News
Herzog Named to Hall of Fame
Manager Whitey Herzog, long time Maris Tournament participant, and umpire Doug Harvey elected to Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee
By BEN WALKER , Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS - Manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey got the call Monday, elected to the baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.
Herzog and Harvey missed by one vote in their previous tries. This time, they easily drew enough support to reach Cooperstown.
"I don't think I would've had my heart broken if I'd missed by another vote or two. But I'm damn happy it's over," Herzog said at Busch Stadium.
"It was just in the last few years when I was only missing by a few votes that I thought, maybe I do deserve it," he said.
Among those who came close this year was former players' union head Marvin Miller. He was on a separate slate for executives and officials, and fell two votes short.
Herzog was a fixture in major league dugouts for two decades. He won the 1982 World Series and three NL pennants with the St. Louis Cardinals and three division titles with Kansas City. He became the 19th manager to make the hall.
"I think he was one of the guys who started managers looking at doing more creative things," said Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, one of Herzog's star players. "You'd see him take a relief pitcher and put him in right field."
Smith was a late addition to the 16-member panel that considered managers and umpires. Candidates needed 12 votes (75 percent) to make it, and Herzog got 14 in voting Sunday at the baseball winter meetings. Results were announced Monday, and the 78-year-old Herzog was told he was in.
It made for an odd pairing, Herzog getting in alongside an umpire. In 1985, a missed call by ump Don Denkinger in Game 6 of the World Series damaged the Cardinals' chances of winning another championship.
"No, I'm not bitter at Denkinger," Herzog said. "He's a good guy, he knows he made a mistake, and he's a human being. It happened at an inopportune time but I do think they ought to have instant replay in the playoffs and World Series."
Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog drew his nickname because of his light blonde hair while playing minor league ball. He wasn't much of a major league outfielder, but made his mark with the Runnin' Redbirds.
Herzog started managing in 1973 with Texas and compiled a .532 career winning percentage.
"He gave his entire life to the game," said Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda, another Veterans panel member. "When he didn't make it last year, I was very, very down. This year, everyone understood he belonged there."
Herzog missed by one vote in 2007. He will be enshrined with Harvey at the induction ceremonies on July 25.
"I don't know why he should get in," Herzog joshed. "Doug kicked me out of more games than any other umpire."
Harvey umpired in the National League for 31 seasons before retiring in 1992. He worked five World Series and six All-Star games, and handled more than 4,600 games overall.
The 79-year-old Harvey also came close two years ago. He was picked on 15 of 16 ballots this time, and became the ninth umpire in the Hall.
"Ten years into my career, my late father said to me that one day I would realize what I have achieved. When I woke up this morning and I received the call from Cooperstown, I realized for the first time exactly what that means," Harvey said in a statement.
"I accept this election ... on behalf of all umpires from the minor leagues to the major leagues and for those who umpire at every level," he said.
Harvey has been in frail health since being diagnosed with oral cancer in 1997. He often chewed a wad of tobacco while on the field.
Harvey was distinguished by his shock of silver hair, and players often called him "God" in tribute to his work. He helped bring a new style to umpiring, too. Rather than make emphatic, instant calls, as was the norm when he began in 1962, he would take a split-second to get a snapshot of the play in his mind.
"He had the players' respect. He had the pitchers' respect — most of the time," Lasorda said.
"Sometime you see umpires and you say that guy's not giving his best, he's getting lackadaisical. Not him," he said. "He would listen to you and he would admit when he made a mistake. A lot of guys want you to come out so they can give you the heave-ho."
Danny Murtaugh, who guided Pittsburgh to a pair of World Series titles, and umpire Hank O'Day each received eight votes, four shy of election.
A separate 12-person committee that reviewed 10 executives didn't elect anyone. John Fetzer, who owned the Detroit Tigers from 1956-83, got eight votes and fell one vote short.
Miller, who became head of the players' association in 1966 and built the union into a powerful force, drew seven votes. Jacob Ruppert, who owned the Yankees when they acquired Babe Ruth, also drew seven.
Roberto Alomar, Edgar Martinez and Barry Larkin are eligible for the first time in hall voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Results will be announced Jan. 6.
The next Veterans Committee vote for players is in 2010.
Wrestling Idol Lesnar to Join Maris Tournament
FARGO, ND (June 1, 2009)
Ultimate Fighting legend Brock Lesnar will join the field for the 26th annual Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament. In addition, actors Paul Borghese and Barry Pepper, former National Football League standout Lou Cordileone and North Dakota State University basketball coach Saul Phillips will participate in this year’s tournament as well.
A native of Webster, SD, Lesnar is currently competing as a fighter for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and his UFC debut was among the highest revenue generating events in the history of pay-per-view. Last November Lesnar captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship in just his fourth professional MMA bout, defeating UFC legend Randy Couture by technical knockout in the second round. He is currently scheduled to battle Frank Mir in Las Vegas, NV July 11, 2009.
Lesnar captured the 2000 NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling championship at for the University of Minnesota. He finished his amateur career as a four-time All-American and a two-time Big Ten Champion, and posted an overall record of 106-5.
Following his amateur career, Lesnar joined World Wrestling Entertainment and enjoyed immediate success. Within five months, at age 25, he became the WWE Undisputed Champion. He was a three-time WWE Champion before leaving in 2004 to pursue a career in the National Football League. In 2005 Lesnar returned to professional wrestling and won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in his debut match for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
A talented actor, Borghese played the role of Yogi Berra in the movie “61*” and has appeared in HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He also appeared in the feature film “Keeping It Real” and on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” and “Third Watch.” An award-winning documentary filmmaker, Borghese has served as president of the Guild of Italian-American Actors and wrote, produced and directed award winning film “Four Deadly Reasons.”
Pepper played the role of Roger Maris in the HBO movie “61,*” sniper Private Jackson in “Saving Private Ryan” and the lead role in ESPN’s “3: The Dale Earnhardt Story.” He starred in “Knockaround Guys” and appeared in and was executive producer of “The Snow Walker.” His credits also include “Mr. Ripley’s Return,” “25th Hour,” “We Were Soldiers,” “The Green Mile” and “Enemy of the State.”
A first round draft pick of the National Football League New York Giants in 1960, Cordileone played for the Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. An All-American and Academic All-American at Clemson University, he was voted to the first team of Clemson’s Centennial Team and played in Bluebonnet Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Hula Bowl.
Phillips guided North Dakota State to a 26-7 finish last winter that included the Summit Conference post-season title and a memorable first ever trip to the NCAA Division I National Championships. Phillips completed his second season as basketball boss of the Bison last year and owns a 42-20 career record. An assistant coach at NDSU for three seasons, he was elevated to the head job March 26, 2007.
The 26th annual Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 27-29. Live and silent auctions are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Fargo Civic Center with a special showing of the movie “61*” at 6 p.m. at the Fargo Theatre. Sportscaster Bob Costas, actors Billy Crystal, Paul Borghese and Barry Pepper, and producer Ross Greenburg will headline the show. The traditional banquet is scheduled for Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND.
MARIS MEMOS- - - Tickets for the viewing of “61*” are priced at $61 and available at the Fargo Theatre box office. . . . . Billy Crystal, Ross Greenburg, Barry Pepper and Paul Borghese are only expected to participate in Saturday’s movie event. . . . . Former Minnesota Twins pitching star Jim Kaat has withdrawn from this year’s event. . . . . Tournament beneficiaries once again include Hospice of the Red River Valley, Shanley High School and the Merit Care Roger Maris Cancer Center. The previous 25 tournaments have raised more than $1,310,000 for the charities. . . . . Roger Fenstad is tournament director. . . . . For more information, call the Roger Maris Tournament at 701-499-5820, or visit the tournament’s Web site at www.rogermarisgolf.com
Five Ex-Big Leaguers to Join Maris Tournament
FARGO, ND (May 20, 2009) - - - Former major league stars Bernie Allen, Rick Helling, Jim Kaat, Ken Sanders and Roy Sievers will join the field for the 26th annual Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament.
Allen enjoyed a 12-year major league career with the Minnesota Twins, Washington
Senators, New York Yankees and Montreal Expos. Primarily a second baseman, he was a member of the 1965 Twins team that won the American League pennant. A quarterback for the Purdue University during his collegiate career, he led the Boilermakers to a 23-14 record as a three-year starter.
A product of the Fargo American Legion program, Helling pitched with five clubs during his 12-year stay in the big leagues, including the Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers. His major league portfolio includes a 20-win season with Texas in 1998 and a career record of 93-81 in 162 games. One of 15 North Dakotans to reach the big league level, Helling spent one year at Stanford University before signing with Texas in 1992.
A member of the original Minnesota Twins of 1961, Kaat closed a remarkable 25-year pitching career in 1983 with 283 lifetime victories. A three-time All-Star, Kaat collected a record 16 consecutive Gold Gloves and won a league-leading 25 games for the Twins in 1966. He later launched a successful career as a sports broadcaster and earned seven Emmy Awards for broadcasting excellence. He is currently under contract with the MLB Network for 2009-10.
Sanders was an award-winning relief pitcher who spent 10 years in the major leagues. He won the 1971 Fireman of the Year Award with the Brewers when he led the American League in saves (31) and appearances (83). During his career he also pitched for the Kansas City Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Twins, Cleveland Indians, California Angels, New York Mets and Kansas City Royals. His career totals include a 29-45 record with 86 saves and a 2.98 earned run average
Sievers was a power-hitting outfielder and first baseman for 17 seasons with the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. Sievers was named the first American League Rookie of the Year in 1949. He led the American League in home runs (42) and in RBI (114) in 1957, and hit more than 20 home runs during nine seasons and drove in more than 100 runs four times.
The 26th annual Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 27-29. Live and silent auctions are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Fargo Civic Center with a special showing of the movie “61*” at 6 p.m. at the Fargo Theatre. Sportscaster Bob Costas, actors Billy Crystal, Paul Borghese and Barry Pepper, and producer Ross Greenburg will headline the show. The traditional banquet is scheduled for Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND.
MARIS MEMOS- - - Tickets for the viewing of “61*” are priced at $61 and available at the Fargo Theatre box office beginning June 1 . . . . Billy Crystal, Ross Greenburg, Barry Pepper and Paul Borghese are only expected to participate in Saturday’s movie event. . . . .Tournament beneficiaries once again include Hospice of the Red River Valley, Shanley High School and the Merit Care Roger Maris Cancer Center. The previous 25 tournaments have raised more than $1,310,000 for the charities. . . . . Roger Fenstad is tournament director. . . . . For more information, call the Roger Maris Tournament at 701-499-5820, or visit the tournament’s Web site at www.rogermarisgolf.com.
Maris Photo Unveiling Scheduled for Friday
FARGO, ND (June 17, 2008) - - - A portrait of baseball legend Roger Maris will be unveiled at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 20, by the Maris family at the Edgewood golf course in Fargo, ND. The portrait is a donation by the Maris family and the tournament committee to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament.
The tournament will return to Edgewood June 21-23, and the traditional auction and banquet, featuring Bob Costas, are once again scheduled for the Holiday Inn in Fargo.
In addition to Costas, the 2008 celebrity list includes Bernie Allen, Mike Barge, Johnny Blanchard, Brooks Bollinger, Paul Borghese, Lou Cordileone, Whitey Herzog, Dick Jonckowski, Rheba Mabie, Daniel Lee Martin, Barry Pepper, Rich Rollins, Ken Sanders, Roy Sievers, Andy Strasberg, Tom Tresh, Woody Woodbury and Larry Ziegler.
According to tournament director Roger Fenstad, the golf tournament is sold out, but a limited number of banquet tickets remain.
MARIS MEMOS- - - Mike Barge, a professional at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, will present a free clinic at 12:45 on Monday at Edgewood golf course. . . . . Tournament beneficiaries again include Hospice of the Red River Valley, Shanley High School and the Merit Care Roger Maris Cancer Center. The previous 24 tournaments have raised more than $1,100,000 for the charities. . . . . Banquet tickets are available at the Holiday Inn, or by contacting the Roger Maris Tournament at 364-1961. . . . .
Maris Tournament Raises Record Amount
Fargo, ND (November 15, 2007)- - - The Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament Committee announced today the 2007 tournament will distribute a record $100,000 to beneficiaries Hospice of the Red River Valley, Shanley High School and the MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center.
"It is with sincere gratitude to the Fargo-Moorhead community and surrounding area for making this event possible for the last 24 years, and we look forward to celebrating the 25th annual event in 2008," said tournament director Roger Fenstad.
During its first 24 years the tournament has generated more than $1,100,000 for its major beneficiaries.
The 25th annual Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 21-23, 2008, at Edgewood golf course in Fargo, ND.
For more information, contact Larry Scott of the publicity committee at (218) 477-2113 or visit the tournament’s Web site at www.rogermarisgolf.com.
Costas Headlines Maris Field
FARGO, ND (June 5, 2008) - - - The 25th annual Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament will return to Edgewood golf course June 21-23, and the traditional auction and banquet, featuring Bob Costas, are once again scheduled for the Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND.
In addition to Costas, the 2008 celebrity list includes Bernie Allen, Mike Barge, Johnny Blanchard, Brooks Bollinger, Paul Borghese, Lou Cordileone, Ryne Duren, Phil Hansen, Whitey Herzog, Dick Jonckowski, Rheba Mabie, Daniel Lee Martin, Barry Pepper, Rich Rollins, Ken Sanders, Roy Sievers, Andy Strasberg, Tom Tresh, Woody Woodbury and Larry Ziegler.
According to tournament chairman Roger Fenstad, the golf tournament is sold out, but a limited number of banquet tickets remain.
Maris Memos- - - Tournament beneficiaries again include Hospice of the Red River Valley, Shanley High School and the Merit Care Roger Maris Cancer Center. The previous 24 tournaments have raised more than $1,100,000 for the charities. . . . . Banquet tickets are available at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND, or by contacting the Roger Maris Tournament at 364-1961.