"BACK TO THE FUTURE"

by Richard C. Jaffeson

.

.

.

________________________________________

                            F A M E   F O R U M
                           N E W S L E T T E R

                   N A T I O N A L   W O M E N 'S
          B A S E B A L L   H A L L   O F   F A M E

                     National Syndicated Column
                       (contents are protected)
        Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2003
  TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972,
  TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893,
  TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149,
        TXU088068, TXU157714, TXU159311.

                          Issue Number 00240

______________________________________________
 
Volume VI, Number 34                           Publisher and Author
December 23, 2003                                 Richard C. Jaffeson
Washington, DC                                       HallFame@usa.com
                                  301-847-0102
             http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame
______________________________________________

.

COLUMN:  BACK TO THE FUTURE
                    by Richard C. Jaffeson 

"Da-da-te, da-da-ta...  Da-da-te, da-da-ta..."

A secret cell phone rang somewhere in Arlington, Virginia
on this date in late December 2003.

Its owner wryly responded with, "Yeah, whata you want?"

"Stephanie, this is Richard," as the conversation and this
adventure commenced, although I knew the personal reference
was not necessary since that line had caller identification, and
after six years she would recognize the voice.

"We need your help!" I attempted to sound serious and was
determined to obtain her assistance, if at all possible.

"This isn't about bats is it?" she asked and quickly noted,
"I won't vote for myself..."

"It's more significant than bats!" I interjected, and then
responded in excited brief staccato phrases.

"Ted Williams!  You can help us save him!  Very important!"

I needed to capture her attention and imagination, and hoped
to do just that by mentioning her time-honored Red Sox hero.

The line was intensely quiet, and I could sense her breathing.

"OK, Richard, I'll bite.  What's up?" she seriously lowered
her voice and sounded concerned.

"We need additional documentation about Ted Williams' final
request regarding his disposition to corroborate the 1996 Will.
We want a clear statement in his own hand-writing, which can
be rediscovered and presented to secure his release from that
frozen nightmare." I further explained.

"Yeah, I've read the stories," she commented and demonstrated
an initial interest.  "Williams and Slugger were to have their
ashes spread over the Florida Keys, and that's what he wanted.
There wasn't even a proper funeral, or any ceremony.  He was
whisked away into that deep freeze.  Whata way to go!"

"Right, Steph, we gotta get him out of there.  You can help!"
I restated my intent.

"Why do you need me?  I'm sure you can find somebody in this
town to forge a document." she speculated.  "What can I do?"

"This must be legitimate, and in his own hand," I emphasized,
"something that can't be rescinded or questioned."

"Once we have that document, I'll turn the original over to
John Heer in Cleveland, and he can handle the legal aspects."
I further outlined the strategy. "I'll call Bobby-Jo and Mark,
and they can prepare for arrangements in Florida.  Finally,
we'll inform the media."

"OK, it makes sense.  But, how are you going to get something
to support the Will in his own handwriting?" Stephanie inquired.
"Ted Williams was deceased and decapitated in July 2002.  And,
again, where do I fit in?!" she insisted.

"Is that special room still intact in your building?" I asked.
"The one I wrote about in the February 16, 2001 issue, 'The Spy
That Shagged Baseball,' does it remain operational?"

"As far as I know, it was missed by a few hundred feet, and is
on the heliport side several levels underground." she recalled.

"That's what I figured, it has a high priority, you know Orwell,
'He who controls the past controls the future.'" I continued.

"Steph, you gotta get me into that room and run the machine to
send me back to July 13, 1999."

"I know that date, it was the All-Star Game at Fenway, right?!"
Stephanie didn't miss a beat about baseball, which was one of
the reasons why she was selected for this important mission.

"Correct!" I confirmed.

In unison we exclaimed, "Ted Williams was there, and he threw
out the first pitch!!!"

"But, how are you going to get into my building?  I can, but
what about you?" always practical Stephanie posed a critical
question upon which the success of this entire project hinged.

"I used a lot of credits on this." I explained.  "Look, I have
buddies as analysts in many agencies all over this town, and
was twice elected president of the geographer's organization
in 1976-1977 and 2002-2003.  They know I belong."

"You need to show me the lower levels and operate the machine.
And, be sure to bring me back to the future, because I'll have
the document by which to complete our mission." I indicated.

"They'll bust my tail if we're caught." Stephanie cautioned,
"I'll be back checking weather balloons at Dulles."

"No way!  You'll probably get a promotion, and also be saving
Ted Williams.  I anticipate no problems, the stairwells and
corridors will be cleared for us upon this occasion, I have it
on the best authority.  You know who was the first manager of
the Rangers when the Senators moved there after the 1971 season.
And, you also know who was involved in creating the Texas team.
We're on a mission from God."

"Steph," I summarized, "I don't expect to encounter difficulties,
and you are needed to throw the right switches, --tonight."

There was a momentary pause, a slight silence, then I continued.

"Yeah, right now, tonight!  There is someone at your front door.
I'll see you downtown in a few minutes.  Don't contact anyone,
and your phone won't work after this call.  The line will again be
operational when the mission is completed.  Security reasons,
you know.  See ya soon..."

"Ahhh, Richard..." Stephanie wanted to quietly add, "...thanks."
as an acknowledgement and in appreciation, but the line already
was disconnected, and her security escort was waiting.

As we raced down the wide abandoned stairwells to the lower level
corridors, no one said a word.  Only the sounds of our heels could
be heard echoing off the hard vacant polished floors, metal bars
on security doors snapped open and shut, and electronic scanners
whirled but reported nothing.  Our entrance to the right room was
successfully achieved.

"Steph, the control dials and indicator dates are well-labeled and
self-explanatory." I pointed to the machine as it began to return
to life for our assignment. "You need to set the general longitude
and latitude for Fenway, here are the coordinates: W-71-3-37, and
N-42-21-30.  Also, the zip code is 02215-3409 for 4 Yawkey Way."

I gave her notations and continued, "An image will appear on that
screen over there, and you need to visually place me at the exact
location inside the bullpen near the entrance to the field next to
the pitcher's cart on 13:15 hours 13 July 1999.  Both Ted and Cal
should be there.  Return me at 13:30."

"I know Fenway like the back of my hand!" Stephanie proclaimed.
"I can land you on a dime."

"I'd settle for the bullpen grass, and not materialized between
a fence, post, or inside the Green Monster." I observed. "I don't
particularly like the idea of my molecules being spread-out over
time and space."

"Piece of cake, Richard!" Stephanie's confidence was abounding as
she adjusted fluctuating dials.  These were the reasons she was
selected for this mission; she was capable and knew the territory.

I had preparations of my own for this adventure; medical tests and
clothing checks.  The document designed for Ted Williams' remarks
and signature was a souvenir program from the 1999 All-Star Game,
which was obtained from the Library of Congress in mint condition
for this special occasion.  Williams needed to sign and date it,
and include appropriate wording.  I had 15 minutes to accomplish
that task without revealing anything on his future disposition.

"OK, Steph, ready." cautiously I informed her. "Hit the switch."

The world turned around, and suddenly I was in the sunshine at
Fenway Park.  Stephanie's guidance and direction were perfect!
The noise of the crowd was in the background, the game's special
guests had not seen me materialize.  I approached them carefully.
This perhaps was the most important assignment ever, to obtain
not only a signature but also the right type of statement.

"Hey, who the hell are you?  Nobody's allowed back here!  This
game's about to start." Ted Williams commanded my attention.

I remembered Bobby-Jo's advice on handling her daddy.  Although
he'll sound tough, he enjoys talking about fishing and his dog.

"I love Dalmatians!" I needed to get immediately to the point,
and this unexpected remark took him off-guard.

"Yeah, me too!" Williams gruffly responded and broadly smiled.
"Slugger's the best, a Dalmatian.  I could take him anywhere,
even fishing on the boat."

"Dogs oughta be in Heaven, too." I suggested and gambled with
that line since there was little time to spare.

"Yeah, I have plans for me and Slugger," he took the bait, and
noticed that I was carrying a souvenir program, which was obvious
by the way it was displayed in my hands.

He pointed to the program, "You want me to autograph that, right?
Hey, that's why you're here, right!"

"Yes!" I couldn't believe my luck. "Why not put something on the
back cover about your plans with Slugger?"

"OK, but only because you like Dalmatians, and this should get rid
of you for good.  I've got some pitching to do, soon."  Ted Williams
scribbled a brief note on the program, and gave it to Cal Ripken who
signed the bottom corner.  This was better than expected.

They were ready to enter the field, and I had the document, while
it approached 13:30.  I felt myself disappearing.

There was Stephanie again, watching the dials with one eye and the
other was fixed on the return portal from which I staggered clinging
to the precious document.

"Hey, did you get it?!" she shouted while powering down the machine.

"Yes, but I didn't have a chance to read it, and sure hope I don't
have to return a second time." I replied. "Here!"

We both read the words...

"To Slugger's Fan,"

"I've been out of baseball a long while.  Fenway was my home.
 The Keys, fishing, and Slugger became my life.  When I meet
 my Maker, that's where I'll be, over the seas with Slugger."

 Ted Williams
 13 July 1999

"Look!" Stephanie observed, "You have Cal Ripken's signature, too,
and he dated the program.  He'll sign anything."

"Yeah, that's called corroboration!  He's still around to comment!"
"Mission accomplished!" I smiled. "Thanks Stephanie, this couldn't
have been done without you.  Now please let's get outta here before
our welcome is over-extended.  I'll make duplicates and send the
original to Heer in Cleveland, and then call Florida."

"This is kinda exciting, I must admit," Stephanie cooly reflected.
"Do you think it'll work?"

"Ted Williams will always be a great American sports hero, and as
such his current treatment is inexcusable.  He can't remain in that
condition forever.  What has occurred to him eventually should be
corrected, he should never be forgotten, and time is on his side."

As a whisper, I observed, "...it's on our side, too..." while we
departed and looked back at that great building along the mighty
river proudly glowing in the middle of the night.

.


Note:

The following are related issues of Fame Forum.

"Cool Hand Luce,"
 Volume VI, Number 08, March 27, 2003.
"Inherit the Wind,"
 Volume VI, Number 07, March 11, 2003.
"Wag the Kid,"
 Volume VI, Number 05, February 10, 2003.
"Catching Those Old Linesides,"
 Volume IV, Number 11, March 3, 2001.
"The Spy That Shagged Baseball,"
 Volume IV, Number 09, February 16, 2001.

The author twice served as President, Middle Atlantic Division,
Association of American Geographers, which covers the District
of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.  MAD/AAG consists
of professional geographers in agencies such as: USGS, CIA, NSA,
NGS, DIA, NIMA, Census, State, and Library of Congress; and with
universities that offer training in related research and analysis.

.

____________________________________________

NATIONAL WOMEN'S BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
        Richard C. Jaffeson, Executive Director
   PO Box 15282, Chevy Chase, Maryland  20825

                          301-847-0102
                   HallFame@USA.com
            http://www.eteamz.com/hallfame

       "National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame"
       is a registered trade name with the State
       of Maryland.  MD672265, October 19, 1998.

       Programs, articles, and contents presented
       herein are protected under provisions of the
       U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress.
       Fame Forum registrations are listed below:

       TXU877085, TXU959430, TXU973266, TXU013972,
       TXU986753, TXU949885, TXU004037, TXU022893,
       TXU026161, TXU047111, TXU050230, TXU061149.
             TXU154039, TXU157714, TXU159311.

       Copyrights(c), NWB Hall of Fame, 1998-2003
_______________________________________________