Stan (Dixie) Horne emerged too late in baseball life from the Dixfield woods to attract the attention of those who could most advance him on the league ladder, but opponents of the snaky sidewinder right hander rated him in the top tier of “toughest to hit” pitchers.
Horne's fast ball, according to Lewiston Sun sports writer Fred H. Gage, came twisting into the plate from about the third base bag, rising higher as it picked up momentum.
The pall usually was next seen in the big mitt of Stan's battery mate and brother, Hal.
Even crowding 30, Horne was asked to try out with the St. Louis Browns both in 1949 and 1950.
Horne declined because of his years and because of a young and thriving family.
Most disappointed, perhaps, was shrewd baseball follower Irving E. Todd, who saw in Horne major league potential.
Horne didn't turn his back on the game, However, firing against the Nashua, N.H.
Dodgers of the New England League, Horne entertained the home fans at Pettengill Park and dazzled the Dodgers. He had a no-hitter for 4 2/3 innings.
Horne pitched for Dixfield from 1948 through 1950 in the Timber League.
Dixfield took division titles in ‘'48 and "49, and earned berths in the American Baseball Congress’ national tournaments in Battle Creek, Mich.
Horne pitched for the Auburn Asas of the Down East League in 1950 and ‘51.
His 10-3 record in ‘'50 included two shutouts. He struck out 84, walked 58, according to figures compiled by veteran official scorer Cliff Gove.
Horne suffered an injury in ‘51, and retired from the club July 5.
Though he didn't get the shot at the Big Top, Horne had the pleasure of facing such stars as Johnny Mize, Hoot Evers, Sam Mele, Luke Appling, Joe Dobson and Ellis Kinder.
Just chatting with Boston Braves southpaw Warren Spahn was a thrill the night Mickey Harris brought his All-Stars to Pettenglill Park.
William J. (Chick) Leahey, Asas shortStop and frequent Horne teammate, said, “Stan was steady and in pitching demand.
He never passed up a chance to pitch. He loved it. He was the crafty type, always determined, and he'd find a way to get people out.
He was ready to help on short notice.
He was a country boy who could mow hay all day long, then race to the ball park and mow down the opposition.”
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