anaheim-gazette 1952-02-13

ON THE LAM ... with Jim Lamhof WE'VE DECIDED to write a column today not about athletes, but, for a change, about the men who talk about athletes for a living. We're referring to the southern California contingent of sports-casters, the most notable of whom are KMPC's Bob Kelley and KLAC's Sam Balter. In versatility, in length of service and familiarity with the Southland sporting scene, and in prestige—this twosome rate ahead of such worthy contemporaries as Tom Harmon, Bill Welsh, and the rest. Because of such a dual position of eminence, a rivalry of some sort is natural. But the rivalry between Balter and Kelly is more than that—it is colorful, it is intriguing, and it is very bitter. The differing backgrounds of each set the stage perfectly. Balter is strictly a southern California product. He played a lot of basketball for UCLA. In fact he was good enough to play on the United States team in the 1926 Olympics at Berlin. It was men like the ageless Frank Luhin and Balter who put UCLA on the collegiate dage maps and made basketball major sport stuff at Westwood when the then-little branch of the University of California was still struggling out of its swaddling clothes. Thus Balter fits into the local support of native son Balter against the brash, insolent newcomer. Balter and Kelley differ completely in their respective styles of delivery over the air. Kelley is gifted with an excitable Walter Winchell-type voice, and the Winchellian flare for adding a touch of sensationalism to his reporting. Balter, on the other hand, has a slow, soft-spoken but sufficiently forceful delivery. More than one downtown LA scribbler, in siding with Balter, took the trouble to pen remarks in columns such as "pleasant to listen to—the calm, authoritative voice of Sam Balter." The race to report the "inside" news, and scoops first took on heated proportions. We recall hearing Balter turning one day in the Coliseum press box for the benefit of the assembled writers and onlookers. The source of his ice was that Fred Henry had allegedly promised to give him first notice of his signing a Hollywood Stars managerial contract, and Kelley had broken the news of the signing first. Kelley, never one to take anything lying down, retaliated against the scribes and Balter and their indirect attacks against him. One day at an exhibition baseball game we saw... In fact he was good enough to play on the United States team in the 1946 Olympics at Berlin. It was men like the ageless Frank Lubin and Balter who put UCLA on the collegiate base maps and made basketball major sport stuff at Westwood when the then-little branch of the University of California was still struggling out of its swaddling clothes. Thus Balter fits into the local picture perfectly. He was already a name well-known in Southland sports before he turned to sports-casting, and his own athletic background provided him with a deep knowledge and understanding of the lesser-known and behind-the-scenes workings in sports. Kelley's background is almost diametrically different. He is an ingrained Midwesterner or Easterner—depending on which section of the country you consider Cleveland to be in—through and through. He came west not through anyone's advice to go West, but through circumstances—circumspect stances which brought about the transfer of the Cleveland Ram National Football league franchise to Los Angeles in 1948. Kelley then and now broadcasts the Rams games, but he is not the "athletic type" himself. Bob apparently was not at that time pleased over the prospect of changing his habitat to sunny California." The Rams had just won their first world championship, and their wrestler must have wanted to bask in the reflected glory of the title right in good of familiar Cleveland. There are those who feel that Kelley came west with a chip on his shoulder. Although a stranger on the leash, he immediately set himself up as an authority on sports in the Southland, and a somewhat cynical authority at that. He chose as a main target upon which to vent his antagonism the University of Southern California and its athletic program. The Trojans were having an in-and-out football season that fall of 1946, and newcomer Kelley let that Fred Hancy and allegedly promised to give him first notice of his signing a Hollywood Stars managerial contract, and Kelley had broken the news of the signing first. Kelley, never one to take anything lying down, retaliated against the scribes and Balter and their indirect attacks against him. One day at an exhibition baseball game we were covering along with Kelley, he told us and others, in informal conversation before going on the air, his opinions of the LA writers. He said that in the East, the Los Angeles scribes are not highly regarded by their contemporaries, because the LA boys are "too provincial." This is in contrast, he said, to the esteem in which the San Francisco sports writers are held in the East. Balter's name was brought up—Kelley dismissed it with a "too intent" laugh. As the years have gone by, Kelley has mellowed and has found in other local institutions, such as the baseballing Angels, something to love in Southern California beside the Rams. He has adopted Southern California wholeheartedly. May be someday it will be mutual. But undeniable evidence that the fascinating Balter-Kelley feud is not dead yet was offered in a rather indirect, carefully indirect you might say, fashion the other night on Kelley's "Parade of Sports" broadcast. He was paying tribute to rival Tom Harmon for the latter's athletic abilities, broadcasting talent, and for just being a sharp customer. In the process, Kelley mentioned the names of a dozen other broadcasters he has worked with both here and in the East, and how much he respected them. It was a one-man orgy of orchid-passing. But he was careful to omit one name. That of—you guessed it—Sam Balter. All! Is there any barb so sharp as that used in ignoring someone? It's rivalries such as this that keep life interesting. Counterpoint Due to Injuries ARCADIA (P) — Counterpoint and Hill Prince, rivals for national honors last year, will have wait until later in the season to renew their turf rivalry. Cornellius V. Whitney's Counterpoint was taken out of training today and will not race again till he has recovered from an injury suffered in the rich San Anita Maturity Feb. 2. C. T. Chenery's Hill Prince remains as the undisputed top honoree in the big stakes coming up, including the $25,000 San Antonio Handicap Saturday and the $10,000 Santa Anita Handicap Monday. Trainer Syl Veitch officials withdrew Counterpoint from two stakes in particular and other engagements at San Anita's waning meeting. Torn Ligament X-rays disclosed that Counterpoint sustained a torn ligament from the cannon bone during the Maturity. A small piece of bone was found attached to the ligament. Veitch could not say why Counterpoint will be ready to run. Skiling Certainly In Norefjell for NOREFJELL, Norway (P) — you think modern skiing has gone sissy you should be in Norefjell for the winter Olympics. Man, it rugged. These hardy Norwegians take their winter sports the hard way. There are no elegant winter resorts with plush hotels and electric ski lifts—and they refuse to let the glamor of the Olympic games lure them down that primrose path. He chose as a main target upon which to vent his antagonism the University of Southern California and its athletic program. The Trojans were having an in-and-out football season that fall of 1946, and newcomer Kelley let everyone in on why they were in-and-outers. We recall one incident in particular in which he tied in a crack at the attitude of Trojan footballers with his now-familiar tag-line, "You don't have to take part in a sport to be a good one." The effect was very uncomplimentary to say the least. Obviously such sallies did not endear Kelley to Los Angeles sports scribes among others. As Balter and Kelley began to battle each other for scoops, the sports writing fraternity rallied to the MAILING LISTS Complete Coverage FULLERTON — ANAHEIM GARDEN GROVE Call Fullerton 8720-144 or Gazette Box 151MC PLAYGOLF Willowick YOUR IS-HOLE PUBLIC GOLF COURSE West 5th Street at Radio Towers SANTA ANA PLIN 3-85H All New Members Slated for Team INDIANAPOLIS (UP) — An all new U.S. women's Olympic swimming team will be selected in tryouts here the weekend of July 4. All members of the champion American women's Olympic team of 1948 have retired. Ann Curtis was the star, setting the women's Olympic record of 5:17.8 in the 400-meter free style. Tryouts will be held here in all events except platform diving, which will be contested somewhere on the Pacific coast. The U.S. squad will be financed entirely by public subscription and gate receipts. Dick Papenguth of Purdue University will be the coach. Ritz Cleaners In Close Win Over Cotlers Led by big, rough and tough Gil Range and little but aggressive Kenny Knapp the Ritz Cleaners cage team of the Anaheim City League edged Cotler's, 54-49, last night in the Anaheim High school gym. Ritz led at half time 27-20, but with Chuck Mitchell scoring freely the Ritz had to go all out to gain victory to keep them in contention for the title, despite their third place standings. Ritz 54 Cotler's 48 11 Berg F Mitchell 14 15 Knapp F Hays 18 14 Range C E. Bielefeld 11 6 Pannier G Pina 7 6 Stringer G MacDonald 4 Scoring subs: Cotler's—B. Bielefeld 2. Ritz—Gonzales 2. CHOKED with stomach GAS? THANK HEAVENS! Most attacks are just acid indigestion. When it strikes, take Bell-and tablets. They contain the fastest-acting medicines known to doctors for the relief of heartburn, gas and similar distress. 294. Undefeated Rocky Marciano faces free Savold in 10-Rounder Tonight Weeks 39th Straight Victory Over 65-Year-Old, Battleworn Savold PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rocky Marciano, young, lusty and unin, figures to cakewalk to his straight triumph tonight in receded 10-round fight against worm 35-year-old Lee Savold has few supporters. At week's physical examination, missioner John (Ox) Dagrosa told both boxers he had been asked by many people, "why this fight?" He reminded Marciano that he had catapulted into heavyweight boxing prominence with his knock-out of 87-year-old Joe Louis, the old Brown Bomber. Dagrosa mentioned that this same tading Louis had unceremoniously dumped Savold. "You fellows will have to prove to the public, why this fight?" Dagrosa said. He warned both fighters he would hold up purses if it wasn't a good show. A crowd of 18,000 is expected to pay some $90,000 to see the battle. Marciano will receive 30 per cent of both the gate and the $35,000 paid for television and broadcast rights. Fight time is 7 p.m. PST. Marciano is making no predictions although he said it probably wouldn't go the limit. The Rock has little to gain and everything to lose in this bout. As things stand, Marciano is a cinch for a heavyweight title fight by summer. A defeat would set him much to give away. Gazette SPORTS Counterpoint Removed from Racing due to Injuries Sustained Feb. 2 CADIA (AP) — Counterpoint Hill Prince, rivals for nationals last year, will have to counterpoint was 1951 Horse of the Year as well as best three-time Open Starts Friday With Low Scores Probable SAK ANTONIO, Tex. (AP) — Every tournament on the winter golf trail has been wide open, with six different players winning six tournaments. The $19,000 Texas back many months. On the other hand, Savold nothing to lose. He has seen best days. If he should tag ciano with a haymaker, or point him, Savold could get at the heavyweight gold. Loses well, 25 per cent of the (approximately $22,500) television money should salve wounds. Marciano probably will come at 187, Savold at 197. The ve has the height, reach and exce. He's got everything youth. That probably will be much to give away. Fullerton in Victory Role Over Union Oil Presenting a make-shift for a while, at least, the Full City League cagers neverthan managed to continue their race the title with their 48-33 vlaast night over the cagers of U Oil in the Anaheim gym. Fullerton led at the end of first half, 25-22 and with Erickson leading the attack in second half, the Fullerton. Counterpoint Removed from Racing Due to Injuries Sustained Feb. 2 CADIA (P) — Counterpoint Hill Prince, rivals for nation-nors last year, will have to until later in the season to their turf rivalry. Nellius V. Whitney's Countroint was taken out of training and will not race again unless recovered from an insuffered in the rich Santa Maturity Feb. 2. F. Chenery's Hill Prince re-ras the undisputed top horse big stakes coming up, ing the $25,000 San Antonio cap Saturday and the $100.- Santa Anita Handicap March Inner Syl Veitch officially drew Counterpoint from the stakes in particular and all engagements at Santa waning meeting. Ligament Days disclosed that Counter-sustained a torn ligament the cannon bone during the city. A small piece of bone found attached to the liga could not say when counterpoint will be ready to run ing Certainly Not Sissy Type Norefjell for Winter Olympics EFJELL, Norway (P) — If ink modern skiing has gone you should be in Norefjell winter Olympics. Man-, its hardly Norwegians take winter sports the hard way. Are no elegant winter re-lish plush hotels and elec-lifts—and they refuse to glamor of the Olympic sure them down that prim-ath. Counterpoint was 1951 Horse of the Year as well as best three-year-old. Hill Prince had won those same titles in 1950. Counterpoint twice met Hill Prince—in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Empire City Gold Cup—and twice he beat the Prince... Counterpoint came to California pointed for big stakes, primarily the Maturity and the big Handicap. He ran a disappointing sixth in the Maturity. Then X-rays showed the injuries. Impressive Victory Hill Prince made his 1952 debut and scored an impressive triumph. Hill Prince must carry high weight of 132 pounds in the San Antonio, three more than he'll shoulder in the Santa Ana 'Cap. The Prince's running mate, Bryan G., will be next in line, at 124, and Alfred G. Vanderbilt's two mares, Bed O' Roses and Next Move, drew 120 apiece. Counterpoint would have been high weight, at 130 pounds, in the Santa Anita Handicap. Texas Open Starts Friday With Low Scores Probable SAN ANTONIO, Tex. (P) — Every tournament on the winter golf trail has been wide open, with six different players winning six tournaments. The $10,000 Texas Open which starts here tomorrow is no exception. Everybody agrees, however, that the tournament should produce the lowest scores in its 25 years. It was won by Ben Hogan in 1946 with 264 for 72 holes. Sam Snead tied that in winning it in 1948. Jimmie Demaret of Ojai, who already has done a practice round of 62, nine under par, over the 6400-yard Brackenridge park course, thinks the 264 will be broken. "This course is in great shape," said Demaret. "The greens are wonderful and the fairways are fast. Everything is just right for low scores." Demaret is one of the favorites with the gallery. The hot shots will be tuning up at Brackenridge today. At Willow Springs 218 players will be shooting for 61 places in qualifying rounds. Exemptions for qualifying total 99. This means 160 will move out tomorrow in the opening 18 holes. Otto Greiner of Baltimore was the big man in the pro-amateur yesterday at the par 71 Oak Hills course. Greiner shot a 65 to take down $350 as the low scoring pro and he won $300 more for being on the pro-amateur team with the best ball score. Greiner and amateur Hank Sebastian of San Antonio combined for a 59. Ted Williams In Explaining Role BOSTON (P) — Ted Williams, the Boston Red Sox famed slugger, finally has explained his rejection of a baseball tradition—the homerun cap-tipping ritual. Presenting a make-shift life for a while, at least, the Full City League cagers neverthan managed to continue their racethe title with their 48-33 vince last night over the cagers of U Oil in the Anaheim gym. Fullerton led at the end of first half, 25-22 and with Erickson leading the attack in second half, the Fullerton completely dominated play on court. Erickson scored 11 points all in the second half. High point honors went guard Donnie Bryant with while high point honors for U Oil went to Dick Bulington in 12. Bulington scored 10 of points in the first half. Stan Musial Not Worrying About Father Time Now ST. LOUIS (P)—Father T may not like this, but he taken too seriously by St Musial, the St. Louis Cardinal $80,000 a year man. The 31-year-old, five-time national League batting champ had just picked up the last of 1951 salary, a healthy $25,000 ro which had been frozen by Wage Stabilization Board, with someone hinted maybe a fou couldn't play baseball forever. Stan didn't like the idea at He leaned back in Cardinal own Fred Saligh's big, red leather ch and, looking more like an executive than a baseball player in well-tailored gray suit, said: "Baseball is my life. It's don lot for me. It's an interest business. I intend to stay in it." Maybe as a baseball manager No, he hasn't seriously consid- In these same mountains hundreds of years ago. The setting here in the mountains, 71 miles north of Oslo, is lovely. But there is nothing resembling a village—just a few farm homes, a country store or two, several ski cabins and a few resort hotels. That made it quite a problem to house the nearly 800 skiers, 200 officials, and 50 newspapermen, and it left no room for spectators. They'll have to drive up from Oslo each morning and back at night. The Norwegians built one new hotel and a few barracks for the skiers, threw a new bridge across a river and laid out a new road up the mountainside so automobiles could get near the top of the race course. Then they barred the road to all except official vehicles. They put in 15 new telephone lines for 50 correspondents to fight over. One ski lift, powered by a Ford engine which occasionally bucks, was constructed. Five taxies were provided for the 500 members of the Olympic community. Dawn-to Dusk Races Sunday at Speedway Largest field of post-war, prewar and modified stock cars ever assembled at Carrell Speedway was forecast today as officials of the Pacific Racing association completed plans for the dawn-to-dusk drag races Sunday. Besides the stock jobs, many of which will be handled by pilots from various amateur and professional race groups, there will be drags scheduled for midgets, sprint cars, hot rods, motorcycles and sports cars. If You Drink! Don't Drive Ted Williams in Explaining Role BOSTON (UP) — Ted Williams, the Boston Red Sox' famed slugger, finally has explained his rejection of a baseball tradition—the homerun cap-tipping ritual. "I got a little sour on everything and everybody," Williams told sportscaster Curt Gowdy last night in a radio interview. "For 10 or 12 years I haven't tipped my hat. When I first came to Boston I did. "Then in the second year they brought in that (Fenway Park) right field fence 20 feet and right away I was supposed to hit 75 home runs. It was only 380 feet then and I had one of those second years which I thought was a pretty good year. I hit 244, but I didn't hit the home runs that I hit the previous year. (31 in 1989, 23 in 1940). "And I got a lot of cat calls and a lot of criticism. That just irked me enough so that I got a little sour on everything and everybody. So I said, well, that's the end. No more hat tipping for me. If they jeer me, the heck with 'em and if they cheer me, the heck with 'em." Alf Robertson, former jockey, is the owner and trainer of a one-horse stable this season at Hialeah race track. The horse's name is "You'll Learn." Stan didn't like the idea at first. He leaned back in Cardinal own Fred Saligh's big, red leather chiffon, looking more like an executive than a baseball player in a well-tailored gray suit, said: "Baseball is my life. It's done lot for me. It's an interesting business. I intend to stay in it." Maybe as a baseball manager, No, he hasn't seriously considered that. And, in his opinion, players-managers aren't too successful (His field boss, Eddie Stannell likely will be a playing manager providing he can edge out Rachel Schoendienst at second base to find a spot elsewhere.) At one point in the press conference, Stan announced he gets a kick out of playing every day if he has been in organized baseball 15 years, 10 of them in the majors. "I try to work harder now than I used to. Once you build a reputation you like to stay on to You know how it is. "I feel I'm going to have five more good years." He talked about physical condition. With him it was more important than age. He thought it was in his prime now. Vic Wertz, outfielder for Detroit Tigers, worked as a member of the sales staff of a Detroit tool company during the off-season. Bob Giegengack, head trainer at Yale, once taught Latvia at Brooklyn Prep. I BELIEVE: — The invasion by Federal Agencies of ownership held under State laws assumes power never granted to the Federal Government. FRANK M. LINNELL FOR CONGRESS 28th DISTRICT Pol. Adv. No Faces Tonight Anaheim B Hoopsters Seek Another Cage Crown Friday Getting back into action after a week's layoff will be the Anaheim Colonist basketball team this coming Friday night when they journey to Orange to try and capture their seemingly assured Sunset League cage crown for 1952. Anaheim, possessing an all-around type of team, will surely be favored to roll over the Panthers in the 6:45 feature, what with scoring leaders Paul Salazar and Bob Stewart leading the way. Salazar recaptured the scoring lead that Stewart had taken away from him of only two weeks ago and now has a five-point lead over the taller Stewart. "Perpetual motion" Salazar leads the team in the number of field goals scored in loop play this season while Stewart leads all Colonists from the free throw line with his 27 points. It is interesting to note, after watching the play of Salazar in a game, just how little he is fouled. He has only gone to the gratis line exactly 13 times compared to 36 times for leader Stewart. Val Wiethorn has the best field goal percentage mark on field goals with a high of 72.7. He has attempted 11 shots and made eight. LEAGUE STATISTICS Field Gold Leaders FGA FG Pet Paul Salazar 102 29 37.9 Bob Stewart 91 28 28.6 Fred Frank 80 25 31.2 George Blashop 78 25 28.3 Frank Navarro 78 21 26.9 Val Wiethorn 11 8 72.7 Pal Roberts 24 6 25.0 Free Throw Leaders FTA FT Pet Bob Stewart 36 27 75.9 George Blashop 22 13 59.1 Fred Frank 31 11 88.5 Frank Navarro 16 10 62.5 Paul Salazar 13 6 46.2 Dennis Nelson 7 5 71.4 Val Wiethorn 9 5 55.6 Point Leaders G Pts Avg Paul Salazar 9 84 9.2 Bob Stewart 9 84 9.2 Fred Frank 9 61 6.7 Frank Navarro 9 52 5.7 George Blashop 9 51 5.6 Val Wiethorn 6 21 3.5 Dennis Nelson 5 13 1.6 Weather Bureau Predicts Snow for Start of Winter Olympics at Oslo OSLO, Norway (P)—A gigantic relay of 100 men on skis today begins carrying the Olympic torch from the birthplace of modern skiing to the opening of the winter Olympic ceremonies in Oslo. And it looks as if they'll have snow will be mighty welcome in these parts. But the events will go on as scheduled even if the predicted storm doesn't arrive. The only change in the schedule has been the shifting of the women's downhill from Saturday to Weather Bureau predicts Snow for Start of Winter Olympics at Oslo OSLO, Norway (AP)—A gigantic relay of 100 men on skis today begins carrying the Olympic torch from the birthplace of modern skiing to the opening of the winter Olympic ceremonies in Oslo. And it looks as if they'll have fresh snow to ski on before the end of their 170-mile journey. The Oslo Weather Bureau predicts snow in sizeable quantities for Southern Norway sometime tonight—the final touch necessary to get the sixth winter international games off to a perfect start tomorrow. The two-man bobsleds will get the competition underway tomorrow morning with the first of four heats to be run in two days. And after lunch the women skiers take off on the giant slalom at Norefjell, 70 miles north of here. But the official opening of the games will not take place until Friday morning when the Olympic torch is carried into Oslo's Nislett stadium and the Olympic fire is lighted above the traditional marathon gate. The relay starts at Moregdal with a brief ceremony in the house where Sondre Norheim, Norway's first active competitive skier, lived 100 years ago. Moregdal, in the mountains of Western Norway, was the first place where skiers used fastenings on their skis that make possible slalom downhill and jumping events. Norheim, who later settled in North Dakota, was the first known skier to make his way from Moregdal to Oslo on skis. The American jumping team, which had been training at Kongsberg, broke camp today and came to Oslo where the world famous Holmenkollen Hill will be opened this afternoon for Olympic training. Snow will be mighty welcome in these parts. But the events will go on as scheduled even if the predicted storm doesn't arrive. The only change in the schedule has been the shifting of the women's downhill from Saturday to Sunday. Soldiers have converted the barren, rocky downhill and giant slalom courses at Norefjell into usable runs against odds that foreigners thought they never could beat. Sub-freezing temperatures have provided excellent ice for speed and figure skaters. The United States and Canadian hockey teams, highly regarded for Olympic honors, arrived here last night after touring Europe. They will meet tonight in an exhibition game. For Health, Eat California Fruit! NOW—Doors Open 6:45 p.m. Wendell Corey - Vera Ralston — in — "WILD BLUE YONDER" — and — George Brent Marguerite Climpman — in — "MAN BAIT" Orange UNIVERSITY THEATRE MILK BOXING CORINNE CALVET n't play baseball forever. on didn't like the idea at all. named back in Cardinal owner Salgh's big, red leather chair looking more like an executhan a baseball player in his tailored gray suit, said: baseball is my life. It's done a for me. It's an interesting ess. I intend to stay in it!" be as a baseball manager? he hasn't seriously considertat. And, in his opinion, playagers aren't too successful field boss, Eddie Stanky, will be a playing manager, ling he can edge out Red indienst at second base or spot elsewhere.) one point in the press cone, Stan announced he still kick out of playing, even has been in organized base5 years, 10 of them in the try to work harder now than to. Once you build a repuyou like to stay on top. now how it is. feel I'm going to have five good years." stalked about physical conWith him it was more imt than age. He thought he his prime now. Wertz, outfielder for the Tigers, worked as a memthe sales staff of a Detroit company during the off-sea- Giegengack, head track at Yale, once taught Latin Brooklyn Prep. Federal Agencies of assumes power never sent. OR. CONGRESS 8th DISTRICT Pol. Adv. Moregal to Oslo on skis. The American jumping team, which had been training at Kongsberg, broke camp today and came to Oslo where the world famous Holmenkollen Hill will be opened this afternoon for Olympic training. THE ANAHEIM ANAHEIM - PHONE 6201 First Anaheim Snowing! Dick Powell-Reddy Dayw "YOU NEVER CAN TELL" Also—Linda Darrell "The LADY PAYS OFF" DEAN MARTIN JERRY LEWIS SAILOR BEWARE CORINNE CALVET AND FOR MEN ONLY" Midnite Spook Show Friday SLICE OF HAM "HE'S THE MOST VALUABLE MAN HERE. HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS THE FILING SYSTEM!"