Ilion High School - Class of 1960

Utica Observer - June 29, 1960

Manny Laura "Happy with Bonus"

Ilionite Signs Pirate Pact Tennessee Next Stop for Laura

By Bob Whittemore

Article 5

Manny Laura "Happy with Bonus"

Ilionite Signs Pirate Pact Tennessee Next Stop for Laura

Ilion - Emmanuel (Manny) Laura, 18, will pack his bags Saturday and start the trip he hopes will lead to the major leagues.

Manny, who graduated from Ilion High last night, signed a Pittsburgh Pirate contract early this morning.

He will leave Saturday for Kingsport, Tenn., in the Class D Appalachian League. Manny, a catcher, received a bonus for signing the pact. He would not reveal the amount of the bonus but said this morning he was "very happy with the deal."

He was a member of the Midget Baseball League Cardinals in the league's early days, and was a member of the first championship team coached by the late 'Skip' Reid. He later played In the Babe Ruth League.

Midget League baseball fans remember the youth as a big, ungainly catcher, who could hit the ball well. He developed poise and an athletic leanness as his career progressed.

A TAUT LITTLE drama was played out at graduation last night as scouts from at least two other big league baseball teams hovered in the wings hoping to sign the Ilion youth.

George Detore and Bob Whalen of the Pirates won the race.

As for his future, Manny could only say, "I hope I make the grade. I'm going to try very hard."

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Laura, 35 Cottage St.