The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-07-26

gle is going forward with it's usual ups and downs, with the Pirates and Tigers Iolding comfortable leads in their respec- tive leagues. It is to be remarked that the runners-up in both leagues, however, are playing winning ball and the leaders must keep on their tiptoes all the time to hold first place. It would not surprise me in the least if the end of the season should duplicate the hair-raising, heart stopping finish of last season. Let us hope it does. It is strange how evenly every season. This year it looks toss up between the Athletics, Tigers, Maps ana Red Sox, with the Tanks Browns and White sox having fighting chance
 Tn the National league it is the old struggle between the Pirates, Cubs and Giants. with Cincinnati and Philadelphia off chances.
 The question of Donlin's eligibility is not an intricate problem Last spring John T. Brush wrote Mike congratulating him on his success in vaudeville. although re- gretting his retirement from baseball. At that time Donlin had put price on his baseball talents that was prohibitve. He meant it to be and would have been dis appointed if the club had accepted his terms, for he has earned far more in vau- deville than he could possibly have asked for playing ball. Therefore, the rela- tions between Donlin and the New York club is a sort of protracted truce. Mike can come back any time and the worst he can expect is the old regulation national commission fine of s1O0, half of which will be remitted as soon as it is imposed.
 That Larry Mclean of the Reds has de- veoped into great catcher admits of no doubt. There was never man who could throw baseball harder with less effort He throws entirely from the shoul- der, and the only reason that they steal on him is that his aim isn't as good as Bergen's. He can get a foul back at the grandstand and snap 1t to third or first base without moving anything but his right arm. And thereby hangs tale. There was some criticism of Larry's throwing in Cincinnati few years ago, but the constant reteration that he was a. bum throwing catcher got on Larry's nerves after a while and he went to Garry Hermann and made him business prop osition. See here" he said, they say that am tramp at throwing to bases. Here is a chance for you to make some money Put a clause in my contract by which I am to get $l for every time I throw a base runner out and lose sl every time ] miss one"
 Hermann is a good sportsman. and is always willing to take chance when he sees any sort of chance to win. He gave Larry's offer a long think and then passed it up. It would surprise you to know how little Larrys throwing has been criticised in Cincinnati since
 Larry is not world-beater as a hit ter, but there has been little criticism on his hitting.
 At heart Larry is more interested in an- other kind of hitting. He is firmly con- yinced that he can lick Jeffries and John son, and his teammates are willing to back 1t up. In spite of his size he is fast on his feet behind the bat, and the Reds say that he is one of the best boxers in the big league But force of circum- stances has made catcher of him. If he wanted to be fighter he would have to give up a good living and begin from the bottom in a new trade and he can't af ford it.
 George Browne, the former Giant and Dove. is batting like demon for the Sem ators He got four hits in the first Tiger Senator game, but even at that his team couldn't win.
 The Reds have signed Pitcher Brennan, one of the big surprises of the Western league.
 The supreme court of Michigan has de- cided that Sunday baseball is legal in the state. thereby causing the fans in Detroit much joy.
 The Maps have added another pitcher to their roster. He is Harry Otis of the Goldsboro club of the Eastern California league.
 Joe Cantillon denies the report that he is going to quit managing the Senators at the end of August. It is one of the most particular duties of a baseball man. ager to deny all reports that relate to this club, whether true or otherwise President Ebbets is going like e house