Sports: Charles Houston Cockerham, 1977, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: July 13, 1977 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American

Cockerham Pitching In Tidewater League

The Northfork Blue Jackets in the Tidewater League are getting some good
pitching from a former Winnfield resident.

According to Monty Joiner, the team's press agent, Charlie Cockerham is doing
pretty good despite the fact this is the first baseball Cockerham has played
in about nine years.

"Cockerham is a very good prospect," Joiner said, "and if he continues to
improve he could possibly pitch in the majors."

The 23 year old Cockerham is a 1971 graduate of Winnfield Senior High School,
and he served six years in the navy before giving baseball a shot.

Joiner said Cockerham played some ball while in the navy, an this prompted him
to join the Northfork team when the league began in May.

Cockerham has a 0-4 record at the present, but Joiner said the record doesn't
show how well he has been pitching.  Cockerham has been impressive enough to
earn a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates later this month.

The Tidewater League is associated with the International League (a Triple
A minor league), and the league has players from just about every major league
organization.

The Northfork team is in its second season with the Tidewater League. 

Joiner said the team is made up of a lot of young players who are improving
with each game.

The league plays its games on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.  There are 11
teams in the league, and Joiner said the league gives a lot of young players a
chance to get an introduction to professional baseball.