Ilion High School - Class of 1960

Herkimer Evening Telegram - June 30, 1960

Manny Laura Signs Pirates' Bonus Contract

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ILION --- "Manny" Laura, 18, one of Ilion High's star athletes, has signed a bonus contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Amount of the bonus was not revealed.

He will leave Saturday for Kingsport. Tenn., where he will play in the Class D Appalachian League with the Pirates' farm club.

He was signed by George Detore and Bob Whalen, Pittsburgh scouts, who are said to have beaten scouts from two other major league teams in signing the Ilion youth.

Emmanuel Laura, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Laura, 35 Cottage St., graduated from Ilion High Tuesday night. He signed the contract early Wednesday morning.

He appeared very happy with the deal and told reporters, "I hope I make the grade. I'm going to try very hard."

The sturdy youth has been a top athlete with Bomber squads for four years, picking up several letters and awards during his varsity career in football, baseball and basketball.

He also starred as catcher with the Midget League Cardinals and was a member of the first championship team coached by the late "Skip" Reid.

He played In the Babe Ruth League, developing poise and athletic leanness as his career progressed. Midget League fans will remember Manny as a big ungainly catcher noted for his hitting prowess.