The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-04-15
Fine Season Presaged.

Fine Season Fresaged.
 With peace established as curb to
 features of the sport the present season
 promisessto be one of the greatest in the
 history of the national game for the big
 and little leagues alike. For the National
 League decided improvement over the
 past season seems certain, says The Chi
 cago Tribune.
 During last years race the league lost
 another bunch of star players to the
 ratding American League. It managed, however. to hecover some stars previous ly lost and also saved many valuable men, partly by re-engagement and partly through. the timely adopton of the Gin cinnati treaty. The defections were, in Q measure, also made good by judicious culling of the best minor league talent. Under these circumstances the National League will start the 1903 season with bet ter balanced teams than last year. thus giving promise of a much more evenly contested race than obtained last year. Cincinnati seems to be the best proposition to give Pittsburg a strong race for the pennant Boston and Brooslyn and possi- bly New York will also have a look-in for the flag. The remaining teams have little prospect of being more than factors in the race. although all will doubtless make better showing than they did last year. 1t is not likely that dark horse will win the pennant this year, although such | thing is to be devoutly wished. for its all- round good effect upon the National League. Dreyfuss says Chicago will be dark horse in the race. There is every reason why the National League should | be eminently successful this year. With | external peace and internal harmony much progress has been possible in the
 direction of eam-strengthening and l equalization, and a season of clean ball is | assured. The support of the press has | been largely won back, and 1t Is safe to predict for the old National League the
 best season 1t has enjoyed in many years As to Pennant Winners.
 The Pittsburg club will have to work | hard to land the pennant again this year. | The most sanguine enthusiasts will not
 deny the Pirates are weaker than last year. Tannehill and Chesbro, the star pitchers of the two-time champions, will | be sadly missed. They were two men who
 could always be depended upon in a pinch. Aside from his magnificent work general utility man, for his clever field
 work and strong batting helped the Pi-
 rates out of many hole.
 Then Pitsburg has lost two of the greatest backstops who ever wore mitts
 in Jack O'Connor and Chief" Thinner | man. They are men who cannot be re-
 relied upon to develop the young pitch CTS, and well did they do their work.
 Smith and Phelps are promising, but lack | experience.
 The infield and outfield are practically
 the same as last year. and should play
 as good baseball. But if the Pirates win the pennant again it will be due to the generalship of Fred Clarke. who has | twice landed them winners.
 1 Brooklyn. as we'll as Pitsburg, has also | suffered since last fall but all of the oth- CT clubs look to be stronger than they | were last summer. In the strengthening | process the cubs have been the leaders. | The Chicago club is apparently stronger | in every department than it was last year, | and with good luck and its full playing | strength in the field all season its pros | poets look bright indeed.