A weekly introspective of the members of The Providence Angels.
Volume 1 Issue 1
Audie Darwin: The Wasp of the Mound
In the sweltering heat of an Arizona summer, amidst the sprawling beauty of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, a legend was born. Audie Darwin, a boy with fire in his veins and a love for the game like no other, emerged from the dusty plains of Scottsdale on January 30th, 1892. Little did the world know, he would soon become a force to be reckoned with on the baseball diamond.
Growing up amidst the rich cultural tapestry of the Maricopa Native American tribe, Audie was imbued with a deep sense of pride and resilience. At just 20 years old, standing tall at 5’10” and weighing in at 145 pounds, he possessed a raw athleticism that set him apart from his peers. Whether it was racing across the desert sands or competing in makeshift games of stickball, Audie’s talent shone bright from a young age.
At the age of 11, Audie embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever. He became the first member of his family to attend a high school outside of their native community, enrolling at the prestigious St. Michael Indian School. Here, amidst the hallowed halls of academia, Audie’s star continued to rise. Not only did he excel in his studies, but he also showcased his prowess on the baseball field, catching the eye of scouts from far and wide.
In 1907, Audie’s path took a decisive turn when he joined the baseball squad of the Pacific Academy Whites. It was here, under the watchful eye of his coaches and teammates, that Audie’s talent truly blossomed. His second start for the Whites would go down in history as the school’s first perfect game, a feat achieved on April 25th, 1907, against the formidable Oregon Academy Blues.
For the next three years, Audie dominated the mound with his blazing fastball and pinpoint accuracy. His reputation as a rising star spread like wildfire, culminating in his selection as the 5th overall pick in the 1910 first player draft of the Legacy Baseball League. The Boston Banshees were quick to scoop up the young phenom, eager to harness his potential for their own gain.
Audie’s professional career began with the AAA Salem Stormbreakers, where he found moderate success on the field. But it wasn’t just his performance that caught the eye of fans and pundits alike – it was his intense focus and unwavering competitive spirit. Audie was a man of few words, but when he stepped onto the mound, his presence spoke volumes. His opponents soon learned to fear the sting of his fastball, earning Audie the nickname “The Wasp.”
On the eve of the 1911 first player draft of the LBL, Audie’s journey took another unexpected twist. The Providence Angels made a bold move, acquiring Audie from Boston in exchange for a coveted 1st round draft pick. Suddenly, Audie found himself thrust into the spotlight as the heir apparent to the recently traded Sycamore Lee, poised to become the face of the up-and-coming franchise.
As Audie Darwin takes the mound once again, his eyes burn with a fierce determination. For him, baseball isn’t just a game – it’s a way of life. And as long as he has a ball in his hand and a mound beneath his feet, he’ll continue to chase his dreams, one pitch at a time.