By Tim Hayes
Sports Writer / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: September 15, 2008

All summer, the Bristol Herald Courier has been featuring Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee natives that played in the major leagues in previous eras.

Former Sullivan South High School star Dan Wright, who pitched for the Chicago White Sox earlier this decade, recalled his major league memories in Monday’s edition of the BHC.

Wright currently lives in Arkansas and is a scout for the Seattle Mariners’ organization.

While doing this series, I’ve found out that the toughest part is tracking down the local legends that are now spread out across the United States.

For example, Wythe County native and former Kansas City A’s ace pitcher Jim Archer is now a successful businessman in Florida. Abingdon native Gail Harris, an ex-first baseman for the New York Giants and Detroit Tigers, now resides in Northern Virginia. Meanwhile, former Reds pitcher Harry Perkowski was born in Dante, Va. before moving to West Virginia, where he currently resides.

I am currently trying to track the whereabouts of former Sullivan Central High School star Garland Kiser. Kiser was a left-handed pitcher for the Cougars in the mid-1980s, who pitched briefly for the Cleveland Indians in 1991.

I heard that he now lived in Ohio but had no luck with that lead. I also heard Louisiana, but have had no luck. If you can help or know somebody that played with Kiser in high school, please feel free to pass it along.

Also, I am sure there are readers out there that are related to or know about Deacon Phillipe. Phillipe was born in Rural Retreat and later had a memorable career as a pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the early part of the 20th century. I would love to hear your stories and memories.

Please feel free to e-mail me at