LOOKING BACK

 I received a call last week from Bill Marshall. Bill now lives in Deland, Florida, and he read my column last week. Bill could relate to playing in the ‘60s and ‘70s, as he played softball and basketball as a member of the Jaycees. I remember Bill and many of his teammates. Tom Skeen, Dale Haney and Joe Ford along with Marshall made up the nucleus of their team in the independent leagues of both basketball and softball.

As best I can recall in basketball, the league was made up of American Greeting Card, which had Jerry Bird, Mike Reid, Jim Michaels, Carmen Reams, Ron Timperio, Billy Rose and Joel Wells.

Pepsi Cola’s team had Paul Pietrowski, Myrv Grigsby, Bill Hoover, Jackie Cupp, Tom Smith, Bob Brown, Burton Asher and John Rowlett.

Drive Inn Prescription had Harold Perry coaching and was the team I played with. That team consisted of Paul Johnson, Bobby Taylor, Jackie Watkins, Larry Harris, Hershell Collet, Avery Perry, Charles Felts and Harvey Mize.

There were several other teams, but those are the ones that come to mind.

I also recall the National Standard League in the ‘60’s. The National Standard League was made up for four teams. First shift was made up of two teams, the Lakers and the Royals. The second shift team was the Hawks. The third shift team was the Celtics.

The Lakers team had Eddie Reeves, Winston Phipps, Bill Browning, Jim Browning, Ralph Centers and Gary White that I can recall.

Jack Taylor led the Hawks; The Royals had Jack Coffey and Dallas Hart.

The team I played for was the Celtics. Donnie Chaffin, Charley Coffey, Charlie Bill Litteral, Jerry Brewer, Scott Moses, James Gregory and Ova McCowan.

 High School Baseball

Baseball has never been given the attention in Corbin that it deserves. In the late fifties and early sixties the high school did not even field a team, although there were some really good players available.

Keith Hutson was a terrific athlete that had no opportunity to show what he could do. Ron Boone was an excellent shortstop; Jim Curry would have been a stand out in the outfield. Phil Henderlight could have played anywhere in the infield. It was only two or three years that the Corbin Redhounds did not field a team, but it was costly to these guys above.

Currently, the Redhound baseball program seems to be in good hands with Rob Ledington as coach and has a beautiful facility.

 Coach CAL

Coach Cal seems to be very calm and confident with his group of prospects for the class of 2012. What I feel is that Coach Cal is very comfortable with Ryan Harrow at point guard and Archie Goodwin at shooting guard or point guard. I believe Goodwin may be a good player to replace Doran Lamb.

Alex Poythress will be able to play the role of Michael Kidd Gilchrist, but that is asking a lot.

 Pipeline to Whitley Co.

I am hearing some possible recruiting rumors from Alice Lloyd. Zack McGeorge of Clay County will be going to Alice Lloyd to play basketball for Coach J.R. Hammond. Travis Smith is also considering the Eagles. I have also heard Madison Johnson could be in the mix.

Isaac Wilson had another outstanding year for the Eagles. After two more years of play, someone is going to get an outstanding coach.