The Outfield Walls

[musial6]

My husband was given a model of Ebbets Field and it displays "Stadler's". He doesn't recall who or what "Stadler's" was? Can someone remind him? Thanks!

Here's a chance for you to give your hubby a Winthrop memento fron that era.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Metal-Shoe-Horn-Winthrop-Shoes-Izzy-Rosen_W0QQitemZ160093140837QQihZ006QQcategoryZ957QQcmdZViewItem

[musial6]

Don't have any info re Hilda Chester's role, but several years ago the son of a prominent player at the criminal trial showed me a photo of the courtroom at 120 Schermerhorn Street with Durocher and the other defendant sitting at the defense table.

He told me that the verdict was not guilty.

The "other defendant" was a cop. The "victim" was John Christian. The jury acquitted Leo and the copper in thirty-eight minutes. Leo later coughed up $6750. in a civil action. Hilda's "evidence" was that the fan had called her a "c--------r."

[EbtsFldGuy]

Don't have any info re Hilda Chester's role, but several years ago the son of a prominent player at the criminal trial showed me a photo of the courtroom at 120 Schermerhorn Street with Durocher and the other defendant sitting at the defense table.

He told me that the verdict was not guilty.

[musial6]

My husband was given a model of Ebbets Field and it displays "Stadler's". He doesn't recall who or what "Stadler's" was? Can someone remind him? Thanks!

"Stadler's Winthrop Shoes"

[Paulmcall]

I understand that Leo had to pay money in the civil suit.

[Barbara1973]

What was Stadler's?

My husband was given a model of Ebbets Field and it displays "Stadler's". He doesn't recall who or what "Stadler's" was? Can someone remind him? Thanks!

[jaykay]

RE: The Outfield Walls

[updated:LAST EDITED ON Jun-08-02 AT 03:49 PM (EDT)] The foregoing entry by our new colleague Paulmcall1 tempted me to violate the "no peeking" rule, since it would appear to contradict the information furnished by our esteemed Dr. McCoy in item #3. However, upon examination of several illustrations of the hallowed grounds, I am pleased to report the happiest of curcumstances: both men are correct. There was a smaller (than the other) Lucky Strike sign directly behind the Dodgers bullpen. While there is nothing in the Official Rules of Baseball prohibiting two signs in a ballpark by the same advertiser, I doubt if those billboards ran concurrently. Perhaps someone older and wiser than I, or younger and wiser, will clarify this matter.

An incidental result of today's peeking: It was the scoreboard clock, not the scoreboard itself, that was in use "for a time" (that's a quote, not a pun) at a minor league ballpark in Asheville, North Carolina. Hopefully, someone will be able to locate our apopletic former correspondent and calm him down.

And finally: In response to the e-mail inquiry about Hilda Chester's perjuring herself in defense of Durocher (on trial for courageously assaulting a fan while a cop pinned the fan's arms to his sides), I have been unable to locate any source material reporting the outcome of the trial. My none-too-reliable memory is trying to convince me that Durocher pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, and that the fan was awarded enough money to replace his missing teeth. Golenbock's report does not include the conclusion of the trial.

[Paulmcall1]

RE: The Outfield Walls

Lucky Strikes in the right field corner.

[jaykay]

RE: The Outfield Walls

Aside to young bly:

I am at least somewhat responsible for the (friendly?) differences between our esteemed professor and yourself. Being the renowned scholar that he is, Professor Block is well aware that the Abe Stark sign has been discussed on several pages of this forum. You, however, while indeed most welcome to spar with our legendary crew, are young, are of the great state of California, and cannot be expected to compete with veteran players until you have had more experience. Therefore, I refer you to the topic "Score that a hit or an error?" on page 2 of our niche for some Abe Stark material; there are other pearls scattered hither and yon.

I hope he won't mind my saying this, but Professor Block's bark is worse than his bite. McCoy is the one you have to watch out for.

[bly11]

RE: The Outfield Walls

Ah. Thank you for the clarification. (Knew I should've peeked at a photograph ...)

bly11

[donzblock]

RE: The Outfield Walls

Jaykay wrote that the scoreboard need not concern us on this topic. The Stark sign was on the scoreboard. I'm glad that you have the guts not to go home.

[bly11]

RE: The Outfield Walls

Very carefully. Four times, including two after reading your post. And I didn't even look at an old picture of Ebbets, so I was following orders. So I'm left to guess what you're suggesting I missed. Was the Stark sign on the scoreboard? Was "The Brass Rail" Stark's emporium? Was he the one pushing Van Heusen shirts? Can you fill me in?

And believe me, I've gotten over my amazement -- the sarcasm was a perfect cure.

bly11

"If you're scared, go home." -- Leo Durocher (when he was with the Dodgers, not the Giants)

[donzblock]

RE: The Outfield Walls

Gosh, Bly11, you are a font of useful information. Gee whiz, Jaykay, how did we miss the Abe Stark sign? Poor Bly11 may never get over his amazement! And how carefully, Bly11, did you read the message that started this topic? (I mean thread!)

[bly11]

RE: The Outfield Walls

I'm amazed -- AMAZED -- that the most famous sign on the Ebbets walls has not been mentioned yet! (Okay, maybe second most famous after the Schaefer ad.)

I refer, naturally, to the "HIT THIS SIGN AND WIN A SUIT" advertisement of clothier (and longtime Brooklyn borough president) Abe Stark.

It was smartly placed, too, to avoid too great an outlay to opposing players: low on the right field wall, directly behind Carl Furillo. Not too many balls were going to hit THAT sign on the fly!

bly11

[jaykay]

RE: The Outfield Walls

With all due respect, Professor, I think Dr. McCoy has just indicated why the Weinsier-Jaret partnership was destined for runner-up status. May I remind you that O'Malley was employed by the bank that was handling the sale of the team - sort of like Willie Newsome representing both the prosecution and the defense in your trial.

Yes, Doctor, business is business, and we'll never know what Michael Weinsier would have done in the face of an offer he couldn't refuse. Based on what I know about him, my guess is that he would have sold the team rather than move it out of this area. Perhaps he would have sold it to O'Malley, who would then have moved it to LA.