The Yankee Baseball League: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell, vol. 2

[Big Six]

148 Cherry Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Mr. Roy Hitt
1105 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, Ohio

April 24, 1929

Dear Roy,

Thank you for your kind letter of the 20th. Yes, following the beginning of the major league season from a comfortable armchair, rather than from a seat in the Red Sox dugout, is more unusual than I expected it to be. However, the thought that I will not, to the best of my knowledge, pack a grip and board a train for any trip of any length until June removes any disappointment I might feel about the fact that the baseball season is beginning without me for the first time in almost a quarter century.

Now that I've reminded myself how old I am, I'll answer your other question. I cannot conceive of any possible way in which I will be a part of big league baseball again. I've been told I would make a good coach or manager, and the idea once appealed to me but, as you've discovered, the opportunity to spend time with a wife and family is too good to pass up.

Beth is sixteen now, and she will be off to college soon. Mike is fourteen, and I will be able to watch him play baseball for the first time this spring. Mary Kate is twelve, and I am excited about seeing her entire passage through her teenage years, something I haven't been able to enjoy with Beth or Mike. And John and Bill are nine and seven, and Sarah could use my help keeping those little scamps in line. Sarah and I have never taken a summer vacation, and we are planning a trip to Nantucket, just us two, in June. It will feel like a honeymoon. No, I wouldn't take a job in the big leagues for any sum of money, my friend. I am content to live out my days right here in the Berkshires. I would go back to Fenway Park for an Old Timer's Day, but that's it.

Tell Ella and the Hitt boys hello for me, and I'll look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your barnstorming pal,
Pat

[Big Six]

Yes, he's back.

Last night, I noticed someone had bumped TBBLOPO back to the top of the dynasty forum. When I took a look to see who had done a thing like that, I saw a post from sflcat61, who wondered if I'd ever considered writing an afterword that revealed what happened to Pat and his family in the years after the story ended, which I believe was 1940.

I always felt like the original Base Ball Life went on and on and on. I started the story in April 2003, and by June 2005, I'd taken the story from 1906 to 1928, Pat's final season with the Red Sox. Then, it floundered around for another three years or so, while I toyed with several ideas to keep it fresh and fun for me (and the people who were still reading it, too.) Nothing clicked, so I wrote a "last post" and moved on to other dynasties and other stories.

They've been fun, but I've never had as much fun with a character, or with a story, as I did with Pat and the Base Ball Life. So, I've decided to revive Pat and create a new tale of his experiences after retirement from the big leagues. I've wound the clock back to 1929, where the new volume will begin.

Some things, as you've perhaps already seen, won't change. Pat's wife and kids are all part of the story, and Roy Hitt, Pat's former World Series rival and friend from their barnstorming days, will once again play a prominent role. And, there will be plenty of OOTP. After all, I'm writing for the OOTP dynasty forum, aren't I?

If you are asking yourself who Pat O'Farrell is, I'd suggest you take a look at this link. It's a short summary of the original Base Ball Life, up to the point where this new volume begins. If you read The Base Ball Life back in the day, you still might want to re-acquaint yourself with the story and its characters.

I hope I'll be able to create a story that I'll enjoy writing about as much as I did the first volume of The Base Ball Life. I know I'll enjoy playing OOTP as much; that's a given. And, if I can write something you enjoy reading, too, that's even better.

Sometimes, sequels are bad ideas. You read one, or watch one, and wish the creators of the original story had left well enough alone. I hope we don't all think that about this "sequel" one day.

[Big Six]

Berkshire Eagle, June 19, 1929

THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB

PITTSFIELD--A topic that has been batted around, like a baseball, for several years now has resurfaced, and this time, men of means who could convert it from a dream into a reality are listening.

For a decade or more, there has been talk of establishing an independent professional baseball league in the western New England area. There has always been a tremendous interest in the sport here, and there is very little doubt that if a product of fair quality were offered to the sporting public, such a league would stand a decent chance of success. However, unless such a league was financed adequately from the beginning, those chances would lessen considerably, and until recently, there were few men with the money to back such a venture who expressed a willingness to do so.

However, that seems to be changing. Pittsfield banker Ron Hancock said yesterday that he would gladly put a team on the field here. Leland Herman of Fitchburg appears equally willing to back a club in his city. And Quinton Donnelly of Danbury, Connecticut, who is considerably wealthier than either Hancock or Herman, has long said he would love to own his own ball club. If as few as three other cities joined in, a neat six-team circuit could be formed.

Only one problem seems to remain.

As Hancock says, "I love baseball, and I can run a bank. But I admit I don't know enough about baseball to run a league. I learned long ago that if you want a job done right and you can't do it yourself, you need to find the man who can and hire him."

There happens to be a man in this area who happens to know quite a bit about baseball. He played the game at its highest level as well as anyone ever has, and he has long been considered one of its most distinguished ambassadors. If he can't run a baseball league himself, or isn't willing to do so, he surely knows someone who can.

This gentleman has expressed his desire to remain home with his family now that his playing career has ended. He offers that desire as the reason why he isn't interested in remaining in baseball. A regional league like the one being discussed would not require its commissioner to travel far from his own front door. With a good automobile or a short run on a train, he could reach the league's most distant outpost and be home for his dinner. Why, with a telephone connection, he might not have to leave his desk at all.

Patrick O'Farrell, are you listening?

James D. Kelly
Sports Editor

[Big Six]

Berkshire Eagle, July 27, 1929

O'FARRELL TO HEAD UP REGIONAL LEAGUE
Independent Professional Baseball League Gets Its Man

PITTSFIELD--Professional baseball is one step closer to arriving in western New England today, as Boston Red Sox legend Pat O'Farrell announced he would serve as the commissioner for an independent baseball league here in western New England.

O'Farrell, 41, is a native of Stockbridge, and after he retired from the Red Sox after their World Series victory in October, he repeatedly spoke of his desire to remain here in the Berkshires with his family.

"I love baseball, but I would not be involved with it in any capacity that required me to travel all over the country any more. I've had enough of that," O'Farrell said. "However, when I was approached with the idea of a regional league, I began to realize what a good idea it was. I discussed it with my wife and some fellows I know around the baseball world, and they all thought I should be a part of this league."

O'Farrell believes the time is right for such a project. "There is always a need for good, wholesome entertainment that a family can enjoy together," he explained. "A day at the ballpark is a perfect summer activity."

Nobody expects O'Farrell to bring major league talent to the Berkshires, but he thinks the proposed league will attract some good ball players. "New England is full of baseball talent, players who for one reason or another aren't part of organized baseball, but who have the ability to play the game at a high level. I think we can make this league an attractive place for a man like that to play ball."

O'Farrell was quick to add that the league would not be a haven for players who had been left behind by National Association clubs because of their own doing. "We'll give a man a chance, but we don't want the troublemakers who couldn't keep their noses clean in organized ball," he explained.

The news that O'Farrell would be part of the league was met with great enthusiasm around the area. Already, clubs in Pittsfield, Fitchburg, and Danbury, Connecticut have been organized, and there is serious interest in several other cities as well.

Here in Massachusetts, Holyoke business leaders today announced they are "very close" to putting together an organization. Torrington, Connecticut and Bennington, Vermont are the other cities where significant progress has been made...

[Big Six]

148 Cherry Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Mr. Archibald Graham
344 2nd Street, NW
Chisholm, Minnesota

August 24, 1929

Dear Archie,

I hope this letter finds you and your new bride happy and healthy. I also want to congratulate you on the completion of your medical degree. Doc Graham has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

I remember you telling me how much you missed your days as a ball player, and how much you would like to return to the field one day. I would like to let you know about an opportunity that could enable you to do just that. It might not be something you would, or could do, given the demands of your personal and professional situation, but I wouldn't feel right not letting you know about it.

There will be an independent professional league forming in this part of New England, possibly as early as next season. I have agreed to serve as the commissioner of the league (wish me luck!). The plans are to limit the league to players from the New England states but, since you played two seasons with the Pittsfield club and lived here year-round, I see no reason why a small exception couldn't be made to accommodate a player like you, who made it to the major leagues. Your participation would give our league additional credibility, and might attract other good players.

I completely understand if, at present, you don't feel you can join us. You might well be more eager to begin a medical internship, and you and Alicia might have no desire to move to New England. I won't take it the least bit personally if you decline the offer.

However, if you are interested, there will be a "tryout" for players who would like to show their stuff for the management in preparation for the dispersal draft that would assign you to your team. It will take place on September 19 and 20, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. You and Alicia would be more than welcome to stay at our home.

Please give this a thought, Archie. It would be wonderful to have you as a part of our league.

Warmest regards,
Pat

****

The Archie Graham character's been changed slightly from the original Base Ball Life, in which he became an established major league star. In this story, "Moonlight" is much more like the "real" Archie Graham--a player good enough to play professionally, but only good enough for a "cup of coffee" in the big leagues. That way he'll fit much better in a league like this one.

[Big Six]

Berkshire Eagle, September 22, 1929

PROSPECTIVE PROS DISPLAY WARES FOR NEW LEAGUE BOSSES
Almost 200 Aspiring Players Audition

PITTSFIELD--The organizers of the new baseball league that is scheduled to begin play in this area next season expected approximately 50 players to attend the workout held here this week.

Instead, nearly 200 players batted, threw, fielded, and ran before an audience of baseball men and businessmen who will form the new league's leadership corps.

The commissioner of the still-unnamed loop, Pat O'Farrell, was "delighted" by the large turnout. "We were a little overwhelmed at first, because we had set things up for a much smaller number. We couldn't be happier, though. If a little more than half of the men who attended the workout are willing to play in our league next year, we will have enough to field six full teams. And I'm sure there will be other players who develop an interest in our league before next spring."

O'Farrell had to be pleased with the quality of the players, too. Most prominent among them was Archie Graham, whom Pittsfield fans will remember from his days with the Eastern League club several years ago. Graham, an outfielder who is now 26 years old, played very little ball while he completed his medical studies, but now "Doc" Graham is ready to take the field once again. "Graham hit the ball hard, and he's always been a very good outfielder," said one observer, a likely manager for one of the teams, who wished to remain anonymous. "If I get a chance to have him on my club, I'll take it."

Graham confirmed his intention to play in the league. "I enjoyed my time in Pittsfield," he told the press. "I've missed playing baseball. I miss being part of a team, and there's nothing like the thrill of a good, close game. I can continue my medical training in the fall and winter."

Several other players displayed talent that stood out from the crowd, even among a group of men who have obviously played some ball at a high level. Michael Foster, a righthanded pitcher from Hudson, Mass., made onlookers gasp with the force of his fastball. Rob Booker, a tall, powerful outfielder from Rhode Island, hit home runs to all fields and featured a strong, accurate arm. Also from Rhode Island came Jesus Rodriguez, a Latin catcher with a soft glove and a booming bat. In all, there were dozens of players who appeared to have the stuff.

Conspicuous by their presence were a number of Negro players. Foster is one example, and Rodriguez is a dark-skinned Latin. O'Farrell emphasized the fact that the new league was open to men of all races. "Baseball should know no racial discrimination, and this league will show none," he said, without qualification.

O'Farrell confirmed that the league will begin play with six teams in April 1930. Pittsfield, Fitchburg, and Holyoke will represent Massachusetts. Torrington and Danbury, Connecticut and Bennington, Vermont will fill out the table...

[Big Six]

148 Cherry Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Mr. Bill Carrigan
54 Pine Street
Lewiston, Maine

December 9, 1929

Dear Bill,

I was so glad we got to speak on the telephone the other afternoon. I know the league will be a better, stronger outfit if we do the things you suggested, and I am sure I can convince the team owners that you're right. Your success in business, combined with your success on the ball field, give you immediate credibility.

Since we spoke, the league has been given its official name. I have to smile at the irony of a man who played 20 years for the Red Sox serving at the commissioner of the Yankee Baseball League! Of course, the name is intended in the more general, New England sense of the word. "Western New England League" sounded a bit too wordy; "Pioneer League" brought to mind an image of a frontiersman flailing at a crabapple with a split rail. "Yankee League" just fits a lot better. It makes it sound like we've been around a while, and might stay around a while longer.

We commissioned a man named "Tex" Ranger to create a logo for our league, and we were very pleased with his idea. So much so, in fact, that the owners gave him the job of creating their team emblems, too. Since they had already given nicknames to the teams, Mr. Ranger was able to create his designs very quickly. If everything connected with the Yankee League is as smooth and professional as his work, this will be a first-class outfit indeed!

Soon after the New Year, the clubs will draft their rosters from the list of players who have submitted their names for consideration. I believe I told you on the phone that well over 200 players put their names on the list! I think you might recognize one of the fellows who signed up recently. Do you remember an infielder named Mike Taylor from New Hampshire? He was in spring training with us one year; I'm thinking it must have been 1921 or 1922. I think he played in the Midwest for year or two. I saw him last week, and he looks like he is in fine shape.

Between you and me, as late as September I had a lot of doubts about this thing. I wasn't sure how we could make it work. Now I can say with certainty that the Yankee League will begin play in 1930. What happens next? We will have to see, won't we?

I can't express how grateful I am for your friendship and support, Bill. I am sure I will be relying on your wise counsel often.

Wish Beulah and the kids a Merry Christmas from me, Sarah, and mine.

Your pal,
Pat

[Big Six]

1105 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, Ohio

Mr. Christopher Howlands
11 Francis Avenue
Quincy, Massachusetts

December 21, 1929

Dear Chris,

Remember the baseball league I told you about, the independent league that was going to be organized out in western Massachusetts? It is definitely going to happen, and it is just as certain that it will begin play next spring.

Pat O'Farrell is the league's commissioner, and I have his word that it is a legitimate league with an excellent chance for success. As I'm sure you know, I have been his friend for a long time, I trust his judgement, and I have never known him to tell a man something he knew to be untrue. That's as good an endorsement for the league as I can imagine.

I know you would like to pitch again, that you haven't felt quite the same since you walked off a mound for the last time. When a man considers himself a pitcher, he is never truly happy being anything else, as long as his body allows him to do so.

I hope you will forgive me for speaking to your wife about this matter already, but I did it for a reason. I know you well enough to know you would never walk away from your job at the newspaper and go back to baseball if you thought for a moment that she would have a problem with it. I know my daughter well enough to know that she means what she says when she tells me she would support your decision to play ball again. Margaret grew up in a baseball family, and it is a life she enjoys. And, because the Yankee League is a smaller league, you would never travel nearly as far, or as long, as I did when I pitched for the Reds--or as far as you did when you pitched in the Southern Association.

If you'd like to give the Yankee League a try, contact the league office and enter yourself in the pool for the inaugural draft. You will need to do this quickly, because the draft will be held in early January. With your credentials as a professional pitcher, you should be one of the more talented pitchers in the league, and you will probably be selected in one of the early rounds of the draft.

Whatever you decide, have a merry Christmas and a joyous New Year. Hug and kiss the kids for me.

Your father-in-law,
Roy

[Big Six]

January 1, 1930



The Yankee League held its dispersal draft today. 277 players submitted their names for consideration, and for 45 rounds, the six teams selected them, one at a time. Let's meet the men who were selected in the first round of today's draft.

You'll also get your first look at the beautiful logos txranger created for the Yankee League. A few of the logos were adapted from designs originally created by knuckler.


1. Fitchburg Blue Sox: OF Archie Graham
The Blue Sox used the first overall pick to choose the best-known player in the draft pool. Graham, 26, possesses all five tools, with only his throwing arm and his power being average for the Yankee League. "Moonlight," who is also known as "Doc" now that he has received his medical degree, could post an OPS of close to 1.000.


2. Torrington Patriots: SS Mike Taylor
Taylor might be a more productive hitter than Graham, with a bit more power, and he plays a premium defensive position quite well. However, he is older than Graham--30--and there are some questions about how hard he's willing to work. Still, the Patriots think he will be a big star.


3. Danbury Stars: RHP Chris Howlands
With a fastball that reaches 95 MPH and a curve and change that are even better pitches, Howlands, 23, will certainly be one of the top pitchers in the Yankee League. Like Graham, he is a veteran of organized ball, and he is the son-in-law of Hall of Fame pitcher Roy Hitt.


4. Pittsfield Mohawks: OF Mike Smith
The Mohawks were delighted to see Smith was available with the #4 pick. His bat packs plenty of extra-base power, and he is a natural center fielder with above average speed and outstanding range. He is 25, so he might get even better than he is now.


5. Bennington Bears: RHP Michael Foster
His fastball, which has been clocked at 98 MPH, earned him the nickname "Flamethrower," and he combines it with a wicked change that makes his #1 seem even swifter. Foster, 32, is still plenty strong enough to shoulder a heavy workload.


6. Holyoke Papermakers: OF Patrick Gunther
Gunther, 29, is a prototypical leadoff man who will hit for a high average, draw a lot of walks, and make thing happen on the basepaths. He covers a lot of ground in center field, and he should be one of the team's leaders.

[Tyke]

Loving the look of the logos - great work by txranger!

[NYY #23]

I love the logos as well, and the names fit the area well. I have to go with the Mohawks though, and hope Mike Smith can turn into a star.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by Tyke

Loving the look of the logos - great work by txranger!

Hear, hear. I'm using the work of the txranger/knuckler combo in two of my active dynasties right now. I use justafan's circular logos for the other.

And, if you like the logos, just wait until you see the uniforms txranger made. They'll make their appearance in some of my posts soon.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I love the logos as well, and the names fit the area well. I have to go with the Mohawks though, and hope Mike Smith can turn into a star.

Thanks, NYY#23. I always have a lot of fun coming up with team names. I tried to capture both the time and the location in which the league is set.

The Mohawks were simply going to be the Indians, until I did 5 minutes' worth of research and discovered the Mohawk tribe's homeland ranged as far east as the Berkshires.

I seem to have a team called the Blue Sox in almost all my leagues.

I'll usually use an alliterative combination at least once, but I don't want them all to be alliterative. To me, a short nickname like "Bears" fits well with a longer city name like Bennington, and there are black bears in Vermont.

Holyoke was once the center of the American paper-making industry, so "Holyoke Papermakers" seemed to work.

I figured a New England league needed to have at least one patriotic/Revolutionary-inspired nickname. I liked "Patriots" best with "Torrington."

For Danbury, I was simply going with something that had a retro feel, and a shorter nickname. The Stars were the last team to get their name.

I had Pat O'Farrell describe the thought process that went into naming the Yankee League itself.

As for the Mohawks, I don't want to give away too many of the secrets that will probably unfold during the story, but one thing I will say is that the Mohawks management appears to have constructed their team for the long haul. As of January 1930, TEN of the 20 best prospects in the league are Pittsfield Mohawks.

Mike Smith is still young enough that he is considered a prospect, and he's listed at #2. The player ranked ahead of him is a pitcher, and you'll meet him soon. He's a Mohawk, too.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by Big Six

Thanks, NYY#23. I always have a lot of fun coming up with team names. I tried to capture both the time and the location in which the league is set.

The Mohawks were simply going to be the Indians, until I did 5 minutes' worth of research and discovered the Mohawk tribe's homeland ranged as far east as the Berkshires.

I seem to have a team called the Blue Sox in almost all my leagues.

I'll usually use an alliterative combination at least once, but I don't want them all to be alliterative. To me, a short nickname like "Bears" fits well with a longer city name like Bennington, and there are black bears in Vermont.

Holyoke was once the center of the American paper-making industry, so "Holyoke Papermakers" seemed to work.

I figured a New England league needed to have at least one patriotic/Revolutionary-inspired nickname. I liked "Patriots" best with "Torrington."

For Danbury, I was simply going with something that had a retro feel, and a shorter nickname. The Stars were the last team to get their name.

I had Pat O'Farrell describe the thought process that went into naming the Yankee League itself.

As for the Mohawks, I don't want to give away too many of the secrets that will probably unfold during the story, but one thing I will say is that the Mohawks management appears to have constructed their team for the long haul. As of January 1930, TEN of the 20 best prospects in the league are Pittsfield Mohawks.

Mike Smith is still young enough that he is considered a prospect, and he's listed at #2. The player ranked ahead of him is a pitcher, and you'll meet him soon. He's a Mohawk, too.

I immediately though of the nearby Mohawk trail when I saw the Pittsfield nickname. That's good to hear, and I'll anxiously await to hear more about Pittsfield.

[Jamee999]

Yessssss! <3

[Big Six]

Berkshire Eagle
April 1, 1930

YANKEE LEAGUE SEASON BEGINS TODAY
Fans Across the Region Ready For New Professional League

FITCHBURG--It's time for the Yankee League to "play ball."

In Fitchburg, and in the Connecticut cities of Danbury and Torrington, the brand-new regional league will commence its operations today. Generous crowds are expected at all three ballparks, and the quality of play is expected to be good enough to please the discerning fan.

"I've been to the teams' training camps," explained commissioner Pat O'Farrell. "The players in this league know what they're doing on a ball field. Are they big league quality? No, but they're not Sunday picnic quality, either."

Several hitters opened eyes around the circuit in exhibition play. The Smith boys from Pittsfield, Zander and Mike, are both outfielders, and both batted exactly .397 this spring. Mike also slugged five home runs. The Smiths are not related, however, and only Mike is expected to be a starter now that the games count in the standings.

The Mohawks also got good production from young catcher Lou Vickers, who matched Mike Smith's five home runs. Vickers, who is only 22, is considered the league's best backstop prospect.

The Yankee League's two most highly touted pitchers lived up to their billing this spring. Both Danbury's Chris Howlands and Bennington's Michael Foster mowed down hitters with regularity, especially Howlands, who struck out 23 batters and allowed only 15 base runners in 20 innings of work. Both men will start their team's Opening Day contests...

The Eagle staff predicts that Fitchburg, Pittsfield, and Danbury will be the toughest clubs in the league this year. Look for the Blue Sox' hulking first sacker, Brian "Sarge" Wentzel, to lead the league in home runs and RBI, while Danbury flychaser Cecil Harris cops the batting title. Howlands and Foster will be the league's winningest hurlers, and one of them might even take the pitchers' Triple Crown. The Yankee loop's ace reliever will be Chester Holcomb of Pittsfield...

****
Even though the Yankee League begins play in 1930, I'm using 1980s-era settings, and I'll leave them there throughout the league's history. I like that style of baseball, with a mixture of power, speed, and pitching that I find pleasing. It's the baseball of my boyhood, and I think many of us have an attachment to the way the game was played when we discovered it.

[OmahaReynolds]

Can't wait to see the Danbury Stars roll over the competition!

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by OmahaReynolds

Can't wait to see the Danbury Stars roll over the competition!

It looks like both the Mohawks and the Stars have a supporter on the forum now!

For me, at least, this is one of the biggest treats when I create a fictional league for the Dynasty Forum. I wish I could say "Sure, I'd like writing for my thread just as much if nobody much read it, and if nobody commented in it." I honestly don't think that's quite true for me. I would definitely still play OOTP, and I would probably still enjoy writing up the story of the Yankee League. I like to write, and I grew up writing about the exploits of the players in my neighborhood All-Time All-Star Baseball league.

Still, when readers start rooting for one of the teams and commenting, or when they follow a particular player, it makes it even more fun. A forum member nicknamed ifspuds became a fan of the Bethlehem Steelers and their star third baseman, Bradley Foster, in my Keystone League. A Gettysburg Cannons pitcher named Clarence Flippen was another fan favorite, and so was a young pitcher for the State College Hillclimbers named Ezra "The Prophet" Numbers. Yes, OOTP gave him the name of two books of the Old Testament. His fans and I couldn't resist adding the nickname.

I still remember these things, and I started the Keystone League story in 2005. That's how much fun that was.

Anyway, thanks to those of you who are starting to follow the Yankee Baseball League. I hope it becomes a regular stop for you when you visit the forum, and please comment whenever you feel like it.

[Big Six]

Danbury News
April 1, 1930

STARS OPEN SEASON TODAY
Baseball Fans Welcome Yankee League Club

DANBURY--A big crowd is expected at Rogers Field today for the opening of the Yankee League season here in Danbury.

The Stars will host the Holyoke Papermakers in the first of a two-game series that will mark the beginning of regional professional ball in the Hat City.

Stars Should Have Competitive Club
The level of play in the Yankee League should be high, but because many of the players are unfamiliar to local baseball "experts," predictions are not easy to make. Still, most observers believe the Stars should be a first-division outfit.

Pitching Staff Looks Fast
The four men who will take regular turns in the Stars rotation look like they should be able to keep the team in contention. The ace of the staff is Chris Howlands, who went as far as Class A in organized ball. The other three starters--Mike O'Gallagher, Ed Yarbrough, and Gerhard Liebbrandt--all throw very hard, as hard as Howlands does, and should keep batters on their toes. Every man in the bullpen is capable of throwing a fastball that reaches ninety miles per hour, especially Garland Brown, who will be called upon when a victory needs saving.

Rodriguez, Encarnacion Lead Infield
A good ball club is "strong up the middle," and with catcher Jesus Rodriguez and shortstop Jorge Encarnacion on the job, the Stars have that requirement met. Rodriguez is a skillful catcher, and he hits for average and power. Encarnacion will get his share of hits, and he is a slick man with the glove. His keystone partner, Manuel Maldonado, is sure-handed and reliable. Dave Kennedy will man first base, and he can hit the long ball.

Outfield Should Be Strong
The Stars' garden corps is short-handed right now due to injury, but there's no reason to believe it won't be first-rate once everyone is healthy. Left fielder Joel Black, a bona fide slugger, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since early March. He should be ready for action next week, and he'll join center fielder Theodore Small and right fielder Cecil Harris to form a solid trio. Small will bat leadoff, while Harris will be the cleanup man. Both should hit in the .300 neighborhood.

The Stars roster represents well the ethnic blend that has long characterized New England. Rodriguez, Maldonado, and Encarnacion give the team a Latin flair. O'Gallagher should be a favorite among the sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle. Liebbrandt is, of course, from German stock, and Small, Harris, and many of the rest are good old fashioned Yanks...

[Big Six]

Danbury News
April 2, 1930

STARS WIN ON HOWLANDS ONE-HITTER

DANBURY--The day was blustery, and the crowd wasn't as big as Yankee League organizers might have hoped. Those who came out to Rogers Field yesterday were treated to a sterling example of the art of pitching, as Chris Howlands fired a one-hit shutout in the Stars' 3-0 victory over Holyoke.

Papermakers catcher Bob Bass lined a clean single in the top of the second inning, but that was the only safety the visitors could manage against the hard-throwing righthander. Howlands walked only one batter and struck out eight, requiring only 103 pitches to complete his masterpiece...