The Billings Free Press

August 1, 1903

[Former Billings native] Calamity Jane dies from the effects of years of hard living and alcoholism at Camp Terry, South Dakota. She is about fifty-two years old, give or take a year or two. She is buried next to Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood according to her wishes.

August 1, 1994

Billings Mustangs right hander Jason Robbins pitches the first perfect game in Pioneer League history as the Mustangs defeat the Medicine Hat Blue Jays 5-0 before three thousand fans at Cobb Field in Billings.

From Montana Dateline by Ellis Roberts Parry.

July 27, 1849-(1928)

Luther “Yellowstone” Kelly, scout for the military, is born in Geneva, New York. Following service late in the Civil War, Kelly comes west, eventually becoming chief of scouts for Colonel Nelson Miles. As chief scout, Kelly’s extensive knowledge about the Yellowstone and upper Missouri River basins proves to be invaluable to the military which is bringing the Sioux and Cheyenne under control. Following his service in Montana, Kelly spends time in western Colorado, Alaska, the Philippine Islands, and Arizona. Upon his death in California in 1928, Kelly’s remains are returned to Montana, where he is buried atop of the rimrocks above Billings.

July 27, 1941-

Chan Romero, rock-and-roll recording artist, is born in Billings. Romero is the author of “The Hippy Hippy Shake.” Romero originally records his song in 1959, hitting the national charts in the early part of 1960. A group called the Swinging Blue Jeans has a hit with the song during the British Invasion Year of 1964. The Beatles also record Romero’s song on two different occasions. In 1988, “The Hippy Hippy Shake,” performed by the Georgia Satellites, is featured in the Tom Cruise motion picture, Cocktail. Chan Romero is still active with his singing family, recording gospel music in the Billings area.

July 27, 1987

The Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League defeat the Salt Lake Trappers 7 to 5 at Cobb Field in Billings. The Mustang victory ends the Trappers’ twenty-nine game winning streak, the longest streak in professional baseball history.

From Montana Dateline by Ellis Roberts Parry.

One of the biggest stories in Billings the past few months has been the construction and opening of Dehler Park, our brand spanking new baseball park. The Gazette has a great section on their website which tells the story from the original planning up to opening day.

So far I have heard mixed reviews on the new park. Some are nostalgic for the old Cobb Field. The seating is cramped in Dehler Park but the restrooms are a definite improvement. Concessions are now of a big league caliber (I still haven’t discerned whether this means quality or price) and most of the seating is closer to the field of play, which is a definite plus. Overall, the majority seem to be pleased with the new ballpark (pdf).

If you have been to Dehler Park what is your impression? Do you like it, love it or hate it? Weigh in and let us know what you think.