Browns Historical Society Files Complaint with Attorney General’s Office

Skokie Attorney Rips Off Non-Profit Fan Club

St. Louis, MO May 7, 2011 - The St. Louis Browns Historical Society has filed a complaint with the Illinois attorney general’s office against a Skokie, Illinois attorney. Bill Rogers, President and Chief Operating Officer of the historical society, said that Irving Funk, an attorney in Skokie, Illinois, purchased a baseball Jersey from their organization, canceled his credit card payment, and has refused to return the merchandise. Rogers said the merchandise was purchased last September, paid for in October, and canceled in November. The organization has been trying ever since two get their merchandise returned.

“We have called Mr. Funk’s published telephone number eight times and have the long-distance bills to prove it. He has refused to return any of our messages. We are willing to pay for the shipping charges to have the merchandise returned, but he refuses to communicate with us to make arrangements. This is somewhat disturbing, especially when dealing with someone within the legal profession who is blatantly breaking the law.”

The St. Louis Browns historical society and fan club was organized in 1984 to preserve the memory and history of the St. Louis Browns professional baseball team. “We are a small, non-profit organization endeavoring to educate baseball fans on the history of the St. Louis Browns team. We have little revenue with which to work and a rip off like this is disturbing.”

The Historical society has filed a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, State of Illinois and with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois. A complaint has also been filed with the Chicago Better Business Bureau.

Mr. Funk refused to comment on the complaint filings. He is located at 8659 Springfield Ave., Skokie, IL 60076-2215, Telephone 312-419-0810.

About:

The St. Louis Browns historical society and fan club was organized in 1984 with a mission to preserve the history and memory of the St. Louis Browns professional baseball team. More than 320 members span the country nationwide. Information about the organization is available at http://www.thestlbrowns.com/ . Contact: Bill Rogers, stlbrowns@swbell.net, telephone 314-892-8632.

'Baseball Joe' faithfully passionate about Pirates . . . and baseball

Ever wonder why we do things just for the heck of it. I have had people ask me, “Why do you volunteer your time to the Browns fan club,” among others. To me it’s just a small way to give back to your community, whether it be a historic society, subdivision association, kids ball team or whatever. And every now and then you get a return from some unknown source that helps make it worthwhile. Like maybe a note from a kid or adult that loves baseball but cannot hear or talk or write . . . like the young man who wrote me yesterday from Pittsburgh. See his note below.

More on Joe at this newspaper article about him - http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_701271.html

-----------------------------------
From: Baseballjoe
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 8:41 PM
To: stlbrowns@swbell.net
Subject: Re: BR - St. Louis Browns Fan Club

thank
mine friend writed last email
me haded 3 strokes ands can no not hear ors talk ors write
me meeted lasorda ands costas
me PURE TRUE BASEBALL 365
me nevor watched anothor sport
sisler was pirate hitting coach in late 1950s ands early 1960s
maybe local sabr will help with stuff
ands maybe cards will give help
me started prtition in 1988 to help get clemente statue builded
ands maz statue petition in 2005
now me push get pirates team hall of fame
ands ralph kiner statue
hope you can come pittsburgh ands pnc park some day
who was you favorete player growing up
bullet bob turley most knowed as yankee

Some Great-Named Real Baseball Teams

Bill McCurdy writes:

When it comes to great team names, however, it’s hard to beat some of those that have existed, or still exist, in minor league history. Here are simply a few of my favorites, starting with the 19th century.

19th Century Clubs:

New York Gothams, Wilmington Quicksteps, St. Paul Apostles, Baltimore Monumentals, Oswego Sweegs, Utica Pent Ups, Boston Beaneaters, Hamilton Hams, Jersey City Skeeters, Zanesville Kickapoos, Davenport Onion Weeders, Houston Babies, Cleveland Infants, Manchester Amskoegs, Aurora Hoodoos, Lebanon Pretzel Eaters, Des Moines Prohibitionists, Adrian Reformers, Kalamazoo Celery Eaters, Hartford Cooperatives, Butte Smoke Eaters, and Troy Washerwomen.

20th Century: Clubs:

Crookston Crooks, Des Moines Undertakers, Schenectady Frog Alleys, Amsterdam-Johnstown-Gloversville Hyphens, Holyoke Paperweights, Jacksonville Lunatics, Freeport Pretzels, Eau Claire Puffs, Hot Springs Vaporites, Alexandria Hoo Hoos, Racine Malted Milks, Kirksville Osteopaths, Fall River Adopted Sons, Flint Vehicles, Terre Haute Hotentots, Dallas Submarines, Salem Witches, Tampa Smokers, and Lansing Lugnuts.

Read Bill's blog at: http://bill37mccurdy.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/some-great-named-real-baseball-teams/