The Wilmington morning star., 1947-05-18

Behind every curtain of success there turks an unsuAg
hero, who works patiently and vigorously SO that othe1
individuals may find their work a DIT easier.
In the Wilmington sportlight-especiany in the
baseball world, Bert Hawley, sports director OF the
CITY recreation department is one OF the best examples
of the man behind the man who receives the crowds
applause.
Two years ago Hawley took up the reins of a project
which was started by George Chadwick, Morehead City ma
tive. Chadwick either organized, or successfully handled
the organization of the Junior Baseball league three years
ago as we understand the story. Hawley took over after a
couple of other fellows made a half hearted effort to keep
the league going when Chadwick LETT.
Last wear. and this season the New Hanover Wild
cats walloped the merry daylights out of Eastern Con-
ference foes With monotonous regularity, and we be-
lieve at least a part OF the punch they used IS directly
attributed to the work accomplished by Hawley.
Taking nothing away from Coach Leon Brogden at
MINIS 1--WE don't want to get run out OF town. It's still true
in our opinion. that Brog owes a vote of thanks to Hawley.
On his (Brogden's) 1947 Wildcat team, now girding
themselves for a state championship tilt there are a
few players who picked up a bit of diamond savvy under
the direction Of Hawley.
Look at the lineup. Mike Austin, now leading sugger
in the Eastern conference with a batting average just under
.450. Mike didn't do too badly when he was performing
under Hawley's sharp eye in the Junior league.
There's Louis Collie, one of Brogdens most valuable
outfielders, who was named to the All Eastern confer
ence team last year. and only the Lord knows what he'll
be namd to this sason as he played a better all round
game in 1947. Collie is a product of the Junior league.
Another Wildcat regular, Levy Heath, one OF the main
stays of the MINIS infield whacked the sphere in the Junior
loop before serving notice that he was good enough for the
Cats.
Southpaw Weinie Brown, who won five of the
Wildcat II 1947 victories, used to pitch under Hawleys
direction in the baby circuit.
Marion Rogers, Gene Smith, and Billy Hardison, less
spectacular, but important cogs in the NHHS wheel of
success got their start in the Junior league. And there are
others.
The circuit admits only those high school lads who
are under II years of age. The boys battle it out daily
on Robert Strange playground from Monday to Friday.
and daily also, Hawley is out there. If you doubt it. try
to get the guy on the phone some matinee. He's there
as we write this.
The equipment furnished the boys, we understand is
furnished by the recreation department, which of course
means the city. and since it isn't too often the city gets a
pat on the back publicly we'd like to say, "Wel done, Will
mington' on this deal.
Hawley is coming up with some more potential
Wildcat material this season too. Remember the names
of Jere Hilburn. Billy Smith. Jim Stoudenmaire, Bob
Hinson, Tracy Duval, Ed Coey, Leroy Towles, Will
Ellison. Ronnie Hobbs. Jim Crawford and many,
many more that appear in the daily stories of games
from this league.
At this writing theresa three way tie for top spot in
the circuit, so if it changes by the time you read this, don't
blame the writer. The kids are just hard to get along with.
Blackwoods, Winter Park. and Spofford Mills are
deadlocked for the league lead now, but in ten more
minutes there may be a change, as Sunset Park and
Andersons are only a half game away.
It's a great little circuit. The knowledge picked up by
the subj year. olders here gives Brogden a head start in
the shaping Of his championship squads. Incidentally. Brog
has gotten himself into the habit of coming up with win
ners, so practically all his teams are championship squads.
But, Bert Hawley, in his tireless efforts at Robert
Strange each day is doing a bit of the work for the
high school coach. His job doesn't call for winners
each year, so the laurels don't fall on his head.
The fruits of Hawey's planted seeds come later, and
even though there may be a different gardener doing the
reapng, it's still partly Hawley's plant that grows. Be
cause it takes a little longer to reach the sunlight, it's a bit
more mellow.
Good job, Bert.