Local star pitcher made it to west coast semi-pro ball

By C. Scott Holland

His name is not one many think of when it comes to local athletes who had a shot at the major leagues.

But 100 years ago, Leamington native Clarence Huffman was not only considered Essex County’s best pitcher, but a rising star who had a golden opportunity to latch on to a Major League Baseball team.

In February of 1921, the 17- year-old Leamington native signed a contract with the Herman Sheet Metal Works baseball team of Los Angeles.

The team played in the California City league, which was rated semi-professional.

Huffman pitched in his first league game and won it 11-3.

CLARENCE HUFFMAN

He struck out 17 batters, allowed eight hits and walked two. To further display his potential, he had three hits, all coming at opportune times. One of those three hits was a triple.

At the time, a Los Angeles newspaper paper stated, “Huffman, formerly of a Canadian League team, by effective pitching and timely hitting, made it possible for the Herman Sheet Metal Works team to win over their opponents.”

Huffman was offered a one-year contract in Los Angeles, but turned it down for a three-month stint, since he was not certain whether he would remain in L.A. for any length of time.

He returned to Leamington, where he starred locally for many years.