Coach Ben Murray of Norwood High School entered his 25th year on the job facing a challenge unlike any he had seen before: trying to tell apart Frank Paul and Tony Paul, identical 17‑year‑old twins who play second base and center field — though not always in that order.
The twins resemble each other so closely that Murray frequently sends the wrong brother to the wrong position. “I’ve coached them for two years and still can’t tell which is which,” he admitted while watching practice near the locker room. Even a visiting stranger had no chance of distinguishing them as the shy brothers approached for introductions.
Murray recalled several mix‑ups from the previous season, when both boys were substitutes. On one occasion, he sent a player to center field only to discover he had accidentally dispatched his second baseman. In another instance, he inserted one twin as a pinch hitter, prompting an opposing coach to protest that the boy had already played — confusing him with his brother, who had started the game.
Despite the confusion, Murray considers the situation a pleasant problem. Both twins are strong ballplayers, and as juniors they are expected to break into the regular lineup for the first time. Last year they contributed to a successful Norwood squad; this season, Murray believes, they are ready to shine.
The coach is also enthusiastic about Joe Conti, the team’s captain and standout outfielder. Conti holds the rare distinction of captaining three sports in a single school year — football, basketball, and baseball. Murray expressed pride in both his athletes and Norwood’s impressive athletic facilities.
Source: Boston Globe, April 11, 1946
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