In the News: Chance to 'meet' Cy Young at Festival

NEWCOMERSTOWN — The Historical Society will present Chris Hart in the historical presentation “He throws like a Cyclone” as part of the Cy Young Festival in Newcomerstown. The event is scheduled for June 24 at the Olde Main Street Museum, 213 W. Canal St.

Hart offers a first-person portrayal as “Baseball’s Cyclone — The Winningest Pitcher Ever.”

In 1947, Newcomerstown celebrated the 80th birthday of its favorite son, Peoli native Denton “Cy” Young, baseball's winningest pitcher. Those attending will “meet” Cy as he steps from the train having just returned from Cleveland Stadium where he was honored with a tribute day. In his portrayal, Hart (as Cy) reminisces of life in the early days of major league baseball, setting records and the ups and downs of a career that stretched over 20 years. But despite all the fanfare and glory, Hart’s portrayal will show that Young’s greatest pleasure was returning to the Tuscarawas hills every off season to the love of his wife and the joy of being a simple farmer.

Tickets are $20 and includes a meal of hot dog, beans, popcorn, apple pie and a drink. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are limited; call 740-498-7735.

For the Cy Young Festival, John Denny, National League Cy Young Award winner in 1983, will be the guest of honor and grand marshal for the annual parade.

Denny made his major league debut in September of 1974 for the St. Louis Cardinals and had a break-out season in 1976, leading the league in earned run average at 2.52. He also pitched well in 1978, going 14-11 with a 2.96 ERA. Denny was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Bobby Bonds on Dec. 7, 1979, and went 24-23 in three seasons. He pitched three straight shutouts late in 1981. Before the next season, he was traded to the Phillies.

In 1983, Denny had his best season, going 19-6 with a 2.37 ERA. He led the league in wins and was second in ERA, leading the Phillies to the NL championship. He received 20 of the 24 votes in the Cy Young Award voting. Later in his career, he was traded to Cincinnati and retired from playing baseball in 1986. His last baseball job was as rehabilitation coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization from 2001-2004.

The Cy Young Days Festival is scheduled for June 24-26.

Newcomerstown Now

The board of directors for “Newcomerstown Now,” a volunteer organization seeking to help promote the downtown, are: Jennifer LaVigne, Board president, Business/Building owner; Michael Wise, vice president, director of ARTSNCT; Jeff Orr, second vice president, community member; Carrie Woods Kunkle, secretary, community member; and Lisa Stiteler, fiscal officer, Mayor's Office.

Active members of Newcomerstown Now include Nancy Orr, Diane Lautenschleger, Jessica Moore, Steve Dailey, Crystina Moore, Elaine Mayenschein, Alisha Maple, Mayor Pat Cadle and Danni Davis

Bands perform

Michael Wise, director of ARTSNCT, said the group was honored to present the Dover High Steel Drum Band and Jazz Band, under the direction of Chris Redd, in front of Olde Main Street Museum on May 21.

The concert marked the first in ARTSNCT's Free Community Performance Series. The performance series is generously sponsored by the Walmart stores from Coshocton, Cambridge, New Philadelphia, and Zanesville along with Tuscarawas County Arts Partnership/TAP, Tuscarawas County Convention Bureau, and Newcomerstown Grant Assistance Program.

While it was a very hot day, a large crowd showed up for the event, which also had ice cream from the Newcomerstown Historical Society and food from the American Legion, available.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: In the News: Chance to 'meet' Cy Young at Festival