The second of our Westbrook southpaws to enter the Hall in 1991 is Don Douglas of the late 1060's and 1970's. Douglas joins along line of Paper City diamond stars that began with Saccarappa's George Gore, a Chicago Nationals star of the 1880's.
from 1967 to 1969, Douglas was the stopper for Mickey Dolan's (HOF, 1990) scrappy Blue Blazer nines--so good that he was selected for All-Telegram honors in '68 and '69. During the summer, he toiled on the mound for top-notch Manchester Post Legion clubs.
Don also played football and basketball at Westbrook.
A good student-athlete, Don took his talents to Mass. where he performed for Maine's Bill Thurston at Amherst College. Thurston has always had a keen eye for Maine products, and in Douglas he nabbed a good one--so sparkling that the Westbrook lefty was selected to the District One All-New England first team in 1973. He was 18-5 for 3 seasons.
While matriculating at Amherst, Douglas spent three summers.
1970-1972, with the Cotuit nine in the fast Cape Cod Collegiate Baseball League - winning 21 while losing 9 - a proving ground for countless future pro players. In 1971, Douglas achieved All-Star Status in this summer circuit in 1991.
The Amherst-Cotuit successes gained Don three professional contracts from the Chicago Cubs. From 1973 thru '75 he hurled in the Cub minor league system, eventually reaching the A level.
After leaving pro ball, Douglas returned to his Manchester Post roots where he imparted his pitching knowledge to the youngster of Jimmy Burrill's and Luther Small's nines.
Don and Abby have been married for 11 years and have two daughters Kate and Emily. They are the owners of Douglas Title Company.
