Cy Buker, Eddie Basinski-1945 Dodgers

[BBPITFAN]

I talked to some you several months ago. Just thought I'd let you know there's some information about the Brooklyn Dodgers in a book I read. Its called "Hardball on the Home Front" author is Craig Allen Cleve.

I talked with Cy this last Saturday. He was filling his Ford Rambler Wagon with firewood.

If anyone knows how I can find or purchase a team picture of the 1945 Dodgers, please let me know. There is a team picture in this book.

[BBPITFAN]

Lee Pfund also has a whole chapter in this book as well as Cy Buker and Eddie Basinski.

[Dave]

I met Cy Buker a few years ago. A friend of mine is the sports director of a radio station in central Wis. I sat in on an interview with him in his kitchen in Greenwood, Wis. (I think). He was a school teacher and high school coach during and after his pro career. Having been a teammate of Danny Murtaugh on the late '40's Brewers, he would drive down from Greenwood and pitch batting practice before Pirates-Braves games in Milwaukee. He was in the dugout for the Harvey Haddix perfect game.

[BBPITFAN]

Your friend must be Gene Delisio. He helps us out alot for our city baseball team in Marshfield. He is a very knowledgable person on baseball history. I beleive Gene is from the East coast originally.

In talking to Cy, you probably got it just the way he thinks it. He is a man with alot of great stories. I'm hoping he will stay with us for several more years so he can pass some onto me. I occasionally stop over and visit with him in his garage, around the wood stove. Did you notice his wood pile!

He is quite a man.

[Dave]

Small world.
I don't remember the wood pile.
I remember the kitchen, his wife and a cat.
Gene had been telling me about him. He surprised me one day when I was in Marshfield and took me out there to see him.
Cy roomed with Dixie Walker. Dixie left his paycheck on the hotel room dresser. Dixie's bi-monthly check was more than Cy's season salary!
Didn't he play with Robinson at Montreal in '46?

[kramer_47]

Here is a picture of Cy Buker when he was with Dodgers in 1945. I found this picture on Ebay.

[kramer_47]

Here is Ed Basinski when he played for Dodgers in 1945. I got this picture from Ebay.

[BBPITFAN]

Cy did play with Jackie Robinson. I believe that Montreal team was one of the winningest teams ever.

Cy had told me that he overheard some of the conversations that went on for the signing of Jackie Robinson. He overheard Branch Ricky talking at the ballpark.

Cy's got a lot of memories, I hope I can carry them on for him. Gene has several CD's of Cy's interviews, they are very interesting. He starts out when he was in 8th grade.

[kramer_47]

Originally Posted by BBPITFAN

Cy did play with Jackie Robinson. I believe that Montreal team was one of the winningest teams ever.

Cy had told me that he overheard some of the conversations that went on for the signing of Jackie Robinson. He overheard Branch Ricky talking at the ballpark.

Cy's got a lot of memories, I hope I can carry them on for him. Gene has several CD's of Cy's interviews, they are very interesting. He starts out when he was in 8th grade.

After your story and Dave's story on Cy I found the picture I posted and made a few 4X6 copies and sent him a nice letter asking for his autograph.
Well today I got back the photos unsigned with a long letter from him saying he will only sign for a fee $7 because of Ebay, This guy spent 4 months with the Dodgers in 1945 and he's charging through the mail for his autograph. I would rather he refused the mail, the only players that ask for a fee or a donation are HOFers, he took the time to write a long letter and wouldn't even sign one photo. Most oldtimers are just happy you remember them, I always send extra cards or photos for them, this guy really turned me off and as you know I'm a great Dodgers fan and I don't sell any of these autographs.

[BBPITFAN]

I would like to apologize for Cy but I don't know if Cy would want me to. Cy's wife is in the hospitol right know and she did a lot for Cy, so I am thinking he's not in the best of moods.

Cy might have a contract with ebay that he can't sign anything. You sure do see a lot of his autographs and pictures on ebay.

If you ever get to Greenwood, stop and see him, talk to him- I believe he would give you his autograph.

[kramer_47]

Originally Posted by BBPITFAN

I would like to apologize for Cy but I don't know if Cy would want me to. Cy's wife is in the hospitol right know and she did a lot for Cy, so I am thinking he's not in the best of moods.

Cy might have a contract with ebay that he can't sign anything. You sure do see a lot of his autographs and pictures on ebay.

If you ever get to Greenwood, stop and see him, talk to him- I believe he would give you his autograph.

I'm sorry to hear about Cy's wife he must be under a great strain, he must think that everyone sells his autograph. I'm just a collector who has alot of fun getting autographs by mail, no one has asked fore money other then Cy, I have never sold an autograph of anybody. I just thought it would be fun to write these old guys and try to get as many autographs of my beloved Dodgers as I can. Again pass along to Cy that his wife is in my prayers for a quick recovery.