THAT’S THE WAY I SAW IT
FORT WAYNE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME BANQUET
On Friday, May 24th at the Indiana Tech Cafeteria, the Fort Wayne OldTimers Baseball Association held their annual Hall of Fame banquet.
Three former Fort Wayne Daisies players Dottie Schroeder, Maxine Kline, Vivian Kellogg; a Fort Wayne ball player, manager, and sponsor Joe McComb’ and an oldtime umpire Feroen Betts were inducted into the Fort Wayne Baseball Hall of Fame.
Two association special awards, The Bob Parker Award was given to Patty Martone and the Elmer Wagner Award to Denver Howard (sportswriter for The Waynedale News).
PATTY MARTONE educator, speaker, and writer received the Bob Parker Award. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who promote the game of baseball through any form of media relations, marketing, artwork, etc. This award is given in honor of those who contribute to baseball in a manner that is reminiscent of Bob Parker’s style.
JOE McCOMB started playing baseball in Fort Wayne in 1954 with the Elks Little League Team. Other leagues included Pony, Connie Mack, Stan Musial followed until 1983 when he retired as a player. Managed or helped manage McComb’s Construction Team 1994-1998. He sponsored The McComb’s Team 1999-2000.FEROEN BETTS umpired over 3,000 baseball games in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. He was the reserve umpire for the American Association (AAA) for many years. A member of the Fort Wayne Umpire’s Association he umpired many Daisies, GE Voltman, and Zollner Pistons softball games. He umpired the last game played in historic Swayne Field in Toledo, Ohio.
VIVIAN “KELLY” KELLOGG was a seven year veteran. She was the best first baseman to don a uniform. Recurring knee injuries ended her career. The Village of Brooklyn, Michigan named a ball diamond in her honor.
DENVER HOWARD local ex-Indiana Tech graduate received the Elmer Wagner Award. This award is presented for significant contributions of service through fund raising and serving on any committee that furthers the mission of local baseball.
Jack Massucci active in Fort Wayne Baseball for many years served as MC for this banquet.
DOROTHY “DOTTIE” SCHROEDER was the only player to play all 12 years in the AAGPBL. She played for Fort Wayne 1947-1952. She holds the league’s record for most games played and at bats. She was the most popular Daisies player.
MAXINE “MAX” KLINE was one of the leagues elite pitchers. She pitched a no-hitter against Grand Rapids in 1949 and won 23 games in 1950. The years 1950-1954 she averaged 18 wins per season. In 1950 she pitched 266 innings. Following the league’s demise she went on to play four years with Allington’s All-Americans.
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