Welcome to my nifty Dreambook, a free guestbook service from New Dream Network and the DreamHost!If you have a minute, please add your entry to those below by signing my Dreambook!
| Name: | jordan waitkus |
| State/Country: | Wisconsin |
| E-mail address: | 215 White Tail Dr |
| Comments: | eddie waitkus was my 17 great uncle so that makes me his 17 great niece!!!!i wish i could have meet him and now i know why mu grandpa was a baseball player just like him!!!! |
| Name: | Wayne Tucker |
| State/Country: | Taylor Mill, KY USA |
| E-mail address: | tuck@fuse.net |
| Comments: | Thanks for the birthday notice.
I'm a Waitkus/"The Natural" fan, and a great general baseball fan. I saw Eddie play a few times at the old Reds' Crosley Field during the 50s. I have enjoyed looking over your site. |
| Name: | Diana Malinauskas- Hayes |
| State/Country: | Wisconsin |
| E-mail address: | hip_di@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.hip_di@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | my mo, is 100% Lithuanian and came to America at age 10. I am second generation with 2 division I athletes. This is a wonderful story! Of all the sports films we own, 'The Natural' is at the top of our list. |
| Name: | Paulinerose Soden |
| State/Country: | Indiana |
| E-mail address: | luvmybabers@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.facebook.com/paulinerosesoden |
| Comments: | Hi I just wanted to say thanks for the birthday wishes.. that is so nice of you all :) *and my name is now soden not evans..lol :) but it is all good* I hope you all are having a wonderful day ! :) love, pauline |
| Name: | Al Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Tel Aviv, Israel (Home: CO, USA) |
| E-mail address: | waitkusa@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I, too, am related to Eddie. Casmir Joseph Waitkus was also related to me.
Alan Joseph Waitkus Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Executive Officer, TF-Sinai Multinational Force & Observers |
| Name: | Al Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Tel Aviv, Israel (Home: CO, USA) |
| E-mail address: | waitkusa@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I, too, am related to Eddie. Casmir Joseph Waitkus was also related to me.
Alan Joseph Waitkus Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Executive Officer, TF-Sinai Multinational Force & Observers |
| Name: | Michelle Gorman |
| State/Country: | MA/USA |
| E-mail address: | lvlichelleg@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Eddie Waitkus was my grandfathers brother. My grandfather John Waitkus was married to my grandmother Stanislava Waitkus. My mother Barbara Gorman remembers Eddie however, I do not. My mom said in his later years he use to work at Grover Cronin’s in Waltham as a shoe salesman. My grandmother use to tell me a story that one night she woke up to see Eddie at the foot of her bed. This was some time after his death. Afraid she begged him to go away. He then left. She went on to tell me after she had some time to absorb what had happened she wished that she never asked him to leave. That's just one of the few stories my grandmother use to tell me. My name is Michelle Gorman daughter of Barbara Gorman. Granddaughter of John and Stanislave Waitkus. My mom would know more. Thanks. |
| Name: | Michelle Gorman |
| State/Country: | MA/USA |
| E-mail address: | lvlichelleg@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Eddie Waitkus was my grandfathers brother. My grandfather John Waitkus was married to my grandmother Stanislava Waitkus. My mother Barbara Gorman remembers Eddie however, I do not. My mom said in his later years he use to work at Grover Cronin’s in Waltham as a shoe salesman. My grandmother use to tell me a story that one night she woke up to see Eddie at the foot of her bed. This was some time after his death. Afraid she begged him to go away. He then left. She went on to tell me after she had some time to absorb what had happened she wished that she never asked him to leave. That's just one of the few stories my grandmother use to tell me. My name is Michelle Gorman daughter of Barbara Gorman. Granddaughter of John and Stanislave Waitkus. My mom would know more. Thanks. |
| Name: | Larry Klein |
| State/Country: | New Jersey |
| E-mail address: | larry.klein@bmwna.com |
| Comments: | I was a protege of Mr. Waitkus when I was a 16 year old kid and he was an instructor at the Ted Williams Baseball Camp in Lakeville MASS in 1966. Mr. Waitkus was a surveyor in the cold months and he spent his summer aI was his banjo hitting fancy Dan fielding first baseman. He was about 50 and he was badgered into grabbing a bat against Billy Travers, a 6'4" sidearming lefty who had some good years with Milwaukee. Mr. Waitkus said he had no great desire to be beaned by some fireballing lefty, and none of us could touch Billy, but damned if he didn't line a double down the RF line against him.
On my day off, he saw me carrying around a copy of Malamud's book. We were in the washroom and he had his shirt off and I was staring at indentations in his back and side. He told me they were where he got shot and he told me to go into Bedford on my day off and look at a Life magazine from 1949 and I would find out all about him. That I was reading The Natural were pure coincidence. I did what he told me and it was there that I learned the story of Eddie Waitkus, Harvard, the war the shooting, the Phillies, Jackie Robinson's dive. I found out later about how his life was haunted by the shooting, and it was only a year later that I learned he had died of cancer. I can tell you only that he was just the nicest guy you would ever want to meet. He was a gentle instructor and a kind man. I admired and looked up to him. At the time of his death I was crushed and I remember him fondly to this day. |
| Name: | Greg Frediani |
| State/Country: | California |
| E-mail address: | frstbse@mac.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.handlebarproductions.net |
| Comments: | Great job. It's always been an interesting story. |
| Name: | Robert Wayne |
| State/Country: | Louisiana/U.S. |
| E-mail address: | ridgerunner72160@bellsouth.net |
| Comments: | Although, I'm a Houston Astros fan as most of us in my region of the country are, I still find the story of Eddie Waitkus quite amazing. I remember reading a book called "The Richie Ashburn Story" about one of Eddie's teammates when he was with the Phillies and there's mention of Eddie coming back from the shooting. However, I had never read up on the shooting in detail like I have on this website. Altogether, a really amazing story and a terrific website. |
| Name: | John Waitekus |
| State/Country: | VT/USA |
| E-mail address: | waitekus4@comcast.net |
| Comments: | My dad, Casmir Joseph Waitekus, who says the name was Vaitkus in Lithuaina and that Waitekus (spelled 5 different ways in just our family alone) has been butchered up over the years. He also told me for years that we had a cousin Eddie Waitkus who played pro ball for the Phillies and was shot in a hotel. He says, Eddie was the son of his Fathers brother (one of several brothers and he couldnt be sure which one. I'am a baseball nut and really enjoyed "The Natrual". I just saw a great show on Eddie Waitkus and learned for the 1st time that he was the inspiration for "The Natrual". WOW If anyone has any family tree info on Eddie I'd love to hear from you. Thanks John Waitekus. |
| Name: | stephen doyle |
| State/Country: | massachusetts |
| E-mail address: | pequoig@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I became a Phillies fan for one "Whiz Kid" year, though I still loved my Bosox. I met Mr. Waitkus during the off season in Melrose, MA. He took time to chat with the pesky kid...me. |
| Name: | Anthony Baxter |
| State/Country: | Tannersville, PA |
| E-mail address: | apbax@ptd.net |
| Comments: | I just recently learned that the movie "The Natural" was actually based on a person's real life story. I am embarrassed tosay that because "The Naturl" is one of my favorite movies of all time. Thanks for the website. I love it. |
| Name: | GS Norman |
| State/Country: | Ca. USA |
| E-mail address: | gsprcards@aol.com |
| Comments: | Wonderful web site. I am a vintage baseball card collector/dealer as well as a huge fan of the movie "The Natural" The stories of the players pictured on the cards are often more fascinating than just batting average and RBIs. Thanks for keeping Eddie Waitkus in our memories. GS |
| Name: | David Ganaway |
| State/Country: | Madison, AL |
| E-mail address: | ganawayd@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Thank GOD for Eddie Waitkus! |
| Name: | Tim Pulcifer |
| State/Country: | California |
| E-mail address: | nowbatting19@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.nowbatting19.com |
| Comments: | I really enjoyed the fact that there is some fan out there who would devote a website to Eddie Waitkus. Most baseball fans probably do not even know who Eddie Waitkus was. Your website is a great introduction to the life of Eddie Waitkus. He should get a lot more attention (witness the devotion to Tony Conigliaro and he was not a combat veteran as Waitkus was). Sure Tony C was a great player, slugger, and what happned to him was tragic. But what about Waitkus? He was a premier first sacker and line drive hitter who served some his prime years fighting in the Pacific. Yeah, he didn't hit a lot of home runs, but really...so what??? I am glad there is a book written about Waitkus and thanks for your enjoyable website. Sincerely, Tim Pulcifer www.nowbatting19.com. |
| Name: | Dan Rhoades |
| State/Country: | Indiana |
| E-mail address: | redeyedwolf@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | A great movie - one of my favorites. Until now, I have never heard of Eddie. What an inspiration! Also, a very nice web site. |
| Name: | HUEY P. COLLINS |
| State/Country: | LOUISIANA, USA |
| E-mail address: | hpc@mobiletel.com |
| Comments: | Just recently saw his story on tv. I remember him well although I had no knowledge that he inspired my favorite baseball movie, The Natural. I pulled for the Phillies cause I was a Yankee fan and I thought the Yankees could beat the Phillies but tougher with the Dodgers. This has been a very enjoyable reading and this site has brought back many memories
o09f my youth as a baseball fan |
| Name: | Richard Kennedy |
| State/Country: | Calif |
| E-mail address: | rckenn@pacbell.net |
| Comments: | Amazing story |
| Name: | Jim Taylor |
| State/Country: | Pennsylvania |
| E-mail address: | americaspac@innernet.net |
| Comments: | When I was growing up in West Philadelphia in the 1950s I had a playmate named Mike Joyce. His father, John St. George Joyce, was a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and wrote one or more stories about Waitkus's shooting. I remember the headline more or less: "Anybody Got a Pill; Heads Hang Low in Phillies Camp." I've looked from time to time on the internet for the story but no luck. Anybody ever see it or know where a copy can be found. |
| Name: | Joseph J Zywicki Jr |
| State/Country: | PA/USA |
| E-mail address: | jjzywicki2@yahoo.com |
| Name: | Heather |
| State/Country: | Ohio USA |
| E-mail address: | Candlegoodies@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I am so happy to have found you...What a nice site. Also, regarding the contest for the baseball cards...say a little prayer for me...boy would I love to give these to my brother as a first father's Day gift. They just found out they are having identical twin boys and it's my birthday today., What a great gift. Anyhow, we've lost both parents and what a great blessing. Your site is nice and I wish everyone luck in the contest also. Take care and thank you for giving me a piece of my childhood back with the simple click of my mouse... |
| Name: | Savannahjane |
| State/Country: | mi. |
| E-mail address: | s-j-thorne2hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.savannahjane.com |
| Comments: | Great site please sign my guestmap or play my games..Savannah Jane |
| Name: | Hugh Ryan |
| State/Country: | Rhode Island |
| E-mail address: | hughryan@cox.net |
| Comments: | For a book I am writing, I am interested in any memoirs or autobiography Eddie Waitkus may have published, or that any of his teammates on the 1950 Phillies may have published. I am also interested in any contemporaneous accounts of his shooting, rehabilitation, and re-entry into Major League baseball. Letters, journals and other unpublished materials are of equal, if not greater, interest. |
| Name: | Ed Waitkus |
| State/Country: | California |
| E-mail address: | waitkused@aol.com |
| Comments: | Same name but not related. I was born in 1955 and my Dad was a baseball fan from the Chicago area (Gary, Ind) but my parents said they named me after King Edward. I wonder.
I hear Waitkus is a common name in Lithuania. I would like to hear from other Waitkus' and Lithuanians. Great site!!! |
| Name: | Tracy Nichols |
| State/Country: | Michigan/USA |
| E-mail address: | tsnooches@netscape.com |
| Comments: | I recently learned that Eddie Waitkus was my grandmother Anne (Waitkus) Ziehm's cousin. I had no idea somebody with such an interesting life was in my family. This website was a great way to "get to know" the story. Thank you! |
| Name: | Michelle Gorman/Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Massachusetts/USA |
| E-mail address: | shedevilrocker@aol.com |
| Comments: | Eddie Was My Great Uncle. Its Nice To See People Remembering Him. Whenever I Mention Him To Someone My Age They Have No Clue As To Who He Is. Lets Remember Him Shall We? I Remember As A Kid My Grandmother Told Me She Married My Grandfather John Waitkus But Always Was Inlove With Eddie. She Said The Day He Died She Saw His "Ghost" At The Foot Of Her Bed. She Asked Him To Go Away Cause She Was Scared. She Always Said She Wishes She Never Asked Him To Go Away. Contact Me At Michelleshedevil@yahoo.com Or Shedevilrocker@aol.com
~Michelle Gorman~ My Grandmother Was Stanislava Waitkus And My Papa Was John Waitkus. |
| Name: | Brian Sosin |
| State/Country: | Chicago, IL |
| E-mail address: | unklepaulie9090@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://myspace.com/briansosin |
| Comments: | My local PBS station ran his story as part of Chicago Tonight. Chicago Tonight is a nightly news programs that look at fiscal policy and social interest stories important to people living in the city. I have traveled far and wide and cannot figure out why other cities don't have shows like this.
That said, I was living in Edgwater on the block where the hotel used to be. I was shocked. Hidden or Forgotten American history. So thoroughly interesting to me. Thank you for the site. |
| Name: | Vincent Geary |
| State/Country: | New York/United States |
| E-mail address: | leftyteacher@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I heard about Eddie Waitkus on the Mets broadcast tonight. A Phillie, Jaysosn Werth, had just gotten his ninth hit in a row, tying the Phillies record, and they named the other Phillies that had done that before. Eddie was one of them. Then Keith Hernandez said that Eddie was the ballplayer that The Natural was based on. I'd never heard of Eddie before.
Thanks so much for having this website available so that I could learn a lot more about Eddie. It's always great to learn some more about the game and about the amazing stories that go on that affect the game in so many ways. |
| Name: | Thomas W. Bateman |
| State/Country: | PA |
| E-mail address: | methodist217@verizon.net |
| Comments: | I was recently looking at a Philadelphia Phillies Book that had everything you wanted to know about the Phillies. Who played for them, all the stats, and all the stadiums they played in. That is how I happened to get interested in Eddie Waitkus. I read about the shooting and was wondering if "The Natural" was about him? I found out it was. |
| Name: | Rich Letarte |
| State/Country: | Massachusetts |
| E-mail address: | lewlwt@verizon.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.gloriousseason.com |
| Comments: | Good site. He was truly a Whiz Kid, albeit an older one. For a follow up with the Whiz Kids and other stars such as Bobby Shantz and Dusty Rhodes, good players with one great season, go to www.gloriousseason.com. check out the Table of Contents and the Preface.
thanks. Rich Letarte |
| Name: | Anthony Verna |
| State/Country: | New York, NY |
| E-mail address: | law@nyctrademarks.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://nyctrademarks.com |
| Comments: | Just visiting. Fun site. |
| Name: | Larry Wood |
| State/Country: | Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada |
| E-mail address: | legwood@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | An incurable baseball fan since the 50's, I'd only heard a bit about Eddie Waikus. Thanks very much for filling me in. It only goes to show that people in the public spotlight can never be certain about the people they encounter. I have known a few obsessed people in my life and they have been frightening. It's a shame that Waitkus' career was effectively ended with that gunshot, that little could be done for him.
It's little wonder that famous people in every walk of life do very well to quite leery of their, 'fans.' Arm's length is the rule of thumb. God Bless Eddie Waitkus |
| Name: | Bob Rattell |
| State/Country: | Baltimore, MD |
| E-mail address: | rrattell@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Grew up in Baltimore and remember seeing Eddie play for the Orioles when I was a kid. Did not know that he had such a tragic life. Wish that it would have been better fo him. |
| Name: | Bruce Morrison |
| State/Country: | Greeneville, TN - USA |
| E-mail address: | bruce12@xtn.net |
| Comments: | I became a baseball fan in 1950. Although I rooted for the Detroit Tigers, I well remember Eddie Waitkus.
We should have more baseball sites like this one. It's a "natural." |
| Name: | Cindy |
| State/Country: | Florida |
| E-mail address: | cucin2@aol.com |
| Comments: | Thanks so much for the birthday greeting. I love your site. |
| Name: | Al Tagliaferro |
| State/Country: | Florida/ISA |
| E-mail address: | AlTag2000@aol.com |
| Comments: | I met Eddie in 1969 at Ted William's Camp, he was my coach in 1971. He never seemed to lose his patience as a coach. I can remember like it was yesterday, when I was 16, him sitting me down and telling me as a left handed pitcher/first baseman, that if I would grow another 5 inches and put on 50 pounds in the next several years I'd be able to right my own ticket. Unfortunately I only grew another inch and gained 10 pounds. But hearing that from a great player like him sure was a thrill for a young boy. |
| Name: | David White |
| State/Country: | New Jersey USA |
| E-mail address: | BLUESSINGER21@AOL.COM |
| Comments: | This is just too much Baseball lore alot of people don't know about!
This site is great and I'll pass this on to all my Baseball people thanks! |
| Name: | Justin Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Massachusetts / United States |
| E-mail address: | Jwake22@aol.com |
| Comments: | Eddie is my great,great uncle. I only heard stories about how good he was at baseball and how a movie (The Natural) was writen about him from my father. I never knew he was as famous as he was. Its so great to see that such a great memorial in the form of a movie and website has been made about him! Thanks |
| Name: | Dan Johnson |
| State/Country: | Ottosen, IA USA |
| E-mail address: | djohnson@trvnet.net |
| Comments: | Subject: Signed Eddie Waitkus Baseball
I have an Official 97 League baseball with a GoldSmith, Cincinnati, Special Services U.S. Army label that was signed and given to my uncle, a Selmer Anderson, 1945 Rizal Stadium, Manila, Phillipines. The message written on the ball is " To Andy, My best relief (unreadable) , Eddie Waitkus. My uncle Selmer was a ball player also when he was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. He passed away recently and my Aunt who had seen me admire this baseball as a kid, gave it to me... Dan Johnson 1615 110 st Ottosen, Iowa 50570 |
| Name: | Chris R. Barley |
| State/Country: | Ohio/USA |
| E-mail address: | barley.chris@lucascubs.org |
| Comments: | Great site! I did some research here when teaching The Natural to my high school juniors. Go Tribe!! |
| Name: | Amanda Cadwell |
| State/Country: | Colorado |
| E-mail address: | agcadwell@gmail.com |
| Comments: | I was just watching the movie, The Natural, and I wanted to see the history of Eddie Watikus because I know his son, Ted, and he told us that this movie was about his dad. What an amazing story! |
| Name: | David Katz |
| State/Country: | San Jose, CA |
| E-mail address: | bob@bob.com |
| Comments: | Thanks for putting together a most interesting and informative sight. |
| Name: | Joesph Vuoso |
| State/Country: | CA |
| E-mail address: | cindyvuoso@sbcglobal.net |
| Comments: | my father told me that Eddie Waitkus was my mother's uncle. How I don't know, I'm still trying to research. My grandfather was Joesph Waitkus he has a daughter, my mother Joan Anella Waitkus. I have been searching for her for twenty years. My twin brother as well as our older brother were taken by our father from Wildwood NJ in the 1960s and brought to California. Any information regarding the family history would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you Joesph "Tim" and Cindy Vuoso |
| Name: | biju abhilash |
| State/Country: | India |
| E-mail address: | Dbabhilash@gmail.com |
| Comments: | Hi
A great Story of great Man Immortalized by Robert Redford, I never knew THE Naturals Was based on the true Story of Eddie Waitkus, Ihappened to come across this site when surfing for Info on The Naturals. A great Man and a Great sportsperson .My admiriation to this great man increased he came back and played baseball after the shooting. What happened to both the Ruth Ann's after this just curious . Great work guys to create a site in memory of a great Human being Biju |
| Name: | Adam |
| State/Country: | Massachusetts |
| E-mail address: | adam_oppedisano@charter.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://webpages.charter.net/adam_oppedisano/waitkus.htm |
| Comments: | Eddie is my great-uncle. I am a collector of his memoribilia and have been for many years. I have items and photos including his childhood, wwii, family and baseball. I am also still in contact with his sister. His life story is amazing and I really appreciate everyone's kind input. |
| Name: | Michael Contos |
| State/Country: | PA United States |
| E-mail address: | ihungjury@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | As a long-time Philadelphia Phillies fan, it was fulfilling to finally read the true account of what inspired the "Natural". Richie Ashburn, a Hall-Of-fame Outfielder who played with Eddie Waitkus as a 1950 Whiz Kid, often speculated whether the book was based on his teammate who helped the surprise team win the Pennant. Ashburn recalled the shooting in Chicago, and praised Waitkus for his contributions on the field. I will have to go back to the scrap books to check out this real life hero. Thanks for the insight. |
| Name: | Debbie Rontey |
| State/Country: | N.C. |
| E-mail address: | starshine-3@carolina |
| Comments: | At the moment I am watching The Natural. I got out of bed to look up info on Roy Hobbs. It is a great movie and he had avery interesting life. This is a great web page with alot of info. Thanks for doing such a great job |
| Name: | shawn waitkus |
| State/Country: | brooklyn ny |
| E-mail address: | cashisking007@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | my father told my brothers and i about eddie waitkus, that we were related. whether we were or not it does not matter to me as i've adopted eddie into my family in a spiritaul sence. i'm an avid collector of all things eddie (cards, ballbats, gloves etc...) i just wanted to express my gratitude to you for creating such an informative web site dedicated to my favorite player of all time. while eddie's numbers were perhaps not good enough for the hall, after reading everything i could find about eddie i think he should be included as part of that "greatest generation". ballplayers who saw there were things bigger than baseball and gave up years of their career for an idea "freedom" . we've recently seen that it still happens,
pat tillman gave up his multi-million dollar contract for something bigger than himself and paid the ultimate price. a true hero,as were all the ballplayers who gladly gave up the rarified air of professional sports to struggle in the streets of europe, mountains of korea,the rice paddies of southeast asia and the desert's of the middle east. their courage and sacrafices have been an inspiration to us all. |
| Name: | Ernie Siegrist |
| State/Country: | Florida, USA |
| E-mail address: | erniesiegrist@prodigy.net |
| Comments: | As a native of Chicago. I watched Eddie play many times. He followed another great Cub 1st baseman Phil Cavaretta. Phil and I had the same baseball coach at Lan Tech in Chicago. The legendary Percu Moore.
|
| Name: | DL Morgan |
| State/Country: | NJ |
| E-mail address: | dlm828828@msn.com |
| Comments: | The '50 Phillies continue to be my favorite team. I began following the team closely in 1946, thus, I remember Eddie well: his grace around first base, his good eye at the plate, and his hustle on every play. Reading John Theodore's biography gave me additional appreciation for the man he was, as an athlete, soldier, father and husband. Thanks for the website, it has been a most pleasant visit. |
| Name: | DEAN LAWLOR |
| State/Country: | Illinois |
| E-mail address: | dinodbl@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I was always moved by the movie,it's star and the music. I had always thought it might have been a distant simile to the Shoeless Joe story but now I know better. Thanks for the history of what seems to be a Dreiser like American Tragedy. |
| Name: | Edna L. King-Miller |
| State/Country: | CA |
| E-mail address: | kingmiller@tcsn.net |
| Comments: | I found this website because The Natural is one of my favorite movies, and I'd really love to win the copy. In turn, I began to read about Eddie Waitkus. I wasn't a baseball fan when he played, but is name sounds familiar, so I'm sure I've heard of him from childhood. His story is very fascinating, and I'm glad to have found out more about him. His life was worth a movie. |
| Name: | Danny Brackett |
| State/Country: | South Carolina |
| E-mail address: | brackettd@mindspring.com |
| Comments: | I pride myself in being more knowledgeable than the average baseball person, however, I will confess I never knew "The Natural" was based on the life of Eddie Waitkus. It is good to know Ruth Anne re-habilitated herself. i am a life-long Red Sox fan and Yankee hater. Thanks for the info. |
| Name: | Terry |
| State/Country: | Houston |
| E-mail address: | tttntx@aol.com |
| Comments: | I don't know what took me to this story, maybe being a Cub fan,The Natural is my favorite baseball movie, or being Born on 6/14/1953 I just amazing how I enjoyed Mr. Waikus story and what a brave man he is. |
| Name: | Paul Dullnig |
| State/Country: | Maryland |
| E-mail address: | pauldullnig@comcast.net |
| Comments: | The Eddie Waitkus story is just one of the reasons baseball is so important and uniquely American. Knowing the story helps explain why I am a Washington Senators fan--even 30 years after they left town. |
| Name: | Ms. Gail McGough |
| State/Country: | Massachusetts, U.S.A. |
| E-mail address: | gmcgough@juno.com |
| Comments: | Having seen "The Natural" many many times, I never knew, until tonight, that the movie was based on Eddie Waitkus. As soon as the movie ended, I looked his history up on the Internet. It doesn't surprise me that Redford chose this part; however, I am glad that I had never read the book as I believe I probably would've been very disappointed in the end. If only real life mirrored the movie. |
| Name: | Jerry lucey |
| State/Country: | Minnesota USA |
| E-mail address: | Luceyjj@Juno.com |
| Comments: | Back in the Forties i met Eddie Waitkus at my Uncle house in Cambridge, Massachusetts , my Uncle also Eddie were good friends when he was in town and had some time off i know when to come and see Eddie Waitkus , when i see the movie at that time i did not know it was a story of Eddie , thinking about the story reminded me of how Eddie Waitkus got shot .
Jerry Lucey |
| Name: | rocky singleton |
| State/Country: | arkansas |
| E-mail address: | rocky_singleton@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | would just like to say that I attended ted williams baseball camp in 1970, and as eddie was my coach, i will never forget him. he was very patient in his coaching and taught me to be the best first baseman i could ever hope to be. regards, rocky |
| Name: | Don Mason |
| State/Country: | CA, USA |
| E-mail address: | dmason5@san.rr.com |
| Name: | cindy hochstrasser |
| State/Country: | ID United States |
| E-mail address: | alanhjr@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.my.tupperware.com/eyowyn |
| Comments: | Hi! I was just curious if you knew Cliff Chambers? He's like a grandfather to me and doesnt get out alot and I was just wondering if he's name that you had heard of. He was a glorious baseball player like yourself and the great ones shouldnt be forgotten!! |
| Name: | Dan Budreika |
| State/Country: | VA |
| E-mail address: | Redsoxfan12341@aol.com |
| Comments: | I am a big baseball Fan! I am also Of lithuanian Desent. thats How I got to know about Eddie waitkus. i am only 14 years old but want to learn more about my heritage. this is a great site i found. I wish I could somehow contact eddie's son or daughter ANYONE. Because my grandparents who migrated over here from lithuania said when they were on the ship they knew some Waitkus's and they had two sons. So if eddie was born in 1919 my Grandma in 1918 and my grandpa in 1915 they would have been around the same age in the 40's when they might have both migrated over here to the USA. So If anyone knows anything about Eddie migrating over here or how I can contact some of his close relatives I would greatly appreciate it! JUST EMAIL ME I AM DYING FOR MORE INFO HERE!!!! |
| Name: | Tim Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Pennsylvania |
| E-mail address: | tw1687@usip.edu |
| Comments: | I just wanted to thank the makers of this site. I am only 20 years old and unfortunately was not able to witness Eddie's greatness. My Grandfather always said that we are related to Eddie, although we have not been able to find a direct relationship. great site! |
| Name: | Larry Paquette |
| State/Country: | Maine/USA |
| E-mail address: | awinnerliveshere@wmconnect.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.freewebs.com/ifieverwin |
| Comments: | Great site. Very interested and sad story. Never realized the connection to the movie. Very glad I stumbled onto this site. Great job. I did not know we had a semi pro team here in Lisbon, Maine which is only 10 minutes from my hometown. I plan to do research on that interesting tip. Thanks for sharing your love of baseball with this fan. |
| Name: | Dick Doyle |
| State/Country: | Las Vegas, NV USA |
| E-mail address: | dickdoyle@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | Great baseball lover's website. I clearly remember Eddie from his Cub-Phillies days and I remember his being shot. The attempt on his life was a shock to every baseball fan. Later, I became a sports writer and after seeing the hangers-on surrounding sports figures of today, I am surprised a similar attack hasn't been repeated.
Thanks to Eddie Waitkus for being a great role model. |
| Name: | Jim Margarita |
| State/Country: | Hampton NH |
| E-mail address: | jimmarg37@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | My father,Bob Margarita,roomed with Eddie Waitkus on the Worumbo Braves. My father later played football for Brown University,and the Chicago Bears. I would love to hear any info concerning the Worumbo Braves |
| Name: | Don Hopkins |
| State/Country: | Las Vegas/USA |
| E-mail address: | Hoppytoo@earthlink.net |
| Comments: | At the age of sixteen I spent the summer of 1946 in Chicago. I went to as many Cub games as possible. I was dazzled by the play of Eddie Waitkus at first base during infield warm-ups. I can still picture in my mind the style and grace of Eddie Waitkus.
Don |
| Name: | David Edwards |
| State/Country: | PA |
| E-mail address: | kevsports7@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Hi, there! Long live the Philies & A's |
| Name: | Diane Muller |
| State/Country: | Bucks Co.,PA |
| E-mail address: | baby@voicenet.com |
| Comments: | Thanks for this website. Enjoyed reading comments about Eddie Waitkus. I spent many a happy day at Shibe Park, loved the Whiz Kids, and Eddie was my favorite player. He was the epitome of grace at 1st base, just the greatest. It was such a tragic thing that happened to him. Will get the book about him and the movie The Natural. Liked that film a lot, but my favorite movie of all time is Field of Dreams. |
| Name: | Mike Marmer |
| State/Country: | Germantown, MD |
| E-mail address: | mlmarmer@msn.com |
| Comments: | Great website, as I learned of Eddie Waitkus, through a favorite folk singer, Chuck Brodsky, who wrote a song about him and other people in baseball, including Moe Berg, Doc Ellis, (piteching a no hitter on LSD!), Fred Merkle, Richie Allen and Max Patkin, Eddie Klepp and one probably about Steve Carlton, but he doesn't mention his name.
Chuck has some other great songs, especially Radio, a true story. Go to www.chuckbrodsky.com and click on Lyrics for the words to the song about Eddie Waitkus. Many of his songs you can listen to, but not the song about Eddie Waitkus. The song is on his Baseball CD. You listen to the one about Doc Ellis!!! The song about Whitey and Harry are former radio broadcasters for the Phillies. Mike Marmer |
| Name: | Cheryl Levee |
| State/Country: | Florida, USA |
| E-mail address: | leveesofla@aol.com |
| Comments: | My dad died last year, and in his things was a baseball ticket for the 1950 all-stars game in Chicago. On the back of the ticket was a signature, Eddie Waitkus, at 1st I thought perhaps it was the name of someone that was supposed to meet him at the game & never showed up. But my husband suggested maybe it was a player. What a surprise after checking the name on the internet, and finding out who it was. If anyone has any interest in buying it, you can email me. |
| Name: | Jim Simmons |
| State/Country: | Florida |
| E-mail address: | flastyk@webtv.net |
| Comments: | Interesting reading, although a very sad story. I wish Eddies life could have had the Hollywood ending.
I see Ruth Ann was released in 1951 or so, do you know what ever became of her???? |
| Name: | Bud Sherlock |
| State/Country: | Fernandina Beach FL |
| E-mail address: | medu1031@net-magic.net |
| Comments: | I was working as a bell captain in a Philadelphia hotel
called Chancellor Hall when I first met Eddie he was living there during the season. We became friendly and occasionally go out for a beer and talk about baseball and girls.. I remember he roomed with Bill Nicholson, I was only about 19 and they used to kid me about my girl friends. He became my all time favorite ball player, not only was he a damned good ball player but he was a terrific guy. He and Nick used to kid about having to wait until they were old timers to become WHIZ KIDS. Bud Sherlock |
| Name: | Bud Sherlock |
| State/Country: | Fernandina Beach FL |
| E-mail address: | medu1031@net-magic.net |
| Comments: | I was working as a bell captain in a Philadelphia hotel
called Chancellor Hall when I first met Eddie he was living there during the season. We became friendly and occasionally go out for a beer and talk about baseball and girls.. I remember he roomed with Bill Nicholson, I was only about 19 and they used to kid me about my girl friends. He became my all time favorite ball player, not only was he a damned good ball player but he was a terrific guy. He and Nick used to kid about having to wait until they were old timers to become WHIZ KIDS. Bud Sherlock |
| Name: | Robin (Waitkus) |
| State/Country: | Michigan/US |
| E-mail address: | robirc@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://pub116.ezboard.com/bsixxxssuite |
| Comments: | Eddie Waitkus was my father's (Joseph Charles Waitkus') cousin, thus making Eddie my second cousin. I remember the newpaper clipping my father kept about the shooting. I never really knew the whole story. Thank you for enlightening me. My siblings and I are always interested in information about our family. |
| Name: | Lauren Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Philadelphia, PA |
| E-mail address: | s2lmwait@mail1.vcu.edu |
| Comments: | I never knew that Eddie Waitkus had a website. My younger brother just showed it to me. Wow it is cool to know that someone in my family has a website to them! I know that we are not very close related, but my father about 5 years ago talked to one of his close family members is Colorado. I would love to find out more about my family!
|
| Name: | Crystal Fortuna |
| State/Country: | USA |
| E-mail address: | crytuna@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | WOW.....This is really a great website. I knew who Eddie Waitkus was but I didn't know the whole story. I also didn't know the movie THE NATURAL was based on him. I remember the 90210 episode too. Thank you so very much for making this site available. I will be telling others about this site also. Again THANK YOU !!! |
| Name: | Dick Enstad |
| State/Country: | Wi |
| E-mail address: | enstaddick@charter.net |
| Comments: | I happened upon John Theodore's new book while listening to Milt Rosenburg's radio show on Chicago's WGN. I have seen the movie many times over mostly on our summer baseball tours by bus. It gave me chills to hear it was based, in part, on the life of Eddie Waitkus.
I remember Eddie Waitkus and the unfortunate incident in Chicago but did not know the details. I was a big fan of the 1950 Whiz Kids and once wrote a fan letter to second baseman Mike Goliat. As a lifetime second baseball (almost) he was my big hero. I never received a reply. I have ordered the Theodore book and look forward reading the life story of Eddie--a true American hero. |
| Name: | richard moses |
| State/Country: | ga |
| E-mail address: | rmoses42@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | eddie waitkus played semi pro ball in lisbon falls maine when he was still in high school.he played for the worumbo indians.this team finished seventh one year and eleventh another at the wichita ks national tournament.the team was sponserd by the worumbo mills makers of fine woolens.my father ,oliver moses, was president. my brother and myself were batboys.we both remember eddie well.i later played pro ball in the boston braves minor league system and remember talking to eddie at braves field in 1947 when he was with the cubs and was about to sign with the braves.in 1953 i talked to eddie in waycross ga while was with the jacksonville team of the sally league and philadelphia was playing an exibition game on the way home to start the season.eddie was well liked in lisbon falls and remembered. i have a picture of eddie when he played for worumbo.my brother remembers being with our father when he drove to melrose ma to drive eddie to maine. |
| Name: | Ed Motuzas |
| State/Country: | Martha's Vineyard |
| E-mail address: | Headlyk@aol.com |
| Comments: | Eddie Waitkus was my grandmothers cousin. She is also from Cambridge MA. I remember stories from my grandfather growing up about Eddie and the woman who shot him. My father always went to see him play against the Braves. This is a great tribute to him |
| Name: | Pete Costulas |
| State/Country: | Connecticut, U.S.A. |
| E-mail address: | Pfsperco@aol.com |
| Comments: | I served with Eddie during World War II with the 4th
Engineer Special Brigade in the South Pacific. As a catcher, I played three games against his battalion team. Once I was directly in back of him in the chow line and remember he had such a beautiful swimmer's build (we were usually shirtless). Enjoy this site very much. I regret I never spoke with him. |
| Name: | rick kaplan |
| State/Country: | arizona |
| E-mail address: | tornadoes4@aol.com |
| Comments: | I am the guy who mentioned Eddie "Mixus" to the correcting brother following the attack on the Royals' first base coach Tom Gamboa the other day. Despite myself and the enormous amount of work I have to do, your very nicely written site successfully sucked me in and I ended up reading every delicious word. Thanks. |
| Name: | Edward Kaplan |
| State/Country: | NY, USA |
| E-mail address: | edkap@optonline.net |
| Comments: | Interesting site! I knew that Eddie Waitkus was shot and that The Natural was loosely based on the incident, but I really didn't know the details of the events. The reason I went to your site is that my brother and I were discussing fan violence in baseball after the recent attack by a father and son on the Royals' first base coach in Chicago, and my brother said something to the effect that he thought The Natural was based on a real incident that occurred with a player named Eddie Mixus. I knew it was Waitkus, and corrected him, but now I wanted to know the details so I searched on Google for some info on Waitkus. |
| Name: | jerome frank |
| State/Country: | ma/usa |
| E-mail address: | debkatie66@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Could you inform me of the exact location of his grave? Isn't it ironic that Bernard Malamud is buried a few miles from Waitkus' boyhood home in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA? |
| Name: | Darrel Holvick |
| State/Country: | co |
| E-mail address: | kholvick@msn.com |
| Comments: | I'am good friends with Eddie Waitkus son, Ted Waitkus a very well known Lawyer in Boulder,CO. |
| Name: | Kelsey Waitkus |
| State/Country: | America |
| E-mail address: | Kelsey0403@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://none |
| Comments: | Hi,
I am the third cousin of Eddie Waitkus. I'm twelve years old, and I've only just learned about him today. It makes me proud to know that I'm related to him. I wish that he wasn't shot though, it would've of been nice to meet him someday. -Kelsey |
| Name: | Jesús Sánchez Fuentes |
| State/Country: | Mexico |
| E-mail address: | jjsf@rocketmail.com |
| Comments: | I grew up in Chicago, Il. during the mid fifties and mid sixties before moving back to mexico City with my parents.
Until this day I'm a loyal Cub fan. When the movie The Natural was released, it became one of my baseball movie favorites. I have to admitt that until today, I had always thought that it was just a movie. Finding out that it was inspired by a true baseball player has had great impact on me. I have the movie at home and I will surely see it again. I'm sure I will enjoy watching the movie again, but now with a different perspective. What thrills me the most is that my heart will watch it with true joy because it will capture again the love for the game that I'm sure Eddie Waitkus had. He is as of now in my personal Baseball Hall of Fame. Congratulations for the proud family he left behind. Saludos! Jesús Sánchez Mexico City |
| Name: | christopher waitkus |
| State/Country: | N.H. |
| E-mail address: | chriskay29@msn.com |
| Comments: | eddie waitkus was my great uncle along with my brother ron and I am glad to see a web site in honor of him |
| Name: | Ronald J. Waitkus II |
| State/Country: | New Hampshire / USA |
| E-mail address: | GinRon1996@aol.co, |
| Comments: | Eddie Waitkus was my great uncle and I am pleased with the accuracy and care that you have taken in presenting the story of his life.
Thanks for doing a fine job. |
| Name: | Daniel Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Oklahoma, U.S. |
| E-mail address: | dwaitkus@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Hey i am related to eddie in some way, and just wanted to say that this site is awesome and that i am on the path to becoming the next pro baseball player from the Waitkus family (I hope and pray any way!). |
| Name: | Reg Jones |
| State/Country: | Vermont/USA |
| E-mail address: | regjones@juno.com |
| Comments: | I moved to suburban Philadelphia in 1947 when I was beginning first grade. I had learned baseball from my grandfather in Bennington, Vermont, where the old Northern League had a minor league team. Players who came out of that league include Chuck Connors and Robin Roberts. My father took me to many games at Shibe Park, and I can still name the entire starting lineup of the 1950 Whiz Kids. This is a fine site and a nice tribute to a good baseball player. |
| Name: | Cindy Meyers |
| State/Country: | Illinois |
| E-mail address: | jdmeyers@rochelle.net |
| Comments: | Read The Natural in Mythology class. I had seen the movie a few times. I didn't know it was based on a real person until my teacher told us. Needed to do a research paper and I thought Eddie Waitkus would be a great one to research. Thanks. |
| Name: | jim nolan |
| State/Country: | Gulfport, Mississippi, USA |
| E-mail address: | thebo2@bellsouth.net |
| Comments: | I was born in 1935, and grew up in the Cincinnati area. I listened to the Reds play on the radio, and their wonderful announcer Waite Hoyt told many interesting stories during rain delays, and one of them was about Eddie Waitkus. I did not know he inspired the movie The Natural, which is one of my all time favorite movies. Thanks for your very interesting and informative site. |
| Name: | Larry Palletti |
| State/Country: | Atlanta, Georgia |
| E-mail address: | larry@palletti.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.palletti.com |
| Comments: | Thanks for the great memories. I was a 12-year-old kid in 1949, an avid Phillies fan, and Eddie Waitkus was my favorite ballplayer. When news came of the shooting in Chicago, I pulled out Eddie's "Exhibit" card and propped it up on my dresser where it stayed for months, until he was back with the team. (I had mixed emotions over that picture, because it showed him in a Cubs uniform.) In the first days after the shooting, I cried a lot of tears over Eddie Waitkus -- he was at the center of what was probably the first real emotional crisis of my youth. I've always felt that Eddie deserved a much better deal than he got from life.
My thanks for a fine tribute. |
| Name: | Paul Waitkus |
| State/Country: | massachusetts |
| E-mail address: | waitkus@adelphia.net |
| Comments: | Eddie was born in east cambridge massachusetts and so was my father and I . I met Eddie with my father at the lithuanian club in east cambidge. Eddie was of Lithuanian decent |
| Name: | Paul Waitkus |
| State/Country: | Massachusetts |
| E-mail address: | paul.waitkus@totaltec.com |
| Comments: | Eddie Waitkus is my fathers (Also named Paul) uncle. I have heard through out my life what a great ball player he was and that the movie "The Natural" was based on his life. I love the web site and all the information you have compiled. Keep up the great work |
| Name: | Bill Morrow |
| State/Country: | Virginia |
| E-mail address: | billmorrow@eudoramail.com |
| Comments: | Thank you for the interesting story and photographs. As a young boy growing up in Iowa, I remember Eddie Waitkus as a member of the Chicago Cubs, and how their play-by-play braodcaster--Bert Wilson--vividly described his talents and play. I remember how surreal it seemed when I read the June 15, 1949 Sports Section of the DES MOINES REGISTER to learn than he had been shot by, as it turned out, a deranged admirer. This website is an outstanding tribute to an outstanding baseball player who had the misfortune, as do many of us, of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. |
| Name: | Steve Potter |
| State/Country: | CO. |
| E-mail address: | sipotter01@aol.com |
| Comments: | I am a baseball and just wanted info on a great player |
| Name: | Karen Bestal |
| State/Country: | kbestal3@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://Awsome site !!! I love the game of baseball and I saw the movie The Natural but I did not know it was about a real ball player. I guess you're never to old to learn. Thanks for providing all this information. |