Posted by Dan Jensen
For some time, I have been wanting to get The Scout, a book about Red Murff, who long lived in Texas City and is now retired in Brenham. He scouted and signed many good players, most notably Alvin's Nolan Ryan. I got the book last week and have begin reading it and found his discovery of Ryan most interesting for several reasons.
On a particular Saturday, he watched a tournament in Galveston, then headed for Houston for some more scouting. He says, "As I was driving I suddenly remembered thjat I had seen something in the newspaper about another tournament being played at Clear Creek High School. I have no idea what made me remember that tournament, and likewise I have no idea what possessed me to stop there.
"I guess I figured I should drop by Clear Creek to let the coach, Dub Kelly, know that professional baseball people appreciated his efforts in staging the tournament. In my mind Texas baseball coaches have always played second fiddle to football. The folks at Clear Creek had brought Dub in from the Dallas area to build a baseball program, and he spent eight hard years doing just that, despite the prolblems he had with the football coach. Dub ultimately lost out to the football people and was forced to move on, but I liked his style and his ability to develop young players. Men like Dub Kelly have done a tremendous job instructing and nurturing some great talent, many of whom have gone on to star in the major leagues.
"As I settled into my seat, the Alvin coach was making a pitching change, and up to the mound walked a gangly, awkward-looking six-foot kid who could not have weighed mlre than 150 pounds. There was nothing remarkable about this youngster at all. Nothing made him stand out from the crowd. Nothing unusual that would have provided the least hint that what I was about to witness was, not a one-in-a-thousand, not even a one-in-a-million, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"The young pitcher wound up and fired. I could not believe what I had just seen. His one pitch sent my mind spinning, my pulse racing. That fast ball of his was unbelievable. It was the fastest I'd ever seen anywhere. Major leagues, minor leagues, anywhere.
"Besides my professional experience and having played with the likes of Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette, the night before I had seen the two fastest pitchers in the National League at that time, Jim Maloney of the Cincinnati Reds and Dick Farrell of the Houston Astros. Both of those men were big and strong. Nolan Ryan, as a junior in high school, was faster by far than both of those fully mature major-league pitchers!"
I don't know that Kelly had a problem with the football coach as Murff says and I sure don't think he was forced out.
He went into the home building business and made millions. Does anyone know where he is now and how he is doing? It would be good to visit with him again.
Posted by: Dan Jensen | November 07, 2006 at 11:00 PM
Just to remind folks that a new era of sorts will began Monday night, Nov. 14, when the Clear Creek wildcats start the 2006-2007 basketball season under the guidance of our new basketball coach, Danny Randle. I will be in the stands as often as I can They open the season with friendswood.
Art Landriault
Posted by: Arthur Landriault | November 10, 2006 at 11:15 AM
Arthur, as a favor to the new coach, you might should inform him before the game to relax and be not unnerved by the pressure from anxious, savvy, powerful Wildcat alums .... even if his job is on the line. All he has to concern himself with is winning and upholding a great 50 year Wildcat tradition.
Posted by: Pat Jensen | November 11, 2006 at 02:16 PM
I heard from Dan Jensen recently, and that was a reminder to check on the blog as I am doing now. I just wanted to say a word about Dub Kelly. He was at the Dedication of the new Clear Lake Field House which was named for Bill Krueger. I talked with him, and he looks great, older of course, like all of us, and he plays a lot of Golf. I heard Bill mention Dub selling out for millions so I assume that he is no longer a Builder. We did not make the first Wildcat game because of the Dedication, but Buddy was there.
Creek was playing in the Texas Invitational Tourney in Pasadena, but we went to Deer Park's first game, and they won over Milby. Buddy is weekending on Lake Marble Falls with his family , so he missed the tournement. I'll remind him to check out the blog, and put in his 2 cents. Coach sends his best to one and all.
Posted by: Peggy Carlisle | November 19, 2006 at 07:26 PM
I wish that Ed Davis had switched these last few comments to his basketball thread since this one was originally a baseball thread. Anyway, good to get comments from various folks.
I also wish someone would provide me with Dub Kelly's phone number or at least the city he now lives in so that I could get it from information. I would love to talk to him. He's a great guy and it's been over 40 years since we have communicated.
Posted by: Dan Jensen | November 20, 2006 at 11:05 AM
My Dad was a big Dallas Eageles fan. In 1955 Red Murff helped the eagles win the championship. He had the team sign a ball and Red Murff signature is right above Edwin Knoblauch's along with others. I belive Edwin was Chuck's uncle. The ball has been in a case since 1955. Is there any one out there that may be interested in this ball or have any idea of any value. My number is 214-870-2876 or [email protected]
Posted by: Paul Hunt | August 20, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Did Knoblauch sign Edwin on the ball? Puzzling if he did because his name was Edward and he went by Eddie. I remember him as a good player for the Houston Buffs. And, he was the uncle of Chuck.
Posted by: Dan Jensen | August 30, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Famous words by Dub Kelly: "It'll make you strong to last long!"
Posted by: Jeff | September 01, 2011 at 10:37 PM