whats with the johnny kling email?

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Posted By: sean

I just got an email outta the blue regarding Johnny Kling and his gambling habits. what the f? And what does that have to do with baseball and him not getting into the hall of fame?

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Posted By: Dave S

Hey Sean, would love to know who sent that to you. I have off-and-on over the last few years conversed with Kling's granddaughter who with her hubby and a few other relatives have been deeply involved with the "roots" thing. There was a recent book published on Kling's life and the author interviewed them, made certain agreements, and then GROSSLY misrepresented alot of the facts of his career and his life. She led me to believe that various lawsuits were in the works. Also sent me hordes of great pictures of his "Cafe" (gambling, billiards) that was indeed frequented by the mob...as well as other Kling "f"actualities. She's the kind of woman, that if you've ever had past correspondence with her, she may have saved your address? Great woman, but definitely hurt by being misled by the Author and she may be on a crusade...

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Posted By: Alan

I think she saves email addresses. I had received a bunch of related emails out of the blue from the grandaughter a few months ago to my inquiry if Johnny Kling was or was not Jewish.

Alan

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Posted By: Max Weder

Dave

Interesting email. Is she refering to Gil Bogen's book? I haven't read it, but from following Gil's posts on the SABR email list and in corresponding with him, he certainly appeared to be a thorough and dedicated researcher.

On the Kling front, this stained glass was posted on ebay once long ago, when something else was for sale. The owner wouldn't sell it, and said it came from Kling's hotel in KC. He was hoping to do a movie about Kling's life, but that's the last I heard of it.



(Being unable to buy that stained glass, we had a local artisan do a similar piece, which we now have in our home....



Max )

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Posted By: Anthony

The owner of the stained glass used to post on Full Count all the time, but I've never seen him post here. I've wondered what happened to him, and to Dan Mathewson that used to post here a lot early on.

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Posted By: Dave S

Yes indeed was Bogen's book. I'm sure Bev will give you an entirely different scenario as to anything the author may (not) have said...
The stained glass (believe there were actually 4 of them) came from Kling's "Pennant CafA" which was located inside the Dixon Hotel. Gambling and billiards primarily. The family now owns the originals; they contacted Bill Mastro (so she said) as to a possible value and market..and were told that since they were "not baseball related" he would be unable to help..