Pitchers and Catchers Continue to Report

Vero Beach, FL -

By Lazlo Yankovic

“When you think of February, if you’re a romantic, you probably think of valentines Day.”  Lou Michaels said. “You may think of Black History Month, or the Amethyst birthstone. I think of baseball. Pitchers and catchers reporting. The promise of rookie phenoms and veteran heroics. Horsehide hitting wood. The crack of the bat, the double down the line, the shortstop going deep in the hole behind the outstretched arms of the third baseman, grabbing the ball on the hop, and making the off balance, yet remarkably accurate the throw to first.”

February may be known for Valentine’s Day, but in parts of Florida and Arizona, it is known as the beginning of Spring Training. More than 1500 pitchers and catchers have been invited to participate by the PBL.  

“That’s a whole hell of a lot of people in one place whose fingers smell of horsehide.” Jay Johnstone, an outfielder with 20 years of major league experience said. 

Indeed it is. Since February 10, despite rumors that only 100 of the top 150 Starting pitching prospects were expected to arrive, only seven failed to appear. In addition, according to league sources, each of the top 45 relief pitchers targeted by the league have reported.

"We have some guys on our list from before 1955 that we are having trouble tracking down.When we can find guys, we’re facing some unanticipated challenges." Michaels, speaking on behalf of the league, said.  "Dizzy Dean has not shown up to throw for the scouts, yet we keep getting bills from hotels, clothing stores, and restaurants from proprietors who say that Dizzy told them we would pay them. We’re going to try to see if we can get Branch (Rickey) to have a chat with him.

"Dean creates another problem for us. He won’t let us talk to his brother Paul. He insists he’s representing him."

"On the whole, anyone who played on that Gashouse gang team has been kind of a pain. We would love to have them well represented, but wow, they are a collective headache. Leo (Durocher) wants to manage, not play. Ducky Medwick picked a fight with Dick Allen over time in the batting cages. Frankie Frisch keeps lobbying for us to sign a bunch of his old teammates, most of which our scouts are telling us to pass on.

"Meanwhile, a bunch of former Brooklyn Dodgers, and New York Giants have been a delight to deal with. Pee Wee Reese, Jim Gilliam, and Roy Campanella were as classy as their reputations indicated. Duke Snider, Ralph Branca, nice guys. Monte Irvin and Al Dark provided some interesting insight on their contemporaries.

“We have had a couple of visa problems, as is normal for this time of year, and a few who players who say they are on their way. All in all we’re pleased with what we have seen so far.” Michaels said. "Every day someone new arrives, and now we also have the position players taking batting practice. Just a few minutes ago, Doug Flynn hit a boomer over the left field fence. Doug Flynn!"

"Doug Flynn." Johnstone said, shaking his head. "That's baseball. Always a spring training surprise."