At long last patience has been rewarded in the case of Don Manno, Williamsport’s all-around Italian athlete.

After knocking about in the minors and the semi-pro ranks for half a dozen years, Manno is on the threshold of the biggest moment of his career.

He reports to the Boston Bees at the close of the three-EYE league playoffs, having been purchased by the Bees from Evansville, Indiana, farm Tuesday along with Buster Bray, hard hitting outfielder. The latter, however, will not report until next spring because of ill health.

The popular local youth, batting in the clean-up spot for Evansville, is hitting at an even .300 clip for the Baby Bees, but more important he is a cinch to cart off the runs batted in crown of the Class B circuit. Through Labor Day, Don had 101 RBIs to his credit, it was this factor, plus his hustle and great competitive spirit, that convinced the officials of the parent Boston club that Manno was ready for a trial under the “big top.”

Not only has Don been the bulwark of the Evansville offense, but he has also given a splendid account of him. Versatile as they come, he has divided his time this season between the outfield and first base. He is currently stationed at first.

Manno, who once played with the Williamsport Grays under the assumed name of “Don Dixon,” in 1933, really broke into organized ball in 1935 with Norfolk, New York Yankee farm in the Piedmont League, after starring in football, basketball and track at Williamsport High and Dickenson College.