Wednesday, December 02, 2009

A Local to be Inducted Into US Hockey Hall of Fame

Have you heard of the Zamboni? Did you know it was invented in Southern California?

Inventor and local entrepreneur, Frank Zamboni, will be inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame today. He was owner and operator of Iceland skating rink in Paramount, and created the most important tool in hockey still used today. His Zamboni has become synonymous with hockey.

Video Link:

Dodger Correspondence: George Cisar

George Cisar got into 20 games for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937. He was only 24 and was in his 4th year of professional ball. George did well in the minors as he batted a combined .344 and hit 30 home runs in 1936. As his letter below says, his career in Baseball came second to his duty in the military.
I don't know just how old you are but I imagine you would be much too young to remember 1940. That is the year I played my last games in professional ball and it was right in your home town of Anniston.

Anniston was in the South Eastern League at the time and Bill Rodda was our manager. Another Anniston boy Tom O'Brien played with us and later went to the Major Leagues (Boston Red Sox).

My career was cut short because of World War II. So, there isn't much I can tell you about Baseball, but getting a letter from Anniston brings back fond memories of friends and times I had during my summer stay there. Wishing you the best of luck and health.
He is currently the 4th oldest living Major League Baseball player.
(click to enlarge)