Dear Editor:

I really appreciate your printing my letters. The response was beyond my expectations.

I would like to acknowledge the local members who played on these teams. There was George Gunn, William Gunn, Jimmy Knight, Charles Bragg, Walter Bragg, John Taylor, Frank Stephens, Connie Lewis. T.W. Frawley, Tom Avret, Lindsey Sharpe, Ray Roberts, Bobby Pierce (Peggy Williams), Bobby Miller, Pat Johnson, J.L. Gay and Rudolph Rabitsch.

The greatest athletic team ever assembled, not only in Millen but in this area of the state, was the 1963 team that played for a national title. For an example, the infield had three college All-Americans, four members in the Georgia Southern University (GSU) Hall of Fame, two played pro ball and Tommy Howland is considered the best catcher ever at GSU.

The team's alumni read like a "Who's Who." They became chairmen of the boards, bank presidents, real estate tycoons, business leaders, college professors, college and high school coaches, politicians, a musician, a NFL star, a pro wrestler and pro ball players. Richard Billingham, when he pitched for us, his older brother Jack was with the Houston Astros. A few years later, he was the pitching ace of the twice World Champions Cincinnati Reds.

This will never happen again and wouldn't this time if it wasn't for the original members. Who would have believed this?

When I finish the book I'm writing, hoping to sell for a t.v. movie, I'll write one about the Millen teams and players.
Sincerely,
Butch Joiner