The Wilmington morning star., 1947-01-12
Along
The....
Siidehnes
With ELTON CASEY

The talk of Wilmington getting into the lrl-otate
BASEBALL league is once again floating through the air!
Rut tbis is nothing new because stories concerning the
Pirates casting their lots in a league higher than the Class
D Tobacco State one have been shooting all over North
Carolina for the past several months. And we know what
a big discussion was held last year when Wilmington was
first approached concerning its desire to slip into higher
baseball.
During the past few days we have received numerous telephone r%
loHe observer Friday morning." we were asked over and over
Then the conversation grew longer and Longer r., with will. each stn caller
for local officials to get in its Glass B circuit. Most Of the the, persons
if if it 'i intends is to get in higher baseball. These higher leagues have
b bee , waiting . US tho for r tS s s wi1 % sss a' put ' IT, D." e q wa"
what in the heck are W e waiting f9g;p n,% continued s" an that
they r. tasting it and what do we do, sit and talk of staying
II think it is high time that we do something and do it quick
he said.
We tried to get a word in edge-wise, but our efforts
were futile. Finally the caller sort of gave out of energy
and died down. Then we struck up the conversation with
our opinion. And what we think can be written down IN
four little words concerning Wilmingtons chances Of getting
IN the Tri-State League, or any other circuit. These four
words are: "IT is TOO LATE"
The Weed Circuit heads gather today in Lumberton to
map final plans for the coming campaign. Wilmington will
be there with bells on and you can bet your bottom dollar
that the Pirates will be in the Tobacco State League next
year.
We have tried and over to throw a much light o n Will
mington's chances of getting in higher baseball as We could. As we
ley of Tristate leaders begging for the BUGS to join the Gas b
loop. And We received plenty of comments from you dear readers
md all of the chatter W e heard was favorable.
However, let u s all collect u senses and use foresight and
consideration in dealing with this Tri-State affair. It is too late, rs
W said before, for the BUGS to get in higher baseball. Some of you
will disagree. Please don't get us wrong. We want higher baseball
and we want it bad. But, W e don't think Wilmington will get 1t
this season.
vouch for that. We have dwened this conversation for hours Mt
the time with Wilmington owners and we will give you a short clue;
the Pirates do not want higher baseball.
And a you blame Pollock and Stefano? These guys ire put
ting u the greenbacks that keep the BUGS rolling and w e all know
both told us last Sunday at the Weed Circuit meeting in Clinton,
there is n sense in Wilmington getting higher baseball and paying
all the additional expense when the Port City can remain in the up
and coming Tobacco State loop and make money.
Tri-state. Wilmington would be going up against Charlotte, Knox
vile, Fayetteville and Shelby as well as other teams over 200 miles
from this fair city.
1t would take four-day stands at each of these cities, with the
exception of Fayetteville, for Wilmington to carry out its schedule.
"Just look at the hotel and transportation bill we would have,'
Pollock said recently.
We agree. In u opinion, w think that Wilmington should go
ahead and strive with all its might to produce a tiptop team in the
Weed Circuit this season. Then, next year, let's start to work early
and feel out the various other higher class loops in North Carolina
and if w want it, do something about it.
toms baseball future is concerned are NOT interested in
the Tri-State offer. After all, Pollock and Stefano have
the local franchise tucked away in their pockets and they
are not going to let it go.
X X X
So, when you see in the Charlotte Observer or the
Raleigh News and Observer, or any other upstate paper,
where Wilmington might enter the Tri-State League, just
cast the thought aside. 1t is not going to happen. We were
told so by the Wilmington owners.
And fhou cbou1J Lnou ouJJr, 4Lor,0