Robert Wright

(Upon being asked to recall the story of catching Jim Host BARE-HANDED)--- I remember, as a soph Tomcat catcher, catching Jim Host bare-handed in the old AHS gym. It was a rainy practice day before we went to the State tourney. Jim, being probably the best and hardest throwing pitcher in the area, was practice tossing in the gym. In my macho way I was trying to get him ready for the big game and throw as

hard as he could. "You big sissy..I can catch you BARE-HANDED!" Sure enough..he did..and I did!

*Jim Host's brother, Jay, in a recent phone call immediately recalled this 1955 story 53 years later. Jim starred at UK and played minor league baseball.

Jack Strother

(*Jack Strother Jr of Grayson was asked if there were any Grayson players with CP1 memories.)

"Stealing Home..ALWAYS call Time-Out"  I remember playing against Ashland in Central Park when I was in the 7th or 8th grade ('56-'57). I

believe it was in some type of summer league. I had always played with the high school kids (guess Prichard was really hard up back then) even when I was in junior high. During the game I was on 3rd base when the Ashland coach walked to the mound with the catcher for a conference with the pitcher. The coach evidently had forgotten to call time-out with the ump and our coach, Buster Cartee, quickly picked up on this. He wanted me to steal home but had to get my attention in such a manner as not to attract Ashland's attention.

Of course it took me a while to pick up on what was going on with the subtle signals from coach Cartee and shortly before he had a stroke from frustration with me, I took off and barely beat Ashland's catcher back to the plate. I don't remember who won the game but have always remembered how embarrassed I was to take so long in starting my big steal.

Other teammates were Phil Hammond, Jack Calhoun, Bill & Beryl Satterly, Kenny Applegate, and Stanley Dyer.

Bill Kazee

Playing baseball in Central Park is like no other experience..the greatest. It's great that your Dad is being honored in this way. I saw all those great photos on the website. We had some TALL players (George Rupert,Gene Waggoner,John Staley) along with Don Eddy and Jack Newall. My Dad, Windy Kazee, is one of the 2 living managers of the first year of Little League (*Bill Miranda is the other). He also played for years in the softball leagues on CP1 and CP2 with all the big names such as Bill Selbee, etc.  

jim Dixon

Does anyone else remember 'Reese Banks' coming in on a fly ball at CP1; losing it for some reason; & the ball hitting him on the top of his head?  This was while playing for your dad's team in Legion ball.  I remember the ball bouncing ( seems like '10' ft. in the air).  Reese immediately went after the ball , seemingly unaffected by what had just happened.  At the end of the inning,  on his way to the dugout he jokingly  'staggered a bit'.

     I recall him laughing just as much, if not more, that the rest of us in the dugout upon his return.  I think your dad just smiled and said something like "O.K. fella's, lets get ready---Batter up!  Let's get some runs".  Back to the basics and matters-at-hand............

 

 I recall watching a 'Tomcat ' bb game w/Guy Felix behind the plate calling the shots.  As you might remember Guy had those 'wire rim Coke bottle glasses'.  J. Fred Miller was seated near the top of the home bleachers, and he was not totally agreeing w/Guy's calls; in essence, he was 'RAZZING' Guy quite a bit!   I recall Guy calling  J. Fred's son 'Chipper' out on strikes;  Mr. Miller arose from his seat shouting,  came down a couple of rows, and seemed  headed for the field.  Mr. Felix picked up a bat, waived it at J.Fred, and shouted "COME ON DOWN".  Mr. Miller returned to his row and seat------but, the Razzing from afar did not stop, it continued----even louder than before!! 

     Shortly thereafter, Guy called LARRY CONLEY out on strikes-----but, it was only the 'second' strike on Larry.  Larry 'politely' questioned the call as much as he could, but, Guy wouldn't budge.  EVERYONE in the park knew that it was only the second strike---but Mr. Felix.

     Over the years I've come to realize that-----Those glasses get 'thicker' each year!!!     

Darryle Kouns

I remember my Dad, Paul, coaching the Ashland Merchants, which may have been the first Adult men's team in Ashland, Yates Packard Clippers, and the Johnson Dairy softball teams on Cp1 and 2. I remember playing for him and for the Tomcats. I played with my uncle Melvin, my cousins Bill Kazee and Jimmie, along with Jim Host, Emmor Evans, Cecil Bush, Monk Conley, Jigs May, Don Detjon, Don Appledorn, Bo Leake, Jack Patton, Turtle Queen. Those experiences helped develop me and move on with a scholarship to Georgia Tech and then to West Point. Great memories. I'd like to help in this project any way I can. I have old pics I will

share.

GlenDale Easterling

I remember well playing out in Boyd County and then coming in for the first year of Legion. I will never forget pitching and playing

outfield on CP1. I remember playing the 2nd season with the red uniforms and going to the State Tourney. I also remember John Oliverio taking a few of us to a Pirate tryout camp.

Bill Lynch

-I remember my Dad starting Bobby and I out very early in Little League and following, along with my uncle Tom, us all the way to CP1. All those CP1 memories of Tomcats and winning 3 straight State Championships leading to the minors is unforgettable. I have many pics and clippings to share

Greg Willis

I played Babe Ruth with Tony Wright and his dad T.R. was always around. I played softball with some of those pictured later on.    Pudge Miller got me and Bruce Gates (Gator) to umpire minor league Babe Ruth following my graduating senior year.  I couldn’t get a real job since I didn’t turn 18 until October.  I worked Babe Ruth and the ice house on13th streetthat summer scooting around on a mo-ped and playing legion ball.  I recall throwing out Sgt. Jones who managed the FOP team that argued the rules with me on a ground ball down the first base side.  He apologized to me the next day saying that he was wrong.  I warned him once and then tossed him.  Detjen was umpiring 2nd base that day subbing for Gator.  He thought it was a scream and so did Pudge that I threw out a cop who was actually in uniform that day.  Pudge had already told me not to put up with any crap.  A good memory!

Paul McKenzie

I used to go see TR Wright when I was home on leave from the Navy and when I would come in from Texas. He and my brother in law were the best role models anyone could have. I kept Mr Wright's ADI Obituary notice in my Bible. My Dad was there at CP1 and CP2 every game his Ashland Oil schedule allowed. He played in the "Old Timer's Game" at CP1 and I saw him hit the house across the street in left field with the ball going over the trees. He played for Morehead in college and was a baseball nut.

Greg Willis

I used to go Bobby Cartwright played on my Armco sponsored Reds when we won the city title in 1957.  He was a 12 yr. old and I was the

only starting 10 yr. old on the team playing 3rd base.  Paul Oliverio was throwing for the Yankees. I got on by a walk moved around to 3rd base. He threw a wild pitch or a passed ball by the catcher and I came home to win the third and deciding game that had gone into extra innings. Bobby's Dad Joe and Patroman Sparks piled us into two cruisers, turned the lights and sirens on and away we went.  Later we were recognized at a banquet at the Elks along with two other championship teams that were older than us. One was a Tomcat team. Bob Feller was the featured speaker.I understand that Bobby retired from Fuji that he headed in North America. Joe, and his dad, he live in FL as I understand it. 

Darwin Everman

I checked out the CP1 website and recognized most of the names mentioned. However, my recollections of Central Park are different. Yes, Mom ran the concession stands there. She started in '53, when I was 11. I was hired to pick up pop bottles at 1 penny/bottle. I still remember at the nightly softball games, crawling under the bleachers to retrieve

bottles. Worked there for 5 summers (brother was Talmadge). Finally got promoted to working in the stand itself. Remember getting up early to pack the pop in the coolers, then using the caretakers (Mr Akers I believe) truck to go to the icehouse across from the Park to purchase a couple hundred-pound blocks of ice. Hauling it back to both stands and chipping the ice til my hands almost froze. Coldest pop in town! We

also made the best sno-cones! The problem was that the sno cone machine had a short in it and it shocked you everytime you crushed ice. To this day I think I have more electricity in my body than most people.  

Pete Wonn

Seems like every time I was anywhere in Central Park, Mr Wright was there-and men like Stan Radjunas, Virgil Dickison, HF Dixon's Dad, Ellis Johnson, George Conley, Carmen Moon, Bill Mordica, and on and on and on. What Great men and what Great memories. My Dad was a big influence in my life.

Kelsey McCullough

I never forgot how our Giants under coach Wheeler, won the City Championship the first year of LL. I remember you, Carter, spraying hits all over the place and scooping up the hot grounders on 2nd base, or was it shortstop. I believe Mike Ciminella played short or 2nd with you. (NOTE: Carter played shortstop; Cimanella was at 2nd base.)

Joe Hood

Henry Tarter coached the Indians when Ken Smith had a heart attack the first year of BR. He umpired a lot of HFHS games at CP1, including one where the catcher was giving me grief about my size. Henry told him I could hit (he liked his old players) and just cackled when I lined one past the 3rd baseman. He was a true baseball junkie.

Jack Floyd

In one of the LL Allstar games I remember serving up a fat one right down the middle to Jasper Wheeler, annd I think that thing finally came to rest somewhere down near the 2nd National Bank Building. Jasper had a big reputation coming into that game and I can tell you it only got bigger.

David Carter

1955 - First year of LIttle League baseball in Ashland.  I actually played for the LIttle League Giants only the last half of the season. I lived in Flatwoods, and in 1954, I had played in the Greenup County YMCA league for the Flatwoods team that won the country championship.  The next year, 1955, there was NO YMCA youth baseball in Greenup County.  My mother, who worked in Ashland, arranged for a tryout for me with a team coached by T.R. Wright. I met Mr. Wright, told him I was a shortstop, and he then introduced me to his son, Gary, who was a shortstop. A very GOOD shortstop.  So, he put me at third base for the tryout, and I actually played one game for him the same day as my tryout. 

After the game, I had a few hours to kill before the 6:00 pm bus left for Flatwoods, so I was hanging out at CP-2.  I had my glove with me, and Rex Miller of the Ashland YMCA came by the field and began a conversation.  Within 5 minutes, he learned that I was a Flatwoods kid who wanted to play baseball --- but I preferred to be at shortstop.  He told me that a friend of his, Carl (Pot) Wheeler, was a LIttle League coach and he needed a shortstop.  And he told me that Mr. Wheeler’s team would be practicing there in about 30 minutes.  So, on the same day I tried out with T.R. Wright’s team, I had ANOTHER tryout with the LIttle League Giants.  Mr. Wheeler told me I was his new shortstop, and that ended my one-game career playing for T.R. Wright.  The Giants went on to win the city Little League Championship.  And that began my connection as a Flatwoods boy playing baseball in Ashland.

Bill Distler

Good and Bad news. I dug around and found the 1957-1st year Babe Ruth League Red's individual trophy I received. Bad news-

the black plastic engraved label is missing. If I knew the lettering, I'm sure I could have one duplicated but it obviously wouldn't be original.

You can see the trophy in the photo I sent several months ago of the Reds getting the trophies and jackets. If someone has a different picture that can yield the inscription from their photo, then I could have one made and donate to the museum. I

would hope a complete one might show up from someone else. I have one more picture -  of the American Legion registration day - I don't believe I sent it to you previously so here it is. I can bring the originals to Ashland if there is a need. Looking forward to the trip.

Dan Myers

I was on Henry Tarter’'s team that first year in Babe Ruth ball (1957).  (Joe Hood, I recall his team being the Yankees)

 Henry used to practice us hard. He would put a full team of 9 players in the field. Henry would then hit balls from the batter's box -- he held the bat in one hand. Henry would hit grounders, line drives and fly balls -- you had to be on your toes -- because you never knew where the ball was going -- just like in a game! When Henry hit the ball, a runner would start from home plate to first base at the crack of the bat.  As the play developed, Henry shouted instructions on what to do. If the base runner was thrown out (or eventually scored a run), the base runner would rotate into a position in the field. We got to play lots of positions and saw the game from many angles. Henry taught us base running skills, defensive skills and how to react to game situations.

 

Henry might stay at bat an hour or even two without taking a break.  As a result, his players were in good shape and mentally ready to play ball. At times Henry would have us gather in the dugout and lecture us on the game (and life). I recall making a wisecrack once and Henry called me out on it -- he demanded respect and he was right -- I always remembered that incident. His methods were extremely effective -- and probably just came from his great feel for the game. He also got real enjoyment out of seeing his players improve. I was very fortunate to have played under Coach Henry Tarter.

Bill Van Bibber

Graduated in 1954 from OLD Ashland High.  Grew up on Adams St in So Ashland.  My best friend was Rex Walters and Chester Walters, Jim

Spear, Bill Castle,  Ralph O Niell and many others in the South Ashland area.  Passed papers on Adams, Monroe, So 29th, Blackburn, Joel Sts all thru high school.  Our class has a class meeting each month and are currently in plans for our 55th year reunion in 2009.  It is good to be with friends and class mates from so long  ago.  The lists that you sent of those planning to attend, I probably knew 90%of, maybe not on a first name basis with many, but knew them.  Belonged  to the Ashland Elks for 25 years and tons of those guys were Elk members.  This was all before Ashland went wet in early 80's. Think I went in the  Elks in 1957 as  am a little older than the guys thatplayed in CP during the early days of LL.  When we played, we did not have equipment other than our own, uniforms, coaches or parents in the stands. Could have been better than now in some ways.  We had lots of fun!!  In those days we would find a  vacant lot on Jackson or Adams St and thats where we played ball. Did have Pony and Midget Leagues in the Park, but most of guys

playing in South Ashland was in these vacant lots. I knew your Dad when he ran the little store on 18th & Greenup. There was another Wright that lived on the end of Monroe St at that time but he worked at Armco, I believe as a Welder. He had a couple of boys but there names escape me.  Dont know if he was related to  you or not but he was a great guy.  O well, enough thinking about the GOOD ole days and they were GOOD.  God Bless

Dan Myers

I was on HenryI noticed a conflict between Joe Hood’s recollection and mine – perhaps Henry left the Yankees and went to help the Indians (the team Joe played for) – I seem to recall we only had Henry for a part of the season. (Joe – what do you recall?)

 

Those baseball days were important ones in shaping our lives – we only realized it afterwards!

Bob Collins

My dad was the man responsible for my thinking baseball was the greatest game ever. He had almost made it as a pro and knew most stuff about hitting, fielding and pitching. The 3 of us - pop, Terry and I - spent 1000s of hours playing catch. I did most of my ground-ball practice throwing a rubber-covered (regulation size and weight) baseball against the walls of the Armory across the street from our house. We also played lots of pick-up ball on the grounds of the tannery as well as Central Park -sometimes using an overturned park bench as a backstop.

Our family came to Ashland from St Louis, so our team was the Cardinals. I had been a Brown’s fan, but they left St Louis the same year we did. I hated the Reds - who seemed to be everybody else’s favorite team. I’m sure I can still name the starting lineups for most National League teams from that time.

I’ll never forget listening in study hall as Bill Mazzeroski (sp) hit the World Series winning homer against the hated Yankees in 1960.

I played shortstop for Means grade school on CP-2 against other grade schools in about 1955. The manager was Jim Bob Leighow.

I played shortstop for the Foremost Dairy team in Pony League that also played mostly on CP-2. I remember that some of us 11 year-olds went around asking different companies to sponsor us and the guy at Foremost Dairy gave us money to buy ‘jerseys’ that had Foremost printed across the front as well as some bats, balls and catcher’s equipment. Jim Bob was the manager here, too.

I played second base for, maybe the Indians, the first year of Little League in Ashland. It was the first field I played on (Lexington Avenue) that had an outfield fence that a player could actually hit a home run over. I got one hit all year - I batted lead off and got a lot of walks - and it was off of Froggy O’Neal, who had to have been the biggest and hardest-throwing pitcher in the whole league. I think both Meyers twins were on that team also.

I played shortstop for the Babe Ruth League team - team names are escaping me - that played most of its games at the field behind the Blue Grass - NIGHT GAMES, mind you. Don Frailey’s dad - a really nice man - was one of our coaches and he let me bat cleanup one night and I got 2 hits. I also remember getting a hit off of my brother Terry - to right field, so my dad wasn’t particularly impressed. I remember that Bobby Bryant was my keystone mate and Danny Meyers played next to me at third when he wasn’t catching. Donny played first and I still had trouble getting the ball to the target. Selby Litton, I believe, caught when Danny was playing third. I remember that my 3-fingered infielder’s glove was so frayed that Joe Taylor got his dad to buy me a new one.

I played shortstop for Marvin Hall and Mike Ciminella’s dad in Legion Ball. I remember that Mr. Hall was like a real big-league manager - a very, very nice guy who knew a lot of baseball and was a good teacher of it. We played almost exclusively at CP-1. I have two particular memories of those days. I was never a very courageous batter anyway and Mike Jackson’s curve ball sent my foot into the proverbial bucket. So, one day - spontaneously - I climbed into the other box and faced him as a left-handed batter. I got two line drive hits off Mike that game and another line drive that - I believe Gary Wright - snagged at short. What a day. It made me think I was a left-handed hitter - not true, as it turned out.

I had started that season something like 6 for 10 and Coach Ciminella thought I was all-star material. He presented me to Larry Conleys’ dad George with my nomination. Mr. Conley was unimpressed and called for Jim Speaks to blow me away with a few fastballs - which he did. Point made.

I was a sub outfielder with the Tomcats on CP-1. I, again, remember two particular incidents. Bobby Lee was playing right field one day and I was a replacement center fielder. A fly ball between us caused my life to flash before my eyes, but Bob pulled up and I caught it without injury. He may have swallowed his chewing tobacco - not sure. The other incident was when Coach Boehm (sp) signaled for me to lay down a suicide bunt in a regional game - at Morehead or Grayson maybe - I missed it - runner out. Lucky for me we went to State anyway. Even though I batted .333 that year, my favorite manager’s memory caused him to cut me the next spring.

Some points about CP-1 don’t seem to be getting much mention. One was that my first times there as a little kid were to watch men’s fast pitch softball played at night when the day shift was over at Armco. It has been mentioned that there were some real good semi-pro games played there. I remember watching Henry Tartar work those guys pretty hard. Lastly, it must be noted that the Tomcat football practices often actually spilled over onto the infield of CP-1 - a fact that always left ground balls challenged by infielders there to be potentially lethal (well, maybe not actually lethal, but certainly sometimes extremely difficult) - I know we spent all the time between pitches, throwing away pebbles and clods.

Maybe my last personal memory was when I wasn’t playing anymore. Most games back in the day - not high school, but others - featured the passing of the hat for change which was used to buy balls that had been fouled off into the park and not found or returned. Also, some days, umpires were in short supply - sometimes a guy would do the whole thing from behind the mound or maybe he’d be the only umpire besides the home plate umpire. On one of those days, on CP-1, I was induced to come down out of the stands and call balls and strikes behind the plate until the REAL umpire arrived. I only remember one call - the batter was John Barrow - I called a terribly low pitch - on a 3 -2 count - strike three. I felt bad immediately, but it was done. I never umpired again. Sorry John.

Send us YOUR memories to: baseball@CP-1.org