Joplin Eagles at Galena today open baseball season
Joplin High School’s state champion baseball Eagles make their season debut weather permitting today, traveling to Galena, Kan., for a 3:30 o'clock game with Howard Mahanes’ Galena Bulldogs. The Eagles, under the direction of new coach John Willingham, boast veterans in only four positions. Sammy Cushman, who saw limited action last year, returns to handle the second base assignment. Don Marrs, the team’ s top lumber will again patrol centerfield. Jim Carpenter, a two year letterman, will work behind the plate, and Lee Mascher again will man the first base post. Other positions on the club however are wide open, according to coach Willingham. Willingham announced Thursday he’ll start right hander Gayle West against Galena. “I plan to let Gayle work at least three innings and probably four,” the Eagle mentor explained. Mike Smith, a stubby right hander will finish. West is a senior while Smith is only a junior. Galena launched its season Thursday afternoon against Riverton. The game was called after seven innings however due to cold weather. Neither team had crossed the plate when action was halted. The game will be completed later. The Bulldogs will send senior right hander Jan Bruce to the hill against Joplin. Bruce, a veteran of Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball is highly regarded by coach Mahanes. “Jan has been throwing the ball real good in practice,” Mahanes commented. “He finished strong last year. I expect great things from him.”
Joplin Globe, March 25, 1960
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Note: Carpenter and Marrs for Joplin both signed professional baseball contracts, with mixed success in the minor leagues. I remember Baseball Digest magazine writing that Marrs was a “can’t miss." On a windy day Joplin won, 7-1. The following week Galena went to Joplin and lost this time, 11-1. I played first base and had our only hit against "Iron Mike" Smith, a fast-balling right-hander. The '60 Eagles' Warren Turner later enjoyed much success in Joplin as the manager for the college team. Also, Mike Anderson, is the son of former major leaguer Ferrell "Andy" Anderson. Andy (in photo below)
had been a Jackie Robinson teammate with the Dodgers.
— Bryce
