Jerry Summers: Hillis Layne - Gentleman Ball Player (1918-2010) Thursday, June 3, 2021 - by Jerry Summers
Jerry Summers
One of the nicest individuals to ride his Louisville Slugger baseball bat out of the coal mines of Whitwell was a professional ballplayer who had an outstanding minor league career and a short but respectable three-year stint with the old Washington Senators in the American league.
Born Ivoria Hillis Layne on February 23, 1918 his talents on the diamond as a 20-year-old student at Whitwell High School resulted in him being signed to a contract by the legendary Joe Engel, president of the Chattanooga Lookouts.
At what point does a streak become a pattern? Rangers manager Chris Woodward said his club is way past that as Texas’ road losing streak reached 12 games in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Seattle at T-Mobile Park.
The streak, spanning two road trips, is the Rangers’ longest road skid since