more memories
Continued from the memories page...
Bill Van Bibber
As a youngster growing up in South Ashland (Adams St), I have many good memories of things in the Park.
Several of us from the neighborhood formed a team (Mustangs, I think) and got in the Pony League. Ones I remember were Rex Walters, Jim Spear, Bill Castle and I know my old mind is not remembering all of them. We played at a diamond on 21st St, that seems to be like backed up against Central Ave, not like the next field there.
Our schedule was published in the Independent on Sundays and we would walk or ride bicycles down there on game day where Bo McMillan would bring us 1 ball. We furnished all of our own equipment and played a full game. Then Bo would come back around (it seems like he would know exactly when to come back) and collect the 1 ball he had given us. Bill Castle pitched and I caught using 1st baseman's mitt and the old basketball mask to cover my glasses. Rex Walters played 1st Base and I just don't remember where the rest played. I do know we had some of the best fun of anybody around. No uniforms, no audience, just a bunch of boys having fun. I do hope someone will see this and write in about some of the other guys. This was probably about 1949 or 1950. Never got to play on #1, but sure saw some great games there.
The plate was moved back near the back stop for Softball and we would get us a good place behind the catcher so you could see the ball drop, curve and rise. Bill Selbee was probably my favorite Pitcher, but there were many others that were there during that time. Rex's brother in law Virgil Dickison pitched for several years as did Ed McGlone, Father Ed Haney, Bill Schuman, and so many more.
Always enjoyed things when Square D came to town from Lexington. Great Great Games!!!
Sundays usually saw the wonderful black American Legion and other teams from Ashland playing. It is such a shame that some of these men did not have the opportunity to go further in big time baseball. I am sure some could have made it.
I try to go thru the Park each time I get around it, especially from the 22nd St end. Never go thru it that the memories don't run wild. Oh yes, our Moms never worried about us when we went to the Park. A lot has changed in the years since!
Madge Maupin Haney
All these memories are great! You guys are on that Field (CP1) again!
J.D.Browne
(JD sent in a great color photos of the Post 76 team.) To the best of my unreliable memory, this American Legion photo is from '58 or '59. At any rate, we lost in the State Legion finals 2 straight years-at least 1 to Owensboro. Hope this brings some chuckles to everybody. I still don't know where the ALL RED
uniforms came from! I'm also sending a Babe Ruth pic with the Bluegrass field and floodwall as background.
Rom Hurst
I played left field in '57 for Tomcats. Remember winning league championship in softball playing for Ashland Auto Parts. This brings back a lot of good memories of summers spent on CP1. Don't get back often but still visit the Park every time I'm in Ashland. Your Dad sure loved sports and being involved. Are you looking for donations?
Don't think Dave Patton will forget the game that won us the District title. It ended on a double play that
he and I pulled off. Fly to left and throw to Dave doubled a runner tagging up from third. Fun to think
about those years playing baseball. I started spending summer days in the Park when I was about 11 years old. Had a pair of old spikes (too big)that were hand-me-downs and walked from 31st street with my glove and spikes. As I am writing this, I remember the railroad tracks I walked and the smell of the Tannery, the cold water at the ice plant,and hanging around hoping to get to play with the big guys in the YMCA league. Always thought it was a big deal to go to the YMCA to sign my "contract", which had to be a release protecting the Y should I get hurt. To me it was my "contract". Remember the sound of spikes on the concrete at the drinking fountain by CP1. I sure do. Lived away most of my life but still consider Ashland home. Can I help in any way? This is fun.
This is bringing up a bunch of good memories. Don't think Dave will forget the game that won us the District title, it ended on a double play that he and I pulled off. Fly to left and throw to Dave doubled a runner tagging up from third. Fun to think about those years playing baseball..You, as I remember, were a very good glove at 2nd and starting as a freshman was a big deal.....
I loved baseball but have no interest in major league ball any longer..Do enjoy watching the Washington (PA) wild things play a couple of times a year. They play in a very low minor league and have a good team to watch every year. Play in a new appx 3600 seat ballpark and fill it up for most games. Players are normally players from D2 and D3 colleges just having a couple of fun summers before facing the real world. I started spending summer days in the park when I was about 11 years old. Had a pair of old spikes (too big ) that were hand -me-downs and walked from 31st street with my glove and spikes. As I am writing this, I remember the railroad tracks I walked and the smell of the tannery, the cold water at the ice plant, and hanging around hoping to get to play with the big guys in the YMCA league. Always thought it was a big deal to go to the YMCA and sign my "contract" which had to be a release protecting the Y should I get hurt. To me it was my "contract". There was no one else in my neighborhood who could play very well so always went down alone. Remember the sound of spikes on the concrete at the drinking fountain by the ball field? I sure do. I have lived away for most of my life ( Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh for 38 years) but still consider Ashland home and always get back at least once a year. Will be sure to check out your project at the field. Can I help in any way? I know the Independent used to have all the old write ups that Malcolm Conley wrote as he covered our team... This is fun, thanks for what you are doing. I have no clippings or photos to contribute but Gerald Roberts has some.
Larry Castle
Gary, its so great to hear from all the guys that we played with...Rom Hurst was a senior my soph. year...i956-57...he was a good hitter and a great fielder...he was also a great guy to have on any team...such a super attitude...he was a winner on and off the field...it was an honor to have played with him...we almost went to state that year...came within one out in the finals of the regionals...lost to Paintsville...our lineup that year(spring 57'),was Patton catching, Roberts on first,Wright at second, Fillmore at short, Conley at third, Hurst in left, Meeks in center, and Griffith or McCown in right...a very good team...I pitched or played third when Hreb pitched, and short when Dick pitched. I really cherish thoses memories...seems like a few days ago.
Dave McDowell
When Fairview beat Ashland at CP1 it was like a national holiday in Westwood! If I remember right, I think school was shut down the following day! It's hard to remember when that rag tag bunch of kids from that bad area called Westwood came to Ashland and beat up on the mighty power of the Tomcats. I can understand you not wanting to remember. (NOTE: See the newspaper article about the 7-6 Fairview win over Ashland on the “Still More Clippings” page.)
Steve Gilmore
Mayor Steve Gilmore-I have a very clear picture of Standard Oil Pony League team I will send. It's the
first team that I ever had a uniform for...pretty big!!! I slept in it for several nights to make sure that I did not lose it. Each player had a different Standard station on the back. I remember mine was "Brislin's Standard Station". I ended up graduating with two Brislin's at Holy Family.
Mike Tussey
God knows I spent 10,000 hours down there (CP-1) coaching.. My Musial team was playing when Chod
Hobbs proclaimed the diamond be named after Ernie Chattin. The dugouts in the 70's, 80's and up to '92
looked like they did in the 50's. The City repaired what was needed..no more no less. The Press box..is where I broadcasted on WCMI, many,many high school games, Post 76 games and tournaments and in the 70's we did delayed Cable TV broadcasts of High School and Babe Ruth games. This is a fitting tribute to your Dad and will perpetuate not only the memories of the past 50 years..but will enhance new ones. Ashland has always been proud of its sports tradition and past athletes..and well shold be.
Dave Patton
It is truly a small world. I have recently been in contact with Rom Hurst and just before Thanksgiving I heard from Gary Wright. I have not been in contact with either guy since 1958. I contacted Rom because he and I had been teammates on Mr. Wright's teams and AHS.
I was also in Cincy for Thanksgiving and had mentioned to my 2 boys that Cincy was the place for some of the best memories of my life. Getting to come to Cincy for the Knothole tourney. We got to ride the train, go to Coney Island, see the Reds play, and oh yeah, play our games. I remember we played at Deer Park and I'm not sure but I tell people that Pete Rose was on the other team.
You guys sure have a better memory than I do. Everyone that is except Larry Castle (he never could remember the correct scores of our 1-on-1 games at the Y. I do remember that my senior year at AHS we went to the State Tournament and about 99% of the team was made of of guys that Mr. Wright started playing. We did however beat the eventual State Champs that year. They came to Central Park during the regular season to play us a double header. They won the first one behind a great left hander named Allen ?He also was a very good basketball player. He beat us ther also. I think he went on to LSU to play baseball. Anyway, we beat them the second game.
I was luckier than most guys back in those days because I lived in Mr. Wright's neighborhood and Robert and Gary were my very good friends (Robert more so than Gary). Every time that Mr. Wright cranked up that white van or that black Ford to go to Central Park, the pest was in a seat.
I think I can safely say that no one single person in Ashland's long history had anymore influence over more young mens' lives than Mr. Wright. He was truly a hero to all of us and isn't it a little sad that we better know that now than at that time.
I also, remember working at the park during the summer for Coach Miller and Mr. Chattin. They were very good to me and all young people should be so lucky as to have 3 fine examples to grow up under.
Larry Castle
I was so glad to see David Patton's letter to the CP-1 site. As I stated in a previous letter, David, Gary, Herb, Dick, and I played together for six or seven years--Pony League, Midget League, and Tomcats. David was one of the best all-around players in Ashland during the 50's. He could play most any position and was an outstanding hitter. I particularly appreciated David's skills because I was lucky enough to have him catch most of the games I pitched for the Tomcats. I will say without a doubt he is the best catcher I ever threw to. He certainly made me a better pitcher. David led our team in hitting in 1958 when we went to the state tournament. I would definitely consider him our most valuable player that year. David and I stayed in contact for ten or twelve years after we graduated from AHS. We were both involved in college basketball coaching and our paths often crossed on the scouting and recruiting trail. It has been over thirty-five years though since I have seen David and that is why I was so delighted to see his posting. It is great to be back in contact with many of the players from the 50's. David was right on the money when he commented that on the 1958 Tomcat regional championship team, most of the players had played for Mr. Wright. Without getting our start with Coach Wright in the Pony League and Midget League, most of us probably would never have had the opportunity to play on the level we did in high school.
The games with Maysville were exhibition games...we won the first game 4-3 and they won the second game 14-1...by todays rules they would have counted as scheduled games because it was in the local paper,we wore school uniforms,and we had paid officials...(at least those are some of the rules in high school and Community Colleges in Florida)...Alan Smith pitched the 2nd game...I pitched the first...I do not know why Smith and I did not go against each other...mind you I'm glad...just don't know why...yes the rules changed because of him pitching all of the state tournament...never remembered him as a shortstop...I thought he was a lefty...not many southpaws at short or behind the plate in baseball...in softball it is common...he was the best we faced in the three years I played for the Tomcats...but the rule is a good one...I cant imagine going 21 innings in three days...or was it 28 in four....anyway, great stuff this...thanks Dave and Joe for bringing some light to it...
Roger Robinson
I can remember, as a kid, riding my bicycle to the park. If you didn't get there by 9 in the morning, you didn't get in the game. We'd stay all day. We would take 50 cents and go over to Lynds Hardware and get a hamburger. Then it was back to the park til dark. I'd have to push my bike up 29th Street because I was too tired to ride it. When you got to play up here, you had made it. There's just something about playing at the park.
Steve Towler
I played Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Ashland because Boyd County did not have organized youth leagues at that time. My two good friends were and are Chip Miller and Ed Radjunas who played a lot of ball at CP1 and Central Park. As a past Superintendent of Schools in Ashland, I know some of the guys who are actively interested in this project-Dave McDowell, Roger Robinson, and Dale Sexton.
Dick Fillmore
Gary, you are right. David McGuire did play for us and Warner Caines played only basketball and football. He ended up getting a basketball scholarship to Western Kentucky same as Larry Castle.
I am very appreciative of your call last night and what you are doing along with the other fellows concerning Central Park and your Dad. Wonderful person ,your Dad. I will send what I have to add to the web sight and a few good stories of what the park and the guys I played with meant to me. I thank Dave Carter for all the effort he has done and is doing for this project. Send me his e-mail and I will contact him.
Thanks again.
James Sergent (Harold’s Dad)
We lived out in Boyd County and Harold came in to play for Bill Selbee's Dodgers in the National Little League. I helped coach that team. I think Harold hit .680 that year. We started him at a young age and he
played 2nd base because that was as far as he could throw the ball. I remember Babe Ruth and Tomcat games on the big diamond (CP1). I remember the Regional Championship at Grayson in '58 on that muddy field.
Larry Conley
I loved that Park and playing on CP-1. Lot of good memories. Let me know what I can do to help.
Ray Hoke
I was a Park rat. I remember playing Little League for Bill Miranda and playing with and against all the guys we just talked about. I remember pitching a PERFECT GAME. Jim Stewart as a coach was just
absolutely great. Babe Ruth, Legion, and later softball with Ben Williamson on CP-1 was the greatest. We always went to Joe Schwartz's drugstore(Central & 22nd) for a softdrink after every game. I remember "Big Ed" hitting them off the Church in right when we played in the Eastern Kentucky League.
If you can tell me when you are having the BIG REUNION with all the guys, I will take my 3 week vacation, come from Orlando, and BE there!
Jim Dixon
Back in the days, one could and would spend all day around that diamond---hoping to get picked up on a team, "shag some balls", as Marvin Hall used to say, watch a game, or just watch Willy chalk the lines... Priceless!! For those of us who didn't have any change in our pockets---as long as the water fountain worked---we were good to go for another nine innings---or until the one bat we had broke in the wrong place, or the electrician's tape finally came off the ball!!! Kind of hard to pick up a ball on the fly with 15' of twine/string unraveling & flowing immediately, if not sooner behind it! Then, and only then, was it time to walk home up Belmont... I'm sure glad you called Ray Hoke. He's been ready to UNLOAD Central Park baseball for years!!! Reconnecting with our friends of the past through " This Special Tribute" to your father is making our lives more complete, worthwhile, satisfying, and fun. It is our pleasure to assist in any way we can. The "Project" is not only important for Ashland's past and present, but for it's future as well!!
John Thaxton
Real nice Tribute to your Dad. Lots of great guys back then playing ball. I remember all those names on the website, and many more. Your Dad was pretty quiet and humble, a genuine leader of young people, and gave many kids strong values and strong memories.
Roger Robinson
I remember coaching Brandon Webb's (Cy Young Winner) dad, Phil, on the Armco team in Sr Babe Ruth. He had all the tools and was a very smart left handed pitcher with a good fast ball and nasty curve.
Steve Cram
I remember playing for the Tigers in the the first Little League season and pitching. I hit one of the first home runs. I remember playing for your Dad on the Braves in Babe Ruth first season and making the All Star team. Great times at the Park.
Ed Radjunas
We moved to Ashland in '54 and I started playing Pony League at CP-2 on Callihan Millworks. I believe that LL started the next year ('55) and I was drafted by the Cubs (National League-17th St). George Conley was our coach. I believe that Ellis Johnson, Ernie Chattin, Bo McMillan, George Rupert and my Dad organized LL in Ashland-(I could have left someone out).I think that on opening day for LL-Steve Gilmore (Reds) and myself (Cubs) were the first pitchers to throw the initial pitch for each team. Enough of this by memory....I will continue to look in my garage for the articles that can confirm!!
Paul Oliverio
I remember playing on the American LL Allstars with Jim Stewart and Bill Miranda as coaches. Ray Hoke, Frankie Wagner, Park Beam, Ernie Daniels were just a few others. I remember P-1 while at Holy Family.
My Dad (John Oliverio) was instrumental in the first years of LL formation. He was a Pirate scout and took myself, J.D. Browne, Paul McKenzie and Gary Wright to a Pirate's tryout camp in Charleston when I was about 13-14 years old.
