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Hofheinz Among Speakers - -Baseball Fete SuccessBY BOBBY RISINGER Sun Sports EditorHOUSTON (Sp) — There will be many words written and numerous things said about this year’s Houston Baseball Writers Dinner in the Astro-hote! grand ’ ballroom Friday night.But an explicit one word summation would be — successful.The baseball guests were great, the speakers were great and the BOQ strong audience went away pleased.Part of that audience was from Baytown as three tab-les were filled with Baytonians attending the dinnerThere were several highlights of the 11th annual fete which presented eight awards.One of the most dramatic moments of the banquet was an address by Judge Hoy Hofheinz to the diners.Hofheinz made his first public speaking appearance since suffering a stroke in May. His speech was geared to the hopes of an Astro pennant in 1971.He kept the attention of the guests with the stamina and determination only he could : display.Morris Frank of the Houston Chronicle was the Master of Ceremonies, And as usual, Frank did a splendid job. His timely comments and unmatched wit kept the audience astute to his every word.^ Vernon (Lefty) Gome2,former major league pitching star, was the guest speaker. He kept the audience in stitches most of the time with his stories about his playing day experiences.Harry Walker, Astro manager, gave an insight on what to expect from the Astros this coming season. Walker, as always, was optimistic as this year being the year the Astros could put it all together.Astro second baseman Joe Morgan received the Jim Umbricht Award for the Most Valuable Astro Player. The award was presented by Joe Heiling of the Houston Post.Brooks Robinson of Baltimore got the special World Series hardware. Robinson was presented the award by Clark Nealon of the Houston Post.Player of the Year honors were bestowed upon Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the form of the Tris Speaker Award.Clemente, who is noted for his baseball talents more so than his speaking talents, spoke with the best of them as he gave an inspiring speech on what baseball has meant to him and his family.Dick Peebles of the Houston Chronicle presented Clemente with the award.Darrell Mack of United Press International gave Gary Nolan of the Cincy Reds the Dickie Kerr award for Pitcher of the Year.John Wilson of the Chronicle I presented Clarence Gaston ofSan .Diego with the Johnny Keane Award for outstanding performance.The Baytown Sun awarded two silver dishes.Fred Hartman, Sun editor and publisher, presented Boog Powell with the Eddie Dyer Award for slugger of the year.Also, this writer had the honor to present Roger Metzger of the Astros with the Jimmy Delmar Award for the Texas born minor leagueplayer of the year.National League president Chub Fenney was also present at the head table along with the Rev. J. T. Bagby of Houston who gave the invocation.Film clips of most of the awarded players were shown. Another attraction of the banquet was the special umpire of the year award which was given to Ken Burthart. Jimmy Delmar, dinner co-chairman, made the presentation.golt;haltheDELMAR AWARD TO TOP MINOR LEAGUER Bobby Rislnger (I), Winner Roger Metzger(Sun Photo By John Black)
Newspaper Details
Baytown Sun
Baytown, Texas, US
Sun, Jan 31, 1971
Page 10
Full Page
Clipped by
Monte N.
NA, NA 08 Sep 2023
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