by Carroll Lee Ashburn
The Philadelphia Hobos were among several “show teams” playing the Texacos during their 15-year history in Kilmarnock and Lively.
Other teams to appear on local sandlots against the Texacos included the California Cuties, The Queen & Her Maids and The King & His Court. The Richmond Pollyannas women’s team also was a local favorite and made multiple trips to the area.
Combining competitive teams with show teams was a successful plan for the Texacos who attracted large crowds and put Kilmarnock and Lively on the softball map.
The Texacos, a men’s fast-pitch softball team, was active from 1957 to 1972.
Carroll Lee Ashburn is the author of Tales of the Legendary Texacos, coach and founder of the Texacos, president of the Kilmarnock Museum and lifelong community promoter.