anaheim-gazette 1950-02-02

SPORTS By BOB FUNSETH "THE PALM PARK" There’s a plot of palm paradise in the north end of town which we all recognize by in espanol as La Palma Park. It’s where genial Vic Ruedy holds forth with lawn mower, grass seed and gallons of vigoro. When one thinks of La Palma or “the palm” (depending upon their linguistic ability) one just naturally thinks of baseball—a perfectly logical conclusion inasmuch as there isn’t a baseball field in the United States which has any more baseball played on it than our own Palm Park. Baseball is played from February until September. And this year it got an early start when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer took over for a day on Tuesday. It’s been the spring training camp for the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns, Seattle Raniers, Los Angeles Angels, Sacramento Solons and the Brooklyn Dodger West Coast teams. Then too, it’s been the home playing field of the Anaheim Aces and Anaheim Valencias—a couple of teams that represented our fair city in the California State League. La Palma has also furnished abode for the Anaheim high school teams (baseball and football), the American Legion teams and the Optimist baseball club. And there’s probably a couple more too. In addition to its intended use, La Palma has been used for talent shows, model airplane contests, dog shows, casting tournaments, fishing derbys and as of late and as aforementioned, a location set for filmdom’s antics. This last mentioned activity took place Tuesday when MGM moved in for a day to take training camp shots for their technicolor production, “Three Little Words.” Red Skelton was manfully running the base-paths and mugging for the cameras to the delight of the bleacher devotees. Sunday Siestas, etc. And it has countless other uses too. I’ve been told that it’s a good place to take the kids—based on the theory of, Whittier Plays Pepperdine Five In Return Game Two non-conference tilts and chance to upset the current S.I.C.O. leaders make up the busy basketball card for Coach Aubrey Bornham’s Whittier College cage this week. Feature of a return engagement with the Pepperdine Waves Tuesday night, will be the standings of the long series between the two schools. By virtue of an upset victory over the Wavers three weeks ago the Whittier Quakers now lead in the series with eleven wins as compared to ten for Pepperdine. Probable starters for Coach Dowell’s Peps in the Whittier home fray will be Jim Hamilton and Bill Mitsch, forwards, Chuck Gibbon, center, and Vic Larson and Roger Joest, guards. Second home game for the week will put the Poets against the Balboa University five. Rated a toss-up, this game should give the Whittier casabamen some indication of the Redlands tilt to Balboa lost to the Bulldogs by eight points. Forwards Dick Collier and Jack Balmer, high scorers for the team, center De Rucker, and guards Bill Ellis and Mario Lopez form the Explorer probable starting five. Boasting only one league win as against two losses, the Quakers travel to Redlands Saturday night, needing a win to stay in the league race. The Poets will decide underdogs to Coach Pevost’s Bulldogs Team. Led two of the top S.C.I.C. scores: Warner Kreutzberg, center, and Bob Rosenberger, forward, the league leading Redlands squares will probably round out the star In addition to its intended use, La Palma has been used for talent shows, model airplane contests, dog shows, casting tournaments, fishing derbys and as of late and as aforementioned, a location set for filmdom’s antics. This last mentioned activity took place Tuesday when MGM moved in for a day to take training camp shots for their technicolor production, “Three Little Words.” Red Skelton was manfully running the base-paths and mugging for the cameras to the delight of the bleacher devotees. Sunday Siestas, etc. And it has countless other uses too. I’ve been told that it’s a good place to take the kids—based on the theory of, “why let your brats tear up your own lawn and flowers when there are such nice ones there.” Then too it’s unsurpassed for Sunday siestas, wienee bakes and moonlight strolls...when the traffic gets too heavy on the paths in the city park. But with all of its extra-curricular activities, baseball is and remains its first love. (And Vic’s too.) Of all the clubs that have conducted their spring drills here probably the one most remembered and respected is the Philadelphia Athletics of the beloved Mr. Connie Mack. In fact it is often rumored that among the local diamond enthusiasts the Japs are held responsible, not for attacking Pearl Harbor but for getting Uncle Sam involved in an affair which caused Mr. Mack to hold camp in the east. The A’s trained here in 1940, ’41 and ’42. It’s said that Connie used to refer to The Palm Park as, “my training camp” and was often heard to say that it was the finest park his club have ever trained in. And you that are familiar with the longevity of Mr. Mack are well aware that he has trained in a helluva lot of ball parks. The first club to train here was the Seattle Raniers who came here in 1939. During the war years of ’43, ’44 and ’45, the Los Angeles Angels pitched camp amongst our palms followed by the St. Louis Browns who were in our midst in 1946. The Sacramento Solons came in 1947, fell in love with the joint and will, on February 20th, start their fourth consecutive year in spring training here. Last year the Brooklyn Dodger West Coast camp moved in on the heels of the Solons and set up camp for players assigned to their west W.P.A. supplied the working force and most of the funds. Rudy Boysen had much to do with the transplanting of the palm trees, shrubs and other green stuff found in great quantities at the park. The whole plant was designed by Ralph D. Cornell who performed a like work of art on the city park. “Yes, LPPMNCH!” The WPA moved in on December, spent three months hard at it only to have the whole caboodle washed out by THE flood of 1988. Although I would not go so far as to say that the flood was a good thing—far be it from me to lay myself open to drowning—it did result in making La Palma one of the most unique ball parks in the nation—a ball park in which a charleyhorse has never been born! Yes, LPPMNCH (La Palma Park Means No Charley Horses). The resillency of the playing field is nothing short of amazing to every ballplayer it took no less than 15,000 truck loads of muck, hauled off the streets of Anaheim after the flood to make it as it is. Small wonder that the turf is like a beautyrest mattress, with no hard spots and so quick and easy on the feet, arches and calves. Perhaps few of the city’s gentry realize that aside from cleaning up a mess, providing recreation and bring publicity to the city—that it’s been a good financial deal as well. In the first place it was financed Mario Lopez form the Explorer probable starting five. Boasting only one league win as against two losses, the Quakers travel to Redlands Saturday night, needing a win to stay in the league race. The Poets will be decided underdogs to Coach Pep Provost's Bulldogs Team. Led by two of the top S.C.I.C. scores: Warner Kreutzberg, center, and Bob Rosenberger, forward, the league leading Redlands squares will probably round out the starring five with Ronnie Kreutzberg forward, and Dave Griffiths and Bill Stanley, guards. Probable starters for all three tilts for the Poets will be Charlie Reed and Len Craven, forward; Larry Snyder, center, and Gordon Pedersen and Dayton Saye guards. Game time for the three tussles will be 8:15 p.m. to be preceded by a fresh game at 8:45 p.m. Sportsmen Take 52,082 Bucks SAN FRANCISCO—Official estimates of California's deer populations are being revised sharply upward with the announcement that sportsmen in 1949 took a record-breaking total of 52,082 bucks. The figure is based on the number of deer tags returned by successful hunters to the Division II Fish and Game. The new all-time records tops the previous high since 1948 when 47,789 bucks were reported taken. Archers scored a new record to with 30 bow and arrow bills in counties. Ben Glading, acting chief of the Bureau of Game Conservation, biases the actual 1949 take of deer in the state is closer to 100,000 animals. An extensive survey conducted last year by the Opinion Research Center of Denver showed that nearly 50 per cent of successful California hunters fail to validate and return their deer tags. Biological studies reveal that about 10 deer of both sexes are varying ages are found for each legal buck, Glading said. “If the take of deer last year was 100,000—and it's quite possible, including illegal and unreported kills—then the 10 to 1 ratio means that the state has considered more than a million deer Glading asserted. He reported that veteran game managers have conservatively estimated the depopulation to be double what it was followed by the St. Louis Browns who were in our midst in 1946. The Sacramento Solons came in 1947, fell in love with the joint and will, on February 20th, start their fourth consecutive year in spring training here. Last year the Brooklyn Dodger West Coast camp moved in on the heels of the Solons and set up camp for players assigned to their west coast teams. This year they will return and hold spring drills for their Santa Barbara, Billings, Montana, and Bisbee, Arizona, teams. And don’t forget the annual Anaheim American Legion tournament held in August which last year attracted some 64 teams, playing 40 games of ball. It’s rapidly being recognized as the top west coast classic in amateur and Legion ball. A Mess What is now La Palma Park used to be (if I may use the word again) one helluva mess. And that, Lam told, is outting it mildly and being most moderate in the use of adjectives. It was back in 1936 that the city fathers approved the final plans and swapped a couple of orange groves for the property. Whether they had a crystal ball and got a squint of the frigid weather, small sizes and price of oil has not been confirmed but all hands agree that it was a good deal for all concerned. Ewald Lemcke, late of the Joint Outfall and since deported to Texas, was placed in charge of the project. The wonder that the turf is like a beautyrest mattress, with no hard spots and so quick and easy on the feet, arches and calves. Perhaps few of the city’s gentry realize that aside from cleaning up a mess, providing recreation and bring publicity to the city—that it’s been a good financial deal as well. In the first place it was financed by the WPA and in the second place the professional ball clubs have spent pretty close to 200,000 bucks in and around Center street over the past ten years. Spring training camp expenses run between $15,000 and $20,000 per year plus what the players spend. It goes without saying that such cabbage is not hay. “Runtiest and Scroungiest” Contributing to this little paradise’s john hancock are five palm trees located out in the northwest corner of the park. They were named after the members of the city council who had much to do with the creation of the place. These hunks of botanical beauty are named thusly: “Mayor Charles H. Mann,” “Fitz Yungbluth,” “M. W. Martenet, Jr.,”“Charles Pearson” and “Leo Sheridan.” Of the five only the name of one is known. And that’s because it’s died twice and had to be replaced. It just won’t be forgotten. In fact the third reincarnation is the runtiest and scroungiest one of the bunch. Its name is “Leo Sheridan.” Biological studies reveal that about 10 deer of both sexes are varying ages are found for each legal buck, Glading said. “If the take of deer last year was 100,000—and it’s quite possible, including illegal and unreported kills—then the 10 to 1 ratio means the state has considerably more than a million deer. Glading asserted. He reported that veteran game managers have conservatively estimated the deer population to be double what it was 20 years ago. “Ironically,” Glading continue，“game experts, conservationists, and informed sportsmen are elated over the news of great deer populations. There are too many deer in California. “Far more deer die each year from malnutrition, predation, accidents, and other natural causes than are taken by hunters. Modern management practices must be adjusted to assure a higher return of our deer to the hunter.” Met-Net Tourney Resumes Play Sat. at Griffith Rained out last weekend, seminalists in the $2nd annual Los Angeles Metropolitan Tennis Championships will continue their struggle for the big winter tourney’s crowns Saturday, February 4, on the Griffith Playground courts, Riverside Drive at La Feliz Boulevard, starting at noon. The Met-Net’s finals will get underway Sunday, February at 11 a.m. Undoubtedly you know that streets of your own neighborhood pretty well, but do you know that it is off them that you are most likely to have an accident? Seem to the California Highway Patrol like a case of familiarity breeding contempt. Vets Win Over Ritz In Benefit Before a sparse crowd of 200 spectators, the Wheel-Chair basketball team with a roster of paralyzed vets of the Birmingham Veterans hospital defeated the Ritz Cleaners' quintet, 34-17 in a March of Dimes benefit game Tuesday night at the high school. In the curtain raiser of the evening the alumni showed Sammy Keith they hadn't forgot all that he taught them as they set down his Colonist varsity squad, 45-39. The vets, national wheel-chair champs in 1948, were paced by sharp-shooter Kenny Smith who dumped in 10 points from his two-wheel perch. The locals who managed to stay in the game during the first half were no match for the Birmingham team in the second half scoring only 10 points as the vets went in for 23 counters. It was the last game for the vets before leaving on a national tour today, Thursday, February 2, to play eleven games in 17 days. They'll play other wheel-chair teams for the national championship and tackle a couple of other squads on the way, including the Notre Dame Junior Varsity. They've played 16 games so far this season and have lost but three. The players making the trip to Anaheim included: Gene Haley, Ken Smith, Ray Mitch, Louie Palmer, Lee Barr, Gil Oritz, Red Schmiadau, Pete Simon, Tony Aradondo and Pat Grisson. SUNSET LEAGUE STANDINGS W L Pts. Opp. Sportsmen Take 082 Bucks FRANCISCO—Official escitation of California's deer popuare being revised sharply with the announcement portsmen in 1949 took a recakking total of 52,082 bucks. figure is based on the numdeer tags returned by such hunters to the Division of Game. The new all-time tops the previous high set when 47,789 bucks were taken. Hers scored a new record too, bow and arrow bills in 13 bucks. Glading, acting chief of the of Game Conservation, bethe actual 1949 take of deer state is closer to 100,000. An extensive survey conlast year by the Opinion Center of Denver shownearly 50 per cent of sucCalifornia hunters failed date and return their deer logical studies reveal that 10 deer of both sexes and ages are found for each back, Glading said. The take of deer last year 100,000—and it's quite poscluding illegal and unreskills—then the 10 to 1 rans the state has considermore than a million deer," asserted. He reported that game managers have convely estimated the deer ion to be double what it SUNSET LEAGUE STANDINGS W L Pts. Opp. Santa Ana .....6 0 343 232 ANAHEIM .....5 1 262 193 Fullerton .....4 2 236 210 Newport Harbor .....3 3 252 256 Huntington Beach 2 5 262 280 Downey .....1 5 222 302 Orange .....1 6 226 232 Games Friday— ANAHEIM at Newport Harbor; Downey at Santa Ana; Huntington Beach at Fullerton; Orange bye. Games Tuesday— SANTA ANA at ANAHEIM; Fullerton at Orange; Newport Harbor at Hunt. Beh.; Downey bye. County Golf Championships Start Feb. 11 Orange county's fourth annual amateur golf championships will get underway with qualifying rounds at Willowick course starting February 11 and continuing through February 19. The competition is open to any county resident and also to military personnel stationed within the county. Sixteen low qualifiers will make up the championship flight. The top bracket will be at scratch with other qualifiers falling into handicap flights according to scores. Jack Robinson of Santa Ana is the defending champion having defeated Wally Taft of Costa Mesa in last years final at Meadowlark. Robinson also won in 1948 when he edged Tom Foster. Les Hensley of Midway City prevailed in '47 defeating Douglas May. The Brigand Heads South "The Brigand," out of Newport, an 85-foot yacht owned by William H. Berg of Balboa Island, will lift anchor on February 8 for an extended cruise of the Canal Zone and the Carribean. The ultimate destination is Miami after stops at Acapulco, Guatemala. The Brigand Heads South "The Brigand," out of Newport, an 85-foot yacht owned by William H. Berg of Balboa Island, will lift anchor on February 8 for an extended cruise of the Canal Zone and the Carribean. The ultimate destination is Miami after stops at Acapulco, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Virgin Islands. Aboard will be Mr. Berg, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Fisher, Buddy Hale, Engineer Harvey Davis and Captain W. H. Vah Landingham. Captain Van Landingham, who holds the distinction of being the youngest man with Captain's papers on the west coast, has been supervising the outfitting of the 'Brigand' for this lengthy trip. Among other items recently installed are a deep-freeze and a washing machine. The 'Brigand' also boasts four new Diesel motors that are the pride of Engineer Davis, who keeps his engine room literally spotless. ATTEND GIFT SHOW IN LOS ANGELES Among the Anaheim florists and guests attending the annual Southern California Spring Gift Show in Los Angeles recently were Wayne Andrade and Mrs. Faye Terry of Wayne's For Flowers, this city, Mrs. Bud Hennessey of Placentia and Monte Inskeep of Buena Park. For the first time in the past few years, Carmen Lizzaraga of Carmen's Flower Shop missed the panoramic southland show. Exhibits were on display at the Merchandise Mart, Biltmore hotel and Alexandra and Brack shops. Trade in Anaheim and save. February Furniture Festival CH ts two matching pillows.—The s room. Can be used for single d. $6950 CLEARANCE ON 9 FT. 12 FT. Axminster CARPET! CLEARANCE ON 9 FT. 12 FT. Axminster CARPET! THIS LOVELY Bedroom GROUP Five piece walnut Bedroom Suite. Large vanity, with plate glass mirror—5 drawer chest—Full size bed—Nite-stand and vanity bench. 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