Hillis Layne, 91, a Whitwell native, played in the major and minor pro baseball leagues. For much of his career, Layne played for the Seattle Mariniers of the Pacific Coast League. His play on the field earned him the nickname “Mandrake” after the magician in the comics and the league’s batting championship in 1947.
Other playing stops for Layne included the Chattanooga Lookouts and the major league Washington Senators.
Layne was a scout for many years for the Texas Rangers. Altogether, Mr. Layne spent 40 years playing, managing and as a scout for professional baseball teams.
Layne lived near Boyd Buchanan school in recent years. He was preceded in death many years ago by his wife. He has a son and daughter, sister 94 years, and many nephews an nieces and other relatives.
He was healthy at 91 years, until a sudden heart attack two days ago and died.