Press Release
ANNOUNCING . . .
An exciting new book from . . . Leathers Publishing
4500 College Blvd.
Overland Park KS 66211
(913) 498-2625
Fax (913) 498-1561
1-888-888-7696
www.leatherspublishing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 10, 2005
MICKEY MANTLE:Before the Glory

By John G. Hall

The most comprehensive account of Mickey Mantle’s early years ever written, Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory (Leathers Publishing, $29.95) offers never-before seen glimpses into the life of a fun-loving Midwestern kid honing his skills on the way to the big show!

This skillfully and meticulously researched biography includes insight into Mantle family history, scenes from Mickey’s hardscrabble but loving childhood, and insider tales from his formative baseball years with amateur and minor league teams – as recalled by Mantle’s former teammates on the Baxter Springs (KS) Whiz Kids, The Independence (KS) Yankees and the Joplin (MO) Miners.

Seventeen chapters and four appendices provide fascinating details about Mantle’s life before he reached the major leagues, including his family’s roots in the coalfields of nineteenth century England, up through his last full season in the minor leagues with the Joplin Miners of the Class C Western Association, where he was known as the team’s leading prankster in addition to one of its standout players.

Chock-full of rare photos and family interviews, little-known facts and baseball statistics, plus a foreword by Mickey’s widow, Merlyn Mantle, Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory is a one-of-a-kind must have for any Mantle fun, baseball nut, or history buff!

This is the only biography of Mickey Mantle’s early years to receive a stamp of approval from the Mantle family. According to Merlyn Mantle:

For those of you who idolized my husband as a baseball player, I highly recommend this book. Through these pages you will see what shaped Mickey into becoming the hero of millions. This is truly the best account of the early life of my husband. I trust you will enjoy Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory as much as I have.

Author John G. Hall was a batboy for the Carthage Missouri team in the early 1950s, where he had first seen Mickey Mantle play shortstop for the Independence Yankees in 1949. For over 10 years he has published a monthly newsletter entitled “The KOM League Remembered” and has organized many events for the surviving alumni of the old Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri League. Mr. Hall has published two previous baseball books, Majoring in the Minors (1996) and The KOM League Remembered (2004). At the urging of many of Mantle’s former minor league teammates, and after five years of in-depth research, this definitive work on the early life of Mickey Mantle became a reality.

*****

Available at all major bookstores, on amazon.com and barnes&noble.com, and through Leathers Publishing (1-888-888-7696) for $29.95 plus shipping.


ISBN 1-58597-317-3, hard cover, 368 pages

Mantle mentioned in KOM League Flash Report
Mood:  energetic
The KOM League Flash Report for 4/06/05 Leaving a trail John: We know you have been traveling in SE Kansas and SW Missouri by the news reports you have been leaving around the area.... Bluntly, do you need cash before or at the doors of all these places you have lined up for us? Thanks, John, the Yankees didn't make us (Whiz Kids) famous but you are doing your best to make up for it! Wylie and Mary Ann Pitts Ed reply: Just got back from a 48-hour blitz of Springfield & Joplin, Missouri; Pittsburg, Kansas and Pryor, Oklahoma. Bluntly, I would gladly accept the $42 per person registration fee prior to next Friday as it would be nice not to have to badger people for the food money while they are consuming it. Stick with me and people all over the United States, maybe even the world, will know about the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids. I'll guarantee you that anyone who reads the book will not be able to escape the subject. Book orders!! A bookstore representative called today from Northeast Oklahoma who had read about the new Mantle book coming out. I asked how she heard about it and she said, "In the Miami Sun." That got my attention. I guess the Grove, Oklahoma Sun is also using that term when the paper is shipped into Ottawa, County. I asked the caller where her bookstore was located. When she told me I advised her to look across the street at the large building on the corner. When she said "I see it, I advised her that was the place Mickey Mantle bought Merlyn Johnson's engagement ring. The caller had no idea of the significance of that building in the early days of the Mantles. For you guys who played in the KOM League and stayed in Miami while on road trips the bookstore that ordered the books today is located next to the old Miami Hotel. I sure won't start telling any tales in this medium about what got tossed from the upper floors to the pavement below. But, I have heard stories about the Ponca City Dodgers having some "pretty good" times while in Miami finest hostelry. News stories: Anvil Welch got the word out about the upcoming Mantle weekend with his second Joplin Globe story. The latest one being this past Sunday. Upon my return from SW Missouri, SE Kansas and NE Oklahoma I had a call from Joplin. The caller was excited about the event scheduled for Joplin and wanted to know if the "big name" players would be there. I asked who she had in mind and the first name out of her mouth was Enos Slaughter. Sadly, I informed her that if the old "War Horse" showed up a resurrection would have to occur. She told me that she has his autograph from the days when he used to show up at Mantle's Holiday Inn in Joplin Anyway, I invited her to attend. If she shows up and calls you Enos, sign his Topps baseball card she is apt to hand you. My, its fun answering the telephone when some of the people calling "aren't at home." (Stanka, that means the dip stick doesn't extend to the bottom of the crank case.) A real Cub fan (Cal Neeman, read this one) Many thanks for the KOM newsletters, which I received today, and for taking the time to talk a little baseball with me recently. I did ask my neighbor, Neil Nolan, about Brandy Davis and Duke baseball. As you predicted, he remembers Brandy very well, and says they played on the same team in 1946, the year before Neil went pro in the Giants organization. I believe Neil got as high as C-ball, as his baseball career played-out in Erie, PA; Bristol, VA; Springfield, OH; and a couple of other stops, before it ended with Army service during the Korean War. Neil says Davis was the best athlete at Duke, and recalls Brandy's success in track and field as well as baseball. He also notes that Brandy "wasn't much of a pitcher." I see both Bill Virdon and Cal Neeman are scheduled to attend the Mantle dinner and, if you think of it, ask them about Cal's game-winning, ninth inning inside-the-park home run against the Pirates at Wrigley Field. I can't find anything written about it on the web, but I believe it happened right around the time of the Haddix perfect game in 1959. As I remember, the Cubs trailed by at least a run with two out when Cal hit a low line drive that went just under Bob Skinner's glove and rolled to the ivy, with Virdon unable to cut off the ball as he ran over from center. Cal made it around the bases just ahead of Bill's throw. Speaking of Virdon, I imagine neither he nor anyone else at the Mantle dinner will be telling many stories about the 1960 World Series. But just as Mickey and all Yankee players and fans of that era have discounted the Pirates' win as a fluke, it will always remain a top thrill for the rest of us, who will never forget Bill's catch in the late-afternoon shadows, out by the monuments at Yankee Stadium on a drive by Bob Cerv and, of course, the double-play ball that turned Game 7 around when it hit the concrete infield at Forbes. By the way, in addition to contacting Mike Francesa of WFAN Radio regarding your Mantle book, I also recommend that you contact Michael Kay of ESPN Radio in New York. Michael has been one of the Yankees' play-by-play announcers for many years both on radio and on cable TV but, more importantly, he has a successful morning radio show on ESPN and, like Francesa, is steeped in Yankees' history. Here's a link to his show's webpage: http://www.1050espnradio.com/showdj.asp?DJID=11585 Also, this is the link to Francesa and his afternoon drive-time show: http://wfan.com/bios/local_bio_francesamike_html/ Once again, thanks for the terrific newsletters - I see from the Jim Yates photos that I can add the Iola Cubs to my list of one-time Wrigley affiliates! Best Regards, Bill (Wasik) Ed note: I guess you can tell by the response from Wasik the general tone of a recent telephone conversation. He was an Illinois young man who attended the Journalism School at the University of Missouri when it used to compete in big time athletics. He was around when Dan Devine was coaching football and the university actually had a basketball coach. Now Wasik resides in New Jersey and is giving me tips on how to contact the big New York media names. I've already contacted 50% of the guys he recommended and I realize how the late Rodney Dangerfield felt. (Hey Warren Liston, he was the guy who always said, "I don't get no respect." Get it?) Google Alert for: The KOM League Tigers Compete At Neat Stadium Springdale Morning News - Springdale,AR,USA ... From 1946 to 1952, the stadium hosted a Bartlesville's minor league team, which participated in the KOM (Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri) league with 28 players ... Ed note: Whenever the KOM League is mentioned in any medium I'm contacted by Google. It was nice reading about an Arkansas team going to Bartlesville to play a game recently. Just for the record, however, it wasn't 28 KOM Leaguers who went to the Majors--it was 32. Class, do I have to recite those names again? You can pull up that article by clicking on the URL in blue print. I wrote the author of that story a note informing him of some activity of the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids playing games, with some older guys added, around the towns of Bentonville, Springdale and Flippen, Arkansas. Terrell Lester When my first book came out Terrell Lester was writing for the Tulsa World. Man, did he ever give that book a write-up. Early this morning we were both toiling away in Pryor, Oklahoma. After I finished my work I dropped by the Pryor Times to drop off a copy of the upcoming Mantle book cover in postcard format. As always, Terrell was "thinking" and was attempting to devise a place for Yours Truly to sign books in Northeast Oklahoma. Way back in 1996 he arranged for a large signing at Steve's Books in Tulsa. I wouldn't mind going back there. We had a big KOM League "groupie" gathering at that event. I suspect many of the Mantle signings, assuming there are a few, will draw a lot of former KOM Leaguers. Arriving home there was another nice item in the mailbox. I now have personal business cards with the book cover on the front and my name and how to order on the reverse side. These are truly "baseball cards." In fact, the box in which they arrived looks like the boxes that hold full sets of Topps cards. Cheerleader from North Carolina (A couple of days of e-mail messages) From Bill O'Donnell: HI JOHN ! It's here ! Opening game tonight. Randy Johnson throwing bullets for the Yankees against the sox ! And my Durham Bulls open this coming Thursday ! The daffydills are in bloom, the redbuds are bursting forth, the sky is Carolina blue... and BASEBALL ! Could life be any sweeter ??? Besides -- our tarHeels are in the National Championship game in Stan Musial's town tomorrow night. Life is good, pardner ! --Baseball Bill, a ye olde minor leaguer from the far distant past. P.S. Many good wishes on the Mantle book, the reunion, and all your literary and cyber-space journalistic efforts. Ed reply: Even if Randy stumbles and the Bulls go the way of fading daffodils and the Fightin Illini' take it all there is always tomorrow. Spring brings hope!! It lasts until about Labor Day when the less talented teams begin to fade and the weeds take over the tomato patch. Then, those of us on the "losing end" will cry out, "Wait 'til next year." Thanks for the nice words. If my Mantle efforts fall flat there is no "next year." O'Donnell: John Your Mantle efforts won't fall flat. At least I don't think so. Number one -- you have the Mantle family behind you. Number two -- it's an intriguing time period in Mickey's life. Number three --- Mantle is one of those baseball heroes who will ALWAYS be found interesting. By the way -- I'm re-reading a book I think you would enjoy: "October 1964" by David Halberstam. (You've probably already read it, but it's about the NY Yankees and St Louis Cardinals in 1964). There's a lot about Mantle in there, as well as the Cardinals whole baseball empire. Fascinating. Especially since there's a good chance they could be meeting again this year in the World Series. But Halberstam talks about Mickey's stature and that he was probably shorter than what was listed in the player stats. However Halberstam said he was so "wide." Wide and powerful. Again, as I've mentioned in other messages, I picture Mantle and Bobby Hull as being similar physical "All-American" sports types. Greatly muscular without the use in those days of steroids or extensive weight training. Sort of like American farm boys (I know Hull is from Canada) who are just incredibly strong and unusually muscular by nature. (I think that "nature" might have included a non-functioning myostatin gene, which is much in the news lately -- the gene that shuts off muscle-development in mammals). I'm still in awe of that 565 foot homerun the Mick hit years ago, pre-steroids, pre weight-training, etc. The book restates the description of Mantle as the strongest, fastest ballplayer ever seen. AND -- like all your future reading audience, I am still amazed by him. Game over, Yankees beat the Sox. The season is here !!!!!! ----Bill O' : Ed reply: I'm in Mantle country tonight. I went through Picher, Commerce, Douthat, Miami and on down through Adair on my way to Pryor, Okla. Mantle played ball in all those towns as a kid. Douthat was the first team he ever played with all the way back to 1942. I drove 400 miles today and worked in three stores in three states. Adair is where the family moved after they left Missouri. Adair was founded in 1889 and I think the lure of probably cheap land drew Mantle's great grandparents to Mayes County, Indian Territory. In 1907 it became a state. A lot of people think the Mantles came originally out of Spavinaw. That's the same kind of history that went undisputed until I wrote my book. The Mantle's didn't settle in Commerce after leaving Spavinaw. They moved to Cardin, Oklahoma before living in Commerce. They also lived at Whitebird and on the Neosho River west of Miami, Okla I trust the Mantle effort won't become the laughing-stock of baseball enthusiasts. I'll tell you now I have read Halberstam and I'm no Halberstam. Bunny Mick had a long career in baseball and was once interviewed by the famous author. He was impressed with him in every respect. I think Halberstam does great writing. Mantle's shot off Chuck Stobbs may have been the second longest homer he hit in 1953. He was playing a benefit game at Joplin to raise some money for the family of Joe Crowder who had drowned during the World Series. He hit a ball over the left field wall and over a grove of trees that were another 100 feet beyond that wall. If you stand there and look at that distance it is unbelievable that anyone could hit a golf ball that far. Some day, maybe at the Joplin event I'm going to get someone to measure that distance. Mantle admitted after that game that he thought he got more wood on that ball than any he had hit all year. More legend!!! O'Donnell: All those names of town and cities in Mantle country--very evocative. America, America!! Baseball, Baseball!! It was the best of times!! Mickey the Marvel was one of a kind. John, you don't have to be a Halberstam. Just keep on writing about all those early baseball days. This is your invaluable niche. I sure hope you don't stop with the Mantle book !! Keep writing, my friend, and keep your researching going. And my TarHeels just won the National Championship! Baseball is here !! I am one happy man ! Editor's confession: The mind is numb, the fingers ache and as they say in time of drought, "The well has gone dry." I doubt that there are any books left for me to author. So far the acceptance of those I have written wouldn't fill a phone booth if all the purchasers of those books showed up at one time. If the Mantle book doesn't eclipse my other writing "successes" my wife, followed closely by the IRS, will become very suspicious of what I claim to have been doing over the past 10 years.

David Mantle to represent family at Joplin event
Mood:  energetic
The KOM League Flash Report on the Mantle event April 6, 2005 Prior to today the only Mantles that I had mentioned who would be at the Joplin event were Max and his wife. While I was out attempting to make a living today my wife received a call. The call was from Dallas, Texas. The caller identified himself as David Mantle and he was passing along the information that since his mother couldn't attend he wanted to represent the immediate family at the Joplin event. I have met David and all of those attending will enjoy meeting meeting one of Merlyn and Mickey's surviving sons. My wife and I have told anyone who will listen that the Mantle/Johnson/LaFalier/Richardson folks are as gracious a group of people you could ever hope to meet and their kindness and consideration of participating at the Joplin event is a testament to our declarations. (I understand that I have all the ingredients for a family feud if I stir the coals enough. Just kidding. However, I've interviewed all these people and what do you think the chances are that they'll all see the things written from the same frame of reference? Let me prognoticate and answer that as "little and none.") The event cranks up in just nine days, so if you want to get on board let me know. John Hall 1709 Rainwood Place Columbia, Missouri 65203 Tel: 573 445-8125 or 573 289-2469. Registration fee is $42 per person and I need a head count to make a food order real soon.

Listing those headed for the Mantle weekend.
Mood:  energetic
If even slightly interested in the Mantle event slated for Joplin April 15-16, read this report.

A couple of items:

#1

A number of you have inquired about contacting Todd Higdon who wrote the article in last Sunday's Neosho Daily News. The best contact I have for him is: Todd G. Higdon-reporter2@neoshodailynews.com

If that doesn't work try his editor, they always like to hear good news about an employee.

Buzz Ball - editor@neoshodailynews.com

#2

There are those who are predicating their attendance at the Joplin event contingent upon who might show up.

Briefly, and I'll miss a few, are those former Whiz Kids who will attend. Rex Heavin, Frog Heavin, Wylie Pitts, Delbert Lovelace, Guy Crow, Ben Craig, Danny Williams, Billy Johnson, Max Mantle, Leroy Bennett, Bob Steele, Don Steele and they are bringing along brother Floyd Steele. Be advised that all these fellows will be accompanied by their spouses if they are still living.

One of Mickey's best friends and high school teammate, Bill Mosley, was in touch tonight and he and his wife Lee from Topeka will attend.

>From the Independence Yankees and Joplin Miners from 1948-1953 the following have signed up. Al Billingsly, Cal Neeman, the Lyle Westrum Family, David Waters, Bunny Mick, Carl Lombardi,
the Joe Crowder family and Ted Eberhard. Also, Bob Mallon, Jerry Buchanan, Steve Kraly and Len
Wiesner are "possibles to probables." Depending on how things work out with the end of spring training
and the opening of the Springfield, Missouri season it is possible that Bill Virdon will also be on hand. If he can make it I'm asking him to invite former Joplin Miner, Jerry Lumpe.

Other former minor leaguers who have signed up are: Dick Getter, Everett Williams, Lee Dodson and two sons, Jim Jay former KC A's batboy, Don Keeter and Jimmy Richardson (Mickey's first cousin).

The special media attendees, such as Bob Imperato, will come from the east coast to cover the event for
Yankee Magazine and Rev. Jerry Holt and his crew from Enid, Oklahoma will be on hand to cover the
event for the public access station in that old Western Association town.

Even the editor of the Mantle book, Greg Olds, will be on hand to relate just how tough a job he encountered reading and making sense of my drafts.

There are a number of local fans from the area who have signed up and I expect another surge of interest
after another four TV interviews air in the Joplin and Pittsburg area in the next couple of weeks.

I'm not begging anyone to attend this event. I'm just making it known and you form your
own decision as to whether its worth a few hours out of your life on the weekend of April 15-16.

This event is open to anyone and you are more than welcome to attend. If any of you played against Mantle
in the KOM League or Western Association come on by and meet some former adversaries. Same goes if
you played kid-team baseball against the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids.

Note:

I viewed Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory today as close as I will ever see it until the books are delivered in just over two weeks. Most of you will be "proud as punch" to own it. I can't speak for everybody but for those who contributed to its content you will be very pleased. It takes a lot to get me to admit anything I have ever done is all that good but the Mantle book is "okay."

Mantle book author interviewed by Neosho, Mo. Daily News.
Mood:  energetic
A Special
KOM League
Flash Report
Featuring an article from today's
Neosho, Missouri Daily News
March 20, 2005


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Beverly Caulk wrote:


John I sent my $42.00 looking forward to seeing you in Joplin. I've talked with Todd Higdon from the
Neosho Daily News off and on the past week .I also took a picture of dad down to the paper last night.
I think you were more help to him than I was. I did get to add a little news that was fun. Story should
be in today's paper.

John will Mrs. Mantle be in Joplin? Would love to meet her. Would I be able to write to her, not e-mail. Thanks again for bringing my dad (Joe "RED" Crowder) alive in my heart and mind. Beverly Crowder
Caulk
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The Sunday Morning Neosho Daily News

If you want to see Mickey Mantle, Barney Barnett, Joe Crowder and Yours Truly on the front page of
anything now is your chance. Just click on the following URL. Gosh, time hasn't been kind to Yours
Truly, the "mug shot" proves it.

If you don't pull up the website this is the description of the photos on the front page of today's Neosho Daily News.

Clockwise from top: Mickey Mantle, left, sits next to Walter A. "Barney" Barnett, coach of the Baxter
Springs Whiz Kids. Note Mantle is wearing a Yankee's cap. The photo was taken after the 1952 World
Series. Two weeks later, Barnett died; fellow Whiz Kid Joe "Red" Crowder, a native of Seneca; John
Hall has spent the last six years writing his book, Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory, which talks about
Mantle's family from 1849 to 1950, including the first baseball club he played for, the Baxter Springs
Whiz Kids. A special event will be held in Joplin on Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16 in Joplin
for the book and a reunion of the Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri (KOM) league. COURTESY PHOTOS,
top and above right, and DAILY NEWS / TODD G. HIGDON

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2005/03/20/news/news01.txt

New book looks at family history of baseball great
By TODD G. HIGDON / Daily News staff writer
John Hall, a Columbia author, has just finished a book about one of baseball's local players, Mickey Mantle, who went on to play for the New York Yankees.

"It all started in 1999, when players from the 1950 Joplin Miners came to me and said they wanted me to
write about their memories of Mantle," said Hall. "It started off with nine players then five more for a total of 14 players."

The book, titled "Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory," takes a different swing on the Mantle story as it tells about his family from back in 1849 to 1950.

"With my research, I read every (local) newspaper in the years that he played baseball in the area," said
Hall. "We will have a special weekend event with local baseball players who knew, played with Mantle
and were a part of the Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri (KOM) Baseball League, Friday, April 15 and
Saturday, April 16 at the Joplin Holiday Inn."

Mantle was born on Oct. 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, Okla., but moved to Commerce a few years later.
Mantle's father, Mutt, and grandfather, Charlie, would throw Mantle a ball. Mutt, who threw right and
Charlie, who threw left, taught Mantle to switch-hit by alternating the pitching, learning to hit from
both sides of the plate.

In 1947, at the age of 16, Mantle played with a local semi-pro team, the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids.

"He played with the Whiz Kids all season in 1948, as a shortstop," said Hall. "During this time, he also
started playing against Joe 'Red' Crowder in the Cardinal Junior League."

"My father, Joe, was a relief pitcher, " said Beverly Caulk of Neosho.

Crowder was from Seneca.

Mantle played with the Whiz Kids for a couple of years, honing his skills with players older than he was.
The Whiz Kids did produce some professional baseball players such as Willard "Billy" Johnson, Jack
Dorrell, Bennie Lee and Ralph Terry. (Ed note: Hey guys, I know there were others.)


In 1948, Yankees' scout Tom Greenwade came to Baxter Springs to watch Mantle's teammate, third
baseman Billy Johnson. During the game, Mantle hit two home runs and Greenwade decided he wanted
to sign Mantle.

Although Mantle was still in high school, Greenwade told him he would be back after Mantle graduated
to sign him on to the Yankees. True to his word, the scout returned in 1949 to sign Mantle to the minor
league contract with the Independence, Kan., Yankees, a Class D team, which is the lowest of the minor
leagues. Mantle signed on for $400 and a $1,000 sign on bonus.

"They (Mantle and Crowder) signed the same year," said Hall. "They wound up playing for both Independence and the Joplin Miners."

The Independence Yankees were a part of the KOM, which existed from 1946 until 1952.

"A player that went on to the pros was Bob Speake, with the Chicago Cubs," said Hall. "Speake, a first
baseman, had the record for the most home runs for April, which was 11. Another player, Jake Theis,
later became a Pittsburgh Pirate."

According to both Hall and Caulk, "both Mantle and Crowder liked the same things, such as frogging and
fishing in their spare time."

And how good was Mantle in the minor league?

"In 1949, he was in Independence and had 89 games, 101 hits, 15 doubles, seven triples, seven home runs,
52 walks, 63 RBIs and was struck out 66 times, hitting .313," said Hall. "In 1950, he had 137 games, 199 hits, 30 doubles, 12 triples, 26 homers, 94 walks, 136 RBIs and was struck out 90 times, hitting .383."

Crowder's time in the minors ranged from playing in 1950 with the Joplin Miners with a 6-5 record, to pitching with the Quincy, Ill., team in the Three I League and in 1952 with the Beaumont Roughriders in the Texas League. In the summer of 1953, he played with the Birmingham, Ala., team in the Southern Association. All of the teams Crowder played for were part of the Yankee organization.

"My father drowned at Grand Lake on Oct. 2, 1953," said Caulk. "Dad would have loved to play the game
all of his life."

As a New York Yankee outfielder, Mantle played 2,401 games, won three Most Valuable Player Awards
(in 1956, 1957 and 1962), won baseball's Triple Crown in 1956 with a .353 batting average, hit 52 homers
and and brought in 130 RBIs. He played with the Yankees for 14 years and retired from baseball on March 1, 1969.

"Mantle was a local boy who 'did good' and always returned to the Commerce / Joplin area after each season ended for a number of years," said Hall, speaking on Mantle's popularity among area residents.

In Joplin, Mantle opened a Holiday Inn, located on south Range Line in the area where Braum's Restaurant is now located. The structure was torn down many years ago.

"The KOM league folded at the conclusion of the 1952 season, as the Korean War cut deeply into the available player pool and TV had made in-roads in the available entertainment," said Hall.

Baseball will come alive as some of the players from the KOM league will be on hand for the special event in April. The event includes lunch at Joe Becker Stadium (formerly Miners Park) on Saturday, April 16. Then in the afternoon during the Missouri Southern State University and the Missouri Western doubleheader, the former players will be introduced to the audience. In the evening, a catered banquet will be held around 6 p.m. at the Joplin Sports Hall of Fame in Schifferdecker Park. There will be a special guest at the event.

"Merlyn Mantle, Mickey's wife, wrote the forward to the book," said Hall. "Along with the past players, there will also be a New York Yankee writer as well."

Coinciding with the event, Hall's book will also be available for sale.

For more information, contact John Hall at (573) 445-8125, by cell at (573) 289-2469 or by e-mail at jhall03@midamerica.net

"If it was not for Hall, I would not know some of the things about my father," said Caulk. "My father died
when I was 3-years-old and I am glad that he has written this book about Mantle. I am looking forward
to going to the April event."

According to Hall, there are 100 people who will be attending. Some of the players have not stepped
onto Becker / Miner's ballfield in 55 years.

"The April event will give everyone an insight into how the older generation loved the game and played
for very little money, including Mantle," said Hall.

Mantle received a liver transplant at Baylor University Hospital in Dallas. During the transplant surgery it was discovered Mantle had contracted inoperable cancer. Before he died on Aug. 13, 1995, at the age of 63, he formed the Mickey Mantle Foundation to raise awareness of the importance of becoming an organ donor.

"There were three times that I saw Mantle," said Hall. "The first was seeing him play in the KOM league in 1949. Then I saw him play in Kansas City with the Yankees in 1957 and the last was talking with him on the Larry King Live show in 1989."

Comments on this story can be sent to Todd Higdon at: reporter@neoshodailynews.com Do me a favor
and send him a note. Young reporters need encouragement. If you are a collector of stories in newspapers I'm sure that the Neosho folks would send along a copy of today's paper if you sent them enough "do re mi" to coverage the cost of the edition as well as postage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newspapers that covered the passing of Hal Brydle.

The East Valley Tribune in Arizona
http://www.legacy.com/EastValleyTribune/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=3309367

The Northeast Ohio Herald
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14178512&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=8

Message: Harold Brydle obituary -- please pass on to others and please sign the guest book if you'd like.
Thanks, the Brydle family

Please visit the Notice for Harold Earl "Hal" Brydle.

http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?Id=LS03309367X
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Special mailing

I robbed my piggy-bank and purchased a bunch of 23 cents stamps and placed them on the Mantle postcards
with all the good stuff about the book written on the backside. I'm sending out a limited number, about 200, in tomorrow's mail.

Some of you requested one of those postcards and some will be receiving one wondering what it is. There are those of you who have already ordered the book and this isn't a "ploy" to sell you another. The item is a nice "collectors" item and will give those of you who ordered the book a preview of coming attractions.

If you want one of these cards you can let me know. I'll check to see if I sent you one. If not, I'll get one to you in the mail. By the way Althea Gibson will be sure it gets to your door. You'll understand that statement when you get your postcard.

By the way, this is an "shameless advertising scheme" so share the card with as many eyes as you are predisposed of doing. Thanks!!
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The following is how Google alerts me regarding anything that "pops up" regarding the KOM League.

Google Alert for: The KOM League. This once a day Google Alert is brought to you by Google.

New book looks at family history of baseball great
Neosho Daily News - Neosho,MO,USA
... "The KOM league folded at the conclusion of ... Baseball will come alive as some of the players from the

KOM league will be on hand for the special event in April. ...


Harold Earl "Zeke" Brydle
News-Herald.com - Willoughby,OH,USA
... Kingsville. He played baseball during the late 1940s for the Iola Indians in Kansas, a KOM minor league team of

the Cleveland Indians. He ...


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The KOM League
Flash Report
for
March 12, 2005

Mickey Mantle:Before the Glory in miniature

It what can only be called "outstanding," the Index for the new book reached me on Friday. I went over that thing with a fine tooth comb and found only a handful of items that will be changed in the final printing. I would suggest that if you aren't planning to purchase the book that you take a look at the seventeen pages of double columns of listing of proper nouns to "improper" ones.

Scanning the books in my "limited" library I will humbly state that MMBTG it is as large and as comprehensive an index of any on the subject of baseball. If any of you ever write a book I have a great name to suggest for doing the indexing. For this task I can take NO credit.

Since I realize many of you tire of my "many words" I'm downloading the file as an attachment. If you aren't interested in looking at it, don't open it. However, if any of you would like to peruse it to see if you are mentioned in the book the index
will cite the number of times you made it.

They are talking about it, even in Rome, Italy!

John - I just talked with Brenda today, still in Rome seeing as many of the sights as possible. She got to talking today with one of the Missouri people in the group, and told him we're going to be in Joplin next month and that he should be checking his newspaper to see about the event.

He's from Springfield and loves baseball anyway, and Brenda said he seemed interested in hearing about the book. He's particularly excited about Springfield entering the Texas League this year with a Cardinals AA team. I asked Brenda to get the guy's name if possible.

I guess we should designate Brenda our International Sales Representative, at the usual salary level, huh?
-Greg

Yours Truly is the "Geek"

While fixing your computer, did the Geeks extend the page size? I find I have to use the arrows at the bottom in order to read some of the letters. I don't mind doing it, it's just that it's new. Hope you enjoyed the "Drug" story. The KOM Remembered came yesterday and the book looks like a winner. We didn't expect less...Keep up the outstanding work...The Bass'

Note from Mrs. Stupur

I have received several telephone calls regarding the article about my husband Dan in the last issue however, I did not receive it. I am wondering if you could send me an issue. I would like to have it to keep with some of the memorials we received on Dan's passing. Thank you. Pat Stupur 1010 N. E. 108th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97220

Postcards

Hi John, Can you please send me the post card that your writing about? Thanks--Bill Martineau

Ed note:

I'll include a post card of the replica of the book for those ordering a book. It can be used as a bookmark.

Best card of the day!

The mail man brought me a Christmas card today. It started thusly: "I wouldn't claim to be slow or anything. Let's just say I'm early with this. The wishes are warm and I'm bursting with pride over all that you two have accomplished. Bob would have applauded over al the long nights writing and polishing the new Mantle book. Have a wonderful time. Hope sale are enormous. Love Doris Dellinger.

P. S. Hooray for your wrestlers!!

Ed note:

I was sitting in the auditorium of Moberly Community College today watching my youngest grandson wrestle in the regionals of Missouri Kid Team wrestling. Again, another winner!! He placed second and earned a spot in the state championships.

I was fascintated to be in an auditorium that housed the best junior college basketball teams of the 1950's and later in the 1960's. They were the Moberly Junior College Greyhounds. I took pictures of some of those great teams and saw a familiar face in the 1960's group. It was coach Cotton Fitzsimmons who later coached at the NCAA level before finally going into the professional ranks. He died last year.

As I sat in that arena today I thought a lot about Bob Dellinger and what he meant to me in my first writing effort and what he meant to the sport of wrestling of which he is a member of that Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Other than myself there wasn't a soul on this earth that gave any credence to writing about the old KOM League. He endured a lot over a couple of years to ensure my first book made it to a printer although relatively few people have ever seen it. When a "next" book was mentioned Dellinger would say "I'll tell you when it is time to start another project." He never got to the place of giving me the go-ahead as he passed away in early 1999.

With Bob's passing his widow Doris was a source of encouragement. When she would detect that my writing effort on the Mantle book had "hit a wall" she would e-mail me and advise that if I spent as much time each day on the book as I did writing these Flash Reports that I could finish that book. I knew she was right so when the temptation to drag my feet became the easy way out, I would remember her admonition and get back to the task.

Dellinger edited my first book, the second edition of it was dedicated in his memory, the second book carried many of the photos he donated and the Mantle book was not completed without justifiably included him within its pages.

No one accomplishes anything on their own. There is always someone who paves the way for another to succeed. There is inspiration to be gained from various people in your life and with that and some perspiration on your own part then some things actually come to fruition. Even on this latest book there are names that should be on the front cover. Greg Olds in Austin, Texas, The great staff at Leathers Publishing in Leawood, Kansas and Candace Hyatt in Seattle all did their "darndest" to make the author look good. If the old guy came up short don't blame the aforementioned.

News Release for Joplin event
Mood:  energetic
For Immediate Release
March 3, 2005*

A Special Tribute to Mickey Mantle

April 15-16, 2005 will be a special weekend for those who remember the late Mickey Mantle not only as a teammate but as a friend or fan of the “Kid from Commerce.”

For the past six years scores of his former teammates with the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, the Independence, Kansas Yankees and the Joplin Miners contributed greatly in the writing of a book entitled “Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory.” This group allowed John Hall of Columbia, Missouri to author the book and in a gesture of appreciation Mr. Hall has announced a “special weekend” so those most closely affiliated with Mantle in his formative years can gather once more, some for the first time in 57 years.

The event will convene on April 15 at 6:00 p. m. at the Holiday Inn in Joplin, Missouri. This will include a lot of food and even better fellowship. On April 16 the participants will be enjoying a golf outing with Mickey’s first cousin, Max Mantle, as well as a noon event at Joe Becker Stadium. All of Mantle’s former teammates, as well as some “big names” in baseball lore expected to attend, will be introduced between games of a Missouri Southern State University and Western Missouri State University baseball doubleheader.

On Saturday evening the festivities will conclude with a banquet at the Joplin Museum Complex in Schifferdecker Park on West 7th Street.

This event is open to the public. The registration fee for the entire event is $42 that includes the cost of the Friday and Saturday evening meal and banquet.

A great deal of interest has been shown in this event and the New York Yankees will have at least one representative on hand to cover the festivities for the Yankee’s magazine.

The book about Mantle’s early life carries a Foreword by his wife Merlyn and she stated that there were many revelations contained therin of which she was unaware. She recommends the book without qualification. One of Mickey’s brothers, Roy, stated his only reservation about the book was that he didn’t write it.

Anyone wishing to attend this event should contact Mr. Hall at: Tel: 573-445-8125, by e-mail at jhall03@midamerica.net or at 1709 Rainwood Place—Columbia, MO 65203

*If your sports department would be interested in a gratis copy of Mickey Mantle:Before the Glory, please send the name and address of the person to whom it should be sent.

Mickey Mantle book release special weekend April 15-16, 2005
Mood:  celebratory
Notice regarding Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory Special weekend event When: April 15 -16, 2005 Where: Joplin, Missouri Attendees: Anyone wishing to see former Joplin Miners, Independence Yankees and Baxter Springs Whiz Kids. Registration Fee: Yes (See details in body of this report) For the past few weeks it has been indicated that at the release of Mickey Mantle:Before the Glory, it would be a good reason for his old pals, teammates, family, friends and fans to gather for a time of remembering and celebration. The idea took root and after a few meetings among some members at Missouri Southern State University, the Joplin Sports Authority, the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau along with Ramada and Holiday Inn personnel. A schedule has been developed for a few hours of food, fun and entertainment the likes of which you'll never experience again with a group such as will be gathering in Joplin. The first event of the weekend will be at mixer at the Holiday Inn. There will be vegetable and fruit trays along with hot foods served between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 P. M. on Friday the 15th. You can eat until you stop or drop. The price won't vary regardless of the amount consumed. (A listing of all the food available will be shared once I receive it.) The tentative schedule has been shared in past Flash Reports. To summarize, Saturday will be filled with activities such as golf, a trip to Joe Becker Stadium for lunch and for the old-timers to be introduced to the crowd during a college game between MSSU and Missouri Western. The evening will festivities will be hosted by Dave Belk at the Joplin Museum Complex at Schifferdecker Park. This is a multi-faceted museum that celebrates the mining heritage of Joplin along with other items of historical significance which includes professional baseball in that town from 1902-1954. The evening celebration will revolve around a great catered banquet and will feature special recognition of all the former Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, Joplin Miners and Independence Yankees. Are you interested in attending? I have spoken with the two major motels in Joplin along with the food catering aspects of the event. I can now assure you that when you pay your registration fee you won't have to purchase another meal the entire weekend unless you are in the midnight snack mode. The registration fee will cover just the food and tax. The noon meal on Saturday the 16th is not included in the fee. I'll either find some organization to make a contribution for that or take it out of my "excess riches." So, here's the cost! Registration fee: $42.00 Motel rates: (Both of these motels are located a the Interstate 44 -- Rangeline Ave. exit. Joplin is busy at that time of the year so please reserve your motel now.) Holiday Inn--$72.00 If you call Holiday Inn's 800 number you will be quoted rates between $84 and $90. So, call 417-782-1000 and tell them you want the rate for the Mickey Mantle Special. They'll know what you're talking about. Ramada Inn--$60.00 If you like you can go to www.the.ramada.com/joplin01362 and take a virtual tour of that motel. If you care to stay there tell them you are wanting the rate for the Mickey Mantle Special. As an aside, an old Joplin Junior College classmate of mine, Max Brown and his "Band of Renown" play regularly at the Ramada. I just made up that "Renown" thing since it reminded me of Les Brown who used that term with his band for decades. Please note: When this idea first "budded" I figured a maximum number of attendees would be in the 100 category. Without much effort the number of respondents to this is rapidly approaching that mark. So, if you plan to attend just drop me a note, if you haven't already, and let me know how many will be in your group. (In fact, if you have already sent a note I won't discriminate, I'll accept a second one.) We'll accommodate everyone who is interested in attending even if we have to move to a larger venue. But, that change can't be made at the last minute. So, what thou doest, do quickly. If you plan to attend let me know ASAP or PDQ. And, no I don't want anyone to send their registration fee at this time. Please help: If you are a former member of the Whiz Kids, Miners or Indy Yanks urge your former teammates to join you at this event. If you aren't in the aforementioned group feel free to attend and invite anyone you think would be interested. Please ask: If there is anything about this report that you do not understand get in touch with me either through the e-mail or call 573 445 8125. If I not reachable at that number use my cell number--573 289 2469. If none of the above work for you I have a mailbox in front of my house and it can be reached by sending correspondence to: John Hall 1709 Rainwood Place Columbia, Mo 65203 I'll share additional information as it becomes available.

Mantle's former childhood friend wants new book: Mickey Mantle:Before the Glory
Dear John: Received my KOM (newsletter) yesterday. Yes, I want some books John, every time I see or hear anything about Mick, it reminds me of the good times I had being his friend. Everybody wasn't as lucky as me. My time with him in school and after was when he was the real "Mick." He was a great person as well as a great ballplayer. I am so proud of him for what he accomplished. I just wish he had taken better care of his body. Thanks for writing the book. Ivan Shouse--Commerce, Okla. Ivan ordered three books and prescribed the way he preferred for them to be signed. That will be done. One of those books will be for another high school friend, Joe Barker. One of the things in Mick's life that didn't make it into the book was much about his high school days. Shouse and Barker shared a lot of memories of Mick during our times together and it just wasn't possible to get all the events of Mick's life into one volume. Maybe that is another book for someone else to write. There is plenty of material available. I want all of you to understand the responsibility I feel regarding the book that is about to be released. There are scores of folks out there who know a million times more about Mickey Mantle's early life than I do. All I did was to go around to family, friends and teammates and attempt to gather some of the "highlights" and condense them into a 120,000 word document. It isn't an exhaustive work by any means but it is an attempt to take a glimpse at it. Since the readership of this publication is continually changing I'm sharing in the updated outline of "Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory." (This is the first time it appears in such detail. Since final editing and the publisher has received the manuscript some changes have been made.) One more thing. If this material sounds like it would be boring to you then please don't purchase the book. I would rather someone not purchase it than purchase it and wish they hadn't. And, I mean that sincerely. The following material may not download in "picture perfect" format but it will be readable. This outline supersedes all others and is the manner in which it will appear in the book. Dedication Foreword By Merlyn Mantle Introduction The Metamorphosis of a book Chapter 1 Setting the Scene In the years just after World War II, the life of a baseball player setting out in the minor leagues is a hard road to travel. Mickey Mantle's love affair with the game begins almost at birth and is nurtured through games played in vacant lots and back yards of a dusty mining community. Other entertainment is centered on the radio and live bands playing Saturday nights. In this period the community is exposed to some of the "star" bandits of the time, including a visit one day by an escaping Bonnie and Clyde. Chapter 2 The Mantle Migration: From England to Missouri The Mantles' genealogy is traced back two centuries to the coal fields of England. In 1848 Mickey Mantle's great-great-grandfather moves his family to Missouri. The family takes up farming in the central part of the state, a welcome relief from the mines. About 1899, some of the Mantles, including Mickey's grandfather, Charles, move to Oklahoma, planning to farm near the town of Adair. Chapter 3 Life in a New Land: Oklahoma Farming income is supplemented by a bit of rum running during Prohibition. The Dust Bowl days of the 1930s take their toll on the family economically and psychologically. Tired of trying to scratch a living from blowing dirt, Mickey's father Mutt hears of opportunity a few counties away, in the mining their ancestors had fled by coming to America. Chapter 4 Farmed Out: From Spavinaw to the Tri-State In 1935, Mickey Mantle, nearly four years old, departs his native Spavinaw for Ottawa County, Oklahoma, in the Tri-State mining region. Life in the mines is dangerous, with injury, illness and frequent deaths assailing the miners. Tensions exist socially between farmers and miners, and a labor strike shortens tempers even further. Chapter 5 Ottawa County in the 1930s. Life in the small town is hard for Mickey, his family and friends. Discipline is strict and certain, chores always to be done. But there also is play, abiding loyalty and love at home, as well as in the community of hard-working people who face hard times with relentless determination. And there is perpetual concern for the development of sound character in the local youth. Chapter 6 Douthat: the First Innings of Organized Baseball Mickey Mantle's father begins playing baseball for a local mining company team, as a means of exposing Mickey to the game. In 1942, Mickey, nearly 11, plays for his first team, a kids' club at Douthat, Oklahoma. His mother, also knowledgeable of the game, frequently quizzes her son at home about baseball strategy and fashions some home-made sliding pads for him. Chapter 7 The World War II Years: Backyard Baseball The war means, for a time, the end of organized baseball for Ottawa County boys but most of them continue to play and learn the game in informal pickup games after school and during the summers when chores don't need tending. Household conversation at the Mantles' revolves around baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals. Chapter 8 Commerce High School and a Near-Amputation Mickey enters high school in 1945 and soon becomes a star not only in baseball but in football and basketball, as well. A football injury in his sophomore years nearly results in the amputation of a leg. Mickey's parents, particularly his mother, are adamant that the leg not be removed. After many weeks, Mickey recovers. The Ottawa County seat, Miami, begins fielding a minor league professional team, widening the awareness of baseball in the area. Chapter 9 1947: The Baxter Springs Whiz Kids Mickey begins to make a name for himself in baseball, as a rising star of the most widely followed kids' team of the region, the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, in a nearby Kansas town. A season-end trip to St. Louis to see a Major League game provides lifelong memories. Chapter 10 1948: The Commerce Comet Takes Off Mickey Mantle has a highly successful season with the Whiz Kids, standing out even in the midst of a star-studded lineup. Area scouts representing professional baseball teams begin to take a look at the young man from Commerce. The author examines the still-repeated local legend that Mantle, while playing for the Whiz Kids, hit an amazingly long home run one day into the Spring river at Baxter Springs. Chapter 11 Barney Barnett, Sr. -- a Major Influence Some of the significant early baseball figures who influenced and nurtured Mantle's maturing baseball skills and his lifelong devotion to the game are discussed. Mickey's innate shyness begins to give way to a love of pranks he sees his peers enjoy so much. A tryout for a college football scholarship fails, keeping Mantle on the path to a baseball career. Chapter 12 An Assortment of Mantle's Early Friends, Associates A wide variety of friends, fellow baseball players and adults affected Mantle's early years. They range from lifelong friends to brief but significant acquaintances, from serious-minded future business executives to the more fun-loving good old boys, from the playfully profane to the profoundly pious. Chapter 13 1949: A Contract Is Signed Professional scouts and team officials jockey for the inside track when it is decided that young Mickey Mantle is worth an initial contract as soon as he graduates from high school in the spring of 1949. The infighting between the suitors is given a close look in the days leading to Mantle signing to play his first season of professional baseball, for $1,500, which includes a $1,150 bonus. Chapter 14 1949: The First Innings of Professional Baseball Mickey Mantle plays his first professional game on June 14, 1949, at Chanute, Kansas. Playing shortstop for the Independence (Kansas) Yankees of the Class D Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri League, he gets two hits in four at-bats and handles four chances in the field without error. Chapter 15 1949: The Independence Yankees The Independence team's supporters don't see how they can possibly replace the unusually rich collection of stars who had played there in 1948. But Mickey Mantle and other gifted New York Yankee prospects bring home another title. Chapter 16 1950: The Joplin Miners: Spring Training After the success of his rookie season, Mantle is promoted from the Class D KOM League to the Joplin (Missouri) Miners of the Class C Western Association. He develops the reputation of being the team's leading prankster in a period when competition for such a distinction is brisk. Chapter 17 1950: The Western Association Pennant Chase. The Joplin Miners win the pennant but fall to the Springfield Cardinals in the playoffs. Mantle has another good year, his second and last full season in the minor leagues. Yankee Stadium beckons. Chapter 18 Epilogue Appendix 1 A Day with Merlyn Appendix 2 A day with John LaFalier Appendix 3 Some 1950 Joplin Miners Reminisce: July 1999 Appendix 4 Anecdotes from Ray, Roy and Max Mantle About the Author (Very little, I might add) Bibliography Index

Mantle lapel button
Mood:  energetic
The KOM League Flash Report shares its first attempt at lapel buttons February 23, 2005 You have done Mickey proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet somewhere he is smiling!* NM A few weeks ago I decided that there should be a little bit of advertising for the upcoming book. I thought that a slogan such as "I found Mickey Mantle: Before the Glory" would be catchy. My wife looked at me and said, "What don't you just leave the words "I found" off. She said it in such a way, that I did. With the help of Tamara Bahr, at the local Office Depot, we collaborated on this design. The pins are 3" in diameter and will be shared with everyone purchasing a copy of the book by the same name. The actual pin will be much sharper than this e-mail image. *Seldom are images downloaded but I won't break with that policy very often in the future. This label pin was "test marketed" prior to sending out to the masses. The comment beneath the pin is from a person who saw him perform as far back as 1949. The KOM League Flash Report for February 23, 2005 Joplin Globe--read and react! If you wish to read today's Joplin Globe (February 23) regarding the Mantle event to be held in April, the following URL will get you there. For those of you who don't enjoy clicking on the URL then it is printed out. I don't ask for many favors but would like to request one at this time. If you click on the following URL there is a place at the terminus of the story to add your comments. I went on that site and my comments were, "That sounds like such an interesting event I think I'll attempt to attend." What I was really doing was letting Anvil know I appreciated his accurate reporting. That isn't always the case with people who "quote" you. Anvil has been feeling a bit "punk" lately so send him message and make his day when he reports for the evening shift. (Morning daily newspapers require a lot of midnight oil useage.) http://www.joplinglobe.com/story.php?story_id=165631&c=49 Ball players from '40s, '50s to gather Anvil Welch Globe Sports Writer2/23/05 Print this story There could be plenty of Baxter Springs Whiz Kids and fledgling New York Yankees - 1950 Joplin Miner model - in Joplin in mid-April. Columbia's John G. Hall said Tuesday a reunion of those baseball groups will be held April 15-16. Hall said the 1949 Independence (Kan.) ballclub also is a part of the reunion. "It's a Mickey Mantle special ... a celebration,'' Hall said in reference to the late Yankee Hall of Famer outfielder who graduated from Commerce High School. "We have the Joplin Miners coming from everywhere in America.'' Mantle, then a shortstop, broke in professionally with Class D Independence of the KOM League before advancing - with several teammates and manager Harry Craft - to Joplin of the Class C Western Association. The Whiz Kids will be represented by players from 1944 through 1951. Some 30 future pros, including Mantle and Cardinal third-baseman Ken Boyer, honed their diamond skills playing with such teams as the Whiz Kids, Alba Aces and Purcell Pirates. Hall, 65, is a 1957 Carthage High School graduate. He attended Joplin Junior College before securing his undergraduate degree from Southern Nazarene of Bethany, Okla. Hall, who has a master's degree from Pittsburg State, has a unique Carthage pro baseball background. He was batboy for the visiting team in 1950 and for the home team in 1951. Hall has written two baseball books. Carthage was the focal point of the first - "Majoring in the Minors'' - and the "KOM League Remembered'' was published last year. Hall naturally is hoping "Mickey Mantle - Before the Glory'' will be available during the reunion. There will be a 6 p.m. mixer at the Holiday Inn on April 15 before a day of fellowship that will include golf, horseshoes and a visit to Joe Becker Stadium. A banquet will cap the event. The 1950 Miners, upset by Springfield in the first round of the postseason playoffs, rolled up a regular season record of 90-46-1. Joplin had several future big leaguers in addition to Mantle with Cal Neeman behind the plate, Lou Skizas in the outfield and left-handers Steve Kraly and Bob Wiesler on the mound. Hall said several family members of the late Lyle Westrum, who shared catching duty with Neeman, and the late Joe Crowder, right-handed pitcher from Seneca, plan to attend the reunion. St. Louisan Wiesler, 15-7, topped the circuit in earned run average (2.36) and strikeouts (277). He allowed just 117 hits but walked 168 in 188 innings. Kraly (18-6) and Wiesler each tossed five shutouts and worked 20 complete games. Frank Simanovsky, another lefty, finished 21-3 and tossed three shutouts and 16 complete games. Mantle, who led the WA in average (.383), smacked 26 home runs and drove in 136 runs. He scored 141. The reunion is open to anyone. Cost is $42. Hall can be reached at (573) 445-8125 or jhall03@midamerica.net.