Former Savannah Sand Gnat pitcher, Lou Brissie, autographs his book.

On Saturday(9-12-09) former Savannah Sand Gnat pitcher, Lou Brissie, was at Barnes and Noble in Savannah to autograph his book.
Serving in the Army during World War 11, Brissie was severely wounded in his left leg. He had undergone 23 major operations to his leg. When he returned to baseball, he had a metal plate in his leg.
Brissie's amazing comeback began with the Savannah Sand Gnats in 1947, at that time affiliated with the Philadelphia Athletics, when he won 23 games. At the book signing, several men said they saw every game or most of the games the lefty pitched at Grayson Stadium in 1947. One fan brought pictures from an old scrapbook she kept'
Brissie was accompanied by his wife and both were very cordial with the fans. Their was a good turn out during the first hour I attennded the session.
During his major league career, Brissie pitched for the Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians.

Former Savannah Sand Gnat shortstop debuts with Nationals

Former Savannah Sand Gnat shortstop, Ian Desmond, made his debut yesterday(9-10-09) with the Washington Nationals and helped to beat the Phillies, 8-7. Desmond was 2for4, homered and drove in four runs.

Desmond played shortstop for the Savannah Sand Gnats during the 2005 season. He appeared in 73 games for the Gnats, hit 10 doubles, 2 triples, 4 homeruns, and batted .247.

On September 20, Desmond will celebrate his 24th birthday.

The 2005 season was my first year as a season ticket holder with the Sand Gnats. Several players from that team are currently playing for the Nationals, including Ryan Zimmerman.

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Former Sand Gnat pitcher, Lou Brissie

Lou Brissie, former Gnat pitcher, will be at Barnes and Noble Book Store at Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah on September 12, at 2:00pm to autograph his book, "The corporal was a pitcher."
Brissie served in the Army in World War 11 and in 1944 his left leg was severely wounded from mortar fire. Doctors said amputation was necessary, but Brissie refused saying he had a goal to play baseball. After rehabilitation and wearing a steel brace, he returned to his dream of pitching.
During the 1947 season, Brissie pitched for the Savannah Sand Gnats and had an increadible record. He won 23 games, had an ERA of 1.91 and led the South Atlantic League with 278 strikeouts.
Brissie appeared in 176 major league games playing for the Philidelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians. The lefty won 41 games and lost 46 games.
The legendary Bob Feller said, "Lou Brissie would have been a Hall of Fame pitcher if it hadn't been for World War 11."