1977 Sunbirds

Reprint from womenSports Pro Season Preview: Who’s Up and Who’s Out

It’s impossible to say yet how much last season’s dissension hurt the Sunbirds. Three players from last year are already gone-most importantly, Charlotte Graham-and Sunbird manager Laura Malesh has resigned. Brenda Gamblin, regarded by most as the best third baseman in the league, had not been traded by late March, but it seemed likely she would be. Pitcher Bonnie Johnson was 25-8 last year with an ERA of 0.80. San Jose picked up pitchers Nancy Welborn and Pat Whitman in the draft. Welborn tied Joan Joyce for wins (39-14) and was second in ERA (0.56) and strikeouts (394). There is some question about whether she will play this year, though. Whitman was 22-27 with the dismal Pennsylvania Liberties.

Gamblin had 42 RBIs but the bulk of the offense was Diane Kalliam, who led the league in runs (87), walks (84) and stolen bases (50), and was second in hitting at .379. Other key players: Marilyn Burnett, Mary Flint, Teri Mariani. Watch for rookies Sue Lindh and Connie Staff.