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kenyan_cheena · 03-12-2008, 08:29 PM

BASEBALL WEEKLY

Monday 9 March 1959

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 10

BIG THINGS EXPECTED
FROM ALABAMA DUO

Story by Michael Jones,
published in the 9 March 1959 issue of BASEBALL WEEKLY

With spring training now in full swing and opening day just a month away, Major League Baseball's sixteen organisations continue the task of tweaking and re-tooling their rosters ahead of the new season. The two biggest signings of the year to date have been those of Willie Mays by the Cleveland Blues and Johnny Temple by the defending Champion Milwaukee Braves, but a pair of youngsters from Alabama have also garnered a deal of attention.

Born in Mobile, 21 year-old 1st baseman Willie McCovey was signed by the New York Yankees last week, the team that - in McCovey's own words - he's supported since he first started following the sport at the age of six. The left-handed hitter was beside himself with happiness that the ballclub had shown so much interest in him, to the point where they'd made his signing a priority. According to Yankees scouts he's going to be the pick of the 1959 rookie class, his exploits last year in the Pacific Coast League leading some to say he's a future MVP in the making.

"It's really humbling to hear some of the things that Mr. Stengel has been saying about me," said McCovey. "To be signed by the Yankees is a dream I've had since I was a little boy. They're an organisation that has experienced fantastic success and I just hope that in time I'll be able to contribute to the continuation of that."

Meanwhile, McCovey's fellow Alabama native Billy Williams is set to suit up for the World Champion Braves this year after the Whistler-born outfielder was snapped up by the ballclub a couple of days after the Yankees signed McCovey. The 20 year-old is hoping to be a key ingredient in the Wisconsin organisation's quest to win a third consecutive Fall Classic.

"Being signed by the World Champions is something I never thought could have happened," he said. "The fact that I'll be starting my career on a ballclub like the Braves excites me, no doubt. I know I'm just a rookie but I'll be doing my best to break into that first team and help bring a third straight Championship to Milwaukee."

It's rare to see baseball players reach the heights of the sport in their debut seasons, but McCovey and Williams appear to be two of the most talented prospects to come along in some time. If any of this season's group of rookies can make an impact, surely they can...

03-12-2008, 08:29 PM	#68
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 9,037	BASEBALL WEEKLY Monday 9 March 1959 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 10 BIG THINGS EXPECTED FROM ALABAMA DUO Story by Michael Jones, published in the 9 March 1959 issue of BASEBALL WEEKLY With spring training now in full swing and opening day just a month away, Major League Baseball's sixteen organisations continue the task of tweaking and re-tooling their rosters ahead of the new season. The two biggest signings of the year to date have been those of Willie Mays by the Cleveland Blues and Johnny Temple by the defending Champion Milwaukee Braves, but a pair of youngsters from Alabama have also garnered a deal of attention. Born in Mobile, 21 year-old 1st baseman Willie McCovey was signed by the New York Yankees last week, the team that - in McCovey's own words - he's supported since he first started following the sport at the age of six. The left-handed hitter was beside himself with happiness that the ballclub had shown so much interest in him, to the point where they'd made his signing a priority. According to Yankees scouts he's going to be the pick of the 1959 rookie class, his exploits last year in the Pacific Coast League leading some to say he's a future MVP in the making. "It's really humbling to hear some of the things that Mr. Stengel has been saying about me," said McCovey. "To be signed by the Yankees is a dream I've had since I was a little boy. They're an organisation that has experienced fantastic success and I just hope that in time I'll be able to contribute to the continuation of that." Meanwhile, McCovey's fellow Alabama native Billy Williams is set to suit up for the World Champion Braves this year after the Whistler-born outfielder was snapped up by the ballclub a couple of days after the Yankees signed McCovey. The 20 year-old is hoping to be a key ingredient in the Wisconsin organisation's quest to win a third consecutive Fall Classic. "Being signed by the World Champions is something I never thought could have happened," he said. "The fact that I'll be starting my career on a ballclub like the Braves excites me, no doubt. I know I'm just a rookie but I'll be doing my best to break into that first team and help bring a third straight Championship to Milwaukee." It's rare to see baseball players reach the heights of the sport in their debut seasons, but McCovey and Williams appear to be two of the most talented prospects to come along in some time. If any of this season's group of rookies can make an impact, surely they can...