The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-04-01
Six Veterans Nucleus Of
 Tech Baseball
By YIN MALONEY Staff Writed)

After two days of gruelling work outs at the Bunker Hill Stadium | under a clear sky. Bill Tracys base ball hopefuls from Leavenworth | shape up as the dark horse" in the annual race for the Naugatuck Valley League baseball champion ship. The Big Red mentor after concluding an unusually successful basketball season hopes to repeat the performance in baseball. All foundation for the rave motives put forth on the Tech squad is based upon six players who will form the skeleton for the 1946 edition of the Leavenworth team. Heading that list of "Old Timers" is Jimmy Pier sail, who is perhaps the best all- around athlete in High School cir- cles in the Brass City. Piersall came to Tech from Sacred Heart Cram mar School, where he had his hand on baseballS from the fifth grade on and has continued ever since. In LeavenWorth, he has been an all- around candidate in athletic com petition, by earning his letter in both baseball and basketball. As baseball player for the Big Red, Piersall has been tried and tested and has come through with colors fdying. Besides being 8 bangup out fielder Piersall is perhaps one of the more consistent Sluggers in High School ball.
 Sal Reccha, who came to Tech from Duggan Grammar School is another lace in the hole" Coach Bill Tracy has brought into prom thence in the last two baseball sea- sons. Reccha, playing year at first base for Duggan was suitably fitted to step into the same position when he entered Tech Tn the first two practice iaunts at the Bunker Hill field, Reccha seems to be the best bet to repeat at first base in the fast approaching season.
 More Hits Wanted
 Dick Howard, former Hopeville shortstop, has possibilities of de- veloping into a first rate baseball player if he can improve his aver age when he steps Up to the plate. bat in hand. The Tech baseball men, tor has used Howard for the past two seasons, between shortstop and second base but is not too satisfied with his batting average. This lad is a blond bombshell" when it comes to the fielding end of his as- signment but has to learn much when it comes to taking a clean cut. Coach Tracy is willing to play along with the Hopeville baseballer and will give you "doughnuts to a dollar" that Howard will be at sec- ond base when the season is officia- fly ushered in.
 Larry Ferrari has played utility outfielder for Tech for the past two season after having gained some invaluable experience at his left field post for Hendricken Grammar School. Ferrari is being farmed out with the rest of the rookie fielders at the Tech training sessions in hopes of starting them out in the right direction.
 After having pitched two seasons for Sacred Heart Grammar School, Art Barstis entered Leavenworth anu IIlduC d IldLllC 1OA 4A4AAloC44 A1A bAAC Tech outfield, where he has been stationed for the past two seasons. This lad is a sure bet to repeat in the outfield for the Big Red in the 1946 season. Last but not least in the LeavenwoEth parade of baseball lettermen is pitcher Frank PasSar- elli. Pass as he is more commonly referred to by his intimate sports as- sociateS, comes from St. Thomas Parochial School where he was the number one moundsman. He started his career in Leavenworth in his sophomore year when he was one of the four regular hurlers for the Tracymen. Although he has dis played a tendency to tire in four or five innings, Pass" hopes to overcome this fault in the present season.
 With these boys to back him ur and pass on a few pointeds to the rest of the rockies" Coach Bill Tracy is highly confident that he may have a formidable contender for the Naugatuck Valley League baseball championship in the forth coming season.