February 25, 1946: Clearwater, FL:
Roger Cleaves stood outside the Keystones spring training facility, gazing longingly at the bustling major league camp across the road. He knew his destiny lay in the minor league camp, but the hope of making it to the big leagues burned within him. Lost in his thoughts, he was startled when a shiny Packard pulled up and parked nearby. A fiftyish man stepped out and approached Roger with a deliberate pace.
"You're Cleaves, aren't you?" the man asked. Roger, surprised by the recognition, turned and replied, "Yes, sir," his ingrained respect for authority shining through from his days in the Marine Corps.
The man waved his hand dismissively. "You don't need to call me sir, Roger," he said with a warm smile. Extending his hand, he introduced himself, "Clint Casstevens." Roger eagerly shook his hand. Casstevens continued, "I'll be managing Bakersfield, Class B."
Roger knew exactly who Clint Casstevens was. The former outfielder had spent 11 years in the FABL, playing for Montreal and Pittsburgh. He even won the 1924 Whitney Award while with the Miners. Casstevens' son, Pete, was currently the starting catcher for the Gothams, considered one of the best catchers in the game—an accolade Roger hoped to earn for himself.
"I heard you had quite a war," Casstevens remarked as they walked toward the Quonset hut-like building that served as the minor league clubhouse. Roger nodded, sharing some of his experiences in the Pacific—gritty battles at Tarawa, Saipan, and Okinawa.
"It was tough," Roger admitted, "but it wasn't all bad. I found myself a wife in New Zealand."
Casstevens chuckled, genuinely interested. He asked how she was adjusting to life in the States. Roger confessed that it was a whirlwind. He had been discharged just before Christmas, arranging transportation for his wife from Honolulu to New Jersey. They had to find a place to live (Roger was adamant about not bringing his wife to live with his mother) before relocating to Florida for spring training.
"And then, who knows where I'll end up playing this season," Roger added, reflecting on his nomadic lifestyle during his time in the Marines. Adjusting to constant change was new for Evelyn. "Her head is spinning," he concluded with a smile.
Casstevens confided that he'd been told Roger was ticketed for Bakersfield, and would therefore be playing for him. Roger nodded in appreciation.
"I remember your brother Jack as a youngster, he was just getting started as my career was winding down, but man oh man was he a helluva player," Casstevens said.
Roger reflected on his poor relationship with his oldest brother and decided not to burden Casstevens with that knowledge so he simply said, "That he was." Jack had retired after the 1945 season.
As they continued their conversation, Roger found himself growing fond of Clint Casstevens. He appreciated the manager's easygoing demeanor and his genuine interest in his players. Casstevens informed Roger that Bakersfield was a growing city, but cautioned him about the brutal heat it could bring. Roger replied, "Things got pretty hot on some of those Pacific islands, but I appreciate the heads-up," a mix of determination and concern for how Evelyn would fare in Bakersfield running through his mind.
Before parting ways, Casstevens delivered an encouraging prediction. "I don't think you'll be in Bakersfield all summer," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "I've seen your swing, and I think you'll be moving along presently."
Roger's heart swelled with optimism. With Clint Casstevens as his manager, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and a belief that his dream of reaching the big leagues was within reach. The journey ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to embrace every opportunity that came his way.
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Clint Casstevens, Bakersfield Bears manager 1946
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