The Detroit times., 1909-04-14
CROWD JAMS PARK
FOR OPENING
STRUGGLE

VI the lut0OI iCAkuCc tho hA0eN
northern chimes. getting their throw
ing wings In shape and wiping the
mistiness OF the winter from their
batting eyes.
For all this time and longer the
mills OF the war correspondents have
been alternately heating and cooling.
grinding out the grist for the folks at
home.
For all that time the public has
been digesting the pabuluum from
the portable training camp. specu-
lating on the strength added through
the new material and waiting the day
when II should be able 10 Judge for u
self the truth OF the glowing reports
which were waited northward by
wire and mail.
And now at last the day 10 at hand
and the opportunity IL afforded.
The Games That Count.
The games which the Tigers will
play from now on till Oct. 3 count In
the percentages and will determine
whether or not they will succeed. as
they always have in the past. under
the leadership OF tho most magnetic
little personality whom baseball has
ever known. II isnt necessary to
designate the identity OF this indi-
vidual TO any crowd OF sportsmen in
the United States. Sufiice to say that
his initials are II. A. J. and he's on
the Job every minute.
| So much has been written In these
columns regarding the development Of
the Tigers that nothing remains to be
said. The fans will from now on be
judging for themselves. Detroit Is
counting a better start than last year.
when, during the month OF April they
were the most grievous disappoint.
ment ever. II seems impossible to
conceive how a team In as fine con-
dition as the champions are this year
can be compelled 10 subject itself to
similar humiliation. Yet the team
OF last year came through triumphant
ly at the end, materially assisted by
an exceedingly close contest between
It's western rivals. That the start will
he better this year is assured. for It
could hardly be worse. That the
Tigers will need bigger margin at
the end Of the year to win another
flag is similarly agreed. That they
have the strength to accumulate this
1
experts who have followed the team,
as we'll as of the veteran members OF
the aggregation as we'll.
MuIlln Logical TwIrIer.
| George Mullin, who annually bobs
up with q proclivity Of pitching the
opening game. is again the logical
selection for the honor. He is the
veteran OF the club, he Is cold
weather performer OF the highest class.
he won the only game which the Tig-
ers have succeeded In taking In two
series from the Cubs and the honor
will be his unless Hughie Jennings,
after watching his workout this af-
ternoon, shall decide that the chances
OF the team will be materially hamper
ed by his presence in the box.
Mullins gameness was never better
illustrated than by his attitude In the
matter.
II haven't the least idea whether
Hughie will trust me with the duty or
pitching the opener again" said he
last night. III he does I'll be the
most pleased ball player under the
sun. though. II means lot to man.
win or lose. IL he makes good on
opening day with the crowd on hand.
II means that he makes lot OF friends
who will stick by him, even If he FOL
lows with bit OF bad luck after that.
II he loses, why he's simply got 10 win
them back by hard, conscientious
work thereafter I've had both ex-
periences. but | know Gown In my
heart that, with an even break In the
luck and the umpiring, can beat the
Sox. with such a team as the Tigers
N I'm shame
than | ever was in my life.
Field in shape.
Ground Keeper Cline has done his
best with the field on which the teams
will play and the seating arrangements
will accommodate 1900 persons. OF
which a much greater portion than
ever before have been fitted out with
reserved seats, this section having
been subjected to its annual enlarge
ment which Is much greater proper
tionately than ever before.
The players OF both clubs spent un-
eventful evenings last night. A few OF
the Tigers and Sox attended the thea
ter. but went straight home and -
bed. Manager Hughie Jennings, "t
the Tigers. attended session or the
knights OF Columbus. OF which ne Is
a member, at Golden's hall on MlcD-
iean.ave. and applauded the act OF the
famous Elks' Ministries, but left early
for his rooms at the Addison. whero
he completed his plans for the day
labor that will mean so much 10 MIN
and his men.
The gates of the park opened early
and a line vas formed early IN tne
forenoon. comprising the enterprising
hugs who were DESTROYS or securing
eats IN the sunny pavilion and en-
france 10 the one stand, ADMISSION 10
which is but 20 cents.
Hardly knowing how he managed 10
.urvive since the last worlds cnam.
nionship baseball game. Mr.. Baseball
rug will come into his own this AFTER
noon when the tenth season OF inc
American league will get under way.
Mr. Bug has had n hard winter OF II,
hut reports from his various habitats
today indicate that lie Is again In fine
trim with lungs in order and eyes
far more discerning than those OF
/ the umpire.
Two factors add special interest TO
the American league race this year;
the frst being the unusual number
OF Youngsters who are being given
their first opportunity In major
league and the other the struggle OF
Detroit 10 win third successive
championship and thereby establish
n racord for the League.