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Johnny Bench Appreciation Day 1970

5/15/2015

copyWrite By Mark House

Seems the whole community of Binger, Oklahoma, was stirring with excitement as news spread about native son and MLB Hall Of Famer Johnny Bench's return to his hometown. It was heartwarming to hear that he was coming back (Sunday, May 17, 2015) to help raise funds for this small town baseball program he once played for. News also quickly spread of Binger-Oney high school's intention to honor him by retiring his now world famous #5 jersey. Over the years there's been plenty of ball players with a desire to wear 5. But, historically, no one has even come close to filling out that particular jersey numeral like Johnny Bench has.

Although many younger generation ball players and fans anticipated the arrival of Johnny Bench in Binger, it wasn't the first time he's returned to a grand heroic welcome. A vintage forty-five years ago in 1970 Bench found his way back to Binger to celebrate Johnny Bench Appreciation Day. What a day it was for young ball players and fans of this early 70's Show to experience. A magnificent day full of parade, handshakes, hugs, autographs, photographs and memories. A great day that can be passionately recalled upon with the same enthusiasm for what took place in 2015.

Cincinnati Reds superstar #5 greeted fans of all ages during Johnny Bench Appreciation Day in his hometown of Binger on Dec. 12, 1970.

As a pee-wee little leaguer from neighboring Lookeba Sickles, the 1970 version of Johnny Bench Day materialized into a huge event within my young mind. When would another chance to see a real life major league baseball player ever come around to our little town? Most likely never. So, it didn't take long to start looking around for something to get signed by this major league ball player. Without completely understanding the baseball greatness to be met that day, I shuffled around in our makeshift army style team equipment bag and found the best ball I could dig up. Don't tell coach but it was our best game ball. Just seemed the occasion called for the highest quality of stitched leather and lace I could find.

The signature Johnny Bench ball personally signed in 1970. Bench signed it again (at right) forty years later at a 2010 fundraiser in Binger. The small Oklahoma town of Binger was in fine parade day form back in December of 1970. Johnny Bench's hometown and the surrounding communities welcomed their major league baseball hero with flair. Just hit play f0r an enjoyable trip to downtown America where baseball's memory lane overflowed with pleasurable delight.

There was definitely excitement in the air as the short five mile drive south was made to Binger. It was not everyday or decade that we got to see a parade. So, you can imagine how high the adrenalin level of an eight year old might be flowing. Wow, main street was full of cars and people with some being real important at the time. Gee Wally, the parade was swell and the chance to meet Johnny Bench and get his autograph was even sweller.

The only Bench Day memories I've been able to truly hang on to over the years is of that of the parade and Johnny Bench actually signing my ball. To an eight year old, I guess nothing else really mattered at the time. With matured enthusiasm, I have discovered interest in more details of that particular day. With the help of some old Anadarko Daily Newspaper clippings my grandmother saved, we can all enjoy a brief recall of this glorious and vintage Johnny Bench Day hosted by his hometown of Binger.

Now Mr. Bench on the other hand seems to recall a lot about this day of parade in his hometown of Binger. During his recent 2015 jersey retirement ceremony, Bench humorously shared some recollections of this grand day.

Hall Of Fame catcher Johnny Bench shares his personal thoughts about his celebratory 1970 Johnny Bench Day Parade held in Binger.

It was very interesting for me to learn about who was actually there. Not just me and hundreds of other rambunctious kids, but the dignitaries and celebrities of the day. Of course, most important was Johnny Bench. From there, the list becomes somewhat fascinating. It included Bob Howson, V.P. and G.M of the Cincinnati Reds; Frank Boggs, Sports Editor of The Daily Oklahoman; Warren Spahn, Mgr. of the Tulsa Oilers; Cal McClish, Pitching Coach of the Montreal Expos; David Hall, Governor-Elect of Oklahoma; Tom Steed, 4th District Congressman; Jim Kardokus, State Representative; and Bill Conners, Sports Writer for the Tulsa World.

Nothing better than seeing a parade with Johnny Bench and his dad Ted Bench riding in the back of a cool convertible. Ted Bench was noted as being somewhat overcome with emotion while describing his feelings upon looking down Binger's main street that day.

Despite many dignified elders in attendance, this day really seemed to belong to the kids. A parade, a baseball clinic and autograph signings highlighted this time where major league dreams began for many young ball players. It was a perfect day of community celebration where a signature on a baseball could be taken home and placed on a dresser as a keepsake for a lifetime. For all involved, a day of true appreciation it was.

Hundreds of little league players showed up wearing their uniforms with hopes of seeing Johnny Bench and getting his autograph. Binger ball players photographed by the Anadarko Daily News included (left to right) Randy Elrod, Devin Farrow, Randy Wylie and Oscar Gonzalez.

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Confession Of A Murder

2/27/2015

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By Mark House
copyWrite 02.27.2015

I always enjoy the discovery of interesting and odd stuff while searching through the junkiest junk holes of wherever I might find myself. Most cities and towns have a place or two to look for the rarest of treasures. Not for sure if what I found in Chickasha (Oklahoma) a few days back would be considered a treasure, but, it is somewhat rare and odd to find a signed confession of murder from the 1940's window of time.

Yes, I did say murder with a confession. A truly strange experience to first read with attempt to place yourself within that mind frame within that time frame. Really kind of bizarre. Just no other way to put it. Despite the strangeness, it is interesting and we are all too familiar with those curious minds that wanna know. If you've read this far, I'm guessing you, as well, are now intrigued with an insatiable desire to know the vintage inside scoop.

A headline within the December 7, 1946, edition of The Daily Oklahoman indicates a soldier being "Sought In Farm Death." Grady County Sheriff D. Arthur Wilson stated this particular "soldier was AWOL from Fort Bliss, Texas." Wilson indicated this soldier was "wanted for questioning in the death of a Chickasha area farmer."

Well, it wasn't long before the suspected soldier being sought was caught. Within less than two months time, The Daily Oklahoman, in their February 4, 1947, edition, reported the suspect being captured in California and being held for extradition. The newspaper briefing indicated Grady County Sheriff DeArthur Wilson would be on the way to personally guarantee the return of said suspect. All of this based upon the suspects statement of "accidentally killing the farmer while cleaning a pistol at the farmer's home."

Although facts, figures, names, spellings and stories were somewhat skewed at this time, authorities were confident they had the right person in custody. The suspect's initial claim of "accident" seemed to have changed by the time he was returned to Oklahoma for questioning. This witness of change was reflected and documented within the state of Oklahoma's Exhibit "B" as it was typed out, sworn to and signed by the murder suspect Delbert Randle Carnell.

The young Carnell was recognized as being from Verden, Oklahoma, which is just west of Chickasha. He didn't actually type said confession but he did swear to it and signed it. The actual typing was done by Grady County stenographer of the time, Marie Forston. She also served as the Notary Public witness to the official signature of the now confessed murderer Delbert Randle Carnell.

The State of Oklahoma and Grady County's Exhibit "B." The confessed statement of murder by one Delbert Randle Carnell and dictated for documentation by stenographer and Notary Public Marie Forston.

On the 13th day of February, 1947, Delbert Randle Carnell officially confessed:

"My name is Delbert Randle Carnell. I was seventeen years old on the 15th day of January, 1947. I live at Verden, Oklahoma, on the Finis Clark place, in Grady County.

On the 5th day of last December I went out to a place south and west of Chickasha, Oklahoma, where an old man by the name of Jake Phipps lived. It was on Thursday that I went out there, and Alva Fulton and this other boy whose name I do not know, were out there and we went over to Rush Springs in a 1935 Model Ford car which was either brown or gray.

Murder suspect Delbert Randle Carnell shares that he and Alva Fulton and an unknown "boy" drove to Rush Springs on December 5, 1946. According to Carnell, they were driving a similar "1935 Model Ford."

We followed the school bus around for awhile and then broke a switch pedal on the car. This boy who I do not know was trying to put a bolt in the car while Fulton and me were talking. Me and this boy I do not know but who I believed had just come back from serving time in the penitentiary, and who I think stayed with old man Phipps, and Alva Fulton were together. While Fulton and I were talking Fulton said he wished he had some money and I said I only had $4.00 but he could have half of it, and he said he didn't want any little money, he wanted some big money. He said Jake Phipps had some money. He had told me about two months before this that if I would go and kill this old man and get the money he would give me half of the money; that he would go out and find the old man and report it to the police, and by the time I would be out of the country and back in the Army and nobody would ever think it was me.

I went back to Phipps' place on Friday morning, December 6th, 1946, and when I got there he was milking so I helped him milk. I had driven out there and had stopped the car on a blind road near Phipps house. I was driving a 1942 Oldsmobile Coupe which I had stolen here in Chickasha, and had driven it down a blind road west of old man Phipps' place.

Delbert Randle Carnell confesses to stealing and driving a 1942 Oldsmobile to the rural farm home of Jake Phipps on December 6, 1946.

I left the car there and walked across the field east of Jake's house. Jake was at home and I helped him with the milking and finishing up. It was about 10:30 Friday morning when I got there. When he finished with the milking he went out after the horses and I went out and got in the car and started north. I had driven about a quarter of a mile when I met some men in a pickup. There were several men in the car but I passed them driving so fast that I could not determine how many were in the pickup. I drove on north to the first section line and then turned back east and drove across the creek and turned south towards Phipps' house. About 200 yards south of the section line is a small revene over which you drove across on two troughs. I missed the trough and the back wheel slipped and I could not pull the car out by its own power. A man in a Ford pickup came along and helped me to get my car out. I did not know the name of the man but he must have been a farmer - he was hauling hay out of the field.

After getting the car out I drove on up to Jake's house, got out and went in the house. Jake was still out in the pasture getting the horses. He came in with the horses and me and him stretched some possum hides that he had got, and then ate dinner. After he ate his dinner he laid back on the bed, and this gun was standing in the corner. It was a pump target 22 belonging to Mr. Phipps.

Delbert Carnell confessed to killing Jake Phipps with a .22 caliber pump action rifle used by Phipps for "shooting chicken hawks."

It was sitting in the corner but it was loaded. The gun had been shot several times, shooting chicken hawks, but it had been reloaded. Phipps laid back across the bed with his arm kinda across his eyes and I shot him once with this gun. Phipps moved his arms and legs a little but did not say anything.

He had $85.00 on him and I took it. The $85.00 was in his overalls bib pocket and was in a billfold. I removed the billfold from his overalls bib pocket, but did not count the money then, just stuck the billfold in my pocket. I took this money, a leather jacket and the gun with me.

I then drove the car back north from the house on the same road I came over, and when I got up to the section line I turned at the Farwell Store to the river and turned west. I went past the school house and came out at Richards Station on the Cement Highway. I never saw any one when I left the place. I went on down the highway a mile west and turned back north. About a mile and a half I met Agnes (she used to be Agnes Bond) and her husband. They were driving a Dodge Pickup.

I then went straight for four miles and a half and hit the road south of Verden and east, and turned back east one mile and went on a country road until I come up about four miles south of Pocasset. I abandoned the Oldsmobile I had been driving and walked up the Creek and threw the gun in the Creek. This creek was called Salt Creek.

I walked up to Highway 81 and caught a ride to Minco in a Pickup, it was a red Dodge. I did not know the name of the driver, but I got out at Minco. I put this leather jacket belonging to Mr. Phipps inside my field jacket and left them in a filling station at Minco. I then hitch-hiked a ride to Chickasha - it was about 1:30 o'clock Saturday. I met my cousin and he said they were looking for me, that they wanted me for murder. Cecil Ryan told me they were looking for me for murder and I just told him that I didn't know nothing about it. Me and him went to a cafe, got a cup of coffee, drank it and left. When he left me I went back up to Minco and stayed there until about 11:30 that night. I got there at about two o'clock in the afternoon. I went and rented a room in Minco - I had rented one for Friday night and came on over here and did not stay there, so I rented one again for Saturday night. The hotel was on the north side of Main Street.

When I left there, I stole a 1946 Ford and went to Oklahoma City. This 1946 Model Ford I stole in Minco and drove it to Oklahoma City.

A 1946 Ford such as the one stolen in Minco by murder suspect Delbert Carnell and driven to Oklahoma City in December of 1946.

When I left Minco and was driving to Oklahoma City I came to the Highway Patrol at the river bridge on this side. The Highway Patrol was stopping all traffic - they questioned me but released me and I drove on into the City. I still had the billfold with me but I had not counted the money. I then went to the Bus Station and bought a ticket to Los Angeles. While on the bus I counted the money and it was $85.00 that I had stolen. I threw the billfold out of the window of the bus. Besides the money there were some pictures, social security cards and a bill for something Jake had bought in the billfold. I was about four miles this side of the California line when I threw the billfold out the window. We went up through Amarillo on Highway 66.

When I arrived in Los Angeles, I stayed all night in Visalia. I believe I got in Visalia on Thursday or Friday of the following week. I remained around there in that country - I went to Lindsay. I have no relatives there - that is I did have some people there but didn't know where they lived. I gave my name out there as Wesley Ryans. I was picked up on December 24th and stayed in jail at Visalia until the 21st of January. The M.P.s got me and taken me back to Camp, when you picked me up on this charge. They came down to Camp after me about six o'clock I believe. They came on Saturday and got me on the first day of February, 1947.

In regard to Alva Fulton knowing about me killing this old man Phipps - about two months before that I had talked to him about it but he had nothing to do with the deal. I intended splitting this money with him but could never find him. I looked for him on the streets, and saw him one time but some police were standing close to him and I never went over there. He told me about the old man carrying money - he said he had about five or six hundred dollars on him and he told me if I would not kill him and rob him, he would. But he told me if he did he would divide the money with me. Which ever one of us killed him we were going to divide with the other. He said he would find the old man and report it and I would be out of the country and back in the Army and no one would ever suspect me of doing it. He was going out there the next day and take his wife and find the old man. Alva's wife did not know about the killing. He came out there to my house about two months ago. He was always coming out there and leaving his wife and going away from home. He would run off and leave his wife and stay away from his home for three or four days at a time and she would not know where he was or what he was doing.

This Pauley boy did not know about the killing. I don't know how long he has been out of the penitentiary. I don't know him but have just been told who he was."

The signature of Delbert "Randell" Carnell on his sworn statement confessing the murder of Chickasha area farmer Jake Phipps. The signature is dated the 13th day of February, 1947, and notorized by Marie Forston.

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The Last Inning

2/26/2015

By Mark House
copyWrite 07.04.2014

I had a dream near twenty years ago. In this dream I was casually strolling out to a strange pitcher's mound to close out the National Adult Baseball Association's (NABA) All-Star Game in Oklahoma City. All-the-while subconsciously contemplating the fact that I had not pitched much at all during the regular season. In reality this dream was somewhat exciting but, as it turned from full color to black and white, I seemed to begin losing subconsciousness while attempting to maintain reserved optimism of how this thing may turn out before the alarm clock of life wakes me up.

The ninety-nine degrees of July 4th, 1994, perfectly matched the number on the back of my Oklahoma City Rangers jersey. At the time, it seemed to feel more like a hundred and twenty seven with white line chalk and dry red dirt blowing like it was dust bowl west Oklahoma in 1930.

Gazing down the bench in the dugout, our North All Star coach was pretty much looking at a bunch of middle aged had not beens too hot and too tired to get too excited about the thrill of any potential victory. "Who wants to finish this thing off" was followed by a hot and sweaty silence before my hand was raised with verbal volunteerism. This by a Ranger teammate sitting next to me. "House can pitch," he shared. Oh boy, now I'm thinkin' we're lucky to lead the South by more than a run as my mind had already wandered in the direction of our family gathering with fireworks and something cold to drink a bit later in the evening.

This is where an imaginative baseball dream seemed to turn a bit surreal and weird. About half way to the mound and while wondering how I was going to keep the South from rising again, I hear a magnificent roar of a what sounded like a huge crowd. Wow. Best I could recall before leaving the bullpen, there were only a few girlfriends, wives and kids of players in the stands. As this highly enthusiastic crowd roared wildly during a few warm up tosses, I freakishly hear a voice similar to Bruce Springsteen holla out "the turnpike is closed, nobody goes home." What the heck and hang with me as it does get weirder.

Sharing a Last Inning dream, that seemed real at the time, of the 1994 National Adult Baseball Association (NABA) All-Star game in Oklahoma City.

"The Boss" then breaks into his classic "Glory Days" over the loud speakers as my cousin Brian Baker steps up to the plate. Brian and I grew up together playing baseball and football in our back yards of Lookeba, Oklahoma. Mostly we pretended to be in the pros with the St. Louis Cardinals (baseball) and Minnesota Vikings (football) but sometimes we morphed into an OU Sooner just in time to high step our way into the end zone.

Now what's the likelihood of having to face my longtime friend and cousin first up? Maybe it came from memorable thoughts of the many good times we shared together as young pups pretending to be great athletes? Maybe it was the baseball gods getting ready to punish me for not really being prepared for such a situation?

As a hitter, Brian was a beast and had earned the nickname of Home Run Baker from fellow teammates and players within Oklahoma City's NABA realm. He was/is big and fast and could swing a bat with the best of the best in our semi-non-pro league. After begrudgingly setting aside the thoughts of fireworks and cold soda, there was a pitching strategy to be devised. One that hopefully avoids Bake hitting one out on my watch such as he used to in the back yards of our youth.

In a Costner like "For Love Of The Game" contemplation, I began a similar innermental talk-to-yourself process. Fastball? Well it ain't too fast but maybe if I can keep from throwing it anywhere near the plate. Knuckle Ball? I've tried it before but without much success. Change Up? Man it's been awhile since I've done this. Curve Ball? Used to be my money ball pitch but, like golf, it takes a lot of practice and I haven't played golf in years. Grease Ball? Check that off the list as, not knowing I'd be out here, I didn't bother to pack a jar of Vasoline.

If I'm goin' down and something's goin' out, it will have to be against the ole rustic money ball pitch, so, let's get it on. A couple outside and away and then a steady diet of curve balls in an attempt to avoid the wrath of Home Run Baker. A walk would definitely be way better than a run in this situation.

In the lineup after Baker, along came Jones. He was a fast twenty-something kid strutting a bit of his young stuff up to the plate. A psychogenic scouting report from regular season play indicates if he gets on base, he's most likely to score against an older and slower delivery man of caucasian persuasion. He's just that freakin' fast.

Is that my son Derek getting a twenty plus year old drink of stale water?

Well, I think I better rattle his (Jones') cage a bit and set him up for a strategic inside corner changed up sweeping curve ball. Maybe toss a few on the wild side to make him think I'm not really in control and then go for that inside corner strike out. Son of a benchin' blue! Come on! You gotta give me that corner! I painted it like a Rembrandt!

Without a little help from ole blue, Jones is on and I again recall being glad we were up by more than a run when this dream started. Definitely will be irritating if he makes his way around the horn to score. It is an oddity but Jones is so fast the odds are in his favor to steal home if he makes it to third.

Sure enough, Jones made it to third. I was thinkin' SOB but I did not say it out loud. Any pitcher worth a hot summer day's sweaty salt would know, with a guy this fast, just pitch from the stretch and hold the runner close to third. Aint' no way anybody's gonna score that way.

I guess my over heated and lower intellectual level took over as I devised a mental plan to pitch from a normal wind up with confidence I could sucker him into running with preparation to quick pitch the inside corner for an easy see ya later out. Funny how things don't always work out the way an old mind devises such strategy. He scored. SOB and I think I said it out loud just after missing my quick pitch target by an embarassing mile.

Okay, breathe and gather yourself as all is not lost in this potential twilight nightmare. The next two guys up swing a bat pretty much the way I do. Move the ball around a bit, keep it low and stick with some movement. Work to get ahead in the count and stick with some movement. Make em hit my pitch and stick with some movement. A ground out is just as good as a strikeout so stick with some movement. Don't be a hero and stick with some movement.

Baseball is not all that fun to watch but an awesome game to play. Much like the finest of wines and the most beautiful of women, the game can make you feel like a million bucks for a moment and quite like a fool the next. Love Of The Game for us old NABAers meant workin' all day earnin' some pay just so we could suit up and play. Although there was no money to be made, a rewarding level of satisfaction seemed to manifest itself within the prolongation of the good ole "Glory Days."

This particular "dream" I share comes from a favorable moment of final episode, last inning, old school, old man hardball days. Memorable days that were, to me, regrettably vanishing through a closing window of time. A window closing on me but opening up for my son with a time trade made as he was freshly starting a T-ball career. "Hope when I get old I don't sit around talkin' about it. But, I probably will."

Mike Moore Oklahoma Sports Hall Of Fame Nomination

2/21/2015

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By Mark House
copyWrite upDate 01-31-16

As a young OK Kids little leaguer growing up on several north Caddo County fields of dreams, there was always a particular one in Eakly, Oklahoma, that, at the time, seemed more of a petrifying nightmare than the old guy behind the curtain on the Wizard Of Oz. That is before they opened it. More frightening than all those black birds in "The Birds" combined. More terrifying than the hairy red eyed big foot monster my dad said he saw down by Gracemont. In more current terms, a lot scarier than that big slobbery dog in Mr. Mertle's (James Earl Jones') back yard.

Luckily I was young enough to not have to face such spine-chilling fear. As for my elder little league friends, well, they weren't so lucky. The horror stories they would share of facing one particular pitcher on that field in Eakly was enough to make me glad of a personal safety found in being the most youthful of this group. Young enough to never have to pull the curtain to see what was behind. Young enough to never have to jump in a phone booth as those birds cracked the glass in attack. Young enough to not even have to worry about jumping Mr. Mertle's fence to retrieve a home run ball all-the-while dodging a huge rabid looking monster of a dog. Young enough to not have to face the fierce and fiery fastball of Eakly's Mike Moore.

Here's where the psychoanalytical Dr. Phil would interrupt and point out the fact that Mike Moore psychologically won half of his little league battles before taking the field. Players sitting around eating their mommas pre-game balogna sandwiches and sweating bullets about facing the phenom all the others have been talking about. "If they couldn't do it, well I don't have a chance" mentality is a losing proposition from the git go. A cue card guy then holds up a "laughter with applause" sign for the crowd as we go to commercial break.

Oklahoma little leaguer Mike Moore (left) with his older brothers Glenn and James at their rural farm home near Eakly, Oklahoma.

There's definitely some great drama to be created in and around the game of baseball. Entertaining theatrical productions such as The Sandlot, Field Of Dreams and Bull Durham are prime examples. But, when it comes to real stuff and the real deal, Mike Moore is one that does not sell us short with his story. My friends can attest from the early days that he was somewhat opposite of the ole Wizard known as Oz. As a hitter, you pull the curtain on Mike Moore and your courage could vanish like that of the old downtrodden Lion walking the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto, The Tin Man and the Scarecrow.

What a great baseball story originating from the dusty ole peanut fields of Caddo County and ending up on a pitcher's mound in sunny California with sweet victory in World Championship Series play for the Oakland A's. From a proudly worn little league uniform with an iron-on E to the MLB with a more glorified and perfectly stitched A's cap. This only happens for a chosen few. A chosen few with such a high level of natural talent and the highest level of work ethic to match.

MLB All-Star Mike Moore won games two and four as the Oakland Athletics swept the S.F. Giants to become World Series Champions in 1989. Moore pitched a three hitter as Oakland won Game Two by a score of 5-1. He followed up in Game Four with five shoutout innings as Oakland finished their Earthquake Series sweep to become World Series Champions.

#21 Mike Moore, Pitcher

I will proudly lay claim and be the first to testify that Mike Moore, over his 14 year professional career, has earned the right to be considered one of Oklahoma's greatest red dirt, red blood, born and raised, Major League Baseball pitchers of all time. Now this dramatic statement has drawn the attention of several Oklahoma sports enthusiasts. Kind of left some scratching their heads in wonder. I've heard statements such as "Wow, who is this guy?" "Wow, where did he come from?" "Wow, where's he been?" "Wow, how come we've never heard of him?" Well, I have to answer all those questions with a "wow, not for sure." I've heard and known of him since the late 1960's when his fastball was cutting right through the small town hot summer night-at-the-ball-park atmosphere to strike out batter after batter in win after win.

The enjoyable part now is just laying out the facts and figures in front of all to see as the most important career MLB victories pretty much speak for themselves. Mike Moore played for the Seattle Mariners from 1982-1988; the Oakland Athletics from 1989-1992; and the Detroit Tigers from 1993-1995. Within this fourteen (14) year span, it is my conclusion that he has earned the right to be considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, pitcher born and raised in our grand state of Oklahoma. Knowing I'm not quite considered an expert, I broke out the old school typewriter and dug around in the old ball card box to visually enhance the interesting but rarely thought of conclusions in regard to Oklahoma's Top Ten Most Prolific Pitchers.

With statistical consideration of 161 total modern day MLB wins (2nd to only Allie Reynolds), strikeouts (all-time leader) and average number of strikeouts per season (only four shy of the great Warren Spahn), Mike Moore has earned his place at the top of Oklahoma's All Time Most Prolific Pitcher's list.

Now for the numerous and vintage Allie Reynolds fans, they will always possess the right to argue in his favor as being Oklahoma's greatest born and bred. What a great man and baseball player the "Super-Chief" was. His 5x all star representation of Oklahoma keeps me walkin' a fine line of respect when it comes to my personal thoughts of Mike Moore possibly being the greatest.

The debate could go either way on any given day when you compare golden age victories to modern day MLB victories. Reynolds has 182 golden year wins compared to Moore's 161 modern era victories. Reynolds pitched for the powerhouse five in a row World Series Champion New York Yankees. Although drafted #1 in 1981 as the best amateur baseball player in America, Moore had to pitch a large and early part of his career for one of the worst teams in Major League baseball in the Seattle Mariners. If afforded a pitching preference, are you taking DiMaggio, Mantle and the powerhouse Yankees or Dave Henderson, Harold Reynolds and the young upstart Seattle Mariners?

Whichever way a person chooses to look at it, both Allie Reynolds and Mike Moore are at the top of a very short Oklahoma's best list. Reynolds is in the Oklahoma Sports Hall Of Fame while Mike Moore deserves to be with his amazing 161 modern era career victories being the reason I have nominated him for such Hall Of Fame status. Other Oklahoma born and raised pitchers currently in the Hall Of Fame include Lindy McDaniel with 141 victories and Harry Bracheen with 132. Ralph Terry was more recently (2015) inducted with 107 career wins and my fellow Caddo County born Cal McLish has been inducted with 92 career MLB victories.

Oklahoma's Mike Moore won 161 Major League Baseball victories with the Seattle Mariners, Oakland A's and Detroit Tigers. Moore was an All Star and World Series Champion with the Oakland A's in 1989. He won game two and the decisive game four as the A's defeated the San Francisco Giants in the 1989 World Championship Series.

If 161 modern day MLB victories is not enough, more solid evidence exists to convince any and all sports enthusiast juries of Mike Moore's superiority relative to pitchers born and raised in Oklahoma. A factual offering founded upon hard core direct-to-the-case statistical proof. Those who know me recognize I can blow some quality smoke of the verbal variety and are most likely reading between the lines as we speak. Makes for good reason to single space and bring some of that solid statistically analytical databased information to this most enjoyable debate table. There's no denying a truth revealed when it comes to career strikeouts!

We all know a strikeout is the ultimate claim of success for any pitcher. Man vs. Man. eMano vs. eMano. Baseball at its best. The ultimate fan wish is either a towering home run from their favorite hitter or a sit down see-ya-later strikeout from their favorite pitcher. Tedious singles up the middle can get rather boring at times. I'm guessing no one has ever truly taken time to check out and recognize who's at the top of Oklahoma's best list when it comes to this hardcore hardball thought of these man vs. man career total strikeouts for Oklahoma pitchers at the ultimate Major League Baseball level.

With 1,667, Eakly's Mike Moore tops the MLB career strikeout list for pitchers born and raised in Oklahoma. His career season average of 119 falls just four shy of the great Warren Spahn's season whiff average of 123.

Only six Oklahoma born players have broken the 1,000 career strikeout plateau. Mike Moore's top-of-the-list 1,667 averaged per season calculates to 119. Allie Reynolds 1,423 averaged per season adds up to 108.5. On average, no one else comes close to these two great pitchers born and raised in our great state. Moore's 119 per season even rivals that of the great Warren Spahn from Buffalo, New York. Considered Oklahoma's greatest pitcher not born and raised here, this great lefty averaged 123 strikeouts per season. So, where does Mike Moore fit into the realm of Oklahoma's Greatest Pitchers? I will argue he's the best when it comes to the red dirt, red blood, born and raised category.

Personally, I view Mike Moore's potential of induction as becoming a time stamped inspiration to current student athletes in my home county. This with hopes that yet another young Caddo County ball player may recognize what the likes of Johnny Bench, Cal McLish and Mike Moore have accomplished and possibly set out on a successful journey of their own. With similar and great natural talent combined with determination and hard work, who knows, maybe they are the next generation's inductee into the Oklahoma Sports Hall Of Fame?

There's been plenty of nose-to-the-grind research to support my request for Oklahoma Sports Hall Of Fame nomination consideration and ceremonious induction for Mike Moore. He was a standout student athlete for the Eakly Oklahoma High School Eagles. With a 24-2 senior season record and an unbelievable .05 earned run average (E.R.A.), Moore earned his final high school victory while being selected MVP in Oklahoma's 29th Annual All-State Baseball Classic in 1978.

Mike Moore

Despite being drafted in the third round out of Eakly High School in 1978 by the St. Louis Cardinals, Moore chose to attend college and pitch for Oral Roberts University. Also by-passing a basketball scholarship offer from the University of Oklahoma, he earned First Team Sporting News All-American baseball status in 1981 while at ORU. Moore then became the FIRST right handed pitcher ever to be drafted into the Major Leagues #1 OVERALL by the Seattle Mariners in 1981.

Two Oklahoma players were selected at the top of Major League Baseball's 1981 amateur draft. Eakly's Mike Moore of Oral Roberts University was selected number one (#1) by the Seattle Mariners. Oklahoma City's Joe Carter of Wichita State was selected number two (#2) by the Chicago Cubs.

The Daily Oklahoman's Bob Hersom recognized Moore as an "Eakly High School and Oral Roberts University (ORU) pitching ace." 1981 ORU Pitching Coach Jim Brewer said "I've seen a lot of pitchers in the last 25 years and I think Mike Moore is probably one of the strongest." During the 1989 World Series, former Oakland A's Pitching Coach Dave Duncan shared that "Mike hasn't just been sitting back and trying to let his God-given ability take over, he's worked hard to improve in all the different areas to become a great pitcher." Oklahoma baseball historian, sportswriter and sports talk radio host Berry Tramel says "Moore's 161 MLB wins should be a 'SLAM DUNK' in regard to Oklahoma Sports Hall Of Fame induction."

Baseball Almanac indicates MIKE MOORE was twenty-two (22) years old when he broke into the majors with the Seattle Mariners on April 11, 1982. Pinnacle highlights of Moore's 161 WIN fourteen year MLB career include 1989 MLB All-Star status and pitching in two World Series Championships for the Oakland A's in both 1989 and 1990. Moore won game two and game four in the '89 "Quake Series" sweep vs. the S.F. Giants as the A's became World Champs.

Moore recently returned to his Oklahoma roots and now spends time giving back to the game in this state where he was born and raised. As a volunteer coach for Class B powerhouse Lookeba-Sickles Panthers, he currently shares the benefit of his professional experience and knowledge with the latest generation of Oklahoma High School student athletes. Another great reason Mike Moore deserves honorary induction into Oklahoma's Sports Hall Of Fame.

Mike Moore currently serves as a volunteer coach for the Lookeba-Sickles Panther Class B baseball team. This in effort to give something back to the game of baseball itself and to those youth who have chosen to participate.

Oklahoma sports reporter Jacob Unruh recently captured the essence of Mike Moore's career in The Oklahoman's long running "Collected Wisdom" series.

Unruh writes "Mike Moore was always on a baseball field growing up in Eakly. That translated well throughout his life, as he developed into a top-tier right-hander in the major leagues, winning two games in the 1989 World Series for the Oakland Athletics during his 14-year career.

Moore is now a volunteer assistant coach at Lookeba-Sickles, a sign he’s never lost sight of his small-town roots that led him to Oral Roberts and the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1981.

Moore talked from his Arizona home with The Oklahoman about his path, the World Series and the 1989 earthquake that rocked the Bay Area around San Francisco 25 years ago this month.

(Baseball) was what we did. It was just what we did. I can’t remember really when I wasn’t in the field growing up. The primary crop was peanuts then and I was the youngest of five kids and I can remember at the age of 3, 4, 5 years old carrying the water can down the road for the rest of my family.

Unknowingly, by the time I got to the high school, working on the farm had really made me into the man I am today. I would do things, manual labor stuff and just different things around the farm I didn’t even know were helping me in baseball. It really taught me the values of hard work and when you do something you put your whole heart on it.

By this time (at ORU), I had an idea that maybe I had some talent. I still really don’t know because all you hear is ‘Oh, he went to a small school and he didn’t compete with anybody’ and blah, blah, blah. Well, now I’m going to a Division I school. It was interesting at the time, Larry Cochell recruited me and he never saw me pitch. He went off a lot of what scouts said. He had already given me a full scholarship and the first time he saw me pitch was at the All-State game at ORU.

I tell people I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed but when I got drafted No. 1 in the country I didn’t think I’d get drafted any higher, so I should probably just go ahead and sign.

I was the first right-handed pitcher ever drafted No. 1 in the draft. Back then, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Even today kids ask me if I was any good. I just tell them I was the original Stephen Strasburg. It just wasn’t that big of a deal then. At that time, even when I got to the big leagues I was throwing on the slow guns 97-98 in the ninth inning and the made-for-TV guns I’m probably throwing 100-103. It just wasn’t a big deal then.

That’s the bad part of getting drafted No. 1 because you go to the worst team. I had never lost at anything in my life and then I go the big leagues and get beat up on for seven years playing for the Mariners.

We had some great guys on that team, but at the time we had bad ownership and we were like a farm system for the big leagues. Harold Reynolds was my roommate for a couple years, Jim Presley was our 3B, Spike Owen, Alvin Davis at 1B, Mark Langston and Danny Tartabull, really a bunch of guys who had really successful careers, but when you’re playing in the Kingdome, which is awful for a pitcher, and you were playing in Seattle with bad ownership it just didn’t work.

I signed (in Oakland) in ’89 and they had just lost to the Dodgers in ’88 and I walked into the clubhouse and they’re talking about winning the World Series. They’re not talking about winning the division. Tony (La Russa’s) already set the bar that we’re going to have to win 100 games to win the division and the goal is to win the World Series. I thought this was interesting, but I had never been in this position for seven years.

I think most people would tell you the same thing, the greatest thing about being with (Dave Duncan) is he doesn’t say much, but when he says something there’s a reason why he says it. He’s never overcomplicated things and that was one of the things I always loved about him. He was actually my pitching coach my first year in the big leagues in Seattle.

Tony, he’s the best manager I’ve ever played for. He’s harder on himself than anybody. He’s probably harder on himself than most players are because he wants to be the most prepared manager and he wants to control matchups and there’s always a reason for what he does. It may not make all the sense in the world at the time, but there’s a reason. He’s usually looking at the big picture.

I remember the first World Series game, I remember preparing for it like any other game because I figured if I didn’t I would be out of my element. We had a game plan and I had to get myself ready physically and mentally to execute the game plan, so that’s what I did.

Mike Moore held the powerful S.F. Giants lineup to only one run on three hits while winning his first World Series victory in 1989's Game Two. This series was subsequently delayed by a massive earthquake in the bay area. After play resumed, Moore dominated the Giants again in Game Four to conclude a series sweep over San Fransciso by the Oakland A's.

At the time, we didn’t really know what was going on. I remember we were getting ready for TV introductions, I had done all my workouts and stuff, and showered and was getting dressed. The lights went out and somebody yelled, “Earthquake,” and we all ran to the back parking lot and it was over. We didn’t know any better and had TV introductions at 5:12 or something. I stopped at home plate and was talking to Will Clark and then we started talking to a police officer and we started hearing the (San Francisco Oakland) Bay Bridge had collapsed and the Marina District was on fire, so you started having an idea what was really going on. At that point, the World Series became secondary.

We had the best team in baseball — I don’t think there was any doubt about that — it was just a matter of whether we would finish this or not. Even after we won, the celebration and stuff was pretty subdued because of what was going on there and stuff.

The next year was a totally different story and that shows you it doesn’t matter who the best team is, when you get into the playoffs or World Series whoever is playing the best wins. We ran into Cincinnati that year and we really didn’t have a chance. We couldn’t swing the bats and Jose Rijo was really good.

If I had one regret, it would probably had been fun to play in the National League one year just to see what it was like because I was always a pretty good hitter. That might have been fun, but it is what it was and I enjoyed it.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some screw-ups along the way, but I try to live my life with integrity because where I grew up a handshake’s a handshake and a man’s word is a man’s word. I’ve tried to live that way my whole life. If you try to live your life with integrity and put your whole heart into what you’re doing, I don’t think you’re ever going to be disappointed."

Author's Note: Mike Moore was nominated in 2015 and 2016 and will soon be nominated for the year of 2017 for Oklahoma Sports Hall Of Fame induction. Although there are numerous candidates considered as "well deserving," it is the hope of this author that Mike Moore will be soon be recognized for baseball contributions at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. It is my personal belief that Moore's accomplishments and representation of Oklahoma within the wide world of sports are more than deserving of such Hall Of Fame status.

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Memoirs Of My Hometown

2/16/2015

82 Comments

By Mark House and Daisy Dean
CopyWrite 4.12.2014 and 4.12.1914

Born in Anadarko and raised in the rural community of Lookeba, Oklahoma, I've always been proud of my small town Caddo County roots and upbringing. From 1962 to 1976, I belonged to a family of people who lived and worked together towards higher education and brighter futures. As well, we all seemed to watch out for each other in a way that only family would and could care to do. There seemed to be enough issues to eliminate the idea of perfection, but, none more than what normal families would be expected to endure and conquer.

One of my greatest memories from this time includes searching for and gathering empty pop bottles to trade in at Ingram's Grocery. This in effort to feel and hear the jangle of some small change in my pocket just long enough to walk next door to Mrs. Ingram's Dimestore and buy a few packs of baseball or football cards. In our current environment filled with video games and world wide webs, the experience might seem a bit mundane. But, to me, it was huge. With what I thought at the time was hard work, the potential reward of getting one of my favorite players from the St. Louis Cardinals or Minnesota Vikings from within the small wax paper packages was indescribable. Not to mention there was always a tasty piece of chewing gum found inside. A real nice bonus in case all I got was some Steelers and damn Yankees.

A few favorite baseball and football cards collected as a seven year old in the summer of 1970. A dime would buy a wax pack of ten cards and a piece of tasty bubble gum at Mrs. Ingram's Dimestore in downtown Lookeba. They were always kept on the shelf behind the counter and over to the left at Mrs. Ingram's.

My youthful days spent growing up in Lookeba were not unlike most other young men of the times. School days seemed to last forever and the summers filled with little league baseball could not last long enough. A simple existence with simple pleasures are missed. Riding our bikes wherever we wanted and mostly whenever we wanted. Sometimes all the way to grandma's house and back which was a big thrill. A long three miles but a big thrill none the less.

A post game cold soda and a frito chili pie from the concession stand invades my memory when I think of best moments. A personal window of time that seemed to open and close faster than a young kid can swing a little league bat and soak it all in for what it was truly worth.

A personal and adventurous embrace with a little league baseball game with a cold Coke and a big smile captured on old school 8mm film.

As life moves on, things can change and those best moments can quickly become memories written about in blog form. Time spent as part of a small community family can become history before your own eyes. A personal and individual history that is fondly remembered and now recognized as a very brief window of life's time within a community's lengthy existence.

With age, I've gained enjoyment from exhuming historical details about things that interest me. Whether it's an old cap, a rare image or my hometown, I've found interesting details are sometimes lurking just beneath a surface that deserves looking underneath with a youthful curiosity.

This philosophy is what brought me to research the true roots of where I came from. It has been such an intriguing adventure of documents, data and images that have fused together in a way that seems interesting enough to share. While everyone, including myself, can make the mistake of thinking time started when they were born, it can be an amazing awakening to look back farther than your mind can imagine and see what can be discovered.

While thumbing through various historical images at an Oklahoma City antique market one day and a few years ago, I ran across some that were most interesting and of my hometown. More recently and while scanning through the archives of Oklahoma's Historical Society, I ran across some interesting and old articles about my hometown. As well, my friend and fellow Lookeba-ite (just made that up) Terri Hulsey has loaned me her mom's 1976 yearbook that is loaded with historical images and information. I believe my attempt to merge these antiquated images with the somewhat distant, rare and time eroded information will be of great interest to some. Maybe to those who come from my hometown or have just traveled through or visited family or friends there at some point within their lifetime?

The early twentieth century images above have been collected within the past few years. This for historical reference, preservation and enjoyment of sharing with the story of "my hometown."

In search of details past, it was certainly exhilarating to discover a supplement published within the "Lookeba Index" over one hundred (100) years ago on March 12, 1914. Many will be surprised to learn that citizens of Lookeba enjoyed readings of their own newspapers at one point in time. This particular supplement seems to fairly and accurately document exactly what I was looking for. The earliest history of my hometown. This would be the decade of its birth and its youthful existence.

An Oklahoma History Center microfilm copy of the cover of the Lookeba Index as published on August 9, 1909. The Lookeba Index was established for publication and distribution by a Mr. D. Ogle earlier in the spring of 1909. Viola Ogle served as Assistant Publisher.

John Dunn, Publisher

It is my hope that some will enjoy the historical documentation as written in supplement form by one Daisy Dean. Daisy notes information assistance coming from a Rachel Hageman, a Wilber Hadley, a Claude Nickell, a Ernest Hageman and a Arthur Hageman. There are a few question marks included which represent the inability to legibly read the text as archived on microfilm by the Oklahoma History Center. At the time of the printing and distribution of Daisy Dean's special supplement, John Dunn was recognized as the publisher of the Lookeba Index.

Daisy Dean documents early Lookeba, Oklahoma, history within a published supplement in the March 12, 1914, edition of The Lookeba Index:

"Lookeba - a peculiar name for a town. How it came by that name no one knows certainly. But the majority of its inhabitants seem to believe the origin of the name to have been with Mrs. Loo, who took the first syllables of the names of the 3 townsite holders, Loo, Kelly and Baker, and formed the word Lookeba. But however it came by its name, we know it is Lookeba, and we know that had the townspeople been allowed their choice, we would now be living in Oakdale instead of in Lookeba.

The first settlers came here in the spring of 1901, and a year later the townsite company bought 160 acres of land - eighty from Mr. John Digman, and eighty from Miss Carrie Oplinger. A section line passes through the center forming the main street of the town and another, the boundary to the east. The grassy slopes of four hills form a sheltered valley; black-jack, cottonwood, walnut and elm trees furnished shade: there lies Lookeba.

The Loula family as pictured left to right: Fred Jr., Carl, Wilbur and Harry with their mother Lizzie Loula. Image captured in 1902 and possibly taken by one of Lookeba's original pioneers Frank Loula at their family homestead.

In the south part of town near the Chickasha gin, there used to stand a little house built of pine. It is not there now, and nothing is left whereby we may know its exact location. That was the home of Miss Carrie Oplinger - and the first house built in Lookeba.

The same spring the townsite was laid out, the farmers graded Rock Island railway, and in the summer the track was laid. On the morning of September 28, 1902, the startled trees echoed for the first time the shrill whistle of the locomotive, and the prairie, so long hidden from civilization, trembled for the first time beneath the form of the "Iron Horse." The mail bags were exchanged. Then it was ???? ???? - but it had left ???? ???? of future development; and the hope of greater prosperity; the opportunity to "make good."

A rare look at the Rock Island Railroad Depot in Lookeba as photographed in the early 1900's. The railraod was considered the vital element of Lookeba's early days of economic and physical growth.

In August, of 1902, a post office had been erected. Prior to that time the mail had been brought from Binger three times each week, and was distributed on sideboards set up on posts in front of Mr. Scholten's tent, in the northeast part of town.

After lengthy discussion it was decided that a schoolhouse should be built. It was not a fine house, nor very large, but it supplied the demand at that time. On December 1902, school opened, with Mr. Otis Russell in charge.

As needful to a community as a school is religion of some form. As was common in small towns a Union Sunday School, and a United Bro(e)throne Church were organized. No church was built, meetings being held in the schoolhouse. Rev. Mr. Johnston was the pastor.

Image of Lookeba school students captured in the early 1900's. Students are standing on the front steps of Lookeba's original makeshift school house with their teacher Thresha Driscoll. This particular school house was constructed in 1902 and also utilized as one of the first locations of church gatherings by Reverend Johnston of the United Bretheren Church.

But to bring people into a (?) there must be the promise of better homes, more advantages, some faith in a betterment of their conditions. All depends on the productiveness of the soil, and what hope can these be for a place where irrigation is practically impossible and where it never rains? That seemed to be the proposition here, for from the time the first settlers came, not a drop of rain had fallen. The third of May, 1903 brought the longed-for rain. It began with a mist and ended with a fall of water that spread Sugar Creek all over the bottom land, forcing Mr. Beach's - and others living on low ground to vacate their homes in the middle of the night and wade through water waist deep to dry land. No serious damage was done, and indeed, most people counted it a very fortunate event. Like the Nile, Sugar Creek has overflowed its banks each year since, and like the Nile, it seems to carry new life to the worn out fields. There has never been a complete crop failure in our locality since that flood.

Then the business men began to come in. G.W. Knapp established the first store - "The Summit Grocery," The Maberry-Wise Hardware, and H.N. Christian's Department Stores followed. The cotton yield that fall justified the farmers in establishing the Farmers Gin, and the Nickell and Allen gin was also erected that year. This year 1903, the Methodist Church was organized.

Lookeba pioneer and future politician H.N. Christian established his department store on main street in the year of 1903.

Following an elevated cotton crop yield in the fall of 1903, the Farmers Gin and the the Nickell and Allen Gin both were established to accommodate this early agricultural success in the Lookeba community.

The Church was a most important part of the beginning and existence of Lookeba. Although the Methodist Church above was not completed until 1906, organized church services in Lookeba have been confirmed to exist since 1901. Some of Lookeba's early pastors include T.C. Coup of the Methodist Church above. Reverend Johnston of the United Bretheren Church and a Reverend Dodson of the Baptist Church.

Along with many other businesses beginning in 1903, L. Beach & Son opened and operated a general merchandise store in Lookeba. They served the community for more than forty (40) years. Mr. Beach is at right in the early 1900's image above.

With the setting trend of a 1903 business boom in Lookeba, R.W. Dunn is photographed above personally tending Dunn's Hardware store in 1904.

With the increased population came increased production. The land seemed to have been storing its fertility until it should be brought forth by skilled methods of cultivation for the benefit of humanity. Such was the abundance of crops in 1905 that it was decided to hold a street fair. The display showed that with a little care, our part of Oklahoma could easily match or surpass any other. There was not much fruit, as the orchards were not old enough to bear well yet, but what fruit was produced was of excellent quality.

Image captured from Lookeba's very first Fair held in 1905. This first "Street Fair" was held to celebrate the abundance of crops raised during this particular year.

1906 was a year that made every one feel like making each day a Thanksgiving day. The people had become accustomed to this climate, and had learned to meet the conditions of existing here. Crops were especially good, and Lookeba had settled down to be a busy thriving town.

Image of the newly relocated Lookeba Post Office in the year of 1906. Postmaster William Hadley, with help from carriers Ed Hadley, Jim Merrell, and Albert Koontz, moved into this new location as Lookeba continued to grow into an early century boom town.

But as yet, not a town - only a settlement. We had no rights as a people, we could not act as a body. What was done had to be done by individuals. In 1907 the town limits were surveyed, and ours became a real miniature city in 1908. The council consisted of W.E. Dean, E. McKinney, and O.M. Hadley. H.E. Warren acted as clerk, I.T. Nickell as treasurer and Clayton Babb as marshal. Of course if the marshal had anything to do, there would be need of a jail, so that fall, in order to protect its rights, Lookeba built a jail - otherwise known as "Clate Babb's Hotel." So far as I know there has been but two lodgers there each for but a night.

In 1909 our school district was consolidated with a strip of country east of here, making our district three miles wide and six miles long. Three wagons were employed to bring the children in from the country. A four room schoolhouse was built in the southwest part of town, the exact center of the district. It stands on a hill where it watches the town and guards it against giving way to the popular feeling of more cotton and less school. Three teachers were employed.

Image of the four room schoolhouse constructed in the southwest part of Lookeba in 1909. The tall steeple like bell tower stood as the highest and most visible feature in early twentieth century times. It was built to serve the consolidated school district designated #131.

Mr. Ogle established a printing office that spring and printed the first editions of a newspaper all our own - The Lookeba Index, and it is yet the only paper printed especially for the town news.

After a series of Revival meetings Rev. Mr. Dodson organized the Baptist Church.

Lookeba has had in its history but one fire. About midnight Feb, 22, 1910. Mr. Prossers who were living in the hotel at that time, awoke to find their building in flames. The towns people were quickly summoned, but all effort was of no avail, for by two o'clock the hotel, drug store, pool hall and a general department store were in ruins. The block has not yet been wholly rebuilt.

After much argument with the governor, it was decided that some of the prisoners from the state penitentiary should come here and construct a road of about ten miles through Lookeba. In July 1911, one hundred men arrived, and amid a crowd of people who had come to view the "convicts," they journeyed to their camp west of town. The people seemed to think of them of some sort of humanity but hardly as men, as was shown in the amusing incident of one boy who, while talking about the hair(?) chains the prisoners made said that "convicts" always liked red better than any other kind.

The roads were greatly bettered by their work.

One hundred and one (101) convicts from Oklahoma's state penitentiary were transported by train to Lookeba in the summer of 1911. This for the purpose of constructing roads in both the Lookeba and Sickles areas. The actual "road camp" was located one and three fourths miles west of Lookeba on the farm of a Luke Jackson.

The advancement of our town since then has been chiefly in a business way. At present there are twenty business houses in Lookeba kept at work, and two seed houses were established in December, 1913. Last year Lookeba shipped out 362 carloads of products while only 87 were shipped in. Ours has grown from a few farm houses and a post-office, into a real , live, thriving town, well fitted to supply the needs of the people who live here," concluded Daisy Dean.

Although there are so many families and entities not mentioned that helped create and progress the beginning of Lookeba, those mentioned by Daisy Dean in 1914 must have stood out from her reflection upon a most recent past. With her guiding story and the collection of images that match her time frames and subject matters, it is hoped that the beginning of my hometown is captured in a way that is interesting and chronicled well enough for future generations to understand and enjoy.

As a sports history enthusiast, there is only one other thing I would add to this blogumentary of originating days from our past. Base Ball. In the early 1900's, town ball in Oklahoma was quite exciting and most important to communities, small and large, with a hard focus on establishment, progression and survival. The earliest games I've been able to officially document in Caddo County date back to 1904. This with a guess the game was even played previous to that and Lookeba probably being no different. Other than descendants of these great early day Lookeba pioneers, seems that churches, schools, agriculture and baseball are but a few of the common elements surviving and progressing into the early parts of our twenty-first century.

America's greatest pastime, Base Ball, is well over one hundred years old in Lookeba. Results from game action in the summer of 1910 reflect an entertaining and fruitful victory over the Hinton team by a score of 23-7. This with Gracemont coming to town for contest the following Sunday.

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FROM THE BLOOD STAINED SANDS OF IWO JIMA – A MONUMENTAL SALUTE TO OUR AMERICAN FLAG

2/11/2015

1 Comment

By Mark House
copyWrite 2.11.15

Exactly seventy (70) years ago come Monday, February 23, 2015, former U.S. Marine William "Bill" Greason stood on a bloodied Iwo Jima beach with his fellow soldiers and saluted our American flag as it was famously raised over Mount Suribachi. "We saluted that flag both times it went up" says a solemn yet proud World War II veteran and hero. The ninety (90) year old Reverend Greason (aka RG90), from Birmingham, Alabama, remembers that particular day as one of hope within what was considered "hell on earth" by every U.S. and Japanese soldier fighting for possession of such a small but strategic island. Enjoy a look at this flag raising filmed at approximately 10:20 a.m. on February 23, 1945, by Sgt. Bill Genaust as it first flew over Iwo Jima near seventy years ago.

My personal discovery of Reverend Greason came about in the fall of 2011. As a sports history enthusiast, it was more than exciting to find this kind and courageous spirit who broke Oklahoma's pro sports color barrier back in 1952. He signed to pitch with our Oklahoma City Indians on July 29, 1952. This amazing discovery led to what I call the "Return Of The Reverend" sixty (60) years later and in the summer of 2012. Enjoy this witness of discovery as videographed by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 2012.

As our friendship grew relative to old school baseball conversations, I began to learn that there was much more to this man of God who inspires from a pulpit in the city Birmingham. Not only did he break Oklahoma's color barrier, he was also a star pitcher with the Negro League's Birmingham Black Barons before arriving in Oklahoma City. As I searched further back into this great man's enriched life history, I found him entrenched in a fierce battle within the sands of Iwo Jima during World War II.

An interesting excerpt from my friend, baseball historian and author Bryan Steverson's book "Amazing Baseball Heroes," describes the Reverend's war experience way better than I can. The following excerpt from Chapter 7 was written near a year before I discovered RG90 taking care of God's business down in Birmingham in late 2011. Chapter 7 itself, is titled From The Sands Of Iwo Jima To The Pitcher's Mound In The Major Leagues.

Steverson writes "On February 19, 1945, thousands of United States Marines stormed ashore on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. With numerous bunkers and underground caves, the enemy positions were heavily fortified. The Japanese considered Iwo Jima part of their homeland and would defend it to the last man. Over 18,000 soldiers were awaiting the Marines. Of this total only 34 would become prisoners, the rest would either be killed or missing in action. American losses were 6,822 dead and nearly 20,000 wounded. The intense battle to secure the island lasted 35 days. On day five of the battle, the Marines were successful in raising the United States flag on Mount Suribachi, the islands highest point. Over the course of the battle, 27 American servicemen were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award for valor. Four were U.S. Navy sailors and 23 were Marines. The honor given to the Marines would represent 28% of all such awards for valor presented to Marines the entire war. A monument to this heroic effort stands beside the Potamac River in Arlington, Virginia today.

At the beginning of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order declaring men could be inducted into the Marine Corps regardless of race. However, in each branch of service these men would remain segregated until July 26, 1948, when President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981 ending such separation. In the battle for Iwo Jima, some 700-900 African Americans would be segregated but have an active role in the invasion. The black Marines involved were not trained with their counterparts. Rather, they received separate training outside Camp Lejune, North Carolina at a location called Montford Point. Although restricted from frontline combat, the black Marines braved enemy fire while loading and unloading ammunition as they moved needed supplies to the front. Like any job on Iwo Jima, it was perilous. Bill Greason was one of these black Marines.

After landing on the island and completing his assignments, Greason was told by his white commander to stay low and dig in. The island was volcanic ash and digging in was not easy. As you dug, the low viscosity ash just seemed to flow right back. If Greason moved, his officer told him he would have him court-martialed for disobeying the order. Greason soon noticed two fellow wounded Marines out front and in need of help. One was a friend from New York. Greason and three others left their secure makeshift hole to help their comrades. Using stretchers, they carried their wounded buddies back to the beach for evacuation. Bill Greason was never court-martialed for disobeying the order. He should have been given a medal. The commander who had given the order was subsequently killed. How could you court-martial a man for bravery? Bill Greason was a hero.

Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz would respectfully say, 'On Iwo Jima, in the ranks of all the Marines who set foot on that Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.' Bill Greason was one of many with uncommon valor."

Enjoy a recent conversation with Reverend William "Bill" Greason as he shares about his first hand experience on the island of Iwo Jima.

Come 10:20 a.m. on Feburary 23, 2015, I will be remembering my friend Reverend Greason with a vision of him saluting our American flag while standing on a blood stained beach of Iwo Jima. As well, I plan to salute his lifetime of humanitarian contributions to our great nation and society in general. I hope you will take a moment of remembrance and do the same for this particular war veteran and the many others who sacrificed their lives and service on this tiny Pacific island.

Of course, as I give thought to the Reverend's honorable salute to our American flag and his WWII service and sacrifice to our country, he will fondly be thinking of several fellow soldiers and friends that died right beside him while on this island regrettably known as "hell on earth." The Reverend often mentions the names Wilkins and Duverny as best friends from his military days. Two best friends that were lost on Iwo Jima. I have learned that Private First Class James Wilkins (in photo below) was K.I.A. on February 25, 1945, and brought back to the states for burial in his hometown of Humboldt, Tennessee.

U.S. Marine Jim Rundles, a seargent within the 34th Supply Depot Unit, has historically shared his eyewitness account that references the solemn loss of Reverend Greason's two closest friends. A heart touching reflection upon the reality of true heroes and death that comes with winning a World War.

Sgt. Rundles shared in the Jackson (Mississippi) Advocate "Black marines (the Eighth Ammunition Company) were among the first to go ashore. I led my company, the 34th Marines, ashore and we too had the gruesome task of stepping over piles of dead marines for nearly 50 yards, through that knee deep, black volcanic ash. And when we were off the beach, the Japs turned loose a barrage of mortar fire on us that killed two of my men, and wounded five others. I look down at James Wilkins, a 17-year old lad from Memphis, who wore a tiny American flag in his pocket. He loved his country! Ten feet away was the body of 18-year old Corporal Hubert Duverny, from Jersey City. He had counted on me to get through that shifting black sand to a place of relative safety. Only thing on Iwo, there was no such place!"

FOLLOW UP: Comments received relative to the posting of this article include an interesting note from Max Nichols who was an eye witness to Reverend Greason's time spent playing for the Oklahoma City Indians in 1952 and 1953. Max was a batboy for the Indians when Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers came to Oklahoma City for an exhibition game in 1949.

_Mr. Nichols shares ... "Thank you so very much for sending this. I remember Bill Greason well from his games for the Oklahoma City Indians, but I did not know the details of his efforts at Iwo Jima.

I was batboy for the Indians in 1949, when the Dodgers and Jackie Robinson came for an exhibition. I was on the ondeck circle with Jackie five times. That led me to study the history of baseball and black players for years, so I was quite interested in Bill Greason when he came to the Indians. I was working in the press box for the Indians that year as I prepared to go to OU.

It's wonderful to find out what a wonderful man and hero for our country that he was."

Linda Mashburn, Editor of Birmingham's Senior Living publication shares ... "It's a wonderful article. It gave us chill bumps. Thank you for sharing."

Julianne Samford shares ...

"Dear Mr. House,

I happened upon your blog as I was looking for information to share with the public on the Battle of Iwo Jima. What I found in your blog amazed me. In your search for a 'diamond' in baseball history you have uncovered a treasure chest of a man, Mr. William 'Bill' Greason. I so want to share this with as many people as possible but do not want to infringe on your copyright. Would it alright for me to share the link to your site on my facebook page and in email? I want as many people as possible to see the life of this unsung hero. I whole heartedly agree with you that Mr. Greason should have been given a medal for his heroic actions on the battlefield. Great job! Thank you for sharing.

Inspired, Julianne"

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Caddo County's Greatest

2/9/2015

2 Comments

By Mark House
copyWrite: July 30, 2014

Scanning through historical archives of our state's favorite Daily Oklahoman news publication, I found this odd but interesting classified ad inserted over one hundred years ago on May 21, 1914. "FOR SALE–Patent right: new invention: weighs and empties cotton sack by pulling a rope: has other uses: fortune for a man with money. Particulars, Horace Finch, Lookeba, Okla.

Pictured above, Horace Finch (far right) as photographed with his family in the early 1900's. The pioneering Finch family from Lookeba, Oklahoma, included (front left to right) Ruby, Agnes, Daisy, Glenna, Henry, Texas and Horace. Standing in back are brothers Clarence and Herman Finch.

First thought was a disappointing "sounds like a Flim Flam Man scam and this guy's from my hometown." Second thought was "well at least it was a long time ago and nobody knows or remembers." Third thought was "ole Horace Finch must have been quite a character." Fourth thought was "he didn't actually leave any precise contact info." Without a fifth of thought, I moved on to search for other interesting items relative to relatives or hometown stuff. Great way to burn a few minutes of a rainy day unless your younger than fifty and need a little more excitement built into your life.

Ran across one other classified ad from ole Horace while looking around the early 1900's archives. About a year after his pitch to sell a patent right, he was looking to trade a "10-Acre truck farm one mile outside of Christine, Texas, for an A-1 conditioned Ford." Not for sure of value of either item in 1915, but it sounds less of a Flim Flam Man scam than patented rights to empty a cotton sack by pulling on a rope. That is, unless the land didn't actually exist along with that infamous ocean front property in Arizona.

This particular Saturday, June 19, 1915, classified posting would be the last read of Horace Finch in the form of published archives for near some thirty years. I was thinkin' maybe he scammed somebody large enough to land in jail on felony charges? Maybe he passed away as his age was never recognized in any way? Maybe he straightened up his Flim Flam ways and got married and joined the church and lived a normal life under public radar? Could be a number of things happen to ole Horace. So, who knows or who can guess his destiny?

A few months later I was bored and back at it. Sailing through the Oklahoman Archives searching for anything that might be odd, rare or interesting or possibly all three. Sure enough by weird science chance I found something cool to delve into. It was an article published in the November 2, 1942, edition of the Daily. Right there on the front page headline news read "State Man Invents Life Raft After Fire During Sea Flight."

The article was mostly about the invention of a life raft that "is saving lives of hundreds of American and British war fliers." The newly invented "drop" raft was being utilized by fighter and transport planes crossing the English Channel. This new invention allowed a flier in distress to jerk a valve cord, toss the invented bundle from a plane at any altitude or speed, and the rubber raft immediately begins automatic inflation from a cylinder of compressed carbon dioxide. According to article, "the raft drifts leaf-like to the water surface where it alights upright, fully provided with rations, drinking water, repair tools, smoke and whistle signals, fishing tackle, first aid kit and oars." Amazingly up to seven men can board without overload.

Now this sounds like a military contribution worth reading about for sure. Says it was invented by a Navy pilot who started working on perfecting the life raft in 1934 while stationed in non other than Pearl Harbor. On a routine flight patrol about 200 miles from shore, his seaplane's motors caught fire. I'll be thinkin' what you're thinkin' and he's thinkin', "this cain't be good." The pilot gave orders of prep to "abandon ship!"

As his men did just that by tightening their parachute harness, the pilot began to consider the odds of survival if they had to jump. Results of consideration included frightfully slim chances while leaping into a broad ocean swarming with sharks.

Luckily, in this instance, the pilot shut off the flow of fuel to the burning motors. The fire died out, a sea landing was made and the motors repaired making it back to home base of Pearl Harbor.

With thoughts of the inadequacies of rescue equipment then in use, the pilot wandered towards the Naval machine shop on base. With more thoughts of the numberless times a pilot and crew may have to bail out of a ship with nothing but miles of water beneath, he went back to work on the "drop" life raft which has proved to be a priceless compliment to Naval aviation.

Well, now I have to apologize to the spirit of ole Horace Finch from Lookeba, Oklahoma. Turns out he didn't die near one hundred years ago and, he wasn't such a jail worthy Flim Flam Man after all. His infinite contribution to our military and to our society itself is immeasurable in regard to lives saved. I remove my LS cap and salute such a great man and am proud to say I'm from his hometown!

Horace M. Finch sacrificed over a quarter century of his life for our country as a U.S. Navy pilot and later as a U.S. Navy Warrant Officer. He enlisted in Oklahoma City in the year 1918. With an immaculate record of conduct, his marking for all subjects, including ability, leadership and seamanship, was nearly as high at 3.989.

Finch was 46 years old at the time of archived publishing in 1942. His father, Benjamin H. Finch, was a retired resident of Binger. Finch had two sisters, Mrs. C.W. Drake and Mrs. Walter Von Allman, both of Binger. One other sister, Mrs. L.R. Hall resided in Oklahoma City.

Caddo County has produced some interesting and great people over the years. MLB Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is first to come to mind as he was huge back in the 1970's with the Cincinnati Reds. Verlon Thompson is one of Oklahoma's ultimate songsmiths and is well known throughout the country and folk music industry. More recently, Mike Moore who was a 1989 World Series winner and MLB All-Star.

With such greatness found from people born within a county, it makes a person proud to be from "Peanut Country" for sure. But, in my opinion, no one from within home county lines has or will be able to differentiate themselves equal to or beyond the accomplishments of one Horace M. Finch from Lookeba, Oklahoma.

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Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky's Pro Football Hall Of Fame Nomination

2/9/2015

1 Comment

By Mark House
copyWrite: December 16, 2014
copyWrite upDate: April 21, 2016

From within a collage of antiquated Oklahoma City University football photos discovered at an estate sale in Mustang, Oklahoma, a Pro Football Hall Of Fame nomination has been born. Sounds like one of those old "Strange But True Football Stories" compiled by Zander Hollander back in the late 1960's. Noted as "stories of odd, humorous and incredible moments in football history," this one about #5 leatherhead for the old school Detroit Lions, Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky, would seem to fit right in.

A personal photo collage discovery of ole #5 Ace Gutowsky (The Lost Leatherhead) has led to a personal first, and probably a personal last, National Football League Hall Of Fame nomination.

Both moving and still contents of this particular NFL Hall Of Fame nomination are shared for the pure enjoyment of gridiron fans from all generations.

After suffering a broken leg in New York, Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky's NFL leatherhead career officially began with the Portsmouth Spartans. This as a rookie in 1932 and moving, with this team, to Detroit in 1934 where he played until 1938. Ace concluded his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939.

Certainly with no thought of any Hall Of Fame potential existing at the time, #5 NFL leatherhead, Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky rambled his way to the top of the Detroit Lion's and the NFL's ground gainer lists by 1939. As a Portsmouth Spartan (632 yds.) and Detroit Lion (2,445 yds.) workhorse, Gutowsky owned his team's rushing record for the better part of three decades leading into the 1960's. As well, NFL.com has recognized Gutowsky as the ring leader of a 1934 defense that gave up an "astonishingly low" total of only 59 points over an entire 13 game slate. Playing both ways was not that uncommon within this leatherhead era. Athletes such as Nagurski and Gutowsky playing both ways at such a high degree of dual performance level was extraordinary.

Despite some inadvertent and fictional media accounts of Gutowsky being born in Komolty, Russia, this former Oklahoma City University Goldbug All-American was born a true American in 1909 near what is now the ghost town of Ko Mah Ty, (aka Komalty) Oklahoma. Often misunderstood, it was Ace's father, Assuph Gutowsky that was an original Russian immigrant coming to the United States as a parentless child in 1892.

Ace Gutowsky looks left and rolls right to launch a 25 yard pass completion to Ed Klewicki in the 1935 NFL Championship game vs. the New York Giants. After a hard line plunge for the game's first touchdown, Gutowsky's pass set up yet another as the Lions routed the Giants 26-7 to win the championship.

Gutowsky is officially recognized with 3,279 league leading rushing yards in his eight NFL seasons. Many would consider this a miraculous accomplishment considering the various Hall Of Fame gridiron stars Ace competed with and against on his way to becoming a King Of The NFL Mountain in the 1930's.

Earl "Dutch" Clark was a teammate of Ace with the Portsmouth Spartans and Detroit Lions from 1932-1938. Alphonse "Tuffy" Leemans was an opponent with the New York Giants from 1936-1939. Bronko Nagurski played for the rival Chicago Bears against Ace from 1932-1937. And, along with Nagurski, another most famous Bear by the name of Red Grange shared some of the same leatherhead gridiron turf and time as that of Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky.

Ace Gutowsky, the NFL's documented leading rusher in the 1930's, is the only leatherhead star from this hallowed group that remains outside the realm of Pro Football's Hall Of Fame elite.

Gutowsky's Hall Of Fame teammate Dutch Clark, along with other greats such as Alphonse Leemans and Bronko Nagurski were voted as part of the National Football League 1930's All-Decade Team. Yet this mighty gridiron warrior arising from the tribal lands of southwest Oklahoma out gained these and other Hall Of Fame caliber leatherheads on his way to being recognized as the NFL's career rushing leader before retiring in 1939.

Could the massive media machines of the larger Chicago and New York markets inadvertently assisted with the oversight of one Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky? Is this man named Gutowsky a "true" Galloping Ghost of NFL past? History books and folklore make no mention, but, real time NFL.com statistics clearly document #5 Gutowsky was the greatest galloper of this particular and historic pro football era.

"A 'sweetheart' for looks...a 'nickle nurser' for economy...a 'roughneck' for ruggedness..." says "Ace" Gutowsky, (No. 5) star of world champion Detroit Lions "pro" football team. Ad placement for the new 1937 Dodge in the October 31, 1936, edition of "The Saturday Evening Post."

This documented 1930's rushing champion, Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky, literally "broke" into the NFL in 1931 as he was contracted by Dr. Harry A. March to play for the New York Giants National Football League Company. Dr. March seemed more than thrilled to offer this 1930 All-American from Oklahoma City University $75.00 per game for his first four. After that, $100.00 per league game in 1931.

Unfortunately after signing the above contract offer with the Giants and Dr. Harry A. March, Ace broke his leg during the preseason training process. Gutowsky had to sit out and heal up for a full year before getting another chance with the Portsmouth Spartans in 1932.

Amazingly, and as a rookie for the historical Spartans, Gutowsky became the second leading rusher (behind Hall Of Famer Dutch Clark) in the year of 1932. He also tied Clark for the team lead in rushing touchdowns with three and produced a team high yards per carry average of 3.9. It didn't take long for Ace to work his way onto the gridiron as a Spartan regular playing in eight games and starting in four. This at a time when old school leatherhead rules of the game did not allow general substitutions but rather only for serious injury.

In search of the gridiron greatness of one Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky, this rare pro football footage from September 25, 1932, was discovered. Although rookie Ace Gutowsky did not participate in this first career game action filmed at Universal Stadium in Portsmouth, Ohio, he became a leader of the "18 Spartans" by year's end.

As well, rookie Ace Gutowsky and the Portsmouth Spartans participated in the first "recognized" NFL playoff game against George Halas' Chicago Bears in 1932. This Chicago team included the Hall Of Fame talents of both Bronko Nagurski and Red Grange. Due to extreme inclement weather, this December 18, 1932, championship game was held indoors at Chicago Stadium. Despite great effort and with many a finger pointing to what was an obvious "bad call" in regard to forward passing rules of the time, the Spartans lost 9-0. With impartial thought, a modern day reversal of the alleged bad call likely would have had no impact on the game's outcome other than possibly changing the final score to 3-0.

As future Hall Of Famer Earl "Dutch" Clark was unable to participate and call out his standard "Ace And Go On Two," it was ole rookie Ace Gutowsky himself who moved from fullback to quarterback in this first NFL playoff game against the Bears. While Clark was obligated to coaching duties back in Colorado, it was Gutowsky who courageously stepped in and guided the Spartan offense in this landmark first indoor and first championship gridiron contest against the history laden Bears.

Although losing this particular tough battle, it was an amazing rookie season for this gridiron warrior from Ko Mah Ty, Land Of The Kiowas in Oklahoma. Ace (#5) is seen on the cover of the Chicago Tribune filling his defensive linebacker gap and closing in to lay a lump on the Bears Hall Of Fame fullback Bronko Nagurski.

Along with participating in this first NFL playoff game, Gutowsky also was a noted offensive and defensive star in the Lions' first ever 1934 NFL Thanksgiving Day game vs. the vaunted Bears. "Despite two Ace Gutowsky touchdowns, the Lions lost 19-16." But, the NFL's Thanksgiving Day historical broadcast tradition was launched in fine fashion with Ko May Ty's warrior carrying more than his share of the load for his team that had just recently moved to Detroit.

Ace Gutowsky (#5) hard line plunges forward against the Chicago Bears in the 1934 Thanksgiving Day contest. Gutowsky scored two touchdowns for his Detroit Lions in this first nationally broadcast (radio) NFL game.

First team All-National Pro Leaguer Ace Gutowsky of the Detroit Lions pursues defense of the leatherhead edge against second team Chicago Bears fullback Bronko Nagurski.

Taking nothing away from the "Great Nagurski," Red Grange and others, could Ace Gutowsky be the most overlooked and underrated football star in NFL history? Can his decade of leading rushing stats, amassed while competing head to head with such great men be misleading? Does the body of work of one Leroy "Ace"Gutowsky deserve sincere consideration for NFL Hall Of Fame induction? Yes, No and Most Definitely would be the answers to these historical reflections.

Born in 1909 near Ko Mah Ty (Komalty), Land Of The Kiowas, in far southwest Oklahoma, Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky's warrior spirit took him on a gridiron journey through Kingfisher, Oklahoma, High School (1924-1926); Oklahoma City University (1927-1930); New York Giants (1931); Portsmouth Spartans (1932-1933); which became the Detroit Lions (1934-1938); and a final season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in (1939); becoming the NFL's leading rusher of this leatherhead decade of the 1930's.

#5 Ace Gutowsky's pinnacle year came in 1936 with the Detroit Lions. Following a 1935 Championship season, Ace rushed for a team high 827 yards in 1936. Although out rushing Hall Of Fame teammate Dutch Clark by 199 yards and Hall Of Fame rival Bronko Nagurski by 298 yards, Gutowsky did fall 3 yards short of Hall Of Famer Alphonse "Tuffy" Leemans for this annual rushing title. Despite this three yard discrepancy, official records indicate Gutowsky was the NFL's All-Purpose yard man in the year of 1936.

Nomination Request: On behalf of the family of Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky; the spirit of Kiowa Chief Ko Mah Ty; Kingfisher, Oklahoma High School; Oklahoma City University; the Portsmouth Spartans; the Detroit Lions; the great state of Oklahoma; and myself, Mark House, I respectfully nominate and request sincere consideration of Leroy "Ace" Gutowsky for a posthumous "Senior" induction into the National Football League's Pro Football Hall Of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Author's Note: The information and iMages, both moving and still, contained within this Hall Of Fame nomination have been researched and compiled with confidence of accuracy. These iMages have been collected and utilized with no intent of profit but with enthusiasm for rediscovery of a much overlooked but predominant piece of National Football League history.

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