The Washington times., 1910-10-17
Many Believers in Athletics
Ability to Win Have
Become SkepticS.
TOO MUCH DEPENDS
ON PITCHING STAFF
Mack's Unsettled Outfield and
Questionable Catching Depart
ment Skater Confidence.

a sudden and most marked reversal
Of opinion has come over the fans of
Washington in their efforts to select the
probable winner of the great classic in
baseball which opened at Shibe Park,
Philadelphia, this afternoon.
Maintaining for weeks that the grand
pitching star and the youth OF the
Athletics would prove too much for the
veteran Cubs the fans had thousands
OF dollars with which they we're willing
70 back the champions Of the American
League, asking only the slightest odds.
While there were more waSers made
man In any former series, except the
nrst between the Cubs and Detroit,
mere were comparatively few TO be
found In this essentially American
League city who were willing to give
better than even money on the chances
or Chances chance
But lately a decided switch has taken
place and the conviction that the Ma
uonal League champions are the
stronger team has been so greatly
strengthened that long prices are being
insisted upon by those who think the
Athletics viii win and are ready at the
same time 10 support their judgment
with real money.
Faith Falters.
The spirit Of sublime confidence in
the ability Of the Athletics has given
way TO a feeling Of skepticism and
while there will be the usual number
OF l-told-you-so wisenheimers TO be
found at every turn, should Philadel-
phia be returned a winner, the fact Of
the matter is that among the weII-in-
formed baseball men Of washington the
belief prevails that there viii be a
double. flag raising at the West End
grounds in Chicago early next season
The unsettled condition Of the Phila-
deiphia outheld, together with the doubt
rs to the true class of Connie MacL's
catchers, has been principally respon-
Slhie for the unrest among those who
nave tired Of seeing the championship
OF the world 20 TO 4 National League
club season after season.
Philadelphia hopes rest almost on
urely with the pitching staff. In Ben
der. Plank. COOmbs. Morgan & Co. the
Cuakers nave corps that Is without
q superior in either league, nut
whether these twirlerS are sufficiently
strong to offset a makeshift OUtfield,
young infield, and a Questionable catch
ing department only the developments
Of the week can tell.
The charge has been openly made
that the Athletics are not Ovcrendowed
with moral stamina, and that at the
psychological moment they may be
found wanting, but this is simply an
assertion.
Must Have Spirit.
Whether il is true only the series
can tell. II there IS the least
sembIance OF the hue of "A quar-
antine flag in the makeup Of the Ath-
letics they are hopeless ard helpless,
but ii they can come forward with the
true spirit, founded upon their conf
deuCe in their own power, they may
win for the city of sleep and unscrupu-
lous politicians the most coveted title
In baseball.
If the Athletics should be victorious
81 viii be the grandest achievement OF
any American League team since the
Chicago White SON annexed the cham
piOnship. II they are beaten il viii not
be necessarily a disgrace. for anyone
who has ever been so fortunate as to
see the Cubs IN action, under a real
strain. fully appreciates the fact that
the team led by Frank Chance is one
Of the most impressive baseball ma
chimes that ever went on TO a diamond.
T. K.