KOM League Flash Report for 1/13/2022

The KOM League

Flash Report

for

1/13/2022

 

To access this report go to www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/51818811054/

The photo of the mom and pop cardinals was taken with a certain person in mind. Before it could be shared the news arrived of that person’s passing. He is the third story in this report.

 

In this report there is recognition of two fellows who played in the KOM league, who have expired and another fellow who lived with the memory of it by hearing about it from his elders. He was only seven years old when the team representing his hometown was the first charter member of the league to fold its tent.

 

In order of death these are the KOM leaguers recently documented as passing away. There was only one contact with Jerry Obringer. He had started the 1952 season with the Miami, Oklahoma Eagles. The second death was that of Pete Maropis of the 1948-49 Bartlesville Pirates who I got to know very well over the years at KOM league reunions and in other situations.

 

With regard to anyone or anything mentioned in this report there is more information available. My New Year’s resolution is to attempt to cut down on verbosity.

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Jerry Obringer

 

Jerome "Jerry" J. Obringer, 89, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at I.U. Health in Muncie, Indiana.

 

He was born on July 18, 1931, in Sharpsburg, to the late John and Theresa (Hemmelgarn) Obringer.

 

Jerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn (King) Obringer, whom he married on June 29, 1957; his children, Dan (Cindy) Obringer of Minster, Mark (Annette) Obringer of Centerville, Paul (Mindy Flegle) Obringer of Bowling Green, Anne (Phil) Thobe of Maria Stein, Jane (Vaughn) Hipple of Coldwater, and Sarah (Doug) Jansen of St. Henry; his son-in-law, Dave Rudemiller of Cincinnati; his Finnish daughter, Kaija Parvianen; his grandchildren, Nick (Trish) Rudemiller, Elyse (Kyle) Sutton, Matthew Obringer, Randy (Kelly) Obringer, Doug Obringer, Rachel (Jesse) Maag, Ashley Obringer, Bethany (Brian) Livingston, Nathan Thobe, Michelle (Brent) Westheide, Dylan Thobe, Ryan Thobe, Elizabeth (Jacob) Schwieterman, Megan Hipple, Amanda Hipple, Laura Hipple, Theresa Hipple, James (Whitney) Jansen, Rose (Chase) Bruggeman, Isabelle Jansen, John Jansen, Grace Jansen, and Peter Jansen; his great grandchildren, Cayden and Clark Maag, Alec, Aria, and Corbin Livingston, and Nova and Eleonor Westerheide; his siblings, Dorothy Denney of Memphis, Tennessee, Ralph (Charlene) Obringer of Coldwater, and Carl (Mary) Obringer of Fort Recovery; and his in-laws, Jim King of Celina, Ruth King of Centerville, Ron (Connie) King of Decatur, Alabama, and Dennis (Carrie) King of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his children, Jim Obringer and Mary Rudemiller; his infant brother, Joseph Obringer; his siblings, Alvira (Harold) Kaiser, Rosemary (Victor) Metzger, Sr. Casilda Obringer, Werner (Joan) Obringer, Edward (Dorothy) Obringer; his brother-in-law, Wilson Denney; and his in-laws, Jackie King, and Janet (Jim) Price.

 

Jerry was a 1950 graduate of Fort Recovery High School. He spent several years serving his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Jerry was a member of the VFW, where he was Quartermaster for over 45 years, the Fort Recovery American Legion, Fort Recovery Knights of Columbus, and the National Farmers Organization. Jerry was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he served on parish council and various other church activities. He was also a part of the St. Anthony Dinner Theater for over 11 years.

 

Jerry loved baseball and was an outstanding pitcher. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies and in the Semi Pro Western Ohio League. In 2008, he was inducted into the Fort Recovery Hall of Fame. Locally, Jerry coached little league, Legion ball, and the Pony League Champions. His love for baseball resulted in Jerry having an extensive baseball card collection. He loved going camping with his family, playing cards, and telling jokes to all those who would listen. Overall, Jerry was a simple man with a gentle spirit that gave everyone a chance, whether on the field or off.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1477 Philothea Road, Fort Recovery, Ohio 45836. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in the church cemetery.

 

Guests may visit with Jerry's family on Friday, June 4, 2021, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. An American Legion prayer service will begin at 6:45 PM, followed by a Knights of Columbus prayer service. The visitation will continue on Saturday from 8:30 AM until 9:45 AM at the funeral home.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Yakote Women Farmers, Attn: David Stone, 1110 SE Flavel St., Portland, OR, 97202 or online at www.yakotewomenfarmers.org. This organization provides funds for students in Ghana, which Jerry's daughter, Mary, spent many years helping.

 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.

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Pete Maropis—Bartlesville Pirate 1948-49

 

Pete Maropis, 96, passed away peacefully in his Burgettstown home on December 16, 2021, with his loving wife and best friend for the past 69 years, Marguerite, at his side. Pete was the son of Speros and Argero Maropis who migrated to the U.S. in the early 19th century from the island of Crete, Greece. Pete was born in Langeloth, PA, on September 27, 1925. He was a graduate of Union High School, Class of 1943, distinguishing himself academically as well as in athletics. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served as a radioman aboard search and rescue seaplanes in the Pacific until the end of WW2. After receiving an honorable discharge, he was offered football scholarships to the University of Georgia and St. Mary’s College in California. He declined those offers and chose instead to attend Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA along with several high school teammates. At Alliance, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, eventually signing a professional baseball contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Starting in Class B, Davenport, Iowa, and in spite of the two and a half years he spent in the military, he advanced to the Pirates’ Class AA affiliate in New Orleans, LA. At that time, and due to his age, he decided he needed stability in his life and married his hometown sweetheart, Marguerite Martinez on August 11, 1952.

 

Following his professional baseball career, Pete accepted a position with an athletic equipment reconditioning company, Ivory Systems, which became All-American Medalist, and is now Riddell Sports. In a short time, Pete advanced to regional manager, a position that lasted until his retirement.

 

Pete was predeceased by his parents, his son, Pete, and four brothers: Angelo, Chris, Nick, and George. He is survived by sons Mike (Debbie) and Patrick(David Butler) and daughter-in-law Kathy, grandchildren Pete, Matthew (Kayla), Michal Jane (Joseph) Newman and Derek (Brooke), and great-granddaughter Mia. Surviving, in addition to immediate family members, is a sister, Freida Sprando, a brother, Petro (Despina), and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. May his memory be eternal and his soul rests in eternal peace.

Visitation for Pete will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 2 pm to 6 pm, 6 pm time of service at Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 23 Erie Mine Road, Burgettstown, PA 15021 (724) 947-2049 www.youngfhinc.com

Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations for Pete can be made to join.pcf.org/memorials/memorial/in-memory-of-pete-maropis

Special note:

By accessing this site there is a story about Pete Maropis shared in the June 12, 2020 edition of this oft ignored Internet report.

www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/49998535037/

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Rolen Dale “Casey” Casebolt

Since 1996 there has been one constant when anything was shared publicly about the KOM league, Casey Casebolt was going to respond and in an enthusiast and positive manner. It all began at the Red Bridge Library in Johnson County. Kansas in 1996. A presentation regarding a program concerning the old KOM league was announced by the Kansas City Star and KMBZ sportscaster, Don Fortune.

 

A huge crowd was not expected for that event and thus all expectations were met, in that regard. However, it was a memorable event as some attendees asked about certain former members of the KOM league. One young man arose and asked if I ever heard of Herbert Hoover Davis of the 1950 Independence, Kansas Yankees. The reply was “It is regrettable that to the best of my knowledge he is deceased.” Another hand shot up and asked “Whatever happened to Sam Dixon?” To the latter question the answer was “He played for Carthage, Chanute and Iola and is now living in Lawrence, Kansas.” Of course, the fellow asking about Dixon knew the answer but was testing the speaker’s knowledge or lack of same.

 

Following the close of the formal presentation the young man who inquired about Herbert Hoover Davis asked me to hang around for a couple of minutes. Shortly thereafter he came out of an adjoining room with a very tall distinguished gentleman. He uttered this never to be forgotten phrase “Mr. Hall I want you to meet my late father, Herbert Hoover Davis.” It was great being at that resurrection service. That happened a couple of other times in the history of researching the “life and times” of former KOM leaguers and those were great lessons in not taking hearsay about the mortality of man. From then on the policy no one was declared dead without some type of official document.

 

Time passed swiftly from that autumn afternoon at the library, in 1996, until Monday morning January 11, 2022. Turning to the email this message was number one in line from Don Papst, a native of Chanute, Kansas. “John I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my great friend Casey yesterday. Please pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family. I hope you and Noel are doing well. Thanks.”

Following the demise of the KOM league, a former catcher in that league, Sam Dixon, stayed in Chanute where he worked for the Santa Fe railroad and later sold insurance. He became the coach of the the American Legion team in Chanute and in addition to coaching both Papst and Casebolt the team had a pretty good pitcher by the first name of Paul. His last name is recognizable by many of the middle age to older baseball fans for the name that finished out the full name was Lindblad.

Paul Lindblad Obituary (1941 - 2006) - Arlington, TX - Star-Telegram (legacy.com)

 

A few years ago Casebolt was wondering how a deserving person could be inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame. Like most things this old guy has an opinion but not much of anything else. Providing a couple of names to Casebolt he was encouraged to take on the project of getting Lindblad inducted which he did in a short time.

 

If a frequent writer were to be selected, to the Flash Report department, Casebolt would head the list.. The following message was repeated time and again, over the years, in one form or another. “Just enjoyed sitting and listening with my usual great interest the broadcast version of the KOM story in the latest FR. Wonderful as usual!!! John let me say here and now what I have intended to say for many years since meeting you that Saturday afternoon at the Red Bridge Library in KC, Mo. There is definitely a special place for you on this Earth and a special reason you were placed here. And eventually there will be an even bigger and more deserved place in that great and wonderful place above. God Bless You for all you have done and continue to do. Don't quit us now my man!! And on a personal issue, thanks from reconnecting me with Coach Sam (Dixon)!!!” Casey Casebolt-Shawnee Mission, Kansas.

 

In an October 2018 edition of the Flash Report it was mentioned that it was about time to shut down the production of these reports. However, a pensive note, from Casebolt, was the impetus to keep it going a while longer.

 

In the last report www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/51733797453/ the mention of a couple of former ballplayers from Bevier, Mo. was cited. There was some “fluff” added by Yours truly which was never meant to be of much significance to anyone. However, Casebolt had this comment about that to prove he read most every word of these reports.

 

“Hi John: Nothing earth-shattering about my bit of trivia re Bevier but sure jogged the old cranium memory cells. Back in late 90's, for a couple of seasons, a number of us who were members of the KC Gorilla Club, would rent a 12 passenger van and head to distant games. One place we decided to do so was to Truman State in Kirksville. So 10 of us took off on a Sat. morn and headed to the game for a 2 pm kickoff, leaving a bit of pre-game time for "libations". We went up I-35 to US 36 and headed east for Macon (Mo), where we would turn north. I can’t remember exactly how we spotted the place, but someone saw what obviously was a very busy restaurant in a large, old 2 story building just south of 36, so we decided to drive over and check it out. I can honestly say I was never so shocked in my life John. Folks were packed in there for lunch. Table were each covered with white linen table covers. The drink glasses appeared to be some type of crystal. Chandeliers all over the high-ceiling room. Just absolutely magnificent----nothing anyone would ever expect. And the highlight was a gentleman dressed in TUXEDO greeting and seating all guests. Servers appeared to be all high school/college students most likely. All dressed in their best also. I cant ‘remember all of he story nor the name of the place. But the menu was very nice and probably a bit high price for Bevier, Mo. But the guy in tux turned out to be the owner, along with his son They had ventured originally from far back east, I seem to remember NY or PA state. And they brought this fine dining to a little old coal-mining town in Missouri!!! Wow. Most of us had chicken as in a bit of a rush and he put it on the "front burner". You can imagine the dessert, and yes we definitely had some of their homemade pies. In another future season (we alternated every other year) we again repeated the visit. However, sadly, the third trip resulted in the shock of seeing only the shell of the building after it had been destroyed by fire. Was never rebuilt and then Pitt stopped playing Truman a few years later and have no idea what then occurred. Just was a memory-maker this week when saw mention of Bevier in your FR. I did go to Wikipedia but could not find any reference to the restaurant.

Thanks for reading, IF you got this far.” Casey

 

Well, I did get to the end of his comments and sent him a link about the restaurant name, he couldn’t recall, “The Pear Tree.” Also, he was informed that he could visit its reincarnation in the town of nearby, Macon. But, that will never happen or that we can both “break bread” together on this planet but maybe some other time in another place. Until then, this is the final word regarding my friend, Casey.

 

Rolen Dale “Casey” Casebolt, age 78, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 10th, 2022.

 

Casey was born August 2nd, 1943 in Chanute, KS to the late Dale and Mae Casebolt. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1961, Chanute JUCO (now Neosho County Community College) in 1963, and, finally, he received his bachelors in Business Administration from Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University) in 1966. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserves during the 1960’s and 1970’s.

 

After his time in Pittsburg, Casey moved to the Kansas City area, where he permanently resided for the remainder of his life. In 1969, he married what was to be his wife of 52+ years, Eva Hafner of Kansas City, KS. They were true life partners thru the years, especially as Casey traveled extensively on business and Eva maintained their home. Eva and Casey had one son, Scott, born in 1975.

 

He started a 45+ year career in various sales roles, retiring in 2013 after 29 Years of service as Vice President of Sales for The Gerson Company, Olathe, KS. He was a loyal and dedicated employee as evidenced by only having three employers in his adult life. The others were Montgomery Ward and Ben Franklin Stores. For Casey, people were never business associates, customers, or coworkers. He saw everyone he interacted with as a true friend, as evidenced by his interest in everything about them.

 

Casey is survived by his wife Eva, of the home; son Scott and his wife Kristin, and his pride and joy, grandson Cale, all of Wichita, KS; bonus grandsons Dylan McCollar of Shawnee, KS and Logan McCollar of Fort Worth, TX; sister Katherine Finley of Chanute, KS; sister-in-laws Joan Weber and Kay Reece (Bob) of Shawnee, KS; brother-in-laws Louis Hafner (Jane) of Tecumseh, KS; Vaughn Hafner (Nancy) of Dallas, TX; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

Casey is also survived by a network of friends in the hundreds, possibly thousands. He never met a stranger, often saying “you can never have too many friends”. His interest in everyone he met was genuine, always remembering details no matter how long it had been since he interacted with someone. He truly cared about everyone’s lives, families, and anything else that affected them, whether it was a neighbor, longtime friend, customer, or someone he just met.

 

He was passionate about many things, but mostly his family and his beloved Pittsburg State University, especially Gorilla Football. On most fall afternoons for the past 30 years you could find Casey, home or away, as the loudest one in the stands to cheer on his mighty Gorillas on the gridiron. From his days of working on the student newspapers at Chanute High School and JUCO, Casey fancied himself as an amateur journalist and was very proud of his group email with over 200 members that he used to update everyone on all things Pitt State. OAGAAG – Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla.

 

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00pm, with a celebration of life on Tuesday, January 18th at 1:00 pm, both at The Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS 66203. We understand that some may not be able to attend, so a live stream of the service will be available for those to view by Clicking Here

 

As would be Casey’s wishes, memorials are to be directed to the Pittsburg State University Foundation for Student Scholarships at P.O. Box 4005, Pittsburg, KS, 66762.

 

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Done