The Wilmington Morning Star

Dear Joe:

I think I can guess where you are now. You are in the Pacific area. Frank Strafaci sent Joe Dey a box of old golf balls used by fellows out there, and you're the only fellow I know who can do that to a golf ball. You always did seem to think that the guy who could slice the biggest divots out of a ball won the game.

Well, I suppose you started the new Year with a bang, and that the bang ended it for a Jap. I know you never would shoot unless you knew you were going to hit what you aimed at. and I know you are not aiming at tin cans now.

You haven't missed much in the way of sports here lately. They held the bowl football games last week. and there were two or three surprises. Southern Cal read the script wrong and walloped Washington, and Louisiana State wouldn't believe what happened to it before it really happened and knocked off the Texas Aggies. The Aggies had won during the regular season. Those reverse plays get you dizzy.

The baseball players still are dribbling into the service day after day. and if it keeps up the President had better not show up to throw out the first ball next season or they'll make him pitch the whole game.

Branch Rickey got his name in the papers again by saying pro football was liable to steal the show from baseball if baseball didn't wake up. Of course baseball could snuff out pro football merely by declining to rent out the parks. but Mr. Rickey says he wouldn't like to take that step. That's real altruistic of him, as when you invite somebody to use your parlor and he starts to steal your best girl you usually take steps. You know, one, two, three, kick, and if your aim is good that should be enough.

There hasn't been much boxing activity hereabouts lately. They nearly had a fight the other night, but the Navy weighed anchor on Coast Guardsman Georgie Kochman, who was to have met Jake Lamotta and pulled him out of there.

Well, Joe, there isn't much more news. Gil Dodds got the Sullivan award. The A.A.U. gave him the job of shadowing Gunder Haegg last summer and he did fine at it. Haegg was voted the outstanding performer of the year, so they both came out on top. Me and my shadow. eh Joe?

Let me hear from you soon, will you Joe? I know it is hard for you to write, but if I know you, you are getting up at 4 o'clock in the morning and getting your quota of Japs before breakfast, as you never could see any sense in sitting in a blind all day. They had the best run of ducks the past season they've had in years, and I certainly missed you. And them, too.

Will write again soon. Your pal

Whitney.