Talk:Oshkosh Giants

From BR Bullpen

I played for the Oshkosh Giants in 1953. This was the last year for the Wisconsin State League. The Boston Braves had moved to Milwaukee in 1953 and took attendance away from the Wisconsin State League. Oshkosh was a farm club of the New York Giants. Our manager was Dave Garcia. Dave also played second base for us. He had been managing in Oshkosh for about five years.

We played our games at the Sawyer Avenue Ballpark, and had to use a local grade school nearby as our locker room -- Roosevelt School.

We all had rooms in private homes in Oshkosh. I remember I paid $6 per week for my one room, with a shared bathroom.

I was a righthanded pitcher and won 14 games that year while losing 11. I tied for most wins on the team with Chet Vincent, a lefthander, whose record was 14 - 10. Other pitchers on the team were Doug McDermid, Joe Burke, Johnny Miron, Kenny Anderson, and Bob Henry. Our catcher was Buck Faust. Other players on the team were Jose "Chico" Diaz, 3rd base; Norm Griffin, shortstop; Dave Garcia, 2nd base; Mel Perry, 1st base; Art Lettieri, Jesse Rodgers, and John Wolfe, outfielders. John Martinac and Gary Steiner were also on the team. At the begining of the season, some of our players were released or transferred to other Giants farm clubs --- Frenchy Fournier, Chris Walsh, Harvey Tomter, Ray Burpoe, Jack Jones, Jack Lytle, Jose Barrio.

---Submitted by William J. "Bill" O'Donnell