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Book Review: Textile League Baseball: South Carolina’s Mill Teams, 1880-1955

by

Johnny Kicklighter

I accidently stumbled upon Thomas Perry’s book, “Textile League Baseball,” while conducting some research on a bit of hometown trivia. Oddly, in the 1950’s and 60’s you could hear the Chicago White Sox broadcasts in my hometown of Greenville, SC on radio station, WMRB-1490 AM. As I grew older I wondered why where Chicago games broadcast into the Deep South. My interest was rekindled in 2006 when an investor purchased and relocated the last house that Shoeless Joe Jackson lived in. Unbeknownst to me, Jackson’s house was located just two blocks from where I attended elementary school. His house was eventually moved to downtown and became the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum. I pondered, was the Shoeless Joe Jackson’s legacy connected to the broadcasts? Were the broadcasts the result of a fan base that had developed around Shoeless Joe? A posting on Facebook speculated that the Brandon Mill baseball team (where Shoeless Joe Jackson played) might have adopted the Chicago White Sox as their team. I purchased Thomas Perry’s book in the hope he could shed some light on my quest.

Perry’s book intrigued me because I was born in Greenville. At one time, upstate South Carolina was considered the textile center of the world. I only lived two miles from Brandon Mill where my wife and her parents worked prior to its closure. Perry explained, not only was baseball a part of the textile community, but why textile mills sprang up where they did. He stated you frequently found a textile mill near a water source as running water was necessary to generate electricity. The mill was the heart of the community and its employees were not viewed just as workers, but as family. Textile mills were often located in remote areas lacking convenient access to entertainment and other amenities.

Thomas Perry states that baseball became a fundamental part of textile village life and was an outlet to the grueling work scheduled. The games fostered competition and community pride for players and spectators. Teams sprang up in every corner of the region and by 1908 the first league was born. As time wore on, teams and leagues would form and fold, but the interest never waned. Spectators would travel for miles by foot, horse drawn buggy, or train just to watch Textile Baseball. The Textile League baseball glory years were the 1930’s. Many believed their level of play was equal to Major League baseball and teams were not shy to send a prospective player packing if he wasn’t up to their standards. Mill owners recruited good players and sometimes would bend employment rules to the benefit of the team. Indeed, owners were investing capital and resources to make the teams competitive and attendance would frequently exceed a thousand per game.

Perry also identified the great players of the league with chapters devoted to Champ Osteen and Shoeless Joe Jackson. In addition, he offers an appendix of Textile League players who made it to the majors. Unfortunately, I could find not collaborating evidence of textile mills adopting Major League teams. This was an immediate source of disappointment. The very fact that Perry didn’t mention this is probably because the teams didn’t adopt. However, much to my delight, I did find the names of two baseball players: my former pastor, Dan Greer of Washington Avenue Baptist Church, and my father-in-law, John Blackston. Both were listed in the second appendix, “Records and Rosters.”

Perry cites several reasons for the demise of the Textile Leagues in the chapter titled the Decline and Fall: mill owners began to sell houses in the mill villages destroying community pride; post WW II prosperity meant more folks bought automobiles making a trip to the lake, mountains, etc. more preferable than a walk to the ball field; television; mill management allocated less money as teams lost money due to less attendance; disparity among the teams, as larger mills could field better ball players; and the final death nail occurred in 1959 when South Carolina applied an Admission Tax to the gate receipts.

Reading the chapter Decline and Fall left me feeling profoundly sad. I’m not sure why except that it reminded me of each time I visit Greenville. As I travel through the city, I notice all the abandoned mills with their rusting water towers appearing as headstones marking a bygone era. I certainly don’t relish the times when the Ready River would change colors when mills would dump their waste. But I do reminisce about the hustle and bustle of the mill activity and the community spirit that once thrived.

Even though the book didn’t help me collaborate a Chicago White Sox radio broadcast and Shoeless Joe Jackson connection, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. (I eventually confirmed that Shoeless Joe had nothing to do with the Sox broadcasts. It turned out to be just an odd coincidence.) The book did have one distraction however. I was annoyed at the statistical and performance details the author would include in his attempt to highlight some of the more memorable or significant games. I suppose box score numbers are helpful in some circumstances, but I found them distracting. Descriptions are entertaining in the sports pages but make for dull reading in a history book. Nevertheless, in one instance those details come in handy when an associate told me of a relative who played for Easley. A quick check of the book found the player, Wayne Johnson of the Brooklyn Dodgers, on page 72 facing Lou Brissie from Monaghan who was owned by the Philadelphia Athletics. So I suppose I should repent of my egotistical view and be thankful for that added detail.

If you love baseball and are a student of sport history or folklore, Thomas Perry’s book belongs on your bookshelf.

Johnny Kicklighter is a contributor to the

Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum

located in Greenville, South Carolina and a fan of

Radio Randy, WPCI Radio 1490 AM

.

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ArticleRich.com

By Mike Mitchell

If you are looking for an adventure that’s much closer to home, creating your very own paintball field may just be the answer. Paintball scenarios range from war scenes, to spy themes to simple elimination tactics so you get to be as imaginative as possible when mapping out your ideas. In reality, under the right circumstances there isn’t much you couldn’t do creatively.

With regards to building your paintball field, you may want to start with the supplies that are easiest to find. For cover you should consider obtaining concrete highway barriers and you can use them quite like barrier walls for hiding from the opposition. The good thing about them is that you can paint them and color them however you wish and they can be pretty easy to move around the field. You could even use them by structuring them alongside one another to create a whole wall of protection.

When thinking of places to hide, reload and regroup an indoor cover comes to mind. Using precast concrete utility vaults and coupling them with other structures will craft a very durable, intriguing and customizable house like place for cover. As with the concrete barriers you will have creative control with regards to stylizing your mini fortresses and you don’t have to concern yourself with nature’s elements as neither rain nor hail will damage your creation. Because you can find these items rather easily, you can create as many different structures as your space can hold.

For smaller and more maneuverable hiding areas, you may turn to the use of craters as many of the professional venues do. However, you may come across a problem when attempting to cultivate them from scratch. So, if you aren’t able to make them safely, try purchasing precast box culverts. No sawing and cutting to try and create a sufficient crawl space is necessary and they will be much sturdier than handmade craters.

For the following additions you may need additional support and permits but they are well worth the extra steps. You may consider using inflatable structures shaped like cars or wall. You may also make use of hay bales, actual cars, sheds and perhaps wooden walls. If you’ve ever been to a competition paintball field, you are familiar with the inflatable structures being referred to. They have their cons but their pros are that they are the absolute easiest covers to maneuver and a lot of fun to experiment with. But, if you’re more interested in having complete creative control then they may not be the best option for you. Also, depending on your budget, you may want to incorporate the same faux turf fields that the tournaments use as they serve several useful purposes. However, if you want a rugged and more ‘real’ feeling ground under your feet you should stick to the natural ground.

When creating your field keep in mind who’ll be participating and try to make your field compatible to amateurs and advanced paintballers alike. When done right you and your field will be a neighborhood favorite!

About the Author: Mike regularly writes for ProlificPaintball.com, they carry such paintball equipment as a

Paintball Gun

and the

Tippmann A-5

, as well as many other items from a variety of manufacturers.

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Submitted by: Peter Kenny

Having a life insurance policy in place gives you peace of mind that you family will not have to bear the burden of paying for your funeral expenses and may have some money left over for themselves. Such policies are designed so that the beneficiary you name on the policy will receive a lump sum payment to the value of the policy when you die within the term of the policy. In some cases there may be conditions placed on the reason for your death, especially if you have a health condition at the time that you take out the policy. In this case, the policy will only pay out the lump sum if you die under other conditions.

There are ways of saving money on your life insurance because of the many different types of policies that are available. There is also a wide choice in the types of cover you can have depending on your needs and individual circumstances. The main factors that affect the cost of life insurance are your lifestyle, your age, your medical history, your job and your gender. Some factors affect the cost of the policy more than others.

Smoking is one of the lifestyle factors that does drive up the cost of life insurance. This is because so many health conditions, such as caner and heart disease, are linked to smoking. You have a greater chance of contracting a life-threatening medical condition. Even if you are a reformed smoker, the agent you deal with for the policy will want to know how long ago you gave up smoking. In order to save money, this time frame has to be longer than a year.

You will pay a lower premium if you take out a life insurance policy when you are in your 20s or 30s than you will if you are in your 50s or 60s. This is because of your life expectancy. You have a greater chance of dying when you are older and so the likelihood of having to pay out the policy to your beneficiary is much higher. The older you are, the more costly a life insurance policy becomes.

If you work in a high-risk industry, such as mining, you will also have to pay a higher premium for your life insurance. This is because there is a greater chance that you will get killed on the job. Your age also plays a part in the cost here because if you are young you may be deemed a high risk because the young are not known to be as cautious as older workers in the same line of work.

When you take out a life insurance policy, you do have to fill out an extensive health questionnaire. You may also be required to have a fill physical check up by the doctor in order for the company to be satisfied that you do not have any pre-existing medical conditions. It is important for you to be truthful when completing this questionnaire, especially if the company does not require any information from your doctor. If you give false information and the company finds out that you do have a pre-existing medical condition, then your policy will be cancelled and you will be left without any life insurance.

Improving your diet and exercise is a way of staying healthy. The questionnaire you complete will also ask you questions, such as your exercise habits and your eight and height. If you are overweight, this could affect the cost of your premiums because being overweight is linked to life-threatening disease, such as heart disease. Even if you are overweight when you take out the policy and you change your lifestyle through diet and exercise, you can make changes to your information that will lower your costs.

Shop around when you are looking for life insurance policies. Make sure the company your deal with is financially sound and is not in danger of going bankrupt, taking all your premiums with it. Get a sense of the amount of premiums you are likely to pay by shopping online and requesting free quotes on various types of policies. The life insurance industry is a competitive one, with companies offering various rates and discounts. Make sure you ask about any discounts that you may qualify for because these will lower your costs.

One thing you should be aware of when paying premiums for life insurance is that some companies levy extra charges against you if you choose to pay your premiums on a monthly basis. Compare the rates involved with monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments to see where you can save the most money. When youre looking for a term policy, check the renewal guarantees after that term is over. You dont want to have to start shopping around for a new policy when it is easier just to continue with the one you have for another term. A policy with a guaranteed renewal will allow you to start a new term when the current one ends without having to undergo another doctors examination. The premiums will be higher because of your increased age.

About the Author: Peter Kenny has been writing financial articles for 10 years and is a writer for The Thrifty Scot, please visit us at

Life Insurance

and

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Visit

Loans

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How to Build a Storage Shed: Crucial Factors to Think about

by

William Rogers

A storage shed can give a lot of perks, that is why it became very famous. As a beneficial shed, it serves as an ideal storage for old and unused items likes garden tools, cleaning tools along with other forms of equipment. Adding to that, you can also keep the things you stored there very organized. Also, this can be a wonderful outdoor space to let your young ones play. Also, when kids are more inclined to play outdoors, it makes things easier for mother and father instead of cleaning an unorganized living room or bedroom.

Similar to most householders, you may also want your backyard to have an effective storage shed. But the question is, do you have any idea how to build a storage shed that looks stylish and functional? If you don’t have any idea, then the following are shed ideas that you need to know.What kind of items can be placed in the storage shed? Householders must consider it first prior to making a storage shed. Bear in mind that you still have to select between specific-use sheds, large domestic sheds, and small domestic sheds. If you want to build a shed that is convenient and reasonably priced, then select a small domestic shed. Flammable liquids and insecticides can also be stored safely in this type of shed. Yet, a large domestic shed is best for storing gardening tools and auto repair equipment. Unlike small domestic sheds, it has a bigger price due to its size.How much is your spending budget? In any project, one of the most essential considerations is how much you are willing to spend. There are four types of storage sheds in terms of construction material used. These include plastic, wooden, metal and vinyl-sided sheds. Among these four types, the vinyl storage shed is by far the most cost effective. Actually, this is the best choice for small storage needs. Another good aspect of a shed made of vinyl is that it is not simply prone to chips, dents, or rusts. It’s different from a wooden shed as the latter is sometimes dwelled with insects like termites. Sheds made out of plastic are also cost-effective. Like a vinyl shed, a shed created from PVC is rot-proof and is not vulnerable to damage brought on by insects. Metal sheds are another excellent selections for homeowners. They are known for their high durability as well as high resistance to fire, insects and other shed types that rot. What makes it less desirable is its thin walls easily dent and will rust over time. Moreover, metal sheds can’t withstand harsh weather conditions. In terms of quality and durability, wooden sheds are on top. Due to their natural appeal, they add beauty to any residence. If ever you plan to sell your house in the future, it could also raise up the overall value. But over time, you need to know that wooden sheds will warp, split, and rot. They can also be infested with termites and is not fire resistant.If you’re looking for a guide with step-by-step process on how to build a storage shed, you can find numerous video instructions on the web. You could also check on my shed plans posted in many web pages for some practical ideas. Building a storage shed is not that simple, however because it is functional, it will absolutely be one of your great investments.

When you wish to get started at tackling the problems regarding

Shed Ideas

, then you need to go at your own pace where you’re most comfortable with. Hastening makes for a sloppy scenario as you’ll often find yourself missing over information which are essential. If you’re a constant type, then you’ll be able to take advantage of the quick good results for sure. Visit http://storagesheddesigns.org/ to make How To Build A Storage Shed much more clear.

Article Source:

How to Build a Storage Shed: Crucial Factors to Think about}

By Adriana Notton

Sometimes it’s tough to decide how to style curly hair. No matter the exact texture of your locks, curls can be both a blessing and a curse. Although it may seem at times to be more a curse than the former description, there are ways to work with it to make it the best thing that ever happened to you. You’ll be surprised what you can do.

First of all, figure out if your texture is more in the region of mega-curls or if it’s more frizzy. Are your strands more like spirals and corkscrews or are they softer and more wave-like? Once you have these observations in place, you should be able to move on to the next step. Whether you’re styling your strands for Prom or a day at the beach, there are lots of things you can do.

Here are a few great ways to style your mane. If you’re searching for a look that is casual and easy to create, then do the following: First, wash your hair. Use your favorite shampoo, but instead of combing it out after you get out of the shower, do it while you’re in. As you comb, be careful not to tear the ends, as this causes the strands to split and become brittle over time.

After you’ve finished with the previous step, roll your hair into a towel when you finish showering. Leave it for a little while as you get rest and go about a few activities. When you remove it from the towel, be sure that you do not comb it again. This is very important. Apply a very mild styling mousse to the wet tresses and allow them to dry on their own. You’ll be left with casual, comfy curls that are free of frizz.

Maybe you’re looking for a more refined vibe. When it comes to getting ready for Prom or even a simple first date, casual sometimes doesn’t exactly fill the bill. In this instance, wash your tresses as previously noted, but don’t comb until you get out of the shower. Before you comb, apply a slicking gel that makes it easier to work out your tangles.

When this is done, allow your locks to dry for a time on their own. When they’re sufficiently halfway dry, use a blow-dryer and set it on the lowest setting, on a “Hot” setting. Periodically brush as you’re going through the drying process. This will prevent an accumulation of frizz. If desired, spritz some anti-frizz spray as you’re drying.

When you’re through, you’re natural curls should be shining through. Take a large-barrel curling iron and touch up the front and back of your tresses. Define with a bit of hairspray. Only comb through the top, thus preventing taking out any extra spring in the curls. You may then pin back the right or left part with a sparkly flower or add lift with a barrette or headband. It’s that easy.

With these two hairstyles, you’ll be able to make all kinds of different looks, from ponytails to braids, based on this simple foundation. Have fun with it and always remember to be yourself.

About the Author: Anyone with naturally curly hair would agree that curly hair is a mixed blessing. To achieve smooth well defined curls on medium to long hair,be sure to use the

best products for curly hair

as well as some

natural black hair products

.

Source:

isnare.com

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