The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-12-28
Los ANGELES
TIMES HONORS
20 ATHLETES
Especial to The Democracy

Los Angeles, Dec. N-Amidst the
glamour of huge sportsman's ban
quet, held at the Biltmore Bowl,
Monday night, in Los Angeles. 81 OF
the nations outstanding athletes
and important contributors to sports
accomplishments were signally rec
ognized. The Sterling Silver Los An
geles Times Annual Sports Award
medallions, emblematic of high hon.
or, were awarded during the eve
ming.
Surrounded by sports notables,
sports-minded stars of stage, screen
and radio, prominent citizens, mill
tary leaders, the mayor and other
civic leaders, many of the athletes
received their honors in person. The
others were awarded their honors
through alternates representing each
one.
The Selection Board, composed of
Grantland Rice, Ellsworth Vines,
Dean Cromwell, Bill Schroeder and
Times sports editor, Braven Dyer,
announced their choices after ex-
haustive analysis Of nominations
from every field of sport. In every
case the 1943 award was based upon
brilliant achievement, unusual &C
complishment within sports, or for
some outstanding contribution to
sports interests.
Honored with special awards were,
Amos Alonzo Stage, "as coach of the
year., U. S. Navy Commander Tom
Hamilton for his urendiug activities
the interests of Intercollegiate
and May a. - IS and to Perry T..
Jones, patron saint of California
tennis, for constructive attention to
the development of tennis and
young, aspiring players.
Gave a Million
Giving heed to the Importance of
sports as a contributor to the rails
ing Of funds for War Relief, the
! Selection Board recognized the vi
| tai activities of President William
P. Kyne, of Bay Meadows track.
Through the efforts Of Kyne, more
than 100000 in cash was donated
through this racing plant.
The aggressive Ned Irish was CIV
en- a special award because of his
efforts in the interests of basketball,
through tournaments staged under
his direction at Maison Square Gar
den, New York. Baseball was recog-
nized by special award to the Los
Angeles Baseball Club with Presi-
dent Clarence Rowland accepting
the token. The Angels were honored
| for their record winning streak
heads up play, and the uplift the
Rowland club has given to Pacific
Coast baseball.
Top names in competitive athletics
included Spud Chandler, of the N
Y. Yankees, George L. Senesky, st
Josephs, Philadelphia basketball
player for brilliant play in 1943 ano
to Byron Nelson. pro golfer, for his
tenacious qualities in match play.
Bookings honored star was little
Manuel Ortiz, Mexican youth who
holds the bantam crown and has de.
Tended his title whenever challenged
Slingin' Sammy Baugh, Washing.
ton Redskins, received the award fol
the professional football with Angelo
Bertelli, now in the U. S. Marines
for his marvellous quarterbacking In
his last season with Notre Dame.
Alan Ford, Of Yale, received the
mems swimming award; the award
for women swimmers went to Ann
Curtis, of San Francisco. Tennis
likewise drew two awards, Lieut.. Joe
Hunt in the mems class, with the
unconquerab.e Pauline Betz getting
the women's award.
Bowling's stellar light, Ned Day
was honored for his great work in
the sport, with another middle west
erner, Joseph Platak given the award
for the game of handball.
Not to overlook the followers OF
Issac Walton. the fisherman's NOM
inee, Dick Miller, Californian, re-
ceived the Times award for achieve
ment in the def art of fly casting.
Bob Hope made the presentations
for the Times Annual Sports Award
event, with his pal, Bling Crosby
alongside to help.