HATTIESBURG DOUBLEWIDES 1932 PREVIEW



DRAFT
The D-Wides grabbed one of the most promising players of the draft with third baseman Stan Hack. Hack is expected 
to be a asset in a few years at the hot corner, one place that many teams in the DBS lack. They also selected 
left-hander Tony Freitas, who is expected to contribute this season. Debs Garms is a good hitting outfielder 
who also can play some infielder, and Joe Bowman needs some work, but could be a decent starter. 
Grade: A-


CATCHING
Gabby Hartnett is coming off a tough season which saw his home run totals drop from 32 to 7. The D-Wides will 
need better production from Gabby, for the only other catcher on the squad is rookie Frank Grube. 

Grade: C


INFIELD
At 35, Lu Blue is nearing the end of the line. He played admirably last year, but doesn't have it in him to 
last a whole season. Rookie Billy Sullivan played well in spring training, and might be a good platoon at first. 
Note: Sullivan has also shown interest in catching, just like his old man. Sam Leslie's knee might keep him 
from full-time duties at first, for the time being at least. Although Frankie Frisch is aging, he can still 
run and hit (.289 and 27 sb in 1931). Rookie Jim Levey is questionable at shortstop, and rookie Billy Jurges 
is capable defensively, but weak at the bat. Third base is another problem, with the duties either going to 
unproven Marty McManus, or rookie Carey Selph. Red Kress (90 rbi last 2 seasons) has a bad ankle, and will be 
mainly an outfielder this year. 

Grade: C-


OUTFIELD
Kiki Cuyler was stellar since coming over from North Dallas last year, hitting .312 and leading the league in 
stolen bases. Goose Goslin is coming off a season where he lead the DBS in RBI, and Riggs Stephenson has almost 
fully recovered from an arm injury that sidelined him most of last season. Hack Wilson is hitting the ball well, 
and youngsters like Red Worthington and Jo-Jo Moore are also playing well. Add in Freddie Lindstrom and 
Kress, this team is stacked with outfielders. 

Grade: A


STARTING PITCHING
Ted Lyons (3-3 2.11) is back in the rotation, and with Vic Sorrell (5-8 4.33), Flint Rhem (13-11 3.11) and 
Tommy Thomas (11-11 2.89) make a fairly solid 4 man rotation. Rookie Southpaw Tony Freitas or Lefty Stewart 
(11-12 4.27) could squeeze in as the fifth starter, for this team is short left-handed pitching. 

Grade: B


BULLPEN
This team has no real stopper. Milt Gaston (3.6 3.52 4 sv) will most likely be the guy, but veterans like 
Burleigh Grimes and Ray Kremer also could pick up this job. Watch rookies Leon Chagnon or Tony Freitas. 
Grade: C-


OUTLOOK
Last year, Showboat Fisher's D-Wides startled the experts for the first half of 1931 as they held on to 
first place despite the second worst batting average in the league. This year, however, the team is 
two-parts old and washed-up, 3 parts young and unproven. This will most likely be a long season for the 
club, but anything can be possible. Look for some of the veterans to be gone by season's end (Hack Wilson 
or Freddie Lindstron) as they continue to rebuild. 
PROGNOSIS: Fourth Place