Earl
Browne was the only batter in the history of the Kitty
League to hit over .400 in two straight seasons. He led all
minor league baseball in hitting with a .429 average while
guiding the Owensboro Oilers to their first pennant in
franchise history in 1946.
Browne
was 35 years old and a veteran of 18 seasons, four with the
Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies, when he was
named player-manager of the Oilers.
Among
the highlights of his Kitty League career was hitting three
home runs and driving in eight runs against the Madisonville
Miners on May 10, 1946.
Browne
was presented with a silver Louisville Slugger bat by the
Hillerich and Bradsby Company for his .429 batting feat in a
ceremony at Miller Field on June 17, 1947. He was also
given numerous gifts, including
a brand new automobile.
“I
want to thank you folks, but I don’t know what to say,”
he said after receiving the car. “Well, when I’m riding
around town and you see me, stop me and get in.”
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