[norva13x]

Rookie Draft:

Just out of high school, he was about 5'11" and 200 pounds. Washington born and raised, Bill Owen paced the floor of his Everett home. He agonized over the decision to go pro for months. He and his parents went over every minute detail to decide what was best for their boy.

With the first overall pick the Denver Grizzlies select...P Duncan Burt

He knew it would be a major risk to go into a pro league that has never played a game, and to bypass college, but he was told he would be drafted high. He was guaranteed a nice big bonus, and he felt if he or the league didn't make it he could use the money to start school again. His decision was helped but how well together the league seemed to be during try outs and talks.

With the second pick of the first round, the Washington Capitals select...LF Joe Dorsey

He had a successful high school career, he was a catcher and loved every minute of it. He was going to attend the University of Washington, to be a Husky. But this was an opportunity he just couldn't turn down. He was told by many scouts he would be drafted high and that if he applied himself could be great and make more money then he ever though possible.

With the third pick of the first round, the Boston Cannons select...3B Denny Hill

He half hoped he would be drafted by Seattle, the nearest team. They were the 11th pick though and he didn't think he would fall that far.

Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago all made their picks. The TV set kept calling out names, never his. Next Texas was on the block. He thought it wouldn't be bad to play there, not too far away, he would have many road games in Seattle, near home.
The phone rang.
His hands shaking he picked up the receiver; "Hi, my name is Todd Kern. We talked a while back. I am the general manager of Texas. We'd love to have you as a Copperhead. You'll have to spend some time in Houston of course. So what do you say?"

...................

With the 7th pick of the first round, Texas selects.........Bill Owen....