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Don was nicknamed 'Droop' for whatever reason, but had it been me, I would have called him the 'Tekamah Tornado' because he twirled up a storm for the Tekamah Midgets, High School, Legion, and Town Team from 1949-53. His Legion career began in 1950 after his freshman year, and he started and finished fast. In the second game of the season, he beat Scribner 5-1 and shut out Hooper in the seasons' finale. His sophomore year was dotted with amazing success for his High School, the Legion and even the Town Team. He fanned 18 Schuyler Warriors in the season opener, pitched three no-hitters. He 'dough-popped' 19 Decatur hitters in his second no-hitter, nearly missing a perfect game by plucking the only hitter to reach base. During the season, he found time to win a 3-2, 16 strikeout victory over a Council Bluffs Town Team. His junior and senior seasons were rife with even more successes and involved more Town Team performances. The St. Louis Cardinals were quick to sign him for a $3000 bonus and assigned him to their Omaha Cardinal Club where he played with Earl Weaver. To provide more playing opportunities, he was sent to lower level farm clubs for seasoning. Unfortunately, all the years of throwing so many pitches finally took their toll, and arm trouble ended a promising career. He retired from the game in 1954, married his beloved Mary, raised their family, and coached kids. We lost Don this spring but are glad we can help reserve his contribution to baseball forever on our wall. |
