By Banjo Smith

Deke Koosa’s American Legion baseball team is ready for tis 1937 campaign.

Monday at 4 o’clock o’clock the youngsters will open district 7 elimination warfare at University field with Bishopville. Thereafter they will meet other district teams, Sumter and Elloree, in further competition. Prices Monday will be 10 and 25 cents.

As a sort of dress rehearsal, the Juniors will engage the Blaney CCC team on University field at 4:30 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

Team May be Strong

Manger Koosa isn’t sure about the strength of his team, cause most of the kids will be inexperienced. Only three veterans are left; only one regular from last year’s outfit is available.

“We just can’t tell about the team until it has a few games under its belt,” said Koosa. “Most of the boys are capable of playing some good ball. I believe, but they are not experienced performers by any means.”

The only returning regular will be Bumps Harrison, shortstop, David Walling, first base, and Jack Coleman, right field, are the only other men with experience in Legion competition.

Koosa has some promising prospects, however, Jesse Bullard, who has another year after this, looks like a pretty good catcher. He looked good on the high school team.

Harry Prim, a fine fielder but only a fair hitter, will probably get a call at second base. Bye Moore, who is only 13 years of age, a good fielder but still a little green at the plate, will be at third to round out the infield. Moore has two more years of Legion ball after this.

Taylor now holds the position of utility infielder, but may be able to displace some of the regulars any day. He’s a coming ball player Koosa thinks.

In addition to coleman in the outfield, Coach Koosa has Bob Corbett, a short kid with heavy hitting possibilities. Bill Marion, a fine hitter and a 10-second sprinter, and Bonds, utility, a husky chap who shows likelyhood.

Has Four Chunkers

Deke has four pitchers, all of who may be able to win ball games for him. One is Goodwin Hane, who has a lot of stuff and fair control. One is Allen Martin, a brother of Buddy Martin, who is young and inexperienced but capable of pitching fine ball. Others are Babe Hedden and J. D. Pittman. All four are right handers.

A big parade will precede the opening game Monday. The two teams will join the Drum and Bugie corps and other organizations at the Jefferson hotel at 2:30 o’clock Monday afternoon and ride in the parade to University field. LeRoy S. Bowman, past commander of the Richland post of the Legion, is in charge of arrangements for opening day.

Governor Olin D. Johnston will pitch the opening ball and Mayor L. B. Owens will catch.