Wisconsin Rapids White Sox

From BR Bullpen

• Location: Wisconsin Rapids, WI
• League: Wisconsin State League 1940-1942, 1946-1953
• Affiliation: Chicago White Sox 1940-1942, 1946-1953
• Ballpark: Witter Field

[edit] Personal Remembrance

In 1953, I was a pitcher for the Oshkosh Giants, and played against the Wisconsin Rapids White Sox. One player on the White Sox was a new "bonus baby." The word around the league was that he had received a $50,000 bonus to sign with the Chicago White Sox organization. His name was Frank Layana (sp?) and he was a position player, maybe an outfielder. Another Sox player was a pitcher, Rene Masip.

The White Sox were a class D team in 1953 playing in the Wisconsin State League. I believe the manager might have been Wally Millies I was a pitcher that year for the Oshkosh Giants in the same league. Charlie Schaffernoth was the White Sox catcher, and could hit with some power. Neil Roberts was a right-handed pitcher on the Sox and was basically a power pitcher. He had an outstanding fastball, but had trouble finding the plate, as I remember. Rich Ramos and Rene Masip were also pitchers. Joe Borzellino was the shortstop and I think was mostly a contact hitter, but I don't think he hit very well that year. I believe Neil Roberts was from Hamilton Ohio and in a conversation with me mentioned that he had known the Nuxhall brothers (pitchers who played pro ball, with Joe pitching in the major leagues at age 15 or 16) growing up in Ohio. --User:Pitcher53

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