Legendary sheriff's son and softball - The Logan Banner
Prior to the many improvements that have been made to the location, it was the scene of tremendous activity for men’s and women’s softball leagues, both fast -pitch and slow -pitch. As a young boy, I used to sit in the stands and be amazed at the fast- pitch teams that existed, particularly in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. Among the team names that come to mind are Gordon Foods, Amherst Coal and National Cable Repair. Some great players that I saw as a young boy were Jack and Jerry Baisden of the Gordon Foods team. Jack, now in his ‘70’s, was playing in a senior softball league in Charleston just a few years ago. There were other fellows, like Esmond and Arvis Curry, both pitchers and brothers, and who were so competitive I always felt like they were trying to kill each other when they played in games where they were pitted against each other. Ted was a mighty tough catcher and played for many years. I can remember a young third baseman named William “Tootie” Carter being a good player. Years later, when the games were played mostly on the Midelburg Island field, there were younger players who become stars. Guys like now State Senator Arthur Kirkendoll and former Logan High great Sid Rayburn come to mind. both of them played both fast pitch and slow pitch, a task that is not easily done, and few did it. As for myself,. Source: loganbanner.com
