Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-20
SLUMP OF THE BOSTON
AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM
speelal correspondence Of rhe Star.

Special Correspondence of The Star.
BOSTON, May ~, 1906.
The Boston American team OF 1901-the
first season of the American League-was
substantially the team OF 1908. The only
change In the infield was the first base1nan
and the only change in the outfield was
the left fielder. On first base frst-class
player was secured who has proven far and
away superior to his predecessor. Grim
shaw has done fine work with the stick
and in the field has left nothing to be de-
sired. In the outtield, Setback was vete-
ran who replaced Dougherty. 1t has been
suggested that the troubles of Boston be-
gan with the release of Dougherty. even IL
the club did land the pennant. Last season
the club went backward and this year
worse than last Dougherty certainly had
his limitations, but there is no doubt at all
that he did some grand work for the To-
Gals and helped to land a pennant in good
style. AS a fielder he was far below the
mark. but 1t is q question indeed II his ex-
cellencies in other departments did not
counterbalance his weakness elsewhere
Dougherty failed to make good in New
York and 1t will be interesting to note
If he will prove q success elsewhere.
Perhaps Dougherty and Stone would not
have made part OF a stunning outfield. 1t
Is seldom indeed in the annals of base ball
that such a man as Stone slips through
the fingers of an up-to-date manager. 1t
simply shows that Stone should have had
a thorough trying out. Boston was well
tipped OFF w en- stone was preached. but
failed to make the most OF the opportunity
to hold on to him. Evidently Manager
McAleer was made more aware of the
abilities of Stone than the Boston manage
ment for he has a grip upon one of the best
batting and fielding outfielders In the coun-
try. Stone showed to eminenty fine adj
drrrip ha visit of HIS club
to this city and is evidently jewel OF the
first water. McAleer would not now part
with him at any price.
Talking about the losing of players that
afterward turned out to be gems of the first
water 1t must be remembered that Jimmy
Collins was hired from Bufraio as an out
fielder and he failed. as DID many a one
after him, to make good in the trying sun.
this city. Had the Louisville manager,
McCloskey, kept to himself the knowledge
that he had a star third baseman in Col
Inns, that player would doubtless have been
released outright to Louisville and thereby
brought about a most decided change in the
complexion of things in the base ball world.
The retention OF Collins was about the
Iuckiest thing that Selee ever did in his
base ball career.
Collins proved a great money gatherer
for the Boston Nationals for many years
and was decidedly missed by the Louisville
outfit. Philadelphia made q fatuous move.
too, 1t will be remembered. when it allowed
Hamilton to depart, for that player helped
Boston to win several pennants.
OF the pitchers that enabled Pittsburg to be
a pennant winner, Chesbro. Lever. Phillippi
and Tannehill. there Is no doubt at all that
the latter Is the best of the lot. Tannehill
Pitched lot of ball last season and had
the best winning percentage OF the Boston
pitchers. He is a man who takes the best
of care of himself. He knows full well
tat 1t would be unwise to pitch any more
than is good for himself. His good left
arm Is his stock in trade and he believes
that he owes 1t to himself. first Of all, to
work no more than IL absolutely necessary
That Tannehill Is bound to do lot OF
winning work for the local club this season
there can be no doubt at all. He Is one
of the coolest pitchers that ever handled
ball Nothing seems to feaze him, and he
Is a player who is likely to pull out at any
game by strong stick work.