Our spring fundraiser – Reunion: Bears/Yankees – is set for May 3 at the Denver Athletic Club.  So far we have commitments from Don Larsen, Ralph Terry, Johnny Blanchard, Ryne Duren, Herb Plews, Norm Siebern and Woodie Held.

Activities will include a panel discussion, autograph sessions, and lunch with our guests.

Also on tap for our Yankees Reunion event will be research presentations — but with a twist — the subjects will be in the room listening to the presentations and will be asked to comment.

If you’re interested in giving a presentation, contact Gail Rowe, our chapter research director, to discuss your subject.  Contact Gail at growes36@comcast.net or 970-352-3890.  Possible discussion topics might include checking the veracity of a story closely associated with one of our guests or placing a player statistically in his era.

Got other ideas?  Contact Gail and discuss them.  Our deadline is April 1, so don’t delay.  Gail will want information by that date on (1) statements of purpose, (2)  description of methodology, (3) tentative findings and (4) significance of findings.

Johnny Blanchard played with the Denver Bears in 1955, 1957 and 1958.  He graced the Yankees roster from 1955 to 1965.  His best year as a Yankee was 1961 when he hit .305 with 21 home runs as a part-time player.

Ralph Terry played with the Bears in 1955 and 1956.  He was a Yankee in 1956 and 1957 and 1959-64.  In his best Yankee years, 1960-63, Ralph won a total of 66 games.

Ryne Duran was a Denver Bear in 1957.  He pitched for the Yankees 1958-1961.  Ryne recorded 20 saves in 1958 and 14 in 1959.

Woodie Held played for the Bears 1955-57. He appeared in a total of five games as a Yankee in 1954 and 1957 before wearing the uniforms of the Athletics, Indians, Senators, Orioles, Angels and White Sox during his career.