Imperial Valley Press

Strong Offense Massed for Star Game Friday

Valley softball fans will be treated to the strongest offensive display of the season Friday night when the Coachella Valley All Stars, headed by Art Rubidoux and Vernon Hare, invade El Centro for a clash with the Imperial Valley All-Stars.

It would be an unusual sight to see Joe Hurst shelled from the mound, but such a circumstance is more than a possibility. Two weeks ago in Indio, Hurst and Steve Ritter were slapped all around the Indio ball park for 8 runs and 15 hits.

Fans need no introduction to Rubidoux and Hare. Hare is the speedball artist who pitched Brawley into a tie with El Centro for the Valley championship last week while Rubidoux was a member of the team Imperial Valley sent to Chicago in 1936. The combination of Hare working four or five innings and Rubidoux the remainder is an effective one. Rubidoux has a tantalizing slow curve and after batters swing at Hare's fireballs for four or five innings, the pint sized Coachella manager usually makes opposing batters look ridiculous.

Manager Hurst has much the same lineup to throw against the invaders that he used against Yuma, with the exception of Hoyle Priest, who is expected back in uniform. The return of Priest, one of the best catchers in softball should strengthen the club. Who will be dropped from the club for this game was not decided.

Prior to the game, a distance throw was scheduled with members of both teams competing as well as any other softball players who might be attending the game. The Boys' Band will be on hand as usual.