Locals named to HOF
October 25, 2010 - By MARCUS BARKLEY Tribune Chronicle
WARREN - The common adage goes to save the best for last. And even though Cleveland Indians television broadcaster
Matt Underwood led things off well at the 2010 Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame banquet, it was the final inductee, Ted
Toles Jr., who stole the show.
The 84-year-old Toles, a Newton Falls native and a star baseball player in the Negro Leagues in the 1940s as well as stints in
the minor leagues in Major League Baseball, intrigued the packed DiVieste Banquet Hall with his tales of baseball and the
ending of the game's color barrier, though he never forgot where he came from.
"After being to quite a few places, they always say there is no place like home," Toles said. "This is home to me - it makes me
feel good."
Toles highlighted a class of 10 diverse and talented inductees. The induction ceremony was started with posthumous
selection Richard Alberini Sr., known not only for his famous area restaurant, but also his impact on the area sports scene,
especially in Niles. He was represented by his son, Chuck.
John F. Kennedy and Penn State football standout Jim Coates came next, as he told stories of his days with Joe Paterno. He
also joked about 2005 inductee Nick Cochran's introduction compared to his 2010 entry.
"I thought I had a better career than Nick Cochran," Coates said while talking to fellow 2010 inductee and Nick's brother,
Mike, in jest. "How'd he get in before me?"
Mike Cochran, who starred in four sports at Girard before playing football at Youngstown State, then took the stage and
gave one of the more emotional speeches of the night, as he spoke of his late father and his family and friends.
"I was taught by a great man a long time ago, my father, who passed away years ago, that you win with great people and
should associate yourself with great people," Cochran said through tears. "And that's what I have."
It was tough to follow up that performance, but there are few in the area who could have been close to matching Cochran's
speech - and Harding and University of Cincinnati football star Nick Frankos is one of those few.
"It's about family today," Frankos said. "And everyone here today is my family."
Another Bearcat came after Frankos, Warren G. Harding Presidents' football star Mike Graham, who was inducted
posthumously for his exploits with Harding, UC, the Los Angeles Rams, the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Dons
(All-America Football Conference). He was represented by his son Nicholas.
The ceremony then turned to the hardwood, as former Girard graduate and basketball coaching legend Bob Krizancic, who
has turned Mentor's basketball team into a power, was honored.
"It's so nice to come back here," Krizancic said. "A place you feel so much pride for. Life is timing and I just came in at the
right time."
Keeping with famous area basketball coaches was Warren Western Reserve and Warren G. Harding basketball coaching
legend Bob Laricca, who Krizancic joked about how he stole most of coaching tactics from.
"In coaching, the worst thing you had to was go to banquets because you always worried about forgetting a kid or
something," Laricca joked. "And I've always had a tough time speaking, but I think I'm getting better at his by now."
The only female selection of 2010 was a multi-sports athlete who dominated the area for Champion in almost any field of play
she took, Andrea Kyser-McLane. She joked about having to follow both Krizancic and Laricca.
"I've always been a player, not a coach, so I promise I'll keep it short," Kyser-McLane said. "But I've always been a player."
Famed Niles resident Harry Stevens was recognized posthumously, as he passed away in 1934. Stevens, who was honored
with a in-depth speech by Nick Spano, became a true entrepreneur in the professional sports world, publishing scorecards
for baseball and then creating a concession giant and first popularizing the hot dog at games.
sports@tribtoday.com
October 25, 2010 - By MARCUS BARKLEY Tribune Chronicle
WARREN - The common adage goes to save the best for last. And even though Cleveland Indians television broadcaster
Matt Underwood led things off well at the 2010 Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame banquet, it was the final inductee, Ted
Toles Jr., who stole the show.
The 84-year-old Toles, a Newton Falls native and a star baseball player in the Negro Leagues in the 1940s as well as stints in
the minor leagues in Major League Baseball, intrigued the packed DiVieste Banquet Hall with his tales of baseball and the
ending of the game's color barrier, though he never forgot where he came from.
"After being to quite a few places, they always say there is no place like home," Toles said. "This is home to me - it makes me
feel good."
Toles highlighted a class of 10 diverse and talented inductees. The induction ceremony was started with posthumous
selection Richard Alberini Sr., known not only for his famous area restaurant, but also his impact on the area sports scene,
especially in Niles. He was represented by his son, Chuck.
John F. Kennedy and Penn State football standout Jim Coates came next, as he told stories of his days with Joe Paterno. He
also joked about 2005 inductee Nick Cochran's introduction compared to his 2010 entry.
"I thought I had a better career than Nick Cochran," Coates said while talking to fellow 2010 inductee and Nick's brother,
Mike, in jest. "How'd he get in before me?"
Mike Cochran, who starred in four sports at Girard before playing football at Youngstown State, then took the stage and
gave one of the more emotional speeches of the night, as he spoke of his late father and his family and friends.
"I was taught by a great man a long time ago, my father, who passed away years ago, that you win with great people and
should associate yourself with great people," Cochran said through tears. "And that's what I have."
It was tough to follow up that performance, but there are few in the area who could have been close to matching Cochran's
speech - and Harding and University of Cincinnati football star Nick Frankos is one of those few.
"It's about family today," Frankos said. "And everyone here today is my family."
Another Bearcat came after Frankos, Warren G. Harding Presidents' football star Mike Graham, who was inducted
posthumously for his exploits with Harding, UC, the Los Angeles Rams, the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Dons
(All-America Football Conference). He was represented by his son Nicholas.
The ceremony then turned to the hardwood, as former Girard graduate and basketball coaching legend Bob Krizancic, who
has turned Mentor's basketball team into a power, was honored.
"It's so nice to come back here," Krizancic said. "A place you feel so much pride for. Life is timing and I just came in at the
right time."
Keeping with famous area basketball coaches was Warren Western Reserve and Warren G. Harding basketball coaching
legend Bob Laricca, who Krizancic joked about how he stole most of coaching tactics from.
"In coaching, the worst thing you had to was go to banquets because you always worried about forgetting a kid or
something," Laricca joked. "And I've always had a tough time speaking, but I think I'm getting better at his by now."
The only female selection of 2010 was a multi-sports athlete who dominated the area for Champion in almost any field of play
she took, Andrea Kyser-McLane. She joked about having to follow both Krizancic and Laricca.
"I've always been a player, not a coach, so I promise I'll keep it short," Kyser-McLane said. "But I've always been a player."
Famed Niles resident Harry Stevens was recognized posthumously, as he passed away in 1934. Stevens, who was honored
with a in-depth speech by Nick Spano, became a true entrepreneur in the professional sports world, publishing scorecards
for baseball and then creating a concession giant and first popularizing the hot dog at games.
sports@tribtoday.com
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| http://tedtolesjr.com/Press.html |
Toles touring parks with Negro League exhibits
He played with four teams in the 1940s including Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
Sunday, July 2, 2006
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
WARREN — Ted Toles Sr. of Warren is reaping much of the recognition, respect and enjoyment that were denied to him
as Negro League player with four different teams in the 1940s.
Toles was a southpaw pitcher, outfielder and switch-hitter for the Pittsburgh Crawfords (1946), Cleveland Buckeyes
(1947), Newark Eagles (1947) and Jacksonville Eagles (1949).
Toles, who lives with his sister Louise, has been traveling around the country with his sons and friends to attend various
Negro League exhibits at major league ballparks.
Toles has been invited to attend the exhibits, which are sponsored by Rodeway Trucking. Rodeway pays for most of
Toles' expenses.
"Rodeway has a museum on wheels, just a small one, and they get permission from the major league ballparks to set up
the museum," said Nelson Toles, one of Ted Sr.'s seven sons who also lives in Warren and is employed by Mittal Steel
as a heater.
Ted Toles Jr., another son who lives in Youngstown and is employed by Thomas Steel, said that his father, who is 80 and
retired, began attending the exhibits last year.
"We've been going last year and this year," said Ted Jr. "A couple people have been traveling with us to different states."
Attended five exhibits
Nelson and Ted Jr. said that their father has attended five of the exhibits at major league ballparks. They've been to
Cleveland (twice), Chicago, Toronto and Cincinnati.
Last Monday, Ted Sr., along with Ted Jr., Nelson and another son, Lonnie Toles, and friend Junior Butler, attended the
opening of the Pittsburgh Pirates' mini-museum and exhibit at PNC Park.
Ted Sr. was an invited guest along with another former Crawfords' player.
The exhibit recognizes and honors the Negro League, including the seven Pittsburgh Crawfords and Pittsburgh Grays
players who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame: "Cool Papa" Bell, Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, Judy
Johnson, Buck Leonard, Satchel Paige and Smokey Joe Williams.
The Pirates say they have unveiled "a permanent exhibit at PNC Park that celebrates the legacy of the city's two famed
Negro League Clubs: The Pittsburgh Crawfords and Grays. The shrine, located just inside the left-field gate, is the first of
its kind at a big-league park."
The Pirates also said the museum houses the "seven life-size bronze statues" of each of the seven Hall-of-Fame players,
"each attended by a video display."
Bell, Gibson and Johnson played for both the Crawfords and Grays, while Williams and Leonard played only for the
Grays and Charleston and Paige only for the Crawfords.
Two sons played for YSU
Two of Toles' sons played football for Youngstown State University in the 1980s.
Lonnie Toles lives in Braceville with his mother, Jean Toles, and works as a truck driver. The other brother is Larry Toles.
Both graduated from LaBrae High.
Larry, who now lives in Gaithersburg, Md., and is a computer programmer and consultant for a construction company,
played defensive back at YSU and was a letterwinner from 1984-86.
Rounding out the family are: Leslie Toles of Washington, D.C., who is a warehouse manager; Robert Toles of Rapid City,
S.D., employed by the U.S. Post office; and sister Evelyn Lockett, a school teacher in Columbus.
Encouraging participation
Nelson said the family has "been trying to get [Ted Sr.] to as many of the events as we can."
Ted Jr. believes that his father was a special player and was considered a poster player for the Crawfords.
"When the Crawfords advertised the team, they had [dad] in the picture hitting, pitching and fielding in a three-way
photograph," said Ted Jr., who is hoping the family can find one of the posters.
But he said they have the photo of his father that appears on Negro League baseball cards as do other former players,
including James Cobbin of Youngstown, a Negro League supporter and one of Ted Sr.'s friends.
Ted Jr. also said that his father has received a special invitation to attend another program honoring Negro League
players Friday through next Sunday at PNC Park.
And he said that his father probably will continue to attend the exhibits in the years to come.
Meanwhile, Nelson has called the experience "a nice and wonderful thing" for his father and family.
kovach@vindy.com
Sunday, July 2, 2006
http://www4.vindy.com/content/sports/local_regional/310628814955305.php
He played with four teams in the 1940s including Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
Sunday, July 2, 2006
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
WARREN — Ted Toles Sr. of Warren is reaping much of the recognition, respect and enjoyment that were denied to him
as Negro League player with four different teams in the 1940s.
Toles was a southpaw pitcher, outfielder and switch-hitter for the Pittsburgh Crawfords (1946), Cleveland Buckeyes
(1947), Newark Eagles (1947) and Jacksonville Eagles (1949).
Toles, who lives with his sister Louise, has been traveling around the country with his sons and friends to attend various
Negro League exhibits at major league ballparks.
Toles has been invited to attend the exhibits, which are sponsored by Rodeway Trucking. Rodeway pays for most of
Toles' expenses.
"Rodeway has a museum on wheels, just a small one, and they get permission from the major league ballparks to set up
the museum," said Nelson Toles, one of Ted Sr.'s seven sons who also lives in Warren and is employed by Mittal Steel
as a heater.
Ted Toles Jr., another son who lives in Youngstown and is employed by Thomas Steel, said that his father, who is 80 and
retired, began attending the exhibits last year.
"We've been going last year and this year," said Ted Jr. "A couple people have been traveling with us to different states."
Attended five exhibits
Nelson and Ted Jr. said that their father has attended five of the exhibits at major league ballparks. They've been to
Cleveland (twice), Chicago, Toronto and Cincinnati.
Last Monday, Ted Sr., along with Ted Jr., Nelson and another son, Lonnie Toles, and friend Junior Butler, attended the
opening of the Pittsburgh Pirates' mini-museum and exhibit at PNC Park.
Ted Sr. was an invited guest along with another former Crawfords' player.
The exhibit recognizes and honors the Negro League, including the seven Pittsburgh Crawfords and Pittsburgh Grays
players who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame: "Cool Papa" Bell, Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, Judy
Johnson, Buck Leonard, Satchel Paige and Smokey Joe Williams.
The Pirates say they have unveiled "a permanent exhibit at PNC Park that celebrates the legacy of the city's two famed
Negro League Clubs: The Pittsburgh Crawfords and Grays. The shrine, located just inside the left-field gate, is the first of
its kind at a big-league park."
The Pirates also said the museum houses the "seven life-size bronze statues" of each of the seven Hall-of-Fame players,
"each attended by a video display."
Bell, Gibson and Johnson played for both the Crawfords and Grays, while Williams and Leonard played only for the
Grays and Charleston and Paige only for the Crawfords.
Two sons played for YSU
Two of Toles' sons played football for Youngstown State University in the 1980s.
Lonnie Toles lives in Braceville with his mother, Jean Toles, and works as a truck driver. The other brother is Larry Toles.
Both graduated from LaBrae High.
Larry, who now lives in Gaithersburg, Md., and is a computer programmer and consultant for a construction company,
played defensive back at YSU and was a letterwinner from 1984-86.
Rounding out the family are: Leslie Toles of Washington, D.C., who is a warehouse manager; Robert Toles of Rapid City,
S.D., employed by the U.S. Post office; and sister Evelyn Lockett, a school teacher in Columbus.
Encouraging participation
Nelson said the family has "been trying to get [Ted Sr.] to as many of the events as we can."
Ted Jr. believes that his father was a special player and was considered a poster player for the Crawfords.
"When the Crawfords advertised the team, they had [dad] in the picture hitting, pitching and fielding in a three-way
photograph," said Ted Jr., who is hoping the family can find one of the posters.
But he said they have the photo of his father that appears on Negro League baseball cards as do other former players,
including James Cobbin of Youngstown, a Negro League supporter and one of Ted Sr.'s friends.
Ted Jr. also said that his father has received a special invitation to attend another program honoring Negro League
players Friday through next Sunday at PNC Park.
And he said that his father probably will continue to attend the exhibits in the years to come.
Meanwhile, Nelson has called the experience "a nice and wonderful thing" for his father and family.
kovach@vindy.com
Sunday, July 2, 2006
http://www4.vindy.com/content/sports/local_regional/310628814955305.php
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02/10/2008 Pitcher had 'a million thrills' Jason Lea JLea@News-Herald.com Ted Toles has been carried triumphantly from a baseball field by Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, the first black men to play in the National and American Leagues, respectively. He pitched against Satchell Paige and to Josh Gibson, the first two Negro Leagues players selected to the Hall of Fame. He played minor league baseball with Gordie Howe in Canada. Yes, that Gordie Howe. He watched as Bob Feller struck out 17 in a single game at Cleveland's League Park, a field he would later play on with the Cleveland Buckeyes. He even once almost fought Doby during a game of poker. "I've been lucky to be around a lot of history," Toles told those who gathered to hear him speak at Morley Library on Saturday afternoon. Toles, who is now 82 and lives in Warren, also played with other teams in the Negro Leagues and minor league teams in the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees systems. He was in the hospital a month ago because of congestive heart failure, and he suffers from prostate cancer, but neither slowed him down Saturday as he recounted his time in the Negro Leagues. Toles played in the Negro Leagues' waning years. He pitched for the Pittsburgh Crawfords in 1946. Joe Caffie, who played for the Buckeyes and later the Indians, told Toles he had a better curveball than he ever saw in the pros. Toles also was quick with a bat, to hear him tell it. He recalled going homer for homer with Howe. "(Howe) would look at me and wonder how I hit it," Toles said. Toles never got rich playing baseball. He figures he never made more than $400 a month playing baseball. "I had a million thrills, but I didn't make a million dollars," he said. He is enjoying the renewed interest in his former career. He was the first Negro Leagues player on a Topps baseball card. "It's one of the greatest thrills I could have," he said. Toles sometimes dealt with racists while on minor league teams. He recalled one man who tried to give him a $1 for a cigar, so he would go away. The man said he did not drink with blacks. Of course, he phrased it more harshly. But Toles stood his ground, recalling his father's words: "You look the white man in his eyes. Don't drop your eyes. You're just as good as he is." The man quickly changed his tune. "He took his hand out, shook mine and asked if I'd like to share a drink," Toles said. Toles was joined by Isaac Brooks of the Society for American Baseball Research. Brooks spoke on the seven players from Cleveland Negro Leagues teams who later made it to the pros. They include Paige, Caffie, Samuel Jethroe (the 1950 rookie of the year), Quincy Trouppe, Al Smith, Vibert Ernesto Clarke and Samuel Jones. Brooks and his fellow SABR members also brought keepsakes, including Hank Aaron's coat from his time with the Indianapolis Clowns, a bat signed by Jethroe, and a picture signed by Cleveland Buckeyes "Nap" Gulley, Willie Grace and Jethroe, who were with the team when it won the Negro Leagues World Series in 1945. |
| Press |