Co-President Brad Ruth opened the meeting this morning leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Program host, Rich Bedell followed with a meaningful invocation about our blessings.
Brad thanked Gail Moseley and Steve Dunton for getting us all checked in this morning and welcomed our speaker, Bryan Fritz.
Fines went to John Pribonic, Brad Ruth and Bill Choler for not having their pins on.
CELEBRATIONS:
Wedding Anniversary: Andy and Doug Denton will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary next week.
50/50 DRAWING:
Roger Cline's table had the winning ticket, but drew the 9 of hearts, which means the pot will continue to grow.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Stuff the Bus: Last weekend's project to fill the Teachers' Supply Closet was a huge success, raising nearly $14,000 in supplies, gift cards and cash. A huge vote of appreciation was expressed to Carrie Leising for her organization of the project by John Pribonic, on behalf of the club. Interact advisor, Dinah Henderson was also thanked for the help that the student gave to that project and in assisting the residents of Stow Glen in their moves. Dinah also thanked Carrie for her leadership and explained that the new teachers in the high school will get personal care packages courtesy of the event.
Interact:
Adopt-A-Spot: Our spot was mulched and looks so nice. Dinah explained that high school graduates who now have the BilCon Landscaping Company decided to donate and spread a yard and a half of mulch on our spot.
Interact Expansion: Dinah explained that there may be opportunity for Interact opportunities to reach the students in all of the Sixth District Compact schools.
Football Pool Books: Pat Messmore only has a few books left. Contact him at pat@messmoreagency.com if you would like him to save you a book.
Summer Sunset Blast: Steve Dunton had a sign-up sheet for working at our 50/50 booth at Summer Sunset Blast on both September 4 and 5. The time on Sept. 4 is 4:30 to 10:00 and on Sept. 5 it is 5:00 to 10:00. Contact him at either 330-618-0368 or sdunton707@gmail.com to let him know when you can help.
Board Meeting: Our board meeting is this Friday, August 13 at 7:15 virtually. Board members are expected to attend but anyone else is welcome.
PROGRAM:
John Pribonic introduced Bryan Fritz who is a graduate of John Carroll University and Cleveland State and was a Prosecutor for the City of Cleveland for 41 years. A special of interest of his resulted in writing a book called, League Park, The Historic Home of Cleveland Baseball.
Mr. Fritz began by giving some amusing anecdotes that occurred during his time as prosecutor but spent most of his time with us relating the history of Cleveland baseball.
1891 was the date that Frank Robeson, owner of what was then The Cleveland Spiders wanted a new park for the team. League Park at the corner of E. 66th and Lexington was the chosen site because that is where the trolley lines intersected. That stadium seated 10,000 but had no lights so they could only have day games. Cy Young pitched the opening game there.
In 1900, the team became known as the Lakeshores and later were known both as The Blues, The Broncos and The Naps (after an owner)
By 1908, it was decided that they needed a new stadium. In 1909 the new facility was ready. In 1920 they won the World Series. In 1929, Babe Ruth hit his 500th home run there.
In 1931 the new Lakefront Stadium was built costing several million dollars. In 1936 Bob Feller began to play with the team and at that point some games were still played in League Park while others were at the new stadium. Then in 1946 when World War Two was over, Bill Veck bought the team and all games were moved to the stadium. However, The League Park original site at E. 66th and Lexington still houses the Baseball Heritage Museum.
In 1948 the Cleveland Indians won the World Series. And, we all look forward to the day that we can include another date for a Cleveland World Series win.
JOKE: Bill Choler told us a couple of funny jokes. One about a state trooper stopping someone going 110 mph. is one you will want to ask him about.
Next weeks's joke will be by Bruce Redmon.
DATES TO KEEP IN MIND:
Friday, August 13, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting on Zoom
Wednesday, August 18, for our morning meeting, Susan Crocker, author, will present information on "How a College-Educated Woman Got an Education in Life"
Wednesday, September 1: Foodbank Volunteer Day 4:30-6:30
Saturday, September 4, 4:30-10:00 p.m. Summer Sunset Blast
Sunday September 5, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Summer Sunset Blast
Wednesday, October 13, 6:00-10:00 Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction at Guy's Party Center
Submitted by:
Andrea Denton