Los Angeles herald., 1908-02-03
EARLY BIRDS ON
HIGHLAND DIAMONDS
OCCIDENTAL NINE STRONG IN
PITCHING DEPARTMENT
Holes Are Left in Lineup by Gradual
ton of Old Players, but New
Material Is Plen-
tiful

Occidental college baseball enthusi-
asts will begin this week to anticipate
the opening of the intercollegiate sea-
son on March 1.
The ultra early birds were going to
warm up this afternoon for practice,
but the rains of yesterday and last
night have probably dampened their
ardor along with the grounds, so that
no playing can be done until about
Wednesday or Thursday.
The Presbyterians have several holes
to fill in their lineup on account of the
graduation of several of last years
stars, but there is plenty of material
second station have been left vacant
by the departure of Brooke and Frank
Beal, and there will doubtless be shake
ups In the outfield, although none of
the gardens are really empty.
Johnson and Woodside are the gem
orally accepted candidates for behind
the bat, but either of the boys can be
used elsewhere. johnson likes the half
way station a little better even than
the receivership, and may not attempt
to invade the catching department at
all. johnson occupied a berth on the
Los Angeles high school nine last sea-
son and was utilized in both positions.
Woodside brings letters of introduce
ton from eastern schools as a catcher,
but will make his first appearance in
Occidental as strictly collegiate
player. First base is his next choice
for an athletic job.
Bruce Merrill and owen Bird are I'M
decided over the initial bag question,
but Bird Is likely to be shifted to the
short stop for at least the beginning
of the season. Merrill has always CIV
en- satisfaction at first, and has had n
couple of years experience, all of which
looks favorable for the continuation of
his pension. Bird is lucky and con-
sistent sticker and uses better judy
ment at the short field than any of the
other applicants.
Lyle McKenny is too good to be
moved from third base, with valuable
service in the position which has made
him accustomed to it.
Clarence Brewer, the Hollywood high
school infielder, will be used somewhere
in the Presbyterian diamond, and has
announced his Partially for second
base. This choice looks all right, If
johnson doesn't make any counter
claims, but at that the little Freshman
could be placed with advantage in the
sun garden. He is good at getting over
the ground and displays excellent form
in the outfield.
Right and center field duty will prob
ably be shared by George Baer and
Wieman.
The Highlanders' strong department
will be in the pitching staff, which is a
reverse of the conditions last year:
Thacker, who has delivered the puz-
zles for the Presbyterians, is showing
better form than last season, when he
should have rested, and will commence
to get in shape early to avoid the rush
of preparation at the last minute. Pat
Patterson will furnish the changes In
the rebus line. and is expected to be Q
close rival to Thacker. The big south
paw developed phenomenal symptoms
of pitching ability last year and has
added greatly to his speed and control
since his coming out.
CHANGING over the dope, an over
whelming amount Of freshman material
is prominent. Wieman, Baer, Patter-
son, McKenny, Johnson, Brewer and
Woodside are all registered from the
chart class Bruce Merrill and Bird are
the sophomore representatives, and the
only upper classman in the prospective
nine is Thacker from the Junior class.