The Wilmington morning star., 1947-04-08
PIRATES DEFEAT NEW BERN
IN Il SPORTS PAN
BY Roy Cook


Just a few minutes before the Wilmington Pirates
took the field to play the New Bern Bears of the
Coastal Plains league at the American Legion Stadium
last night, a young blonde boy walked into the Pirate
dugout.
The y~oungster made his way through the PLAYERS to
Nate Andrews, who was busy selecting his starting
lineup. Mr.. Andrews, can I speak to you a moment"
the boy asked.
"oh course, fellow, just a second" Big Nate an
swered.
A mark of satisfaction and admiration could be
noticed on the face of the young lad.
"O. r., fellow, what's On your mind %, Nate asked
as he finished his lineup.
"Wen, Sir, it's like this You probably don't
remember me, but last year when you were playing
with the Pirates l was confined to my bed and could
not get out here to see you PITCH" a slight trace of
nervousness could be noted in the boys voice.
II wanted so much to see you pitch. but the
doctors would not let me, l was keeping the scores for
the softball leagues before I got sick and Mr.. Cowie
of the Star-News called me one day and I told him 1
would like to have an autographed baseball from you."
Big Nate took a seat beside the lad as the boy con-
tinued. "Then one night about II O'Clock, Roy Cook,
sports editor of the Morning Star, knocked on my door,
he had the ball and it was autographed by you,' the
boy checked a little as he continued.
Il am almost well now and this is the first time
| have had a chance to come out to see you. I sure do
want to thank you for that baseball" the boy said. =
Nate shook the youngsters hand, patted him on
the back and said "Of course l remember you, Mr.. Kite
told me all about you and I am sorry I was unable to
get to see you" The Pirate boss, with a twinkle in
his eyes went on to say that he was very proud that
the boy had asked for his autograph.
"Son, / am happy to see you out and I hope you
will be able to attend all our games this season, by the
way, fellow, what do you think of our team this year,"
Nate asked.
The BOY smiled, pointed out to the infield and re-
marked, Il think you have a very good team, | have
been reading about them in the paper and l seen them
in infield practice a little while ago, they look plenty
good to me, l think you have a winner out there, any
way | am counting on you to give us a winning team"
h bo- o1cu,orod with 6n1iuht
Andrews shrugged his shoulders, scratched his
head and replied, "Son, that sounds good to me and
We will do everything in our power to give you and
Wilmingto ma first division ball club, I want every
one to be proud of our ball team
1t was almost time for the game to start and
Andrews invited wrong, let me know and we will try
to correct it." Andrews smiled as he ran to the field.
The boy, Douglas Seasons, 15-year-old son of Mr..
and Mrs. Hanson Seasons of 10 South Ninth street,
confined to his home from July until September of
last year. H has recovered enough to return to school
but is still under the doctors care.
Douglas is an ardent softball and baseball fan
and can quote the averages of almost any player in the
major leagues. He plans to again take up his duties
as official scorer of the softball leagues this season.
But last night, Douglas Seasons was a happy
youngster. He had waited a long time for his talk
with Nate Andrews.