EARLY SPRING

The Harrisburg Giants 2006-I season is almost ready to get underway with the St. Louis Stars invading West End Grounds next week. The Giants goal is to improve upon their 2005-II record of 79-75. To do so they have bolstered their lineup with the addition of two 19^th century greats – Frank Grant and Clarence Williams. Last year’s Achilles heel – pitching – appears to be no less of a problem this year as observers of Giants training sessions report both Geechie Corbett and Daltie Cooper appearing to be a little off last year’s form.

 

Here is the expected opening day lineup including last year’s unofficial averages:

 

Fats Jenkins, LF                        .309      Fats is on the ballot for the Hall of Fame being considered on 2/28/06

Rap Dixon, RF                          .306      Rap is on the ballot for the Hall of Fame being considered on 2/28/06

Oscar Charleston, CF/mgr         .343      Oscar was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1976

John Beckwith, 3B                    .292      John is on the ballot for the Hall of Fame being considered on 2/28/06

Rev Cannady, SS                      .283      Rev was considered for Hall, 2005

Ben Taylor, 1B                          .250      Ben is on the ballot for the Hall of Fame being considered on 2/28/06

Frank Grant, 2B                        DNP    Frank is on the ballot for the Hall of Fame being considered on 2/28/06

Clarence Williams, C                 DNP    Waxey was considered for Hall, 2005

Geechie Corbett                        20-4

 

On the bench will be Hall of Fame candidate Spottswood Poles and two others given consideration for the Hall in Heavy Johnson and Nat Rogers. In addition, there are eight other all-star caliber players on the roster. The strength of the team will remain offense, outfield, and baseball acumen. Based on their strengths, the Harrisburg Giants were the highest paid team in all of blackball in 1927.