Spring Training, Tuesday, March 24, 1953

Catcher Sam Hairston May Plan in Outfield
[Vancouver Province, March 25, 1953]
Vancouver Caps got catcher Sam Hairston on option from Seattle Rainiers Tuesday, but general manager Dewey Soriano promptly announced that the big Negro may end up in the outfield.
In a telephone conversation from Healdsberg, Calif., today, Soriano told The Province he has hopes of getting either Claude Christie or Don Lundberg, both catchers, on option from the Coast League team, and if he does, Hairston will move to the outfield, where he’s played before.
“Lundberg has looked real good,” said Dewey, “and he’s ready to play regularly. But we’ll need Hairston’s power.” Hairston hit .318 and batting in 107 runs with Colorado Springs of the Western League last year.

Beavers Return Prior to Tyees
[Victoria Colonist, March 25, 1953]
BOYES SPRINGS, Calif.—Although the weather was not so good, Victoria Tyees held their first workout at nearby Sonomo Tuesday with all players currently in camp taking part.
The practice was limited to batting practice, fielding by pitchers and running exercises for all players.
Business manager Reg Patterson was enthusiastic and stated, “It is the best camp we have had yet.”
Manager Cec Garriott added, “It is too early yet to tell you what we have got but I believe we have more good players than we had a year ago. The pitching needs strengthening but Portland may help us there.”
The Tyee roster was increased to 23 with the addition of Bill Prior, returned by Portland Beavers, and Ron Washington, young Negro southpaw signed by Garriott.
Nap Gulley, hard-hitting outfielder from Visalia, and holdover infielder Lu Branham are expected within the next few days.
Word is still awaited on what other players will be coming down from Portland.
Daily workouts have been called for 11 a.m. to prepare the club for its first exhibition game against Seattle Rainiers at Palm Springs on Saturday.

Bill Franks Tries For Spokane Berth
SPOKANE, March 24 — Manager Don Osborn said scheduled daily workouts Tuesday as about a dozen Spokane Indians pitchers and catchers started spring training in preparation for the 144-game Western International League schedule.
Righthander Bill Franks, the Pioneer League's top winner in 1948, was gunning for a mound berth with the Spokane Baseball Club when it opened spring training camp Tuesday.
The 24-year-old Springdale Wash., hurler, who won 23 and lost 15 for the Boise Pilots (now the Boise Yanks), is the property of the West Palm Beach Club of the Class C Florida International League.
Osborn said Franks would be purchased from West Palm Beach if he showed the ability to win in the Class A Western International of which the Indians are members. Franks quit the Florida club last summer after getting off to a start of four victories in five mound trips.


EDMONTON, March 24 — Expected by manager Bob Sturgeon to be the ace of the pitching staff, veteran righthander John Conant has signed with baseball's Edmonton Eskimo's in the Western International League.
Conant posted an 18-10 record last season with Spokane of the WIL.