Freeman began his baseball career at Deering Oaks where the Chevrolet Aces reigned supreme in the Sandlot League. he was one of “Deak” Thompson’s proteges. At Lincoln Junior H.S. Frank Tupper started Freeman’s career as a pitcher and Freeman teamed with Frankie Gardiner to form a formidable diamond duo entering Deering High School. For his first three years at Deering he continued to take his turn on the mound and play first base in the other games. He enjoyed a great junior year. He had two or three in the other games. He enjoyed a great junior year. He had two or three 20 strike-out games, including a sparkling 27 strike-outs in a 13 inning game at Thornton Academy. Everything seemed to presage a great senior year, but it wasn’t to be despite a good Legion season with Caldwell Post of Bob Ferrara.
Coach “Pop” Manley and Freeman couldn’t get together on the same page and despite the efforts of his Ram teammates, Freeman failed to finish his promising career.
In 1952 and ‘53 Dulac played at Portland Junior College under Ray Bicknell and hooked on with B.G. Pride’s Twilight League nine headed by playing coach, Frank Archer and sponsor, Bill Ladd.
From 1953 to 1956, Freeman was in the service War Days) and he made All-Southern Japan as a first baseman.
It was as a first baseman that he excelled. He led the Twilight League in fielding 9 of his 13 seasons. Such veterans of the diamond as Eddie Ainsworht, Dick Doyle, and “Sonny” Noel have all labeled Freeman the best at the first bag. He was a superb fielder and played against the Augusta Millionaires, the Auburn Asas, and “Magnate” Haley’s All-Stars.
Freeman had an excellent Legion career. In one season, the Caldwell Post won the regular season and in the playoffs Freeman won 3 playoff games pitching - but lost 3-2 to Morrill Post in the finals.
Dulac played on one of the Press Herald Braves teams, and he was one of the starters against Birdie Tebbett’s All-Stars.
Freeman attended one year at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Canada and then went to get his Bachelor's degree at Gorham State Teachers College. He has recently retired after a wonderful teaching career.
He is married to Josephine Mangino and they have 3 children - Annie-Jo Ouimet, Jeanne Place and Gregory; and 5 grandchildren.
Comments