Apocalypse Then: Life Before Canada

The other scout from the Pirate organization who hung around the team was Dick Probola. “Pro” was a lovable little imp with very little hair and an infectious smile dancing on his face. His mouth was a perpetual fountain of wisecracks, bubbling out around the stub of an unlit cigar. He had come to the Pirate organization from Cleveland where his claim to fame was signing “Sudden” Sam McDowell in 1960 for $70,000. The “bonus baby” era was just dawning in MLB. McDowell had a successful career...