All the bad things any former KOM league player ever said about him was forgotten at that point.

 

Upon receiving the result from a recent biopsy an attempt was made to locate the best surgeon in town to perform their specialty. After the combined assistance from my wife, daughter, grandson and his wife and the father-in-law of my grandson, contact was made with the surgeon’s office. The nurse from the surgeons office called to set up surgery and she said the procedure would be the one first attempted by a Dr. Mohs some 70 years ago.

 

During the time Dr. Mohs was perfecting his surgical procedure there were four pitchers in the KOM league with the same last name. There was Robert at Iola, Paul at Independence, along with Ernie and George at Ponca City. All of the aforementioned had the last name of Nichols and the surgeon tomorrow is, who else, Dr. Nichols.

 

If any of you look into the Mohs procedure it will let you know that this old guy is likely going to be sitting around for most of the day waiting on what is coming next. So, I will have my I-pad and will look for a message from some of you to keep me from being bored. You can read this report, come up with some comments or questions and keep me entertained. No sympathy is being sought just e-mails to keep the mind occupied.

 

For every obituary in this report there are a whole lot of things known about each of these guys that didn’t find their way into this much too long rant. So, if you wish to know more about my favorite memory of any of these guys let me know. Most likely the banter between the late Lloyd Koehnke and Walt Babcock during a KOM league game, in 1951, will be at the top of the list. It had to do with where Koehnke was going to be sent if he didn’t “shape up.”

 

The end of the whining

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Passing of former KOM leaguers.

 

Following are the obituaries found on the Internet. The usual practice of adding personal comments about each of the deceased is limited in this report. All the fellows mentioned had been in touch over the years with the exception of Francis George Paul.

 

Lloyd “Bud” Koehnke—1951 Pittsburg, Kansas Browns

www.loomisfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/mr-lloyd-bud-koehnke/

 

Mr. Lloyd “Bud” Koehnke a resident of Orlando, Florida has passed away at the age of 89. Bud was husband to Judy for 61 years. The father of 3, grandfather of 6, and a great grandfather of 2. A great man and a great father.

 

Bud was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, graduating from Appleton HS in 1950.

After high school graduation, Bud pursued a professional baseball career. He signed his first professional contract with the Saint Louis Browns organization, later to become the Baltimore Orioles (as a pitcher) out of a local tryout camp. He would later go on to sign a contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization.

 

After suffering a dislocated shoulder while playing outfield, which would eventually end his 5-year minor league career, Bud returned to Appleton to work for the Appleton Recreation Department.

 

From 1956-1966 Bud was Assistant Recreation Director under Duke Groover. Upon retirement of Groover, Bud was appointed Appleton Recreation Director in 1966. Bud would go on to be Recreation Director for the City of Appleton for the next 17 years, working a total of 26 years for the city of Appleton.

 

With the recreational department under direction of Bud Koehnke the Appleton sports scene exploded. Through Bud’s direction and leadership Appleton would be introduced to multiple new programs and expanded activities. With adult softball as an example, when Bud became recreation director in 1966 there were 43 adult softball teams. Under Bud’s direction, by 1980 there were over 260 men’s and women’s softball teams playing in Appleton.

 

But softball was not the only game in town, if people wanted an athletic event to play and a place to play it Bud Koehnke would make it happen. Under Bud’s leadership, Appleton would be introduced to T-League baseball and girls’ softball, Pop Warner Football, adult and youth soccer, adult and youth hockey, tennis lessons that had waiting lines for enrollment, skating rinks in every park in town, Winter Carnival at Jones Park for hockey and skate races, city wide summer playground programs that were open to every boy and girl in town under the age of 18. It didn’t stop there, tap dancing, jazz dance, baton twirling lessons, and a yearly dance recital for all participants was one of Bud’s proudest accomplishments.

 

Bud’s leadership also led to the re-construction of Erb Park and Mead Park outdoor pools, plus all swimming lessons and summer swim programs. Bud was also driving the face behind the development of Badger pool at Appleton West High School.

 

With the explosion of all recreation programs under Bud’s direction and an eye to the future, Bud was instrumental in convincing the City of Appleton to build Memorial Park. The original design and construction of Memorial Park were in great part the vision and dedication of Bud Koehnke.

 

But maybe one of Bud’s proudest accomplishments was overseeing Goodland Field for the City of Appleton. Built during the Depression, Bud took great pride in developing Goodland Field into one of the best Class A professional baseball fields in the country. From the addition of new lights, superior clubhouses, and an excellent playing field, Goodland Field was recognized multiple times as the best of the Midwest League. Bud also allowed Goodland Field to be used for Appleton East and Xavier HS Football, Pop Warner Football, and men’s touch football.

 

The list of professional accomplishments in the City of Appleton are unmistakably long. Maybe this is no better stated then the three Red Smith awards, 1968, 1980, and 1997 for Outstanding Contributions to Local Sports. Bud Koehnke did his utmost to provide every opportunity for every man, woman, and child that was looking to participate in any athletic or recreation department activity.

I

n 1982 Bud and his family moved to Orlando, Florida. Bud was hired by the Minnesota Twins to be the Head Groundskeeper at Tinker Field in Orlando. Tinker Field was the Spring Training Complex and Double A summer home for the Twins. After two years with the Twins, Bud was approached by Osceola County, Florida to develop and oversee the constructions of a new spring training complex in Kissimmee, Florida for the Houston Astros. In 1991 STMA would award Bud Koehnke and Osceola County Stadium with the Professional Field of the Year. Bud would be Head Groundskeeper at Osceola County Stadium until his retirement in 1994. Before his retirement, Bud would also be involved in the construction of Poinciana HS FL. Baseball field. Because of his tireless work to the project the field is named Lloyd “Bud” Koehnke Field.

In retirement, Bud enjoyed traveling all parts of the country. Bud and Judy would also make an annual trip back to Appleton to visit family and friends. Bud also enjoyed playing golf and playing senior softball. One of his biggest joys was following the progress of all his grandchildren in school and in their athletic progress. The joy on his face while watching a baseball game, a hockey game, or knowing the fun his grandkids were having in the participation was inescapable.

 

Besides a professional baseball career, and the Recreation Director for the City of Appleton, Bud Koehnke will be remembered as arguable the greatest handball player in the city’s history. A fierce competitor who taught himself the game in the handball court that was in Appleton West HS. Bud was assigned to the handball court because he refused to go to dance class as a student. If you ever needed to find Bud Koehnke all you had to do was be at the Lawrence College handball courts between noon and 1pm. There he would be playing a game of cut-throat with Gene Davis, Carl Stumpf, and Ken Anderson to name a few.

 

For over 20 straight years Bud Koehnke won the Appleton City Singles Handball Tournament. The list of Handball tournaments won by Bud is remarkable. Multiple State of Wisconsin singles and doubles titles, the doubles titles were often with partner Ken Anderson. Dozens and dozens of regional tournaments across the entire Midwest were yearly won by Bud. The Red River Classic in Fargo, ND and the St. Paul MN. Winter Carnival are just to name a few of the handball tournaments he has won.

 

Major Handball Tournaments are also on the Bud Koehnke resume.

In back-to-back years Bud won the US National Doubles championship with two different partners. Bud’s first title came with partner Bert Dinkin and the following year he partnered with Ray Neveau.

 

Bud won back-to-back Canadian National singles titles, plus a Canadian National Doubles title.

Arguably one of Buds proudest moments was winning the 1975 National Invitational singles title in Birmingham, Alabama. He accomplished this as an unseeded player.

 

Handball was not Bud’s only sport for enjoyment. After the professional baseball career ended Bud continued to play semi pro baseball with the Southside Athletic Club and the Menasha Macs. He also enjoyed a career in fast pitch softball with Subway Bar, Ponds Sport Shop, Bleier’s Bar, and Jack Rose Hill. With Jack Rose Hill Bud participated in three I.S.C. World Softball Championships across the country.

 

Bud is survived by his wife of 61 years and never-ending partner Judy. His daughter Kris (Jay) Schroeder, Appleton, WI. Son Brandon, Cleveland, OH. Son Randall (Amanda) Koehnke Longwood, FL. His Grandchildren Chris (Nikki) Hein, Seattle, WA. Cassie (Mike) Curry Appleton, WI. Brent (Annie) Schroeder, Madison, WI. Connor Koehnke, Columbus, OH. Nate and Matthew Koehnke, Longwood, FL. Great Grandchildren Oliver and Sigmund Hein, Seattle, WA.

 

Surviving sisters are Helen Drier and Delores Larson. Surviving brother is Lowell (Skip) Koehnke and his wife Jane Koehnke. Surviving sister in law Jill (Mike) Wildenburg.

Proceeding Bud in death are infant daughter Kari Lynn, his parents Lloyd and Mable Koehnke, Father and Mother in law Stanley and Elsie Kreuter, Brother in law Carl Larson, Brother in law Milt Drier, Sister in law and husband Janice and Neil Laflin.

 

A celebration of life to honor Bud Koehnke will be held in Appleton later in 2022 for friends and family. Please keep Bud in your thoughts and prayers.

“Bud, after knowing you and loving for 64 years God has called you home. Sleep peacefully my love, Judy”

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Robert McEvilly-1951 Pittsburg Browns—https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/23303349/robert-k-mcevilly/joliet/illinois/fred-c-dames-funeral-homes

 

Robert K. McEvilly "Bob", age 91, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, December 4, 2021. As a faithful servant, he was prepared to meet his Lord.

 

Bob was born November 14, 1930, in Joliet, Illinois. He was the son of the late Lawrence and Winifred (Breen) McEvilly. He was a kind, generous, loving and patient man who was proud of his family and his Irish heritage. Bob married Beverly Loose at St. Raymond’s Cathedral in 1951. The couple resided in Joliet and raised six children. Fond family memories include driving the 10 passenger station wagon to wonderful vacation destinations in Florida and Wisconsin and celebrating Christmas with an abundance of food and gifts carefully selected for each person.

 

Bob was raised in the Minooka area and was a 1948 graduate of Minooka High School where he played basketball and baseball. He had a standout year in 1948 when the basketball team record was 23-4. Following graduation, Bob attended Joliet Junior College where he was a first-string guard on the 1949 state championship basketball team with Tom Williams, Jim Fagan, Bob Whyte, Rich Juricic, and Moose Broadrick. He pitched and played third base for the JJC baseball team and was the top hitter for the Will County Farm Bureau state championship team in 1949.

 

Bob signed a baseball contract with the St. Louis Browns minor league team. The Browns had been courting him for two years after he graduated from high school. The Boston Braves were also interested. He played three years in the minor leagues including Cubs and Cleveland Indians affiliate teams. Bob retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company with over 30 years of service. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Raymond’s parish for 70 years, the Irish American Club, and the Old Timer’s Baseball Association. He enjoyed coaching St. Joe's Little League baseball for 15 years. He never lost his love of baseball and followed the Cubs, displaying the "W" flag in his window as soon as the game ended. Their World Series win in 2016 was a very special event to him. He also enjoyed watching the Notre Dame Football and basketball games.

 

Bob also found time to attend the sporting and school activities of his children and grandchildren. The time spent playing euchre with the McEvilly and Breen relatives in Manhattan and Minooka was always something he looked forward to doing. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 65 years, Beverly (nee Loose), in 2016; his brother, James (Anne Clennon) McEvilly; and sister, Charlene Obst. He is survived by his loving and caring children: Linda Minkalis (Chet deceased), Robert (Karen deceased), Dan (Denise), Cindy Tomala (Andy), Tom (Karen), and Bill; many nieces and nephews; and his special Uncle Donald Breen. Bob was a very proud Grandpa to Scott and Todd (Amanda) McEvilly; Caitlyn (Greg Goetzke), Kyle McEvilly; Megan (Jake Barry), Matt, and Eric McEvilly; Melissa Minkalis; Andrew (Gabriela) Tomala, John, and Christina Tomala; Kirstin Hobbs McEvilly; and a great-granddaughter, Madison. The family wishes to thank Dr. Bhavesh Ghandi for his kind and compassionate care. Visitation for Robert K. McEvilly will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road (at Essington Road), Joliet from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will be on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond, 604 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. Memorials in his name to the Cathedral of St. Raymond’s Education Fund would be appreciated. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

 

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Francis George Paul—I950 Independence Yankees

 

Francis George Paul, 90, of St. Simons Island, Ga., was welcomed into his eternal resting place in the arms of the Lord on Nov. 21, 2021, six days prior to his 91st birthday. He was born on Nov. 27, 1930, in Wykoff, Minn., to Frank J. and Elizabeth Paul. He was a devout Catholic, a proud Marine, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

 

After graduation, Frank joined the New York Yankees as a third baseman. In early 1951, Frank enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was sent to Korea. On June 15, 1951, he was critically injured in what is known as the Battle of the Punchbowl. He spent the following 10 months recuperating. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Korean War Service Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.

 

During his corporate career, he held many executive positions with companies including Hormel Foods, Carling Brewing, Pearl Brewing and Coors Brewing, which required many moves across the country and continued consulting internationally.

 

Frank was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Patricia Moen Paul; and his two older sisters, Mary Ellen Lickteig and Delores Hovland.

 

Surviving are his son, Steve Paul (Selma); his daughter, Terry Fields (David); and his daughter, Michelle Ako (Ron). He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a gentle man with a huge heart and will be missed each and every day by his family, friends, and many people whose lives he touched.

 

Frank was served over the years by an exceptional team of doctors and the caring staff at Marsh's Edge.

 

A funeral Mass, with military honors, will be held at 4 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2022, at St. William Catholic Church, St. Simons Island, with a celebration of life following the Mass.

 

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation; tunnel2towers.org., or St. Williams Catholic Church, St. Simons Island, Ga.

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Bill Virdon 1950—Independence Yankees

 

William “Bill” Charles Virdon, (also known as the Quail, Skipper, Creep Mouse, Dad, Granddad), age 90, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 23, 2021, surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Hazel Park, Michigan on June 9, 1931, to his parents, Charles Virdon and Bertha Marley Virdon. After a move to West Plains, MO at age 12, Bill became quite an athlete and was involved in multiple sports at West Plains High School, where he graduated in 1949. He was recruited to play basketball at Drury College in Springfield, MO, but after the first semester he accepted an offer to play baseball and went on to become one of the most respected center fielders in baseball at that time.

 

“The Quail” began his professional baseball career with the Independence (Kansas) Yankees of the Class D Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri (KOM) League in 1950, where he was managed by Malcolm “Bunny” Mick. Bunny was instrumental in helping him begin his baseball career of 65 years. Bill played major league baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates for 12 years. After retiring as a player, he coached and managed the Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Yankees, the Houston Astros, and the Montreal Expos and became known as “Skipper” to his players. He continued to be involved in the baseball world until 2015 when he permanently retired.

 

Even though, baseball was his life, Bill was a devoted husband, dad, and granddad who showed his constant love to his family. Bill’s wife and daughters supported him throughout his early career by accompanying him every year to spring training in Florida and in the summer to whatever town he was playing for at the time. Once he began managing, his grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as “Creep Mouse” enjoyed following his career, also. “Granddad” taught both his children and grandchildren how to be a friend and how to receive friendship, how to serve community and church, and how to love the game, any game, especially baseball!

 

This strong, unassuming, and quiet role model is known by those who knew him well as not just a baseball man, but also as the man with the firm handshake, the no-nonsense work ethic, the quick wit and unexpected sense of humor, the deer and quail hunter, the handball player, and a regular spectator at many Springfield area sporting and musical events (many times watching his own grandchildren perform).

 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Bertha Virdon and his sister Corrine Andrews. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley Shemwell Virdon; three daughters: Deborah Lutes (Gary), Linda Holmes (Bill), Lisa Brown (Kevin); seven grandchildren: Shannon Merced, Mandie O’Hara (Chris), Andrew Miller, Brett Holmes (Jodie), Christina Elsenraat (Jeff), Michelle Viles (Nick), Scotty Brown (Paige); thirteen great-grandchildren: Roberto Merced, Lauren O’Hara, Courtnie Miller, Chloe Merced, Austin O’Hara, Ashton Isbell, Camryn Miller, Paige Elsenraat, Ella Viles, Savannah Holmes, William Elsenraat, Harper Holmes, Ryan Elsenraat; brother- in- laws, Ron Shemwell and Jim Andrews; nieces- Cathy Andrews, Cindy Shemwell Lee (Monte), Lindsey Andrews Argo (David); nephews- David Andrews, William “Bill” Andrews, Steven Shemwell, and many other great nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves behind a host of close friends that he considered part of his family.

 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Turners Rock and Phoenix Home and Hospice Care for providing Bill with the best care over the past few months. A special thanks goes to the King’s Way United Methodst Church pastor, Rev. Karen Hayden , David Jerome, (Bill’s biographer and friend), special friends and memorial speakers, Ned Reynolds and Sam Hamra, Bill’s oldest granddaughter, Shannon Merced, for sharing her memories through the eyes of one of his grandchildren, vocalist -June Hamra, his youngest grandson, Scotty Brown, for leading the congregation in a favorite hymn, and the staff at Gorman- Scharpf Funeral Home for their help in planning, organizing, and implementing the celebration of life memorial service.

 

Bill, Quail, Skipper, Creep Mouse, Dad, Granddad, your memory will live forever in our hearts. You are and always will be a Hall of Famer in every way!

 

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 30, at King’s Way United Methodist Church under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at 9:30 in the King’s Way Chapel (masks required) and a memorial service at 12 noon (masks suggested) in the King’s Way Sanctuary. A private inurnment committal service will be held immediately following the memorial service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions should be made to Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT.org), PKD Foundation (pkdcure.org), The Council of Churches of the Ozarks (ccozarks.org), or a Baseball/Softball Scholarship at Missouri State University, Drury University, Southeast Missouri State University, or Baptist Bible College.

Bill's Memorial Slideshow can be viewed here.

 

This is the Guestbook for the Virdon family obituary. There is one from the editor of this newsletter included. www.gormanscharpf.com/guestbook/william-bill-virdon#guest...

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Another guy who “almost” made it.

 

Many times a week an em-mail is received from Jack Morris who keeps up with the passing of former players. I peruse each one to see if anything looks familiar even though the fellow didn’t play in the KOM league. Here is one such obituary.

 

Ronald Lloyd Lenzini, 88, of Macon, MO, passed away on November 5, 2021 at the Samaritan Hospital in Macon, following a lengthy illness.

 

Ron was born on August 28, 1933 at Keota, MO, the son of Rolando and Lora Kitchen Lenzini. He was united in marriage to Raeann Fiedler on May 11, 1956 at the First Christian Church in Macon. He was always quick to mention their 65 years of marriage.

 

Ron attended Bevier High School where he was a stand-out baseball pitcher. After graduation in 1951, he attended college in Kirksville and later signed a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals and was assigned to a farm team in Johnson City Tennessee.

 

Ron was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany as an Army Artillery Fieldman. While on duty, he was injured and endured a lifelong problem because of this.

 

After discharge from the Army in 1955, he started work for the Macon Electric Co-Op and worked there until joining the Missouri State Highway Patrol in October of 1958, he was assigned to the Brookfield Zone of Troop B and worked there until 1966 when he was reassigned to Macon Headquarters.

 

He was promoted to Corporal and was one of the original 18 that were assigned this newly created rank. He served Macon and Shelby Counties until promotion to Sergeant and assumed the duties of desk officer. He retired in March 1989 after 32 years of serving and protecting the citizens of Missouri.

 

Ron was a member of the First Christian Church of Macon where he was a Deacon. Ron was a “people” person and enjoyed visiting and meeting people. His group of coffee drinkers heard a lot of stories. He was proud of his children and spent many hours with them and their various involvements in Scouting and school activities. He was a popular coach during the formative years of Little League. Nothing gave him more pleasure than seeing one of “his boys” grow into responsible adults.

 

Ron loved being outdoors hunting, fishing, playing golf and metal detecting. He and his daughter shared an interest in genealogy and spent enjoyable hours together tracing family in Keota and Italy

 

He is survived by his wife, Raeann of the home, and his daughter Ronda and her husband Scott.

Ed comment:

 

After reading that obituary the names of small towns in Central Missouri rang a bell especially, Bevier. That was the hometown of Bob Zuccarini who was a member, during the early part of the 1951 season, with the Pittsburg, Kansas Browns..

 

An e-mail was sent to Zuccarini in Savannah, Georgia inquiring if he knew the deceased. That sparked a number of e-mails of which some are being shared. “John--I not only knew this guy he was part of me. We were born in the same community ( about 1/2 mile apart). in Keota, Macon County, Mo. about 50 miles North of you off Highway 63. We attended grade school together, (some days in a covered wagon). (Went) to High School together and college together. We played pro baseball together as well as amateur & school. We hunted and fished together we dated together. As young boys we worked together and at times we would climb the hills of coal mines at night and chat. As far as baseball he was a FLAME THROWER and at 17 years old was throwing near 100 mph. Our youth activities were over many years ago but our friendship could never end.” Bob Zuccarini

 

After receiving that e-mail from Zuccarini a more in depth search was done. Lenzini was also signed by the St. Louis Browns, in 1951 and he was slated to be sent to Pittsburg, Kansas for the 1952. When that team moved its franchise to Independence, Kansas for the 1952 season Lenzini was assigned to go there. He made the trek their for spring training but was cut and he, like Zuccarini, then signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. This is his Sporting News player’s card. digital.la84.org/digital/collection/p17103coll3/id/143439...

 

With the obituary on his computer, Zuccarini called the widow of Lenzini who in turn called the KOM League “headquarters” and that was followed up with a telephone call and a few e-mails. Here is the initial e-mail received from the widow of Lenzini just a week after his passing. “ I received a phone call today from a friend of my late husband. He was trying to explain who you are and why he had contact with you and how it relates to my husband.

 

Could you please explain? It sounds like something my daughter would like to know. Our friend, Bob Zuccarini, is a lifelong friend of our family. I was so taken back by the phone call--things are still like a blur to me and I wasn't really understanding what Bob was saying. My husband, Ronald Lenzini, passed away Nov 5th . I think you might have come across some reference to him in his obit??

 

Let me know more please, My husband was very proud of his involvement with the minor leagues, even if he wasn't a million dollar bonus baby.”

 

Sincerely, Raeann Lenzini (Ronald Lenzini) Macon, Mo

 

With the ball now rolling another question was posed to Zuccarini. “Even though this guy was a few years older than you, did you know him?

www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/stltoday/name/pete-colombatt...

Zuccarini’s reply:

 

John--So kind of you to send me the Colombatto Obituary, yes I knew him very well and corresponded with him while he was in St. Charles. I was in school with his brother Donald and knew his father mother and Del very well. I hope you and yours are well and I still enjoy your KOM news.

With the words of the last sentence I hope some other readers still enjoy the KOM news. If so, let me know. If not, keep it to yourself and just delete any further e-mails before opening.

 

Done