Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Brown-hearted (not downhearted) fans remember the joys of team

Regarding "Remember the Browns" (July 8): What a trip down memory lane! It was heartening to read the reverie on the St. Louis Browns. When I was inspired to form a Browns fan club 28 years ago, after attending the induction of former Brooklyn shortstop Pee Wee Reese, I never thought it would last this long. That of itself is a tribute to the players and fans who have given sustenance to our meager efforts for more than a quarter of a century. The late Erv Fischer and I nearly pulled the

plug on the club several times. We had more "last dinners" than the Browns had eighth-place finishes. The fan club's strength today — just look at the wonderful exhibit at the Scottrade Center — is a tribute to the leadership of our chief operating officer, Bill Rogers, and his able assistant, Emmett McAuliffe. They not only got us out of the 20th century, but they also have made us look forward to the 22nd century.plug on the club several times. We had more "last dinners" than the Browns had eighth-place finishes. The fan club's strength today — just look at the wonderful exhibit at the Scottrade Center — is a tribute to the leadership of our chief operating officer, Bill Rogers, and his able assistant, Emmett McAuliffe. They not only got us out of the 20th century, but they also have made us look forward to the 22nd century.plug on the club several times. We had more "last dinners" than the Browns had eighth-place finishes. The fan club's strength today — just look at the wonderful exhibit at the Scottrade Center — is a tribute to the leadership of our chief operating officer, Bill Rogers, and his able assistant, Emmett McAuliffe. They not only got us out of the 20th century, but they also have made us look forward to the 22nd century.

The exhibit is the next-to-last jewel in the crown I envisioned for the St. Louis Browns after our many, many publications, which have helped to establish their written record. I established our mission statement mantra when I said that our purpose was to "resurrect and maintain the historical memory of the old St. Louis Browns."
The last jewel? A research center in some library or university where we could house our printed materials and archives. Once that happens, I think I could say "mission accomplished!"

I also thank old friend Bob Costas for his financial and personal interest in our team. We first met in 1974 when he was with the Spirits. From that experience, Mr. Costas grew to appreciate "dead teams." As I would like to tell him some day, the Browns made his Yankees the success they became. In the late 1920s, the Yankees' Murderers' Row won 37 straight from St. Louis.
As a fan used to say: We are Brown-hearted, not downhearted.

Bill Borst • Richmond Heights
Founder and first president, Browns Fan Club

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Congratulations to the Orioles on being five games over .500 at the All-Star break

Hopefully on their way to their first winning season in 13 years!

(Those dirty Cardinals, always trying to one up the Browns, are six games over .500 at the All-Star break.  :-) )