I Am The AMA - 2012/12
Earl Averill — former major league baseball player
How did you get involved with model aviation?
EA: I remember asking for a dime model when I was probably in the fourth grade and trying to put it together. When I was in the sixth grade, one of my classmates bought a rubber-powered model to school. I was hooked. I went home and told my mom that I needed $3 to buy the airplane from him.
I had several engines in the early days, including Arden, Cyclone, Bantam, many Madewells, and dozens of others over the next ten years or so. I progressed into radio control, even making my own escapement.
I didn't have much early success flying; success was measured by a crash landing close enough to locate the model. I visited Walter Good in Washington, D.C., while I was with a major league club. He took me into his model room in the basement and I viewed his Rudder Bug among other models.
How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
EA: Since my dad is in the Baseball Hall of Fame, one could guess that baseball is in my blood. My dad was, and still is, my idol, and I am pleased that he never pushed me. My wife never knew I wanted to play baseball until I left for Cleveland for a tryout.
I continued to build models throughout my baseball life. I lost a new DeBolt Live Wire Champion on an initial flight in Tucson, Arizona. I had spent hours preparing it with a Babcock single-channel radio with escapements on the rudder and engine, and checkerboard wings. I was so proud of that plane.
My wife, kids, and one of my teammates went with me after practice to entertain a maiden flight. As I prepared for takeoff I inadvertently hit the on/off switch. I released the airplane, realizing too late that the switch was off. The perfectly trimmed model had a full tank of fuel. We followed that airplane for perhaps an hour until it slowly disappeared toward the Mexican border.
What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
EA: I have a room full of models, including several electrics, but I haven't flown for the past couple of years. Most of my modeling is fussing and building. I still have visions of building a near quarter-scale warbird.
What are your other hobbies?
EA:
- Watching any game on TV.
- Being a fan of the Oregon Ducks; Pat and I try to attend at least one game each year in Eugene.
- Playing bridge.
Who (or what) has influenced you most?
EA: My dad was my biggest influence. My parents were married over 61 years before my dad passed away in 1983 after attending the 50th anniversary celebration of the first All-Star Game in Chicago. When I first started my baseball career, I got my first glimpse of how much of a fan favorite my dad was. People from every walk of life went out of their way to enhance my belief in him. He was a friend to anyone who met him.
Could you share a memorable moment during your baseball career?
EA: I don't have many bragging rights; my career was mostly as a utility player. I opened the season twice with the Cubs at third base. I became a successful pinch hitter with the Cubs. I hit 21 home runs as an original Angel in 1961 in a little over 300 at-bats.
I think as you mature, nature takes hold and difficult tasks become a little easier. When you attempt to do too much, failure is a sure byproduct.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
