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