Local producers to document K.C. A’s

Linda Haskins, propietor of Take Ten, Inc., a Lawrence-based production company, is having a blast working on a documentary about a pack of lovable losers from baseball history.

Haskins and Dave Pomeroy, a former public broadcaster from Topeka, are working together on a documentary for public television on the Kansas City A’s, who didn’t count a single winning season among their 13 years in existence.

“They’re so much fun to talk to,” Haskins said. “So many great stories.”

The working title of the documentary, which is in the production stage and still seeking additional underwriting, is: “The Kansas City Athletics: Lucky 13.”

Lucky?

“It was lucky, but it was lucky for Kansas City, not for the team,” Haskins said.

While working on the documentary, Haskins and Pomeroy have banked on information dug up by author John E. Peterson in “The Kansas City Athletics: A Baseball History, 1954-1967.”

They will join the author for a book signing from 6 to 8 tonight at Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum, 323 Armour Blvd.

Haskins said former KC A’s Joe Azcue, Jay Hankins, Lew Krausse, Diego Segui and Rollie Sheldon will be at the signing.

Haskins and Pomeroy already have taped or will tape interviews with Negro Leagues legend Buck O’Neil, as well as a former batboy, and a former stable hand who took care of Charlie O., the mule that team owner Charles O. Finley used to ride before games, and a zookeeper who worked at the Kansas City Zoo when Finley donated elephants.

The producers would like anyone with stories, memorabilia, home footage or photos of the Kansas City A’s to contact them at kcathletics@kans.com or call them at 785-842-6967.