Lightning land young fireballer Don Newcombe in Rookie Draft

Louisiana adds to their already potent starting pitching in 1949 Rookie Draft..

New Orleans, LA - The Louisiana Lightning capped their 1949 offseason today in the Rookie Draft by selecting starting pitcher Don Newcombe with the 4th pick in the annual draft.  "We were a bit surprised Don was still on the board when we picked," said GM Michael See, "But we were thrilled to land him, as he is going to be a great pitcher.  Don will immediately join our rotation and could have a huge impact on the upcoming season.  It certainly gives us one of the best starting rotations in the league." 

Louisiana acquires legendary pitcher Bob Feller

Louisiana gives up their ace Allie Reynolds in the deal.

New Orleans, LA - The blockbuster deals just keep on coming.  The Lightning have capped their overhaul since coming to Louisiana today by landing pitching Legend "Rapid Robert" Bob Feller in exchange for SP Allie Reynolds.  "It was difficult to trade a pitcher of Allie's caliber," said an elated Michael See, "But we believe that Bob Feller at 30 is still one of the greatest pitchers in the game today, and that his leadership and experience will help guide this team to a pennant soon."  The trade caps an incredible off-season which has seen the Lightning land Feller, Joe Dimaggio and Gil Hodges.

The Lightning land future Hall of Famer Joltin' Joe DiMaggio

Louisiana gives up 2nd RDP to land the Clipper.

New Orleans, LA - If the Gil Hodges trade send shock waves through Florida, the next one caused a tidal wave.  The Lightning landed one of the greatest players in history today, acquiring outfielder Joe DiMaggio in exchange for a 1949 2nd RDP.  Some in baseball felt a heel injury Joe suffered late in the season might keep him out in the beginning of 1949, but the Lightning were willing to take the risk. "How many Joe DiMaggio's can you find in the 2nd Round?" said GM Michael See, "We know Joe will need some rehab, but we feel confident that he should be able to take the field around mid to late June, and for a player like the Clipper, it will be worth the wait."

Young slugger Gil Hodges acquired by Louisiana. 

Lightning land Hodges and Houtteman in six player swap

New Orleans, LA - In a deal that could be remembered for years, the Louisiana Lightning landed slugging 1B Gil Hodges and SP Art Houtteman in exchange for Ted Kluszewski, Cliff Mapes and to minor leaguers.  It is a deal that sent shock waves through the state of Florida, as most were surprised to see Big Ted dealt, "We weren't excited to see Ted leave, "Said GM Michael See, "But Gil Hodges is a players we have coveted for years, I I believe that Voyager fans will love him more than any other player on this team.  He is not only a great player, but a great man."  The Voyager also landed a SP that could be a big part of their rotation in 1949 in Art Houtteman.  "Art has a great arm," See added, "We are extremely happy with this trade and hope to contend in 1949."

Allie "The Chief" Reynolds becomes Lightning first pitcher

All Time great pitcher will lead the Lightning rotation.

New Orleans, LA - The Lightning young franchise today selected a veteran pitcher to lead their staff.  GM Michael See selected Allie "The Chief" Reynolds, an All-Star pitcher and someone that the Knights will be able to count on to keep them in games every 5th day.  "Allie is the consummate gamer," said See, "He ain't afraid to knock down a hitter if he's crowding the plate, and he can mow you down with speed and moxie.  He will be a great influence on our young pitchers."

 Johnny Groth and Ted "Big Klu" Kluszweski and  join Lightning

Two budding young superstars acquired in rookie draft

New Orleans, LA - Today in the first SPB-60 rookie draft, the Louisiana Lightning selected two great young prospects that should propel the Lightning to  many championships in the future.   First, the team selected hulking left handed 1B Ted Kluszewski.  Ted and his bulging biceps will be a great left handed compliment to Del Ennis in the Polo Grounds, and the two will be a lethal combination.   Next, the Lightning selected a speedy CF for the top of their order in Johnny Groth.  "We were very pleased to land both Ted and Johnny in the draft,"  said GM Michael See, "They are both fine young hitter and we expect great things from both of them."

Twist of fate?  Ralph Branca and Bobby Thomson are teammates.

Tied for eternity on once swing of the bat, Ralph Branca and Bobby Thomson are now teammates for the Lightning.

New Orleans, LA - "The Shot Heard Round the World."  That is what many refer to Bobby Thomson's 9th inning walk off home run off of Ralph Branca  in a 3 game playoff that gave the Giants a pennant.  In an amazing twist of fate, Branca and Thomson are now teammates for the Louisiana Lightning Baseball Club, playing in the same ballpark, the Polo Grounds.  "It's a little strange," said Branca, "Bobby and I are actually good freinds, and I am really happy I don't have to face him anymore."  Thomson was equally excited.  "Ralph is a great pitcher, and he'll help us win a lot of games," Thomson added, "Hopefully the two of us can help the Lightning win some pennants as well."

Red Schoendienst to be second sacker for the Lightning

First half of the Lightning Keystone Combo is now complete

New Orleans, LA - With their second choice in the inaugrual draft, the Lightning had many players to choose from, but only one who Lightning GM Mike See was really targeting.  The Lightning selected 2b Red Schoendienst with their pick, and gave themselves a starting 2b for the next 10 years who will give them great defense and a bat to go with it.  "Red was the guy we wanted after we took Del," said See, "A good team needs a great 2b, and we got the one we wanted."

Outfielder Del Ennis becomes first player for Lightning

Outfielder Del Ennis becomes for first official member of the Louisiana Lightning Baseball Club.

New Orleans, LA - The Louisiana Lightning today selected slugging outfielder Del Ennis as their top pick in the 1948 Inaugural SPB-60 Player Draft.   "We are very pleased to land a player of Del's caliber to lead this franchise," said Lightning manager Buck O'Neil, "Del's power should play well here in the Polo Grounds and his leadership will be critical as we build this team from the ground up."   Del will play leftfield for the Lightning and be the power in the middle of the Lightning lineup for years to come.