More Mound Park softball and Wayne Widdig from Fred Ramsey

And thanks for your additions to my blog, Fred. Very interesting post "The Good War" times with returning service men playing softball in Mound Park, Portsmouth, Ohio.




Wayne threw hard and true. The rule is the hand can extend no more than six inches from the hip as the ball is delivered, therefore many pitchers would slap their thighs as they delivered to avoid being called for sidearm pitching.



In mentioning sidearm, baseball fans of that day were very familiar with Ewell Blackwell of the Cincinnati Reds. He was a tall, lanky pitcher and major league batters would claim it appeared that the ball was coming at them from third base.



Thanks again, Fred Ramsey!



Sam

----- Original Message -----

From: Fred Ramsey

To: Sam Kegley

Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 00:17

Subject: Re: Ray K





Well ... Small world ... I never would guessed ... that is really interesting ... I worked in the Williams office a while and saw Ray Kornhoff frequently... As only 10 or 11 years old I was forever in trouble getting home too late at night ... having been at Mound Park watching Wayne W. ... work his arm. He would have a spot on his trouser leg after a game from where he would hit his leg with his hand as he delivered the ball ... was great to watch the games under the lights ... those were good times ... thanks for the info.....Fred

----- Original Message -----

From: Sam Kegley

To: Fred Ramsey

Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 5:19 AM

Subject: Re: Ray K





Yes it is, Fred. Ray was in Williams Mfg. supervision in addition to coaching the Portsmouth Central Catholic sports teams for several years. Mick Kornhoff said: "Dad had moved to Portsmouth from the Covington/Newport area in the greater Cincinnati community. Dad had introduced fast-pitch to Portsmouth and he was a pitcher.