[BirdWatcher]

Josh Ackland, a 5-time All-Star and one of the most prodigious home run hitters of the early days of the WPK, has announced that this will be his last season. At age 39, it has been a rough patch since the beginning of the 1972 season. After having a productive 1971, hitting 29 HR's and posting a 3.0 WAR, Ackland saw very little playing time between two teams last season- the Philadelphia Mud Hens and the Milwaukee Cadets. He was signed to a minor league contract this April by the Portland Wild Things, but has only appeared in 3 games at the WPK level.



Ackland has long had the reputation of being a smart, hard-working player who is well-like by his teammates. He currently sits at 3rd in the history of the WPK in career home runs.




There is some talk already that Ackland may prove to be a fine hitting coach after his playing days, but no word yet on whether he wishes to pursue such a position or if he would rather settle down to a quiet life in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.