Westbrook High School and the Manchester Post American Legion programs have produced some sparkling left-handed pitchers and tonight the Hall of Fame will welcome two more of their splendid southpaws. Bill Cary and Don Douglas will join a staff that includes Billy Hamilton, Rick Swan and Johnny Cumberland.
For Bill Cary this is a second Hall of Fame induction for he was elected to the Rollins College Sports H.O.F. in 1980. At the Florida college, Bill was 29-7 in four seasons. His ERA's were amazing: 1993-1.22, 1954-1.57, and 1955-1.37. In 1954 the junior lefthander compiled an 8-1 regular season record to pace Rollins to the College World Series in Omaha. His only regular season defeat came at the hands of Ohio State, 2-1, on two unearned runs. At Omaha, Bill lost the championship game to Missouri for his only World Series decision. His fine '54 record gained him a third team All-American selection. He was a repeat All Florida Conference AllStar.
During his senior year Bill was selected to play for the USA team in the Pan-American games at Mexico City. He was 2 and 0 in the games including a win over the champion Dominican Republic nine.
Prior to emigrating to the warm Floridian sunshine the classy and stylish southpaw was a basketball and baseball star for "Paddy’ Davan and Freddy Harlow at Westbrook. Bill climaxed a fine schoolboy record by participating on two state championships in 1951. On the court, Bill teamed in the backcourt with Bob MacHardy as the Blue Blazes ran up 26 straight wins and won the State L Title. On the diamond, Bill and his teammates won the Telegram League title, the Western Maine L tournament, and the State Championship with 9O win over Presque Isle-a game in which Bill threw a nifty 3-hitter.
During his senior year, Cary pitched in 14 of Westbrook's 16 league tilts and was 10 and 3 to win his second All-Telegram League award.
he added 4 wins in playoff action. He was joined on the All-Telly team by teammates Larry Robichaud, Bob MacHardy, and "Bunky' Bill and his wife Gail live in Pasadena, California, where Bill has recently retired after 35 years of teaching. The Carys raised three children and have two grandchildren. Bill also passed on his baseball learning to Little Leaguers, Babe Ruth Leaguers and high school players in numerous coaching assignments.
Congratulations, and welcome home to the guy Joe Morse labeled ‘Westbrook's top pitcher"--Bill Cary!