The Importance of Talking with Players

The year of 2006 has almost ended and it's only fitting that I recognize the passing of several former Kitty League baseball players and fans this year. I had the honor of meeting a few of them such as Lon Carter Barton, Billy Joe Forrest, Ivan Kuester, and Jacque Riedel and talking with George Buickel on the telephone. Each gentleman was kind and supportive of my research and willing to share their memories of playing in the Kitty League.

First, I'd like to stepped up on my soapbox and address my fellow baseball researchers.

I've enjoyed digging into microfilmed newspapers and searching for undiscovered tidbits and stories about the Kitty League. It's been a labor of love that I've done for 10 years now. I've been fortunate enough to also track down a few players now in their 70s and older or have them contact me. Library research is important in any historical project, but to actually speak with persons who were there and who can share what it was like to play at Miller Field in Owensboro, Ky. or what road trips were like is even more important.

Anyone doing baseball research should try his or her best to track down players, write or call them, and politely ask to do an interview. Is there someone in your hometown or nearby who played pro ball? Maybe no one has even talked with them about it! They appreciate their careers being remembered and many are happy to share their memories with you.

But the sad part is they won't be around forever. I've kicked myself many times when I've had a player's address or phone number sitting on my desk, but I've been too busy to pick up the phone or simply procrastinated and learned later that they passed away. Whether your father or grandfather was a professional baseball player or a cook in an Army camp in World War II, be sure you sit down with him in 2007 and ask him questions about his life experiences and get them on tape or video. Years later, you'll be glad you did.

The Kitty League lost at least six former players and one fan in 2006. They may be more; if I've missed someone, please write to me.

Lon Carter Barton - died Mar. 28 (age 80) (Kitty League fan)
George Buickel - died Oct. 3 (age 85)
Robert W. Cropenbaker - died May 2 (age 92)
Billy Joe Forrest - died Apr. 5 (age 78)
Ivan Kuester - died Oct. 3 (age 86)
William J. "Butch" Leary - died Nov. 28 (age 84)
Jacque Riedel - died Jul. 26 (age 82)