Get ready, folks — the upcoming week will feature more New Orleans and Louisiana-based posts. In a way, I apologize for being so Pelican State-centric lately. I just have so much great stuff I’ve come across. Next week I’ll hopefully write a lot about Hall of Famer Cyclone Joe Williams, his roots in Texas and, especially, his Native-American heritage, in honor of Native-American Heritage Month.

But for now, it’ll be more news from the bayou, including, hopefully/possibly:

• Another reflection on Napoleonville, La., native and Negro Leagues legendary skipper Winfield Welch’s hometown featuring the history of African-American semipro and amateur clubs from the burg;

• Reporting on my meeting this Thursday with officials from the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs and the New Orleans Professional Baseball Hall of Fame about finally honoring and recognizing local Negro League stars like Dave Malarcher, Oliver Marcell and, of course, Winfield Welch;

• An update on the situation with Wesley Barrow’s grave (I’m going to hound the New Hope Baptist Church about the subject and try — try — to attract media attention);

• The tale of a local pitcher named … Ground Hog;

• A possible look at the Louisiana roots of Malarcher, who was born in rural St. James Parish, educated at New Orleans University, played for local semipro teams, evolved into a sturdy star for big-time Negro League teams and, most importantly, became the protegé of Rube Foster himself, inherited Rube’s position as manager of the Chicago American Giants and guided the squad to further greatness.