The latest meeting of the Field of Dreams ( Iowa ) regional chapter was held October 14, 2006 at the Stewart Public Library in Grinnell. Fifteen members and guests enjoyed two terrific guest speakers, who were lined up by FoD members Bill Sherman and Steve Bennett.

First up was former Major Leaguer Jackie Collum, a left-handed pitcher who compiled a 32-28 record over eleven years in the Majors with seven clubs between 1951 and 1962. Bill had cautioned that Jackie can be a bit hesitant to talk about his playing days, but Collum proved to be very engaging in answering every question thrown at him about his "great 17 years in baseball." Jackie chatted with us for an hour about his experiences playing high school ball in small-town Newburg, in the Army, of trying to get noticed in the Cardinals huge farm system. Of particular note were Jackie's accounts of his ambidextrous feats of pitching both left and right, and of picking off a runner with his "off" hand to pick off a baserunner (which umpire Al Barlick disallowed). I could go on, but for more information on Collum's career, please visit the Field of Dreams Chapter web site (http://fieldofdreams.sabr.org) for the articles by Bill Sherman ("Jackie Collum: A Living Baseball Legend") and Duane Winn ("Jackie Collum").

Next up was Don Howig, a Grinnell resident who may not have made the Major Leagues, but still had some rich experiences with the game. Don played in the low minors in the late 1940's, but also played semi-pro ball throughout Iowa and with various barnstorming clubs. (When presented with his relatively modest career stats, Don exclaimed, "Come on-I wasn't that bad!"). In his playing days, Don was more interested in earning his degree from Iowa State than aspiring to the Big Leagues (something which completely confounded then-Cubs GM, John Holland). Although he did not play college ball (having already turned pro before attending Iowa State), Don developed a friendship with legendary Cyclone baseball coach, Cap Timm. Despite focusing more on his education than the game, Don still enjoyed an interesting career playing throughout the state, and it was enjoyable to spend a couple hours talking baseball.

Host Steve Bennett won the trivia contest, which featured questions on Iowa ballplayers and famous home runs. Steve Smith drafted the quiz.

Again, thanks to Steve and Bill for arranging a terrific lineup.

The next meeting will held in January following the Iowa Cubs Fan Fest. Look for details in December.

Tim Rask

Umpire-in-Chief

Field of Dreams Chapter