OK, a day has transpired with no more responses; therefore, here's the story I'm looking for. Bobby grew up in Staten Island (NY). He excelled in sports in High School,
and especially in BB. This drew the attention of the Dodgers. The Dodgers hired him to play for the Dodgers Rookies (an amateur team made up of young BB prospects
in the NY area).
Furthermore, Bobby played for an Industrial League team. Giants scout, George Mack, spotted Bobby and was impressed with his batting and his fielding in the outfield.
Despite the ongoing interest by the Dodgers, Bobby ultimately signed a contract with the Giants in 1942. Then in 1942, Bobby was drafted into the U.S. Army-Air Corps.
In 1946, Bobby played for the Jersey City Giants. In Sept that year he was called up by the Giants. He batted .315 in 18 games. In 1947, he batted .283 and hit 29 HRs
as the Giants full time centerfielder (138 games).
The failure of the Dodgers to sign Bobby when they had first dibs on him really cost them 10 years later.
TED Z
T206 Reference
.