Editor:

    South Portland deserves to be proud of Charlie
Furbush who is a South Portland Graduate and fabulous athelete. Charlie
was just drafted last Friday night by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth
round. A gifted pitcher, Charlie played baseball for South Portland,
then St. Joseph’s College and most recently, Louisiana State. Pitching
professionally has been Charlie’s dream, and we should all wish him
well as he embarks on this new adventure.

    I knew Charlie in high school– a funny, positive and
energetic 6’ 5”, he towered over me. Always kind and unusually
senstive, Charlie was well-liked by both friends and teachers. His
older brother John and younger brother Will– also talented athletes–
will surely be cheering him on whenever possible. Charlie’s proud Mom,
Beth Roderick, has lived in South Portland for years; his equally proud
Aunt, Ann Roderick, is a resident of Knightville and an avid fan for
sure. Charlie’s grandmother, Mrs. Roderick, lives in Portland with many
other aunts, uncles and cousins.

    It is not often enough that we celebrate our youth
and their accomplishments. Whatever goals they may have, whatever
dreams they strive to fulfill, I try to support and encourage them.
Charlie is working towards his dream; I wish him the best and promise
to watch more baseball than I had ever expected. My only question is,
“What do we do if he ever plays against the Red Sox?”

    Good Luck, Charlie, and remember all of us back home, cheering you to victory.

Rosemarie De Angelis

South Portland