Brenham Banner-Press (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 105, No. 94, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 12, 1971 Page: 8 of 24
twenty four pages : ill. ; page 21 x 16 in. Digitized from 35 mm. microfilm.View a full description of this newspaper.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
PAGE EIGHT BRENHAM BANNER PRESS WEDNESDAY MAY 12,1971
- Rothe Paces Longhorn
so Let’s Talk Sports wewow
: SWC Record Efforts
Tough Pitch To Hit
DALLAS
The Texas team hit for a .300 average and Three TCU players went the
Longhorns fashioned the highest this year two did it — A&M full conference season without
batting average in -Southwest . finishing with an even .300.
Conference history (.333), in
- claiming their 46th league
- championship — and a traitor to
# his class was the man mainly
responsible.
Walt Rothe, who had labored
as a pitcher for most of his
Longhorn career, switched to
the otufield this season and led
the league with a .485 average
— second highest ever in
committing a fielding error.
Tech led the league in fielding First baseman Randy Ray
at .966, barely nosing out SMU accepted 67 chances, left
.fielder-third baseman
Bodenhamer 41 and left fielder
Texas’ John Langerhans was Mike Turner 15.
the runner-up in batting with a
Don
.424 average as 19 SWC regulars —
hit .300 or better. Langerhans r 1
was also the long-ball champ lexans Nlake
with league leading figures of A .
seven homers and an .833 America
.slugging average. (total bases in A .
comtbaniuon. BaXOHSe "AhekeS number of times at bmo. • - Skeet Teams
: sumiumn Mi.sisimnciose hutmta banter . : * amE”Tew .howa.n.... pome
While Longhorns finished shaded Rothe and Langerhans
12-34 in the batting race and for the runs-batted-in une. America Skeet Team for 1911
now point toward the NO AA Chalk drove home a record 28 to just announced by Rob
playoffs, pitchers from Texas, 27 for Langerhans and 25 for ieonennounced by Jimmy Rob-
Texas Tech and Texas A&M Rothe. The old record was 27.
won the mound honors. Mike Markl of Texas was R. N. Ross, 72-year-old
Tech’s nifth sophomore; fourth in batting at .387 and Brownwood gunner was named
Ruben Garcia, posted a torrid A&M’s R. J. Englert, who tied captain of the veterans’ team
0.71 average and allowed an for batting runner-up last year and 15-year-old Brenda Cole-
all-time minimum of only 3.20 with Langerhans, finished fifth man of Waco was chosen cap-
hits per each nine innings at .367. = tain of. the junior women’s
;, pitched He was joined among Three players bettered the team. Wayne Ray, until recent-
SWC standard of 28 hits in a ly of Galveston but • now of
NEA
* Aft By CARLOS DEERE
Banner Sports Editor
About the only thing that would make yours truly break out
with a belly laugh before breakfast is for someone to come
to the door and present me with a certified cashier’s check
for one million dollars.
Fortunately, Red Murff, the Montreal Expos’ scouting
supervisor for Texas, Louisiana and a couple of other states,
isn’t nearly as hard to please. In 1967 the likable red-head
was awakened from a sound sleep by the ringing of the tele-
phone in the wee hours of dawn. On the other end of the line
was Bill Dorsey, a husky, jovial fellow who has helped Red
scout Louisiana for many years. Since it was just a day or
two before their annual try-out camp at Rockdale, Dorsey
was calling to see if he could bring a couple of pitchers over
from the Cajun state.
When Red asked Dorsey what kind of pitches the two kids
threw, Bill said one of them had a real good curve. On the
other one, he was a bit more emphatic. "He throws peas at
the knees," was the way Dorsey described this particular
prospect.
Well, even the veteran Murff, who must have thrown
over 100,000 pitches in a long and illustrious hurling ca-
reer, hadn’t heard that phrase before. And even though it
was early in the morning, the deadly serious description br-
° ought a hearty laugh. ‘
But the main reason I, and I’m sure Red, haven’t forgotten
the pitching leaders by the
- Texas duo of Burt Hooton -
: most ‘wins, 7, and most
C strikeouts, 74 — and Donnie
: .Horne — best record, 5-0.
- Texas’ team batting mark
: erased the old SWC standard of
.319 posted by the 1961 A&M
team. Only eight times
previously in SWC history has a
season and a fourth tied it. New Orleans, and William
Rothe holds the new record with Peale Jr., Austin, are on the
33 this season, while Chalk and second team for men. Mrs. Sis
Englert both had 29 and Morrison, San Antonio, made
Langerhans 28. The hit mark the women’s second team, and
was one of the SWC’s oldest, Del Drake, Paris, and Bob
being set by Texas’ Tom Paxton, Corpus Christi, were
Hamilton in 1949 and tied by picked on the junior second
TCU’s Al Paschal in 1956. team.
EARLY SURFER gets the
wave. First rays of a rising
sun catch a surfer walking
the beach at Sunny Isles,
Fla., scanning surf line for
early morning waves.
BREWERS TRADE
DETROIT (UPI)- The Mil-
waukee * Brewers announced:
Tuesday the trade of pitcher
John Gelnar and utility man
Jose Herrera to the Detroit
Tigers in return for pitcher
Jim Hannan,
TPS TUAIH
WuDD
HLBADW
KDAI:
1500 SOUTH DAY ST. QUANTITY RIGHTS RESERVED
SPECIALS GOOD FOR MAY 13 . 19
SQUARE CUT SHOULDER ,,
ROAST -60
NIVA
FRESH CUT T-BONE ,
STEAK
99
DECKERS QU ALITY SLICED
BACON
RATH
CERVALET
59
9
ex
BORDEN
ICE CREAM
GOLDEN AGE C
SODAWATER
CAN EACH0
. LIMIT 10 CANS
WITH $5.00
PURCHASE
TUCKERS
14
‘ ROUND CTN.
M GAL.
8
NABISCO
Waffle Cremex-REG 494
)II
IANT
OZ. B
RC
. O *
BIG TEX GRAPEFRUIT
JUICE
HUNTS 300 CAN
Fruit Cocktail
HUNTS SLICED
. PEACHES
WONDER
RICE
ROTEL
KRAUT N0.1 CAN
46 OZ.CAN 200
-0000000
GIANT AJAX *
Detergent-69
FANCY RED DELICIOUS
Apples 19°
. YELLOW
Onions10’
LARGE CRISP
Celery
19
BOUNTY PAPER JUMBO
OWE
FOR
17-year-old, slender youngster could throw so hard.
Hudson was a different type pitcher, relying mostly on a
great curve and control, although he too had a fine.arm.
The Mets eventually signed him that year and he was named
the pitcher of the year in the Rookie League. Jesse was also
on the Mets’ 40-man big league roster this season until the
final week, when he was sent down to the minors for more
experience.
Vida, of course, was eventually drafted in the second round
by the then Kansas City club, which later moved to Oakland,
where the now 21-year-old has major league baseball writers
thinking up new phrases to describe his fabulous exploits.
12 Athletics For An Indian
One UPI story last week had Oakland manager Dick Wil-
* liams offering Cleveland 12 players. for pitcher Sam Mc-
Dowell. Indian manager Alvin Dark was duly impressed, but
he said the one name he wanted-- Vida Blue--wasn‘t among
the 12. ...
Williams, who isn’t about to add that name to the trading
block, nevertheless realizes how much pressure is on one so
young. earlier in the season Williams said about Vida: "I
wish I could keep him in a glass cage and just bring him out
when it came his turn to pitch.”’
Frank Lane, now with the Milwaukee Brewers and never
one to be cautious or timid about anything, came up with a
ule
of-
tri
be
it is that Dorsey proved to be a prophet. The youngster he
was talking about was none other than Vida Blue.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I’m sure I’ve told
the story before, so bear with me if you will. Now that different view about Blue last Monday.
Vida is going so good in the big league, it’s worth re-tel- ____"I saw him three different times in Des Moines last year
when I was with the Orioles and I was tremendously im-
pressed with his maturity when I talked with him," Lane
says, “I said ‘you oughta be pitching for Oakland right bow.
ling.-
Back in 1967, Murff was with the New York Mets and he
held this annual try-out camp in Rockdale. Of course, since
that time he’s been holding it here in Brenham, and for the
past two or three years he’s been with the Expos. But that’s
another story.
On this occasion, and after such a build-up, Red quickly
told Dorsey to bring his two pitching prospects to Rockdale.
And though it’s been about four years now and the facts are
a little hazy to this writer, one thing is for sure--those
two guys could really hum the ball.
A Camp Full Of Arms
What makes it all the more interesting is that there were
probably more good pitchers in that particular try-out camp
‘ than any I’ve seen before or since. Man, everybody in that
camp could throw like a young Bob Feller-or so it seemed.
There were over 200 of the better players from the southern
states at the camp and I don’t remember a good, loud foul
ball being hit -- by anybody - during my short stay. If a
batter had depended on his showing that day to make a living
he’s have starved to death.
Of course, a few hitters did stand out as the camp pro-
gressed. One that comes to mind is Jim Breazeale of Hous-
ton, who some pro scouts say may be the best bat-swinger
to ever come out of the-bayou city. Right now he’s batting
333 with Richmond (Braves) of the Class AAA International
League. .
• But the fellow who had the fans talking to themselves and
anybody else who would listen was Vida 6iee,----C"TA
lefthander who threw so hard it hurt to watch. His buddy was
called Jesse James by the camp watchers, but his real name
was, and still is, Jesse Hudson. He threw real good, too,
but not in the same league with Vida.
-It seems that both of them had come to Texas on a selling
trip--to show off their talents. They only stayed at the camp
one day and then left for Tyler and a Los Angeles Dodgers,
try-out camp the next day. Both wanted to be seen by as many
pro scouts as possible. and apparently their arms were like
rubber because they could pitch at the drop of a bat.
When Vida and Jesse showed up at Rockdale, they went
almost immediately, to the bull pen to warm up along with
numerous other pitchers. After they got ready to throw full
speed. Red and Dorsey went down to ask them to throw cer-
and if you were they’d be leading the Western Division.’ •
"Vida said ‘Well, I’ve been in Oakland a few times for
weekend military servie but all they let me do is pitch
batting practice.’.
Lane then replied: “My goodness, how do they let you out
of that ballpark?"
Lane, who’s been around baseball about as long as Casey
Stengel, added that “everytime I sa whim pitch I just drooled
at the mouth. He was a natural. I was hoping we had a chance
to get him for the Orioles.”
With all these glowing reports, a reader might rightfully
wonder why the Mets didn’t draft young Blue back when he .
was a free agent right out of high school. Well, if it’s any
consolation, the Mets are probably wondering the same
thing.
Actually, though, it’s easy now to look back and second
guess your self, but it’s not easy at all to put your informa-
tion from across the United States together and come up
with the best prospect. Any way the Mets cut it that particu-
lar year, or any year, the prospects are very young and
they can go up in ability or down or remain the same. Only
time will tell if you make the right or wrong decision.
Everyone’s Prospect Is The Best
. I haven’t asked Red Murff what he though of Vida Blue
way back then, but let’s assume that he thought Vida was
. the greatest thing since hot pants. It’s also safe to assume—--
that several other Met scouts across the country were just
as high about their respective prospects. So what it boils
down to is the powers-that-be have to decide what the club
needs most at the particular time.
Maybe they needed an infielder, a catcher or an outfieler
-. more than a pitcher. It would help this story considerably
if I could remember who the Mets’first two or three picks
were that year, but F can’t In any case, chances and’goo.-e
that they are pretty satisfied with whoever they selected in
1967.
After all, two years later, the Amazing Mets swept to the
World Series title, so they must have dome something right.
And it’s no accident that four of their players that year, Jerry :
aAt tain pitches, like a curve, slider or fastball. Both did so
with flying colors, at which point they took their turns out on
-1 the mound against batters with big sticks
Memory fails me, but it seems like they only pitched two
or three innings apiece. But whatever the amount, every pit-
ch that Vida threw just sort of grabbed you in the pit of the
stomach. You couldn’t help but wonder how in the devil a
Koosman, Kenny Boswell, Jerry Grote and Nolan Ryan, were
signed by Red Murff. You can count on one finger the number
of pro scouts with such an outstanding record.
- And, apparently, Vide. C21. He alsoontroi-a-kind. At least, -
he’s the only pitcher I ever heard of who threw “peas at the
knees.” Since he leads the majors in strikeouts, the pitch
must be hard to hit.
2 for 49
1 GAL. CAN
28 OZ. BOX
99°
29
2 for 25°
Rosedale ‘1.00 Sale
Green LIMAS 303 CAM :
Cut Green BEANS 6 for N
GOLDEN
Whole W.K. or C.S. CORN
Sweet PEAS
SKINNERS EGG
NOODLES
8 0Z. PK G. 25
DDU STORE COUPONDDE
CAVE 206 c With this T
JAVL ZUY C coupon , •
L Gladiola FLOUR s
From—5 - 1- r 30c h
..-—
JOI STORE COUPON MCE
BRENHAM
SPECIAL
BROOMS
REG., $1.99
FOR
‘1.59
SAVE 40+
SAVE 20° WHEN You BUY A
2 LB. CAN of
FOLGER’S COFFEE
Folgers
Coffee
SPECIAL PRICE
WITH THIS COUPON
$1.39
WITHOUT COUPON $1,594
Coupon cash value 1/20 of 1e
GOOD YHAO’MAY 9
*
XXXXXXHNAS******
Seniors Win ,
Volleyball Title 1
A volleyball intramural
X.
tournament which has been in
progress for about six weeks
at Brenham High School has
just been concluded.
Van Enam’s senior home-
room, 401, defeated the fresh-
man home room 111, sponsor-
ed by Mrs. August Weiss in
the finals.
Members of the winning
team were Terrie Adamson,
Johnnie Alcorn, Arthur Av-
ckhorn, Delbert Boeker, Mike
Brannon, Jody Budell and Dick
Copeland.
The freshmen who were on
the runner-up team were Ann TAKING IT EASY but actually hard at work. Arizona State University psychology
Weiss, Gary Wets Craig major Pat Carriker, 23, of Phoenix and his sister, Teresa, 16, ride the slings on %
Werlmann, Carol "sepape, rough tack in warming up for defense of two-time-winner Pat’s title in the London
Janis Wilburn, Geraldine Wil- Bridge Regatta at Lake Havasu City,” Ariz.
liams. Regnal Whiting, James ,----------------
Wright, Mark Zimmermann, .Take 8-Game Lead-
and Glenn Zwahr. — - - — . .. 1
Red Hot Giants Defeat Reds
Players for the sophomore
class champions, homeroom
210, were Nadine Turnipseed,
Heidi Wachholz, Mike Wal-
drop, James Walker, Bill
Donald Wilson and Dennis Wil-
son.
Weghorst, Jean Wegner, Stan Junior class champions,
Whiting, Wilson Whitley, Re- homeroom 309, were Pam
ver Winston, Lou Yarbrough, Torbett, Ronnie Torbett, Ma-
================== L. rgaret Watkins, Charles
Weiss, Douglas Weiss, Pam
MAY SPECIAL
SHAG CARPET
INSTALLED WITH
THICK HEAVY PAD
$6.75 Per Sq. Yd.
FREE . . . Shag Carpet Rake
- Weiss, Robert Weiss and Ma-
urice Winters.
u NIIED)
FADE AGENCY d
REAL ESTATE
By JOE CARNICELLI
UPI Sports Writer
It seems as if the San Fr-
ancisco Giants can do no wr-
ong and the Cincinnati Reds
can do no right.
The Giants continued to rule
supreme and the Reds contin-
ued to flounder Tuesday night
as Willie McCovey, Bobby Bo-
nds and Dick Dietz smashed
home runs and Gaylord Per-
ry pitched a six-hitter to lead
San Francisco to a 6-1 victory
with 2 rooms or more.
FISCHER
TILE
Quality Work
Since 1948
United Advertising is coast
to coast with a circulation
of over 60 million. We offer
a Free Coast to Coast Cata-
logue. We have requests for
various types of properties
--such as yours. List with
United today. Write or call
JERRY DUNN 836-9591
Brenham, Texas
LONE
STAR
You deserve
the best!
.......nothing lessi
LONE STAR BEER DIST.
107 Ist.
H35-3592
over Cincinnati.
The triumph left the surging
Giants eight games ahead of
second place Los Angeles and
Atlanta in the National League
West. The Reds, who were in
the Giants’ position last sea-
son as they romped virtually
uncontested through the NL
West, are mired in fifth pl-
ace, 11 1/2 games behind.
The Giants, now 24-9, have
the best mark in baseball.
San Francisco ripped Jim
Merritt for six runs within the
first three innings. Bonds and
Dietz hit bases empty homers
in the first and the Giants
added two more runs in the
inning on singles by rookier
Chris Speier, McCovey and
Ken Henderson and Buddy Br-
adford’s throwing error. Mc-
Covey followed a walk to Wil-
lie Mays in the third with his—
eighth home run.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Moser, Charles & O'Shea, William. Brenham Banner-Press (Brenham, Tex.), Vol. 105, No. 94, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 12, 1971, newspaper, May 12, 1971; Brenham, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1696126/m1/8/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library.