XXX signed with the XXX, the day after he graduated from Southern High School, June XX,XXXX. The XXX thrust about $15, 000 on him with another $15,000 to come later as salary. XXX turned every penny of it over to his parents. Mrs. XXX underwent a much needed eye operation, and paid off the mortgage. In an interview with XXX News Sports writer, Joe Falls, XXX recalled his first days with the team.
"I'll never forget that first night with the team. Going to the ballpark on the bus was the hardest 30 minutes of my life. I had to walk down that aisle between all the players. I really didn't know too much about the XXX at that time. I didn't know who was on the team, but I saw every eye as I walked down the aisle. It looked like a thousand eyes were staring right at me saying, 'Who is this young punk?' I just kept my eyes straight ahead. I had only one suit to my name I could feel myself sweating under the arms. I could feel the sweat running down my sides."