davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

l942, with a batting average of .381, he moved up to the Southern League and played with the Mem phls team through the 1e43 and 1944 seasons. There he established re- cords that might well be envied by ball players, who are physically whole. Last season he led the Southern Association as a base stealer with 68 to credit. His batting average of .333-"one for three" throughout the season-included 5 homerS, 9 triples and q doubles with 60 runs driven in.
 Gray was originally a right-hand CT, but with the loss of his right arm he made his left arm doubly useful. So he bats from the first base side of the plate, uses a long. slender bat which he yields with tremendous wrist power. After catching ball he slides the gloved left hand over across the chest to the right arm pit With the glove tucked under the stub of the right arm, the ball rolls into the bare left hand ready to be thrown and It gets away in hurry! Pete takes a most healthy attitude toward his game. one of the reasons undoubt- edly for his outstanding success. He has repeatedly refused offers to appear in exhibition games with amateur and semi-pro teams, usual ly at the sacrifice of substantial fees. In substance, he expresses the reason for his refusal something like this: T am ball player. not a freak to be exhibited hither and yon. want to hold my place on my ability to play ball, not because someone hires me out of pity or as an act of charity. When I can't earn my way as ball player and noth- ing else, then I'm through"
 With such platform, at the age of 28, we expect him to star with the St. Louis Browns this season as he has done on other teams on his way up.
 Lieutenant Shepards and Pete Gray's successes are cited merely as an example of what physically handicapped ex-service men can do and what thousands are doing in various fields of sports to carry on as usual despite what at first seem- ed unsurmountable obstacles. We salute them all"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Herr SchmeIing Is Dead Again, But One Report Must Be Grossly Exaggerated

ger to the boiling point. He ragged up to OLeary and parked: You wait and see-I will get out of this place!"
 Suddenly Herr Moxie made dash for rifle some distance away. Without hesitation OLeary lifted his rifle and fired. Schmel- ing fell dead. alter OIeary re- ported to superiors that Schmeling had been warned, that he had tried to seize gun, that he was shot in Self-defense.
 Private OLeary of Australia swears his story is true.
 Lt.-Col. Howard c. Greer of the 30th has equal faith in the St. Lo. version, for he saw the body of well built German, with Schmel- lng's dog tag attached.
 It appears that Max Schmeling is the deadest German who ever pulled on Nazi uniform.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Crosby 70 Loser At Torrinqton

Crosby, hoping to "get back in the ball game" when it meets up with Bill Tracy's LeavenWorth lads on the baseball diamond at Muni- cipal Stadium Saturday, was the victim of a seven run sl.utout at Torrington yesterday. Torrington scored in the first, third and seventh innings while Crosby, despite six hits could not score, though it had run on third base in the ninth when Plea triplad.
 Tolrington now has won four val ley league games, and undefeated with Ansonia next in line with 3-l standing. The Copper City club won easily from Watertown yesterday 8 to 3 in Ansonia, Bano allowing but four hits, two each by Kielty and Wilcock
 Cheshire Academy was submerged 9-1 yesterday by Plainville High de- spite the best efforts of Pope and Carmen Mele on the mound; but six Cheshire errors told the story.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
By AL VERMEER NEA Staff COrresnondent

New York-PVt. Jack OIeary must have gulped with surprise when he read that Max Schmeling had been found dead in the ruins of St. To by men of the American 30th Division.
 All this time Private OLeary was under the impression that the former heavyweight champion and Nal paratrooper had been dead three years. He got this idea, says the Australian, because he himself fired the shot which sent Schmeling sprawling into the dust of prison camp on Crete during the Na1 conquest of that Grecian island.
 AS OLeary tells it, the bat tie of Crete was faring at it's hot test pitch when the Maoris herded prisoners into camp There was a wave of excitement when one of the prisoners showed facial re- semblance to Schmeling. His papers and Identification disc were taken from him, and sure enough this was the man Wilo had sent Joe Louis toppling to the canvas in an American ring.
 He turned out to be a very un- pleasant and ill-tempered guest" /" said O'Leary. Not only did he snarl and snap at guards, of which was one, but he was equally un- civil to fellow captives. Always sulking. He spoke good English and some of the fellows baited him with questions about his re- turn fight with Louis, in which Louis knocked him out in Round One. Schmeling refused to discuss it. He kept saying we couldn't hold him, that sooner or later he would escape.
 "One day Schmeling made break for freedom" recounted OLeary, warned not to try it again. Thereupon he moved to where OLeary was posted. The two be- gan nagging at each other.
 OLeary pointed to a scar on Schmeling's face, remarked: T suppose Louis put that there!"
 This inflamed Schmeling's an-
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Onofrio, Snow At Areno Friday

New Haven, Mary 3. - The pair ing of Al Onofrio of Watertovn and Bobby Snow of Waterbury in four rounder as the S:30 opener completes the 34-round boxing card to be pre- sented at the Arena here tomorrow night.
 The card is unique in that three ten-rounders are featured. Berry Wright of Cleveland 21-staright winner since turning pro, meets Jimmy Taylor, New York Welter- weight; Tommy Brandino of Prov idence and Hamilton, Ontario) faces Tom Collins, New Haven welter- weight; and Julio DeJesus of Puerto Rica and Joie A'legelo of Philadel- phia, lightweights, will be seen in the ten rounders.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Giant Outfelder Hangs" Himself Dail,
NOVA FAVORED
 OVER EAGLE AT
 BOSTON TON|TE

Boston, May 3 - CU.P) - Lou Nova of Los Angeles, who'd been storming his way through the heavyweight ranks for half-dozen years. makes his New England de- but here tonight when he battles Charley Eagle of Waterbury, Conn, in a 10-round bout at Mechanics building.
 Not since Champion Joe Louis fought Al Mccoy here in 1940 has this city that spawned two worlds champions in the class seen top ranking heavyweight in action and gratifying turnout of fans was ex- pected.
 Admittedly this will not be the same Nova who developed yogi punch to go six rounds with Louis for the title in pre-war days. But the blond bombshell from the West Coast was expected to be installed a favorite over Eagle, a 25-year-old Polish American farmer who holds the New England heavyweight crown.
 Eagle Could Win
 In his last fight some six weeks ago, Nova battled Joe Baksi in Madison Square Garden and drop ped split decision after sustain ing an eye-cut that required six titches. It is this wound plus Novas lackadaisical training routine that gives zest to the theory in some quarters that Eagle can come through with a win.
 A former football player at the University of California. Novas record includes wins in the past over such heavyweight hopefuls as Maxie Baer, Tommy Farr and Bob Pastor. During his comeback cam paign in recent months he piled up some 20 wins before facing Baksi.
 Eagles record is impressive main ly in that he has never been down or ont in 70-O6I fioiotc
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
ONE-ARM BASEBALL STAR

Another inspiring and notable ex- ample of overcoming a physical handicap is Pete Gray, scheduled to play the outfield this season for the American League champion St. Louis rowns. When Gray was six years old he fell off vehicle and crushed his right arm so severely that it had to be amputated above the elbow. During his early boyhood days he filled in on sandlot teams of his neighborhood, and with only half as many arms and hands as his playmates he found that he could do about as well as they did.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
In Chi

Chicago, May 3. - (UP) - Sen- ator A. B. (Happy) Chandler, base balls new commissioner, arrived to- day to visit the office from where the late Kenesaw M. Landis ruled the gabe for the past g years.
 Chandler was expected to discuss with Leslie O'Connor. Landis former Secretary-treasurer. the feas- ibility of moving the commissioner office to Cinciirati, Ohio. and to set a definite date on which he will officially take office.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

T n a t aroused his ambition to go further in t h e sport. So he be- gan to study and to develop what t e c h n i q ue he needed to take the place of the m i ssin g arm. Records prove how well he suc- ceeded.
 After becoming the c h a m D o Il b a t S m an of the Canadian -Aneri- nov, T .
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
White Sox Not For Sole

Chicago, May 3. UP) Mrs Grace R. Coniskey, president of the Chicago White SoX, said today there was mo truth whatsoever" in the report that Prisedent Bill Veeck Of the Milwaukee brewers was orge'i- izing a syndicate to purchase the sox. The soX are definitely not for Sale," she said
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

For a license to conduct rur'ling horse race meeting at Suffolk Downs.
 The application filed yesterday with the commission requested per- mission for a 60-dsy meeting be- tween May IA and October 3l, 1945. on days to be assigned by the com mission.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
STANDING
Valley League Standing
Walsh Blanks
 Champs By 11-O

Surprises are coming With ln- creasing regularity in local school boy competition, despite the early season; the latest an 11-0 shut-out of Slocum by Walsh in the Public School League yesterday. Slocum happens to be defending league champs; hence the surprise, not that the far north end team was defeated, but rather the shut-out route and an eleven run margin.
 Driggs got three hit pitching from Contadini to win 5-1 over Merri- man; Chase defeated Duggan 8 to 3 and Sprague, with five run sec ond inning, coasted to a 7-2 win over Webster.
 Sciaretta, Walsh pitcher, had the Slocum batters well in hand all the way, giving up but three hits and sending 15 back to the bench on third strikes. The winners, coached by Larry DeMaida, got an even dozen hits of MackieWitz.
 Both Boys Good
 Good pitching on both sides feat ured the Sprague-WebSter game, Clark coming through for the Wa tervillanS with a two-hit job while his rival Krawchuk of Webster gave but three hits However Fappiano Whacked a Sprague homer good for three runs in the second inning, when the eventual winners got five markers which iced the game.
 Greatorex, Chase pitcher, gave but two hits and hit hard when he came to bat against Cleary of Duggan. Scores:
 Slocum ........ 900 900 co 33 Walsh ........, 005 006 XII 12 2 Sciaretta and Tarullo; Maskie- vitz and Gentle. Umpire Scully. Driggs ............. 103 O1x-5 Merriman ......... 900 100-1 3 Contaldini and Carbo; Souci, Por- to t4 and Velesky. Umpire Nick Tolomeo.
 H. s, Chase ........ 24O O2-S72 Duggan ............. 210 00-3 2 5 Greatorex and Lewis; Cleary and A. Mastri. Umpire Barone.
 r h e Sprague .......... l50 0lX-7 3 0 Webster ............ 001 001-2 2 Clark and Margiotta; Krawchuk and McDaniel. Umpire Evon.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Rocinq

Boston. May 5. (UP) - The State Racing Commission will hold public hearings Monday in Boston ard Revere in the application of the Eastern Racing Association, Inc.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
LIT. SHEPARD LOSES LEG, WINS
 BIG LEAGUE BERTH

Members of our armed forces who have suffered the loss of certain physical elements will be cheered at what It. Bert Shepard has done on the road back to normal and ac- tive life. The Lieutenant while pilot ing a P-38 Fighter was shot down over Germany and taken prisoner.
 On this last engagement with the enemy his right leg was badly shat tered that amputation below the knee was necessary. He was eventu- ally repatriated, returned to his na- tive land, and for months was a patient at the Walter Reed Hospital at Washington.
 During Shepard's long convales- cent period, his active mind and dauntless ambition refused to per- init shadow of the outlook of spending the rest of his life as a cripple. Before his induction into military service, he played profes- slonal ball as a pitcher and in- fielder in minor leagues. The game was in his blood and he felt he just couldn't give up. He didn't!
 After becoming accustomed to his artificial leg he started toying with the game again. He learned to place more reliance on his good left leg, using the right as substantial sup port. Eventually he practiced with the Washington Senators, serving as a batting practice pitcher. His work attracted the attention of owner Clark Griffith, who signed Shepard as a coach but assured the Lieutenant that he would be given an opportunity to pitch or play in regular league games. Shepard re- gently pitched full nine innings in an exhibition game and showed remarkably well as a pitcher and as fielder of his position. Speed as player? Not bad! He rounds the bases in 20 seconds, only 4 seconds under the average player. And he clips off 100 yards in 14 seconds. Can you beat him with two good legs
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Fights Last Night
(By United Press)

Paterson. N. J.-Cocoa Kid. 159 1-2, New Haven, Conn.,, stopped Joe Reddick. 155 1-2. Paterson, N. J..
 Chciago-Joe Baksi, PIE, kulp- mont. Pa, outpointed Larry Lane. 135. Newark. N. J.. (10). --..
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Happy Tries To Be Both Fish and Fowl on Racing
 By DAN PARKER

AS LONG Happy making g basebas estangd friend long he should all the his Happy umpires and ball players their the next breath put for the his the could
  missioner Landis players and unpe what to do their Reading that himself while written tag line "and it's nobody business do They've always done it they always will Landi withsanding
 Umpires keep prize fights although they will gambling
  out isn't clear
 make him the Iand although movad from the track self didn't ding off the diamond It became obsession with the had apprecabe effect ball off day wrestling with the Iron Men.
 That honesty Bill Ken improve for nigh onto half century called before Landis missioner looking responsibility the said in hurt voice. Bill hear you've been going "only always paid off 100 the dollar
 spoke subject and Kem has played the whenever 
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 q ['lIIIte5
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
NATIONAL LEAGIE

NATIONAL LEAGUE Boston CBarret lib at Brooklyn payis 2-D.
 New York (Feldman POD al Philadelphia (Schanz 0-2). St. Louis (Wilks 1-D at Fits. burgh (Roe l-D.
 Cincinnati Heusser 2-0) at Chi. cago (Wyse ID.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
k'(SSizAMNb}' Siz M}'
AMERICAN LEAGUE
' Yesterday'S Results

Yesterday'S Results New York 6, Philadelphia Boston 4, Washington Detroit ?, Chicago Cleveland at St. Louis (night, not included)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
ThSSp0rting World
 By JOHN A. CLUNEY
Where There's A Will, Etc.
JOHN A. CLUNEY

Much has been written to date since the opening of the 1945 base ball season, about two of the "gameSt" guys in uniform-one of them having changed U. s. Army airman's uniform for a big league suit owned by the Washington Sen ators. However, here is the best piece have yet seen, relative to Bert Shepard and Pete Gray, one with leg missing, the other minus his right arm above the elbow. It's from the monthly MacGregor- Gold Smith sports sheet published by the nationally famous sporting goods house; and is particularly recom- mended for your reading at this time:
 In all the category of sports there is nothing more stimulating, noth- ing more inspiring, nothing that does more to counteract defeatist attitude, than to see t heights. to which some handicapped athletes have risen through sheer courage and determination alone. Left less than physically whole, it would be easy and natural for them to as- sume the mental position that "It's no use": I'm all through; "If others with all their physical equip ment can't make the grade, what chance have I?" And so on. But when the spirit is there, backed by the ambition and will to go places, the lack of some of the equipment nature intended them to have is not enough to defeat them.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

Bowen, Workman, Kluttz. 2B Holmes. Stanky. owen. Nieman, Ga Ian. Sac.-Mack ?. DP-Owen and Hart; Stanky, Basinski and Galan. Andrews ,, Lombardi 6. SO-An- drews 3, Lombradi 6. SO-Andrews 2. Lombardi {. Hits-Lombardi. in innings; King. 0 In 1. Loser Lombardi. Empires - Magerkurth. stewart, Dunn and Henline. Time -o.1r
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Games TOmOrrs
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Yesterdays Results Toronto ', Newark 5 Buffalo :. Syracuse 6 (Only games scheduled)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
NATIONAL LEAGUE
YeSterdny'S Res

Yesterdays Results Boston 2, Brooklyn 1 New York 2. Philadelphia 8 St. Louis 1, Pittsburgh 2 GsD Pittsburgh II, St. Louis (2nd) Cincinnati at Chicago (rain)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

Games Today Philadelp at Yankee Stadium Chicago at Detroit (Only games scheduled)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
DODGERS

lOldIS J3 l ~ II a-Batted for Hart in Sth
 b-Batted for Basinski in 8th x-Durrett awarded first base on by Kluttz
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Standing

.. Games Today Boston at Ebbets Field New York at Philadelphia St. Louis at Pittsburgh Cincinnati at Chicago
 Games Tomorrow Boston at New York Brooklyn at Philadelphia Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Probable Pitchers
 (By United Press)
AMERICAN LEAGUE

AMERICAN LEAGUE Philadelphia (NeWsom 12) al New York (Dubiel 1-D. Chicago Uee lib at Detroit (Newhouser 1-2).
 (Only games scheduled)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Gnn,ea Tnp

Cleveland at Chicago St. Louis at Detroit Philadel. at Washington (nighD. New York at Boston
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

BRAVES 200 OOO O1 O-3 DODGERS % GOO % O-l
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

YETERDAYS STAR-Al Benton of the Tigers, whose four-hit, 2 to l win over the White Sox gave him three victories in which he has yielded total of only one run ano 10 hits.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

Clark and Margiotta; Krawchuk and McDaniel. Umpire Evon.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03
Boys Club Prizes To 80 Winners

Waterbury Boys Club members who have displayed outstanding performances, general good charac- ter and sportsmanship were honor ed last night, about 80 of them. with awards by the club, through Direc- tor William Johnson who made
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-03

included)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-29
Natalie MaNtinO Married To-day

Miss Natalie Mautino, daughter Of John Mautino, 22i Riverside St., OakYille and Sgt, simon Deseoteaux, son of Mrs. Bertha Descoteaux, Pythian avenue, Watertown, were married this morning ct St. Mary MagdaleRs church, OakVille, ct 9 o'clock, Rev. Thomas D. Mcdarry officiated ct the ceremony and at the nuptial Mass that followed. Miss Maude Donahue was organist. The bride was attired in an ivory satin, princess gown with train, . fingertip tulle veil fastened to 0 halo of orange blossoms, and ear- ied . white prayer book marked with on orchid,
 Mrs. Eva Dorr, sister of the bride, was matron of honor, and wore a coral faillo gown, with Bhirred sleeves and neeklire. Her halo Of cut flowers was fastened to q blue veil, Mir, DeseoteauX was attended by Sgt Philip Kowalski, hB bfother-in.laW,
 The bridegrooms mother, chose Q tWespleee black dress with white accessories, A reception immediate. ly following tho wedding was held at the home of the bride, 22i River. side St., OakVille, The bride at- tended the South school, and the Watertown High school, and the bridegroom, Q sergeant in the Armed Forces, served with the 2BBth Army b4 months and overseas 42 months in South Pa9if',
 Mir and Mrs. Descoteaux left on m unanneuresd wedding trip, Af1 on their return will reside at 22i Riverside street,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-29
Chapter Plans
 October Bridge

The Waterbury Chapter College of St. Elizabeth Alumnae will spon- sor bridge party Monday evening, Oct. %, at the Hotel Elton, one of the first public social events in several years, Miss Marjorie Di Pietro and Miss Rosemary Bolan are co-chairman.
 Plans are progressing for the event. Assisting committees include tickets, the Misses Kathryn w, Hayes, Doris D2insky, Polly Flen- ing, Lucy Bowes, Agnes Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Edward J, Mcdonald, Mrs, William DAddone, Mrs, Joseph Chs. sin, Mrs. Francis Feeley, Miss Mar. guerite Kennough and Mrs. Wil- liam J. Shea.
 Cards and tallies, the Misses Mary Gordon Hutchinson and Rosemary Kane; prizes, the Misses Helen Me- Carthy, Margaret Sheehy, Rosleen Price, and Eleanor Russo; publicity, the Misses Margaret and Catherine MAloney,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-29
Social Notes

Miss Esther Patricia Egan, daugh. ter of Senator and Mrs, Edward P, Egan, FiSke street, will be honored at 0 buffet and gift supper tonight, given by Mrs. Francis Scully, and daughter, Virginia, at their home on North Main street, Union City. Miss Egan'S marriage to Frank E. Jones, NAugatuck VIII be an event of Oct, 3rd, ct St. MargaretS church.
 Mrs. John s. staneslaw, Prospect, former executive secretary of the American Society for Russian Re- lief, was honored ct tea Thurs day. Mrs. Staneslow, leaves Mon-l day to join her husband lieus tenant.c commander in the Navy Medical Corps, In Shoemaker, Calf, The tea was sponsored by 0 committee from Russian Relief, Members of other organizations of which Mrs. stanesloW was active also attended.
 Mrs. Louise Bronson, Los Angeles, has returned home after spending c vacation with Mrs. Lillian Bron- son and her daughter Mrs, William Wells, Boyden street,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-29
RMth BIacker
 Bride Of Today

Miss Ruth Elizabeth Dlaeker, daughter of Mfr and Mrs. Robert Racker, Beacon St., and John P. Thompson, Hamilton Ave-, were united in marriage this morning at 9 o'clock at St, Thomas church, with Rev. John ?. Kennedy ofil- ciating at tho ceremony. A musical program was presented with Mar col Doucette, soloist, and George Perrault, organist.
 Tho bride, given in marriage by her father, was attired in c white net gown with V neekllne, bishop sleeves, lace inserts, gathered skirt with inserts Of lace panels, and Q long train. She wore hngertip veil attached to q pearl crown Of buds with c side effect of orange blossoms. She carried white pray. or book marked with on orchid.
 Miss Marion Thompson, sister Of tho groom, was maid of honor, and Vincent DenlBe was best man. Ushers were Hebert Becker and George Nolan,
 Miss Thompson wore an aqua marine gown of faille taffeta With HhlAEHNd bOdh6Ol Hllbib yhtAtd sleeves, dropped fleekline, and q gathered skirt She wore Q fnateh- ing picture hat and carried cas- cade of pink rosebudB,
 A reception was held at the home of tho bride. The brides mother received in Q black crepo dress, fichsla hat and matching aeces. eories. The groom's mother wore q black dress and black accessories, They both wore orchid corsages.
 The couple left on an tnan- Iiouneed wedding trip. The bride wore a black wool traVeling suit with matching aceoSsories of dusty pink, and an orchid corsage. She is q graduate of LeaVenworth High school and the groom ts 6 grad. uato of Wliby High school. They will reside at Baldwin et, upon their return,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-29

Naugatuck.
 The event, which is held in con- nection with the observance of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the New York Conference of the Lutheran Augustana Synod, will be climaxed by a convocation on Tues day evening, when Dr. Evald B. Lawson, president of upsala w!l! confer three honorary degrees. The historical address will be given by Dr. Julius Lincoln, former president of the New York Conference, and a greeting will be extended by Dr. P. Olof Bersell, president of the Aug ustana Synod. Clergy of the New York and the New England Confer ences will take part in the academic procession.
 Lecturers at the Tuesday institute include Dr. George F. Hall, visiting professor ct Upsala, Dr. Howard Tillman c. Kuist, of Princeton The 0logical Seminary of Philadelphia.