THE 1950 INDIAN HEAD ROCKETS
The story of the 1950 Indian Head Rockets begins in the fall of 1946 with the formation of a service club dedicated to promoting community activities.
(1946 - September 19) The Indian Head News reported that more than “50 young fellows of town and country” had decided to “organize a young men’s community service club having its principal objective “Indian Head’s greatest need”.
The formal constitution of the group, its name and objectives were left to a further gathering. J.E. Robison, a town councillor and a past president of the Board of Trade, voiced “keen enthusiasm” for the new community organization. [Indian Head News, 19 September, 1946]
(1946 - October 10) The “young men’s community service club” in Indian Head is to be called “The Rockets”. A selection committee also chose a slogan “Need--Heed--Speed”. The group expressed the view that “The Rockets” conveyed something of the enthusiasm shown by the organization to date, with the idea that it was “heading higher” [Indian Head News, 10 October, 1946]
1949
The team that ultimately would be chosen to represent the community in the summer of 1950 was a well established organization playing Negro League ball out of Jacksonville, Florida. They were not the first choice, but quickly became prairie favourites. In the fall of 1949, major league all-stars were among the opponents of the Jacksonville Eagles.
(1949 - May 7) "Based on their diamond successes here [Jacksonville, Fla.], in other sections of the State, and in parts of North Carolina and Georgia, the Jacksonville Eagles appear to be shaping up into a formidable club. The Eagles, members of the American association the past three years, have appeared in several exhibition tilts under Big Jim Williams, player-manager.
Listed among top-rate hurlers are Lefty Joe Coleman, ace of the mound corps; Lefty Jenkins, another crack tosser, who is just about ready to toe the slab in earnest; and righthander Morrow, who is said to be as fast as Bob Feller.
The Eagles have in the outfield such heavy stickmen as George (Trickshot) Washington, Manager Williams and Duke Cleveland.
The infield boasts Henry Thompson, team captain at the keystone; Tyree at the initial sack; Horace Latham in shortstop and White at the hot corner." [The Afro-American, 07 May]
[* That would be Johnny Coleman, Jim Morrow, Tom Tyree & Charles White, and Henry Thompson ought to be Henry Smith, who was the 2B and captain with the Eagles]
(1949 – October 09) The Tampa Rockets are set to take on the Jacksonville Eagles at the 22nd Street Park. Eagles won last week’s game 8-3 at Jacksonville. Dirk Gibbons, who had a 19-4 record last season for Tampa in the regular season is to hurl for the Rockets.
(1949 - October 12) The Jackie Robinson All-Stars opened their barnstorming tour Wednesday afternoon with an 11-3 victory over the Jacksonville Eagles at War Memorial Stadium at Newport News. Larry Doby belted a homer for the Stars and Jackie Robinson collected three hits, including a triple, stole two bases and scored twice. The All-Stars rapped 19 hits, 10 off reliever Jim Morrow.
In the evening, at Tar Park at Norfolk, Virginia, the Eagles upset the All-Stars 4-2, scoring a pair of runs off Don Newcombe, thanks to two errors, one by Newcombe, the Brooklyn Dodger star. Several thousand fans were turned away as a crowd of about 12,000 jammed the ball park. “On the mound for the Jacksonville Eagles, who opposed the All-Stars, was a diminutive hurler answering to the name of Lefty Jenkins and he proceeded to uncork a brilliant job that completely handcuffed the Robinsonmen … Jenkins displaying a sweeping curve and a sneaky fast ball had the All-Stars pounding the ball into the ground or popping into the air”. [New Journal and Guide, 22 October, 1949]
1949 – November) On a cool evening in Columbus, Georgia, the Jackie Robinson All-Stars downed the Jacksonville Eagles 5-2. Before game time, with 2,000 fans shivering in their overcoats in 40-degree weather, Robinson left the playing field for the press box to announce “due to the extreme cold weather, it is impossible for the players to put on their top performance. Any person who would like his money back will receive a refund at the box office”. Everybody remained. The Robinson tour has been a hit. In the first three weeks on the road the show has attracted 148,561 customers for a haul of $5,942 per game. When the club left New York, the team had hoped to draw 100,000. So far, the All-Stars have won 19 and lost 6. [The New York Age, 19 November, 1949]
(1949 November 3) Roy Campanella cracked a three-run homer in the first inning and the Jackie Robinson All-Stars topped Jacksonville Eagles 6 -2 at Columbus, Georgia. Eagles out-hit the All-Stars 13-10.
(1949 – November 05) Before 3,000 spectators, one of the largest crowds ever to jam Municipal Stadium in Thomasville, Georgia, the Jackie Robinson All-stars dumped Jacksonville Eagles 11-4. Among the fans were the relatives of Robinson, who hails from nearby Cairo, Ga, where he visited for the first time since he was a child.
(1949 – November 5) At Albany, Georgia, Saturday, the Robinson All-Stars blanked the Jacksonville Eagles 10-0 before a crowd of 1,200. Some two to three hundred fans got their money back when Jackie Robinson failed to appear, sidelined with a severe cold. Larry Doby left in the sixth inning when hit by a pitch, but not before smacking a homer in the fifth.
(1949 – November 6) With Jackie Robinson out with a cold, the Robinson All-Stars didn’t miss a beat in crushing the Jacksonville Eagles in both games of a double-header, 18-5 at Savannah, Georgia then 15-2, before a crowd of more than 5,000 at Jacksonville. Roy Campanella, in charge of the team with Robinson absent, led the way in the night game with a homer, two doubles and a single. Don Newcombe, the Brooklyn Dodger hurler, was in both games. The wins, wrapping up the All-Stars’ tour, gave them a 25-6 record.
(1949 - November 7) A scheduled game between the Robinson All-Stars and Jacksonville Eagles at Plant Field in Tampa was cancelled Monday because of the illness and departure of Robinson for New York for a medical checkup.
1950
(January 26) After readers of the Indian Head News were startled to see an obituary notice for the Rockets organization (posted in the January 19th edition of the paper), residents began the work to revitalize the service club, founded in 1946.
In its January 26th edition, the News reported “There’s nothing wrong with the Rockets that a little stimulation and a few altered policies won’t fix”.
More than 40 “young fellows” decided Monday night to revive “The Rockets” at a meeting which was “supposed to have seen the organization dead, buried and its estate divided among the beneficiaries”.
“A howling wind, stinging snow and 20-below weather (it was the worst night of the winter) didn’t keep the Rockets at home. They came in at the “death” and decided on vibrant life”. Among the events the Rockets helped produce were the annual baseball tournaments, begun in 1947. [Indian Head News, 26 January, 1950]
(February 23) Nipawin announced its second annual baseball tournament for July 11-12. It’s to be invitation only, with eight teams to be accepted. Total prize money is $2,550, with $1,200 for the champion.
(March 26, 27, 28) The Washington Homestead Grays, legendary Negro League team was scheduled to play the Eagles on these three dates at Jacksonville.
(April 2) Owensboro-Evansville Braves of the Negro Southern League were to meet the Eagles at Jacksonville
(April 4) New York Cubans were lined up agains the Eagles at Lincoln Park in Palm Beach, Fla. It was noted that a special section would be provided for white fans.
(April 9-10) The Eagles were scheduled against the New York Cubans at Dorsey Park in Miami.
(April 13) Eston is the first confirmed entry for “Canada’s Greatest” baseball tournament, the Indian Head classic, July 19-20. “Colored imports, liberally sprinkled with district surprises will make up the club according to a letter from Eston. The Ramblers will have Cliff Jacobson, former Sceptre star, doing main mound duty. Also, on the roster are Glen Gilkerson and Ira Gardiner. “Three colored stars include Herbie Stevenson, who pitched the all-star game at the Dodgers’ camp in Regina last year and Bobbie Stevenson, formerly with Winnipeg Ramblers and Elmwood Giants.” [Indian Head News, 13 April, 1950]
(April 16) Left-hander John Coleman, rated the best lefty in the Negro American Association last season has signed with the Raleigh Tigers of the Negro Southern American Association. Coleman was on the staff of the Jacksonville Eagles last season.
(April) The Philadelphia Stars of the Negro American League picked up four victories in their first five games of their spring training exhibition tour as they prepare for the start of the regular schedule on May 8th. Stars split a pair of one-run decisions with the Jacksonville Eagles, losing 4-3 and winning 8-7.
(April 28) The Indian Head News announced that the community had a team ! Organizers had made arrangements to bring in "a professional baseball team of 12 players, complete with a playing manager through ex-big league star Rogers Hornsby of Chicago”.
The players would come from those released from major American teams. “The deal is being handled jointly by the Rockets and the Athletic Association, these organizations having voted separately Friday to underwrite the financing”. The report said “It is the largest sports venture probably ever attempted by Indian Head, involving $6,000 to $7,000 per month in ball players’ salaries.”
Jim Robison (left), of the Athletic Association and Mr. Hornsby agreed that a team could be had for less money but that would mean a drop in the calibre of players. “Indian Head had asked for an all-white team, he said, which had been “all right” with Mr. Hornsby. It appears the team will play 20 games a month, mainly on the road so accommodation did not appear to be a major problem. [Indian Head News, 28 April, 1950]
(May 3) The Jacksonville Eagles took advantage of a porous Raleigh defence to score four in the ninth inning to down the Grays 7-5 in action at Chavis Park. The home side had rallied for fours runs on five hits in the eighth to go ahead 5-3. Haggy Smith of the Grays had the only homer. Frank Tillman was best for the Eagles with two hits. (The Grays added Roland Miles to their roster for the game, he would later be a football star in the Canadian Football league with Edmonton.)
(May 6) In a story on Indian Head’s determination to have a baseball team, the Regina Leader- Post suggested the team would be called the Chiefs.
The semi-pro team is being selected for Indian Head by former Major League star Rogers Hornsby.
"Hornsby, present manager of Dallas Texans, holds an annual pre-season school in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and he has lined up a starry aggregation of former pro players and rookies for the Indian Head Chiefs ... Names of the players will be released about May 15." (The Leader-Post, 06 May)
(May 7) Eagles vs New York Black Yankees ar Centennial Field in Bainbridge, Ga.
(May 11) The well organized baseball program at Indian Head made arrangements with Regina radio station CKRM to air special half-hour shows to promote the baseball tournament. The programs would run five evenings a week.
(May 11) Baseball boosters from Indian Head are planning a trip to Wichita, Kansas, home of the National Baseball Congress and the huge semi-pro tournament and to complete arrangements with Rogers Hornsby to bring a team to the Saskatchewan community. Jim Robison, chairman or the Rockets committee and Mayor of Indian Head, is to be among them. The team is expected to arrive in Indian Head June 1st.
(May 11) Eagles vs New York Black Yankees at Golden Park, Columbus, Ga.
(May 12) Eagles vs New York Black Yankees at Golden Park, Columbis, Ga.
(May 18) Indian Head representatives left for Wichita to finalize arrangements for a ball team for this summer. The team is expected to play about 60 games.
(May 18-19) The New York Black Yankees continued their late inning mastery of the Jacksonville Eagles. In recent games, the Yankees won 10-8 at Gadsden, Alabama, and 9-7 at Albany, Georgia before an 8-8 stand-off at Macon, Georgia. The two clubs are also scheduled to play at Bainbridge, Ga., Waycross, Columbus, Charleston, S.C., West Palm Beach, Miami and Jacksonville.
Yankees got a pair in the top of the 10th inning to down the Eagles 10-8, out-hitting Jacksonville 15-10. Martin and Jesse Blackman/Blackmon hurled for the Eagles. Again, in the Albany contest, Yankees notched a pair in the 10th for a 9-7 triumph belting out 15 hits off Daniel Jenkins. In the tie, which went 11 innings, Yankees came from behind with two in the eight for the draw. Walter Calhoun allowed just eight hits in going the distance. (Benjamin “Honey” Lott, later to play in the Mandak League and in Lloydminster, was one of the stars for the Yankees)
(May 19) Eagles vs Raleigh Grays
(May 20) An item in the Baltimore Afro-American noted the passing of Carl (Bubber) Ford, businessman, fraternalist, churchman, and sports promoter who died last week. He was a native of Alexanderville but had lived in Jacksonville for 42 years. Ford was former owner-president of the Jacksonville Eagles and owner of the Lenape Billiard Parlors.
(May 21) One big inning in each game carried the Brooklyn Bushwicks to a sweep of a twin-bill over the Jacksonville Eagles, the Negro Florida champions. The double-header at Dexter Park drew 4,150 fans to see the home side win 8-3 and 9-5. In the opener, the Bushwicks got on the scoreboard in the second inning as lefty Daniel Jenkins walked three and gave up three hits and the Eagles committed two errors. Eddie Horai and Roy Triebel each had three hits for Brooklyn. In the second game, Brooklyn smacked five hits off Jim Morrow in the seventh inning to score five times to salt away the win. Mike Ovaduke had three hits, scored three and knocked in a pair for the winners. Triebel added three more hits. Red Cameron replied with three safeties for the Eagles. Bushwicks outhit the Eagles 14-7 in the first game while the visitors had 14 safeties to 12 for Brooklyn in the second game.
(May 23) Durham Rockets vs Jacksonville Eagles. (Eagles featured a new of former Durham players - Lefty Jenkins, Holly/Haulie Pane and Louis Green (left). Jim Williams was the former skipper of the Durham Eagles, now into his third season at the helm of the Eagles.)
(May 25) The Indian Head News figured that some $66,750 might be up for grabs in prize money on the tournament trail this summer.
The paper provided a list of the known tournaments to date.
Humboldt June 20-21 $2,000
Melfort June 28-29 $3,300
Sceptre May 24 $2,000
Fort Qu'Appelle May 24 $600
Lloydminster June 6-7 $4,600
Prince Albert June 10-11 $3,000
Camrose June 13-14 $3,500
Shaunavon June 15-16 $2,000
Lacombe June 20-21 $3,750
Moosomin June 29
Outlook June 30-July 1 $4,000
Foam Lake July 4-5 $4,000
Nipawin July 18-19 $4,000
Indian Head July 19-20 $4,000
Saskatoon July 234-28
Regina
Moose Jaw
Carlyle
Rosetown
Brandon
Coleman $5,000
“From a one-town venture in 1947, with Indian Head putting up the then unheard-of sum of $2,000 in prize money for tourney baseball, and with the rest of the province hanging pop-eyed on the outcome, the baseball tournament idea has grown all across the three prairie provinces.
No other town, that first year, wanted any part of it. But the fans came in droves to see baseball. In fact, they overflowed throughout the whole town and into the country for miles around. Some of the “doings” hit major sports headlines, news reels and Dominion-wide networks—and the big-money baseball tournament was “in”.“ [Indian Head News, 25 May, 1950]
(May 30) Lincoln Boyd, former Negro All-American halfback from Alabama A&M, will be in the lineup for the Atlanta Brown Crackers when they take on the Memphis Red Sox tomorrow. Boyd, the right fielder, is currently hitting .354.
(June 1) About the time the team was to have arrived in Canada, the negotiations on which team would fill the Indian Head uniforms took an abrupt turn. The Indian Head News revealed it was to be a 16-player all-colored team, “a complete unit, including five pitchers and playing manager … To be named “The Rockets”.
The story said the final deal was not made through Rogers Hornsby, as originally intended, although his lieutenants were of “great help” in lining up the new team
.
Four town representatives – Jim Robison, George Ferguson, Kernie Coulthard and Les Booker travelled thousands of miles in Kansas and adjoining states “in a two-week, action-packed sortie” following talks with Hornsby. Once back home, the group received approval of their proposal.
“Great and near-great were met by the four emissaries as they talked ball, ball and then more ball. They found Wichita the centre of the baseball universe, staging the largest tournament in the world … They had a fine talk with Tommy Baer, owner of the famous Kansas City Monarchs … had an interview with Jack Baer, manager and coach of the Oklahoma University baseball club … Mickey Flynn, big league talent scout … Chas. Stis, scout for the St. Louis Browns, and Ray Dumont, president of the National Baseball Congress (who) acted for Hornsby.”
“Indian Head’s Rocket ball club will be based here for three months. They have their own 26-passenger bus … have two complete uniforms apiece, plus all equipment. Right now emblems and the wording “Indian Head” is being prepared for their uniforms … Locally, arrangements are proceeding at a fast clip to house the 16-man team in rooms above the Chas. Koo café.”
“The team faces a heavy schedule of exhibition and tournament play. Three Alberta tourneys already are entered. Latest bid is to a major Liberal rally at Fort Qu’Appelle at which Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent will speak.” [Indian Head News, 01 June]
In a letter dated May 26th, addressed to Wayne Clark in Milwaukee, but with the addressee crossed out, in pencil, and replaced with Jas. Williams, contractual terms were laid out. A number of other changes were also made in pencil in the typed document. Basically, the organizers asked for all players of "Class AA caliber" and would arrive with "full playing equipment - uniform, spikes, gloves, etc." and would have their "own bus and that the bus and players will be adequately covered by insurance". The team was to have "16 men, 5 of which will be pitchers".
In return, Indian Head guaranteed a payment of $5,000 per month (a revision, in pencil, from the original offer of $3,500) for players to pay their expenses. Another clause added "pay ... 33 1/3 % of all net moneys received by use for prize money or gate receipts, the net is to be figured by deducting the guarantee of $5,000 per month plus all other expenses from the gross receipts, the balance to be divided 33 1/3% to you and 66 2/3s to us".
The letter stated "We believe that it will be possible to have the team playing ball 5 days a week in games which will give a good profit. We figure that exhibition games will draw attendance from 5000 to 8000".
Raymond Harry Dumont (left) had founded the National Baseball Congress in 1935. Forty years later he was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, "considered one of the greatest promoters and innovators in baseball history".
Every summer, the country's top semi-pro teams would come to Wichita for a two-and-a-half week tournament. "Dumont was instrumental in the building of Lawrence Stadium in Wichita, which was renamed Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in 1978".[(Kansas Sports Hall of Fame]
In January, 1944, Dumont had proposed "a new rule for baseball. His suggestion: let the hitter take his choice of running to either first or third, then continue around the bases in the same direction. His reasons: more fun for fans, more action in the infield. Sportswriters hooted". [Time Magazine]
(June 1) Indian Head’s central baseball committee set total prize money of $4,000, just $1,500 of which is earmarked for “first booty” for the 1950 tournament. Just 16 teams are to be accepted this year. Previously 22 teams had been accommodated. Deadline for entries is July 4th.
(June 6) "That little Saskatchewan town is being represented by an entire Negro aggregation imported from Florida. This team was assembled for one reason--to advertise the place and at the same time to pay its own way through tournament prize money". [Edmonton Journal, June 6]
(June 6-7) The now Indian Head Rockets missed their first opportunity for a big payday Tuesday when they failed to appear at the Lloydminster Tournament with a first prize of $2,000. Road conditions or bus problems held up the Indian Head team from reaching the border city in time for the first draw and they lost by default to the nine from Mundare, Alberta and lost their $100 deposit. Delisle whipped the Edmonton Oilers 10-0 to win the championship.
(* The paper had identified the tournament as Lethbridge, but the dates correspond to Lloydminster and there is no record of such a tournament in Lethbridge that summer.)
(June 8) The Indian Head News reported some recent success for the Jacksonville Eagles in exhibition games en route to Canada. The Rockets shutout the New York Black Giants 2-0 and tied the Philadelphia All-Stars 6-6. The paper also reported a 1-0 win for the Eagles over the New York Cubans and a 3-2 victory from the Brooklyn Bushwicks.
(June 8) The paper, reporting that bus trouble had halted the Rockets at Atlanta, Georgia, noted that the 17-man team “now sails under Rocket colors, with Rocket crests “Indian Head” stitched into their uniforms and painted on the side of the big 26-passenger bus”.
“Manager of the club is Jim Williams (right), who is a utility man when he takes his turn on the diamond. The Rockets are well stocked with pitchers with six available. There are two catchers to handle the slants.
The right-handed hurlers are Jesse Blackman, James Marrow, Andrew Williams, and Cotshel Green, while Daniel Jenkins and Fred Calhogh throw from the port-side. Catchers are Lewis Green and Red Cameron.
George Washington is the Rocket first-sacker and Horace Latham handles second base. Holly Pane will play third and Blackman can also take a turn at the hot corner. Youngest member of the club is Spike Tillman, a speedy 17-year-old shortstop. Utility infielders are Colin Randolph and Rupert Collins.
Slated for outfield duty are Lindsay Caldwell, Cliff Quarterman and Red Cameron.”
(* Obviously, a little problem with the names – Jesse Blackman/Blackmon, Jim Morrow, Alexander Williams, Walter Calhoun, Louis Green, Hubert Collins, Lindsey Carswell, William Randolph, Isiah Quaterman)
(June 9) Rockets scheduled to play at Macklin SK
(June 10) A scheduled double-header between the Indian Head Rockets and the Saskatoon All-Stars was postponed Saturday when the American club was still tied up on the road on the way to Canada. Apparently, the team bus broke down at Minot, North Dakota.
(June 11) In a post in the paper of the 15th, the Indian Head News summarized the Rockets first workout on home turf.
“Almost in a twinkling, spectators grew into hundreds Sunday afternoon when Indian Head’s all-colored 17-man baseball team limbered up in practice at the exhibition grounds. The railbirds admitted they had an eyeful, and more.
In fact, old ball fans are still chattering about those deep outfield throws, lightning double-play shifts, sharply controlled base snaps and the occasional dazzler zipping past home plate when first this pitcher and then the other cut loose.
The boys, it was conceded, have the stuff. Jim (bossman) Williams drove them hard. He had kinks of 15 playless days to iron out. The boys responded.”
(June 11-12) Rockets at Loughheed, AB
(June 13-14) In their first action in Canada, at the Camrose, Alberta, Tournament, the Rockets got off to a good start with a 14-4 triumph over Kelsey as Jim Morrow (left) went the route in the seven-inning contest. Lincoln Boyd cracked a homer for the winners.
But, in their next outing, Indian Head dropped a tough 2-0 decision to Sceptre as lefty Hal Price, a 24-year-old import from the Twin City Colored Giants and most recently with Brandon and Elmwood in Manioba, tossed the shutout to best Daniel Jenkins and knock Indian Head out of the running for the $2,000 top prize. Price had being in spring training with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Sceptre went on to top Kamloops 2-0 in the final. Bert Olmstead, the National Hockey League winger, fired a four-hit shutout, after pitching three scoreless innings in the semi-final.
(June 16) Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent accepted an invitation to attend a monster basket picnic at Fort Qu’Appelle on July 8th. A sports program at the event will be highlighted by a double-header between the Regina Caps and the Indian Head Rockets.
(June 16) At Farmer's Day at Bawlf Friday, The Indian Head Rockets demolished the home squad 18-0.
(June 16-17) Rockets scheduled at Stettler, Alberta.
(June 18) Rockets at Camrose
(June 19) Rockets at Ponoka
(June 21) At the big Lacombe Tournament, again the Rockets won their opener but dropped their second game and failed to advance. Indian Head crushed Westlock 13-1 behind the hurling of right-hander Jim Morrrow. The 20-year-old product of Graham, N.C. allowed just five hits and also smashed a three-run homer. But, then, unheralded Stettler beat the Rockets 11-6 (in what the Edmonton Journal called an “astonishing upset”), as 38-year-old Negro League veteran Walter Calhoun and left-hander Dan Jenkins toiled on the mound for the Rockets. The Rockets blew a 4-1, third inning lead and made seven errors in the embarrassing defeat. The California Mohawks and Sceptre split first prize money when rain prevented the championship game.
(June 22) The Indian Head News had some news (although no scores) of Rockets’ exhibition games around the Lacombe Tournament. "During the Alberta sortie they disposed of Lougheed, Bawlf, Wetaskiwin and the United States Airforce club from Laddfield (sic), Alaska, with boxcar scores".
(June 22) In a five-inning game, shortened by rain, Delisle downed the Indian Head Rockets 5-0 behind a one-hitter by import hurler Joe Hollin Chretien. Walter Calhoun took the loss, yielding eight hits.
(June 23) In their home debut, the Indian Head Rockets drew a crowd of 1,200 Friday night to watch their home club notch a 5-3 victory over the Regina Caps. The late starting game (Rockets encountered more bus trouble on the return from Delisle) was called after six innings because of darkness. Alexander Williams and Jesse Blackman/Blackmon pitched for the Rockets. Ira Wells went the route for Regina.
(June 24) Indian Head Rockets swept a twin-bill from Swift Current Indians, 8-6 and 3-1 before 2-thousand fans at West End Park in Swift Current. Rockets scored four runs in the top of the 9th inning of the opener then held off a rally by the Indians to take the victory. Jim Morrow pitched a five-hitter for the win. Hubert “Pee Wee” Collins, Lincoln Boyd and Frank “Spike” Tillman each swatted two hits for the Rockets.
Southpaw Dan Jenkins fired a three-hitter in the second game as Indian Head plated two runs in the 6th inning, which held up for the win. The 22-year-old Boyd, with a season of Negro League ball and one with Brandon under his belt, led the Rockets with three hits. With the team bus still broken down the drivers were Jack Watts, Chas. Bonner, George Ferguson and Gordon Glenn
(June 26) The newspaper headline read “Wild scenes for 2,170 fans”. Before the largest crowd of the season at Taylor Field, Regina Caps and Indian Head Rockets fought to a 3-3 draw in a game called after nine innings because of darkness. Tony Maze, just back from service with the North Battleford Beavers, went the route for the Caps while Pancho Gray and Dan Jenkins handled the pitching chores for the Rockets. Frank Tillman, the youngest of the Rockets at just 17 years, had three hits for Indian Head while Gus Kyle paced the Caps with a triple and double.
(June 27) Playing at home, the Indian Head Rockets blanked Swift Current 6-0 Tuesday behind the three-hit pitching of former New York Black Yankee Pancho Gray. Rockets punched out ten hits. It was the Rockets third straight win over the Indians.
(June 27) The Leader-Post reported “Big Jim Williams isn’t too pleased with his club and has reinforcements on the way”.
(June 28) Indian Head pounded out 17 hits in a 6-3 win over Lumsden. Jim Morrow led the attack with four hits. Lefty Walter Calhoun tossed a six-hitter for the Rockets. He fanned nine. Six others – Lindsey Carswell, Hubert (Pee Wee) Collins, Frank Tillman, George Lipscomb, Jesse Blackman/Blackmon (left) and Calhoun each produced two safeties.
(June 29) Outfielder Lincoln Boyd, dropped by the Indian Head Rockets, was picked up by the Regina Caps and scored three times in his first game with his new club, a 16-5 win over Carrot River Loggers.
(June 29) Indian Head won third place money at the Moosomin Tournament downing the Elmwood Giants 7-4 in the consolation final. Jim Morrow went the route for the victory. The Rockets dropped their opening game 8-6 to Brandon Grey who went on to capture top prize of $2,000 defeating Carman 6-5 in the final. Carman had reached the final with a 5-2 victory over the Elmwood Giants. An 8th inning triple by Armando Vasquez scored the tying run and Vasquez notched the winner on an infield out. Frank Watkins bested Johnny Wingo on the hill.
It was a hit-fest between Brandon and the Rockets with 26 hits registered on the scorecard. Greys got homers from Charlie Peete and Rafe Cabrera, while George Lipscomb belted one out for Indian Head.
(June 30) Rockets scheduled against the Ligon All-Stars at Foam Lake.
(July 1) Regina Caps and the Rockets divided a Dominion Day double header that highlighted the annual Indian Head Sports Day. Rockets took the opener 6-5 and Caps got a 4-3 win in the other. In the first game, Caps scored a pair in the ninth to tie at 5-5 before the Rockets came through in the 11th for the win.
Alex Williams, Danel Jenkins and Pancho Gray handled the mound work for the Rockets. Import hurler Joe Searcie was on the hill for the Caps. Regina had 15 hits, including a fourth inning homer by Ken Charlton. A ninth inning run gave Caps the second game 4-3. Jesse Blackman/Blackmon and Jenkins allowed nine hits while Lefty Harrison yielded eight safeties before giving way to Tony Maze in the seventh.
(July 2) The youngest member of the Rockets was the hero as Indian Head shaded Regina Caps 7-6 in exhibition play. Frank Tillman, the 17-year-old led off the seventh inning with a double and came around to score the winning run. It was one of three hits for the Rockets’ shortstop. Walter Calhoun (one of the older Rockets at age 38, seen right in 1935 in Negro ball with Claybrook, Arkansas, Tigers) and Pancho Gray, who relieved in the seventh, handled the mound work for the winners. Bill Clary yielded nine hits in taking the loss.
(July 3) At the Lancer Tournament, Indian Head finished second, losing to Sceptre 4-2 in 11 innings in the final game. Rockets had advanced by beating Swift Current 4-0. Eston finished third.
(July 4-5) More than 12,000 fans watched California Mohawks turn back the Indian Head Rockers 5-2 on Wednesday in the final of the Foam Lake Tournament. Jake Abbott went the route on the hill for the Mohawks besting the Rockets' Jim Morrow. The college kids broke on top in the first inning and added another run in the second to go ahead 2-0. The scoring ended in the third as the Mohawks scored three and the Rockets got a pair. From then on it was shutout ball from the two hurlers. It was the third tournament victory for the California club.
Indian Head’s Hubert Collins suffered an ankle injury to add to the team’s growing list of casualties. Lindsey Carswell played in the tourney with a broken cheekbone. Rockets topped Estevan 12-7 to advance to the final. The Mohawks crushed Carrot River 11-0 to reach the championship game. In the opening round Indian Head scored a 9-2 win over Yorkton, then trounced Kamsack 17-9.
On opening day, Kamsack Cyclones stunned the defending champion Delisle 2-1, Eston Ramblers topped Saskatoon Legion 5-4, California Mohawks edged Gull Lake 5-3, Sceptre over Muskogee Cardinals 8-4 and Ligon All-Stars trounced Watson 9-1. Estevan Maple Leafs eliminated Sheho 7-3 and Carrot River Loggers over Elfros 9-2.
(July 6) Indian Head Rockets swept a double-header from Sceptre at the Whitewood Sports Day. Rockets won the opener 7-0 and took the second tilt 12-3.
George Lipscomb banged out four hits in the second game for the Rockets while Walter Calhoun, Isiah Quarterman (left) and Jesse Blackman/Blackmon had triples. Calhoun tossed a four-hitter for the win while the Rockets had 13 hits off Eddy DeBarnabo and Hal Price.
(July 7) Indian Head topped Sceptre 12-3
(July 7) The Ligon All-Stars of Brawley, California defeated the Indian Head Rockets 6-3 in a game played at Foam Lake.
(July 8) The Regina Caps and Indian Head each came away with a victory in their double-header at Fort Qu’Appelle to highlight the sports program for the visit of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. Caps won 4-3 in the opener and Rockets stormed back to take the second game 8-1.
(July 10) The Indian Head Rockets overcame an early 4-1 deficit to score ten straight runs to down the Ligon All-Stars 11-4 Monday at Indian Head. Jesse Blackman/Blackmon did the mound work for the winners. Hubert Collins rapped three hits to pace the Rockets. Frank Tillman smacked a pair of three-baggers.
(July 11) Rockets again defeated the Ligon All-Stars.
(July 13) Fourteen teams, including the Carrot River Loggers, Regina Caps, Brandon Greys, Kamsack Cyclones, California Mohawks and Swift Current Indians say they are in for the Indian Head Tournament.
(July 13) Maryfield Tournament (Brandon, Indian Head, Elmwood and Minot). Rained out
(July 13) Henry "Red" Cameron (right) punched out four hits, including a pair of two-baggers, as Rockets dumped the Regina Caps 11-5 Thursday in Regina. Walter Calhoun and Pancho Gray divided the pitching duties for the Rockets. Lincoln Boyd, dropped by the Rockets earlier this year, slugged a pair of triples for the Caps.
(July 14) Swift Current vs Indian Head
(July 17) Indian Head Rockets shaded Swift Current 3-1 as Dan Jenkins allowed a hit to the Indians' first batter then fired a no-hitter the rest of the way. Jenkins survived seven walks to chalk up the win. The Indians Tommy Thompson allowed just eight hits and one earned run in taking the loss. Horace Latham and Isiah Quarterman each had two hits for the winners.
(July 21) "The men behind the assembling of the Indian Head Rockets ball team this spring saw the fulfillment of one of their dreams Friday night when their classy ball club walked off with the $1,500 first money in their own baseball classic -- the daddy of all diamond tourneys on the prairies.
The Rockets came through with three victories in Friday's play, capping it off by downing the young California college boys who play under the Mohawk banner 5-1 in the final. A throng estimated as 10,000 jammed every nook and corner of the No. 1 diamond to watch the two top entries in the original 16-team field battle it out and bring the two-day festivities to a close." (Regina Leader-Post, July 22, 1950)
In the final, veteran Pancho Gray (left) held the Mohawks to just seven hits and the Rockets took advantage of three Mohawk errors to register the 5-1 triumph. A three-run seventh inning proved to be the difference. Frank Tillman drove in George Lipscomb, who had been hit by a pitch. Reliever, Jake Abbot the walked Horace Latham. On an attempt to nail the runner at second, the throw ended up in the outfield and Tillman scampered home. Red Cameron followed with a single to plate Latham with the final run.
Rockets made the final by downing the Regina Red Sox 9-3. They plated four in the first inning and another three in the second and coasted to the win as Daniel Jenkins scattered seven hits while the Rockets rapped out 16. In earlier action, in a game called after five innings, Rockets crushed Kronau 10-0 as Alex Williams tossed the shutout.
The Rockets delighted the home fans with a thrilling 5-3, 14 inning win over Carrot River in the opening round. Rockets had taken a 3-1 lead, but the Loggers' Shorty McLean tied the game 3-3 with a two-out, two-run single in the eighth. The game remained scoreless through four extra frames before reliever Jim Morrow singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the 14th. Morrow had come on in relief of Jesse Blackmon/Blackman in the 8th.
(July 22) Indian Head collected just three hits Saturday night at Estevan but managed a 3-2 victory over the Maple Leafs. Rockets scored all their runs in the first inning. Hubert Collins walked, stole second, went to third on a sacrifice and scored on an out. Henry Cameron singled, Doc Dennis walked and both scored on a triple by William Randolph.
(July 23) Staging two, four run rallies, one in the top of the ninth, the Indian Head Rockets scored an 8 - 4 triumph over the Regina Red Sox in an exhibition tilt. Dan Jenkins, in relief of Walter Calhoun, put out a 9th inning Red Sox threat by fanning three in succession. Calhoun gave up 11 hits. Right-hander Joe Searcie, recently signed by the Sox following his release from the Regina Caps, pitched the entire game for the Redlegs.
(July 25) Rockets and Hollywood Beavers battled to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game Tuesday night. Rockets got both of their runs in the fourth inning on a homer by Isiah Quarterman.
(July 26-27) At the Moose Jaw Tournament of Champions, the favoured Indian Head Rockets were upset by Swift Current. The Indians ousted Indian Head 8-4 in 11 innings. A three-run homer by Les Williams was the big blow. Henry Cameron and Isiah Quarterman each had three hits for the Rockets.
Swift Current Indians pounded out seventeen hits to down Sceptre 9-4 in the final to win top prize of $1,500.
A rundown of the team rosters was part of the coverage of the event.
Indian Head
The population of Indian Head is 1,354.
Jessie Blackman/Blackmon, first base and pitcher, age 24, ball player, Goldsboro, N.C.
Hubert Collins, second base, age 17, schoolboy, Kinston, N.C.
William Randolph, age 19, third base, college student, Kinston, N.C.
George Lipscomb, age 19, centre field, college student, N.C. State College, Durham, N.C.
Isiah Quarterman, age 21, left field, ball player, Jacksonville, Florida.
Henry Cameron, age 28, right field, ball player, Durham, N.C.
Daniel Jenkins, age 24, pitcher, ball player, Creedmore, N.C.
James Morrow, age 20, pitcher, ball player, Graham, N.C.
Walter Calhoun, age 30, pitcher, ball player, Cleveland, Ohio.
Pancho Gray, age 30, pitcher, ball player, New York City.
Louis Green, age 26, catcher, ball player, Shawnee, Illinois.
Frank Tillman, age 19 *earlier identified by the team as 17), short stop, ball player, Sanford, Florida.
Horace Latham (right), age 24, utility-infield, ball player, Williamstone, N.C.
Lindsey Carswell, age 23, outfield, ball player, Jacksonville, Florida.
James Williams, age 33, manager, Newark, New Jersey.
All players think Canada is wonderful and, as far as for Indian Head, they still say wonderful, and we are all coming back next year.
(July 28) Four games were played on the opening day of the Swift Current tournament before rain forced a delay in the rest of the program. Indian Head took a 6-2 decision from Estevan on Dan Jenkins' four-hitter. The game was called after six innings because of rain.
(July 30) Jim Morrow pitched a six-hit shutout to lead Indian Head into the final of the Swift Current Tournament. The Rockets beat Carrot River Loggers 5-0. Rain again forced postponement of the final.
(July 31) Lincoln Boyd, the Regina Caps sensation, extended his batting streak to 11 consecutive hits Monday as he went four-for-four, scored three and knocked in one in an 8-2 victory over Notre Dame. Boyd is hitting .553 with three doubles, five triples and three home runs in 38 at bats.
(July 31) At the Regina Fair Baseball Tournament, Indian Head Rockets rapped 11 hits to trounce Swift Current 10-2 in the opening game of the tourney. Isiah Quarterman led the winners with three hits, but the big blow was a three-run homer by Henry Cameron. Daniel Jenkins scattered seven hits to register the win.
( August 1) It was announced that playing-manager Jim Williams expected a new addition to the Rockets – Tom Alston (right, identified as Tom Austin in the papers), a lanky 6’5” first sacker from Greensboro, South Carolina. He was to have been with the team from the onset but needed to stay in college to complete his courses.
(August 1) Swift Current Indians, beaten by Indian Head the previous day at the Regina Tournament, dumped the Rockets 6-4 in an exhibition game behind the eight-hit pitching of Tommy Thompson. Indians knocked nine hits off Alex “Wolf” Williams and Walter Calhoun. Ken Nelson paced the winners' offense with three hits. It was the final game for Thompson who has left for his home in the United States.
(August 2) On opening day of the Rosetown Tournament, Indian Head shaded Swift Current 2-1 in a 10-inning thriller to kick off the $3,500 event. Jesse Blackmon/Blackman started for the Rockets and gave up the lone Swift Current tally in the first inning on a single, error and two walks. Indian Head tied the game in the third and there was no more scoring until George Lipscomb singled with one out and then scored easily in a triple by Isiah Quarterman. Jim Morrow relieved in the 10th with the bases loaded and one out. Pinch hitter Alex Maxwell, the Indians playing manager hit into a double play to end the game. Steve Wylie took the loss.
(August 3) Indian Head Rockets whipped North Battleford 17-6 to win top money of $1,200 in the $3,500 Rosetown Tournament. It was the Rockets second major tournament victory. More than 8-thousand fans watched the final.
Tom Alston powered the Rockets' attack with four hits. Louis Green had three. Jim Morrow went all the way for the win.
In the semi-finals, Dan Jenkins held Delisle to three hits and fanned 11 as the Rockets trounced the Gems 9-1. Indian Head had 12 hits off Bennie Griggs and Goose Gostlin. North Battleford took out Sceptre 3-1 in a semi-final and Sceptre won third money by defeating Delisle 12-9.
(August 7) Doug Gostlin of Delisle had a no-hit, no run game for eight and two-thirds innings Monday night but ended up losing 3-2 to the Indian Head Rockets. With two out in the ninth and Delisle ahead 2-0, Gostlin gave up a free pass and then outfielder George Lipscombe worked the count to three and two and rapped a short single to break up Gostlin's bid for a no-hitter. The next man, Isiah Quarterman cracked a long one for a home run. Gostlin ended up with a three-hitter and 13 strikeouts.
(Aug 8) A three-run outburst in the bottom of the 8th inning sparked Indian Head Rockets to a 6-3 win over Minot Mallards, of the Mandak League, in an exhibition match at Indian Head. Tom Alston's double was the big blow in the uprising. Each pitcher, Horace Latham for the Rockets and Andy Anderson for the Mallards, gave up eight hits.
(August 9) At the Estevan Tournament, Minot Mallards erupted for five runs in the fourth inning and blanked the Rockets 5-0. Frank Pickens, a Minot recruit from the Louisiana Travelers, tossed the shutout. Harvey Lapides and Fred Shepard walloped homers in the inning to send Jesse Blackmon/Blackman to the showers. Jim Morrow finished up. Mallards won the tournament whipping the host team 14-4 in the final. Minot clubbed 21 hits. Shepard and shortstop Zoonie McLean each knocked in four runs. Charlie Nichols smacked a two-run homer and Marvin Terrell went 3 for 3.
Rockets cracked out 11 hits to beat Wilcox Cardinals 4-1 to win the consolation final. Alex Williams fired a five-hitter for the win.
(Aug 10) With two runs in the top of the tenth inning, Minot Mallards downed Estevan 4-2 to win the Gainsborough $1,450 baseball tournament. Minot reached the final with a 9-8 victory over Muskogee Cardinals on Zoonie McLean’s run-scoring single in the ninth. Manager Lefty Lefebvre tossed a seven-hitter for the win.The host Leafs advanced to the final beating Indian Head 9-5. Muskogee claimed third prize money with a 3-2 win over the Rockets.
(August 11) Ligon All-Stars vs Rockets at Lumsden ?
(Aug 13) A thrilling finish before 34-hundred fans gave Regina the $1,300 first prize in the Regina Exhibition tournament. Caps got a gift run in the bottom of the ninth to beat Estevan 4-3 in the long-delayed tourney final. Bill Kyle, who had singled and been sacrificed to second, scored on a throwing error. Dennis Moffitt, the complete game winner in an earlier game against Indian Head, came on in the sixth inning of the final and gave up just one hit the rest of the way to pick up his second win of the day.
Caps knocked out 11 hits against loser Pancho Gray and Dan Jenkins to beat the Rockets 6-3 in the semi-final. Lincoln Boyd, a player released by the Rockers earlier in the season had a triple and single, scored a run and drove in another. Lindsey Carswell, at leadoff was the lone Rocket to get two hits.
(August 13) Indian Head vs Estevan at Carlyle Lake
(August 14) Indian Head at Estevan
(August 15) The Regina Leader-Post commented on the Rockets’ season by posting an item from the Indian Head News.
“No one knows fully at this date whether the matter of operating a “pro” baseball club here is going to prove costly, in addition to exciting, but from the pace being set in the latter stages it seems that the backers may be more optimistic than at the outset.
So far, no one here regrets having gone all out for the team. They have proven a fine bunch of sportsmen, very effective and colorful in the field and excellent representatives of their country. In addition, they have demonstrated the further quality of being gentlemen, which no one can pay for and is probably beyond the scope of a sports contract.
The boys have given a considerable prod to prairie baseball. They have added constructively to the game in these parts and have given fans far and near a fine season’s recreation. Many ball fans -- and they can be included from neighboring supporting centers -- have this season had their cravings fulfilled, A whole new contingent of fans has been created and stimulated by seeing baseball at its best, and they have found it very much worth while.”
(August 15) Rockets vs Carrot River Loggers at Indian Head
(August 16) Indian Head twice overcame three-run deficits to salvage a 6-6 draw with Sceptre in the final of the $5,200 Swift Current tournament. The game was called at the end of nine innings because of darkness. Each team received $1,500. Sceptre got the jump when they took a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning, but the Rockets responded with two in the sixth and another in the seventh to tie. In the ninth it looked like money in the bank for Sceptre as they added three more to go up 6-3.
Smoky Lutcher was both a hero and goat for Sceptre. In the fourth, he drove in two runs with a single then scored the third counter on a safety by Jim Shields. But in the ninth, with two out and the score 6-4, the second sacker threw wild of first base to allow two Indian Head runners to score. In the top of the ninth, Dave Shaw drove in the first of three Sceptre runs and two more came home on a bases-loaded walk and a hit batsman. Pete Polis tossed a six-hitter in going the distance for Sceptre. Alex Williams and Jesse Blackmon/Blackman hurled for the Rockets.
(August 17) Indian Head Rockets captured top money of $500 at Eston’s one day tournament. The Rockets beat the home town Ramblers then shaded Sceptre 3-2 in the final.
(August 17) The Indian Head News reported a “final cash net” of $1,734.75 from Indian Head’s July 1st Sports celebration. A meeting of the Athletic Association was told Friday night that gate receipts totalled $4,629.34 and other receipts boosted that figure to $5,108.22.
(August 18) Despite cool weather, Indian Head Rockets and Estevan Maple Leafs put on a pleasing exhibition Friday at Indian Head ending in a 9-9 draw. Rockets used six pitchers who gave a total of 12 hits and walked three. Edward Skagges went the route for Estevan allowing but six hits while walking four and fanning eight.
(August 19) Rockets downed Carrot River Loggers in both games of a double-header 8-2 and 5-3.
(August 20) Tom Alston rapped a pair of two-run singles in his first two trips to the plate Sunday as the Indian Head Rockets downed Eston Ramblers 6-2. Lefty Dan Jenkins (left), fired a six-hitter for the win to best Steve Wylie before a crowd of 2,000.
(August 21) Indian Head Rockets vs Eston at Milestone
(August 22) Eston Ramblers posted an easy 11-5 victory over Indian Head Rockets in an exhibition match Tuesday night at the Indian Head exhibition grounds. Four runs in the third inning and three in the fifth decided the contest in Eston's favour. Rockets got single runs in each of the first three innings and two more in the fifth when Isiah Quarterman and Pancho Gray belted triples. Eston outfielder Cliff Caffie was the game's top swatter as he banged out a triple, double and two singles to drive in six runs.
(August 23) Rockets blanked the Carrot River Loggers 8-0 Wednesday as Jim Morrow fired a two-hitter for the shutout. Rockets were leading the second game 3-1 into the third inning when the game was called due to rain. Indian Head rapped 12 hits in the victory. With a 3-0 lead after eight innings they put the game on ice with a five run outburst in the ninth.
(August 26) In a twin-bill at Indian Head, the Rockets took the afternoon game 2-1 over Estevan before a sparse turnout and the hosts rebounded to win the nightcap 3-2. It wasn’t until the 6th inning that the Maple Leafs fielded a full team having borrowed players from the Rockets. Jesse Blackman/Blackmon pitched the afternoon affair, Daniel Jenkins and Jim Morrow were the night crew.
(August 27) Playing at Estevan, the Rockets won 9-8.
(August 29) Before the largest crowd of the season for the Dauphin, Manitoba, Red Birds, the Indian Head Rockets, cited as the best team to perform in this section of Manitoba this season, downed the local nine 8-1. Red Cameron led an 11-hit 
Rockets' attack with three hits. Pee Wee Collins (left_ and George Lipscomb each had a pair. Alex "Wolf" Williams started for the winners and went four innings before turning over mound duties to Jim Morrow. Williams had the longest blow of the game, a triple. Wimpy Stephenson went the distance for Dauphin.
(August 30) Jesse Blackman/Blackmon held Dauphin to three hits Wednesday at Clear Lake as the Indian Head Rockets downed the Red Birds 6-1 in the second game of their four-game exhibition series. Eddie Mazur allowed just five hits but five Dauphin errors made the defeat inevitable. Dauphin's lone run came on a homer by Lou Bourbonnais.
(August 31) Dauphin wound up its 1950 season losing both games of an exhibition double-header on home grounds to the Indian Head Rockets, 11-2 and 3-0. In the opener, the Rockets jumped on starter John Goran for a 7-0 lead in the first two innings. Three errors contributed to the onslaught. Red Birds out-hit the visitors 10 to 9 but booted the ball eight times while the Rockets played cleanly. Walter Calhoun went the distance for the win.
Dan Jenkins was outstanding in the second game firing a two-hitter to blank the Red Birds 3-0. Rockets had just six hits off Wimpy Stephenson. Again, the Rockets played errorless ball while Dauphin had three errors. William Randolph (right) had two hits for the winners.
(September 2) The Leader Post reported Indian Head mayor Jimmy Robison had visited Brandon with a proposal to bring the Rockets into the Man-Dak League. But, transportation appears to be a major holdup. An official of the club reported the Rockets had lost $5,000 this season and are still looking for games until the end of September.
(September 2-4) Indian Head Rockets took three of four weekend exhibition games in a series with a combined Saskatoon Legion - Delisle aggregation at Cairns Field. Rockets opened the series with a 4-1 decision Saturday as Jim Morrow and Lefty Arnold hooked up in a pitchers' duel. Arnold fanned 14, three more than Morrow.
Saskatoon - Delisle captured the Sunday afternoon contest, 8-6. Eddie Brown's eighth inning homer with Bob Dawes aboard provided the margin of victory. Jesse Blackman/Blackmon had cracked a four-bagger over the right field fence in the fifth for the Rockets. Doug Bentley clouted a homer for the host squad in the first inning.
Rockets swept Monday's double-header 11-0 and 7-3 before a crowd of about 7,000 in ideal baseball weather. Stevenson hurled the shutout for Indian Head as Bill Dials took his lumps for the losers. Tom Alston, the Rockets tall first sacker, clouted a homer. In the nightcap, Indian Head broke open a tight game with three runs in the seventh inning. Dan Jenkins went the route on the hill for the Rockets while Bennie Griggs provided a highlight for the losers with a long home run in the fourth inning.
(September 4) Minot Mallards handed out a double drubbing to the Minot City League All-Stars Monday winning 16-3 and 12-0. Jack Bruton was a one-man show for the Mallards. He drove in seven runs in the first game on a pair of triples and a single and then pitched a three-hit shutout in the second contest. Fred Shepard belted four hits in the late game, two doubles and two singles.
(September 6) Jack Bruton belted a ninth inning homer Wednesday to give Minot Mallards a 10-9 victory over the Indian Head Rockets at Minot. The blow completed the cycle for Bruton who also had a single, double and triple. Rockets had taken the lead with a four-run first inning but the Mallards were up 8-5 after four. Steve Wylie started for the Rockets, giving way to Jim Morrow in the fourth. Willie Cathey went the distance for the Mallards. Minot had 15 hits, the Rockets 12. Shortstop Frank Tillman of the Rockets pulled a muscle in swinging at the first pitch to him in the first inning and was replaced by manager Jim Williams. Hubert Collins led the Rockets with three hits and three runs.
On Wylie, the Brandon Daily Sun noted “When Steve Wylie, the champion-jumping pitcher in Western Canada and other areas, left Minot Mallards this summer for a higher salary and a shorter season, the Mallards hoped they’d get an opportunity to meet him later on … when the Indian Head Rockets stopped over in the Magic City for a game, with Wylie an addition to their staff. Mr. Wylie found that his ex-team mates had power-laden bats. They shelled him from the mound in the fourth frame, collecting in all a triple, three doubles and three singles … Which should just about even up the score with the colored flinger, who never stays longer than a few months in any city.” [Brandon Sun, August 13, 1950]
(September 6) "Wylie, in his first effort for Indian Head last week, defeated Yorktown 7-3, striking out 17." [Minot Daily News, September 7, 1950]
(September 9) "Still wandering around looking for games, Indian Head's Rockets phoned from Waterton, S.D., yesterday seeking exhibitions with the Greys ... but it's no dice ... the season will close here next Friday evening ... The Rockets had contracts until the end of September, but whoever gave them that kind of deal, didn't reckon with the shortage of teams at this time of the year". (Brandon Daily Sun, September 9)
(September 20) The Sun, of Swift Current, relayed some news from the Indian Head News on the community's Rockets baseball club.
"The Rockets baseball club in two and a half months played 80 games, won 56, tied 5 and lost 19. They lost only two games playing on local diamonds. Of total prize money of $16,100 possible in tournaments entered, the Rockets won $9,000. Gate receipts for all other games amounted to some $4,000. At home and away games, the Rockets played games with 31 different baseball clubs. The club was rained out on 12 occasions. The boys had three holidays during their contract term here."
(September 22) Estevan Maple Leafs vs Rockets at Jacksonville.
(September 23) Estevan Maple Leafs vs Jacksonville Eagles, Thomasville, GA.
“The Eagles left home this year and played in the SS League, winning 83 and losing only 12 games under the name Indian Head Rockets. In a split season they tied with the Maple Leafs in the first half and won the playoff.
Since the end of their regular season they have taken a southerly course, playing along the way. They boast wins over teams in Watertown, South Dakota, Arlington, South Dakota, Britton, South Dakota, and more recently an 8-1 decision over the Birmingham, Ala., Black Barons.
The Eagles are managed by playing manager Jim Williams who has a batting average of .615 this season. Other leader(sic) on the squad include third baseman William Randolph .361, first baseman Thomas Austin .351, and left fielder Isiah Quarterman .344. Their top pitchers are Daniel Jenkins with a 17-2 record and James Morrow who has won 18 and dropped only 3.” [Thomasville GA. Times-Enterprise]
(September 26) Estevan topped Jacksonville Eagles 12-7. Griffith Park, Charlotte, NC
(September 27) The Durham Sun reported the Rockets had run up a record of 83 wins, 12 losses and four ties in 99 games in Canada this summer. They were reported to have won five tournaments, placed second in four more. The paper noted the Durham backgrounds of several of the Rockets players - Lefty Jenkins, Louis Green,”the singer catcher”, including native sons Henry “Red” Cameron and George Lipscomb. Jim Williams had been with both the Durham Eagles and Danville All-Stars.
(October 1) The Eagles/Rockets schedule to play a double-header with Estevan.
(October 9) The Macon Telegraph ran a photo of the Eagles complete with stats for their Canadian tour.
"The Jaxx Eagles and the Estevan Maple Leafs will meet at the Luther Williams Field, Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 8:00 p.m. The Eagles have just returned from a successful season in Canada. The Estevan Maple Leafs is an outstanding Canadian team. The following is the lineup and batting averages of the Jax Eagles:”
Lindsey Carswell .310 James Morrow 19-2
Hubert Collins 335 Daniel Jenkins 17-3
Henry Smith .300 Jesse Blackman 13-5
Horace Latham .345 Alexander Williams 10-8
Isiah Quarterman .349 Steve Wylie 9-10
William Randolph .335 Walter Calhoun 12-6
Frank Tillman .273
Robert Green .289
Louis Green .285
Henry Cameron .342
Tom Alston .349
(October 10) Eagles vs Estevan Maple Leafs at Macon, Georgia, Luther Williams Field
(October 11) The Luke Easter All-Stars downed the Jacksonville Eagles 3-2 in a well-played game before some 2,000 fans at Durham. The troupe is managed by Ray Dandridge, chosen as the most valuable player in the American Association last season playing for the Minneapolis Millers.
Eagles players include Louis Green, Jim Morrow, Daniel Jenkins, Jesse Blackman, Alexander Williams, Steve Wylie, Walter Calhoun, Buford Conley, Lindsey Carswell, Huber Collins, William Randolph, Horace Latham, Isiah Quarterman, Henry Smith, William Greene and Henry Cameron.
Lefty Jenkins gave up all three runs in the first two innings then pitched shutout ball the rest of the way allowing just six hits overall. Monte Irvin, the New York Giants first sacker cracked out a pair of hits.
(October 15) The Indianapolis Clowns, with major leaguers Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, Larry Doby and Roy Campanella crushed the Jacksonville Eagles 14-2 in an exhibition game at Columbia, South Carolina. The Eagles managed just four hits, none off Newcombe who went the first two innings. Dan Jenkins hurled just an inning but took the loss. Robinson, Campanella and Doby each had two hits for the Clowns. Campy had the lone homer. The lineup for Indianapolis included shortstop Ernie Banks of the Kansas City Monarchs (later to become a major league star with the Cubs) and third sacker Benjamin Lott who would turn up in Canada in the mid 1950s playing for Carman, Brandon and Lloydminster.)
(November 3) A special meeting of the Indian Head Rockets was held on Friday and treasurer Jack Watts reported the team operated at a slight deficit but it was felt a profit would be shown in the coming year. Jimmy Robison, chairman of the committee said the Rockets played 91 games against 33 different teams, winning 66 against 20 losses and five ties
(November 4) American Legion Stadium, Florence SC, Luke Easter All-Stars vs Eagles
Engles manager Big Jim Williams (right) with three of the major league all-stars, Don Newcombe and Roy Campanella of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians.
(November 5) Roy Campanella All-Stars vs Indian Head Rockets, Miami Stadium
(November 7) Eagles vs Luke Easter All-Stars at Columbia SC
“The Eagles will be resting their hopes on such players as Jim Morrow, the Eagles top pitcher who has collected a record of 28 wins to only one loss.” The paper also cited Hubert Collins, the Eagles shortstop “who ended the season with a .360 batting average. Outfielder- manager Jim Williams will also be on hand with his .385 slugging average”. [The State, 07 November]
(November 16) The Indian Head News reported the deficit for the ball club was $8,775. The Athletic Society, joint backers of the team with the Rockets organization is committed to handle one-third of the deficit. Ball club treasurer Jack Watts has cheques ready to go out to sponsors who contributed $50 loans to launch the venture.
The venture was underwritten by two organizations the Athletic Society and Rockets. They are pledged to make good on loans amounting to between $5,000 and $6,000. The loans of $50 each from some 100 or so individuals were guaranteed by the two groups.
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