By Harlan Pritchard, Brooklyn Eagle Staff
BROOKLYN, April 6 — The grand pastime resumes this afternoon as the champion Whales, the pride of Brooklyn and the Legacy Baseball League’s top club, take the field at Bromwich Park to open their campaign for a second straight Legacy Cup.
Under the expert guidance of their legendary skipper, Marques Williams, the Whales aim to prove their dominance was no one-year marvel. The Old Salt, at 79 years young, remains as fiery and cunning as ever. When asked about the team’s chances in the upcoming campaign, the veteran skipper offered his characteristic bluntness, which the Eagle is compelled to clean up for its esteemed readers. “If these fellas don’t [give their utmost] every time out,” Williams growled, “I’ll make sure they [remember who’s in charge].” Suffice it to say, his players know better than to test his resolve.
YOUNG TALENT ARRIVES IN BROOKLYN
The Royal Fish of King’s County add a youthful spark to their championship core this season, headlined by five greenhorns, each poised to make their mark.
Patrolling center field is Slick Spackman, the pride of Big Lake, Texas. With speed like a jackrabbit and instincts sharper than a trapper’s knife, The Big Lake Bandit has a knack for turning would-be base hits into outs. Fans at Bromwich Park can expect to see him streaking across the outfield like a prairie wind, robbing batters of their best strikes and thrilling the faithful with his acrobatic feats..
At the hot corner, the Whales welcome Chicago Jack Hales, a promising left-handed hitter from the Windy City. Known for his smooth swing, Hales impressed during spring exhibitions with his bat. The Illinois native is expected to split time with veteran defensive stalwart Buster Bennion at third base, creating a formidable pairing that combines youthful energy with seasoned expertise and offense with defense. Hales’ cool demeanor and knack for delivering in clutch moments have already endeared him to his teammates, and Brooklyn fans are eager to see how his bat will bolster the Whales’ championship lineup.
In left field, Rocky Marino joins the roster as a reliable hitter against right-handed pitching. Marino’s easy swing and keen eye at the plate make him a natural complement to the Whales’ veteran core. Meanwhile, in right field, Mac Cronshey, a tremendous natural athlete, returns for his first full season and adds another weapon to Brooklyn’s already formidable attack. Cronshey’s speed and hitting prowess make him a nightmare for pitchers to handle.
Lastly, the Whales’ bullpen gains firepower with the addition of William Adams, a left-hander out of Pontiac, Michigan. The Pontiac Punisher uses a fastball that explodes from his hand to overpower hitters and has already drawn comparisons to some of the league’s finest relievers.
THE PITCHING STAFF REMAINS FORMIDABLE
Brooklyn’s rotation, the foundation of their 1915 triumph, returns intact. Jewell Durtnell, the team’s ace and a master of location, will toe the rubber in today’s opener against Providence. Behind him are Sycamore Lee, whose sinking fastball has sunk many an opposing hitter, and Lefty Fain, the quarrelsome and intimidating southpaw is only slightly more likely to strike out the opposition than he is to knock them out.
The bullpen, already a strength with Andrew Tice at its helm, grows even deeper with the addition of Adams, whose arrival means there are no easy at bats to be had in Brooklyn.
FAMILIAR FACES, NEW ROLES
While Brooklyn retains much of its championship core, the passage of time has necessitated certain changes. Longtime backstop Deacon Dunkley, who has crouched behind the plate in Brooklyn for 15 seasons and 7 Legacy Cups, steps aside to make way for his capable understudy, Arthur Rumford. Though Dunkley will now serve in a reserve capacity, his leadership and experience remain invaluable to Williams’ squad.
Outfielder Greenie “The Jersey Devil” Redgate, who terrorized pitchers and thrilled fans with his daring exploits over the last five seasons, also transitions to a part-time role. Meanwhile, the Whales bid farewell to Clovis Juby, the defensive virtuoso whose 15-year career at shortstop and third base will long be remembered by those who were lucky enough to witness it.
STEADY HANDS STEER THE SHIP
Brooklyn remains a formidable force. First baseman James Jarvis, a fearsome hitter in his second year in the major leagues, anchors the middle of the order while Buster Bennion, the Pride of Brooklyn, remains one of the league’s premier defensive third baseman. In the outfield, Raymond Nott returns after a banner season, while left fielder Raymond Kendrick offers patience and power at the plate.
In the infield, the three headed beast of Witheycombe, Curtis, and Taylor will continue to frustrate opposing lineups. In his 11th year steadying the infield from his station at second base, the 38 year old Leander Witheycombe remains the heart and soul of the Brooklyn team. On the left side of the diamond, William Curtis continues to dazzle with his nimble fielding at shortstop. Tinker Taylor, a two-time Eastern League MVP, will again serve as Brooklyn’s ace in the hole, playing plenty of both second base and shortstop and ably spelling Witheycombe and Curtis as needed.
THE ROAD AHEAD
The Whales will unfurl their championship banner before a capacity crowd at Bromwich Park today. As Durtnell takes the mound to throw the season’s first pitch, Brooklyn embarks on another voyage toward glory.
The season will be long, but with Williams at the helm of the ship and a team brimming with talent, Brooklyn’s faithful have every reason to dream of a second straight Legacy Cup.