Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-24

Erin was playing an acceptable game
when he was in such shape that he hardly
could move. The average man who was
sick and suffering as was Del at this time
would have told the club to get somebody
else, and would have insisted on a COM
plete rest. Jim isn't built that way, how
ever. and realizing that he was doing bet
ter work than anybody else available he
put aside his own preferences and was
out there every day trying hard.
Jim might possess considerably less
playing ability and still! be a very desir-
able man to have on tho club, for he IS
fighter first, last and always. Every
time he goes to bat he goes up there to
get a hit. and the tighter the pinch. the
more likely he is to make good.
There are lot of pitchers in the Amer
lean League who would rather see any
body else in the world than Delehanty
come to bat with q man in position to
score and run needed to win: If he
isn't the most dangerous pinch hitter in
the league, he deserves brackets with any
of them, which Is something of q compli-
ment when one considers that there are
among the Tigers few gentlemen whom
/ opponents don't exactly welcome at the
rubber in ticklish situations.
Is Always Aggressive.
Delehanty has the reputation of being
dead game and aggressive. He doesn't
know the meaning of the word quit, and
plays just as hard when the Tigers are
behind by half dozen runs or SO as
when they are on velvet. Men of this
type are valuable assets to any ball club.
for they exert a good influence over any
of their fellows who are inclined to waver
when things do not look promising.
OF course Jim will not be shunted out
to demonstrate whether or not he is in
good enough shape to play second base.
He is naturally an infielder and will have
first call at his old job on second If he
there. Only the developments of the
spring training trip will prove whether
a shift Is necessary.
President Navin Is authority for the
statement that the authenticated scrap
per will have a place with the Tigers in
one position or another so long as he con-
| tinues to thump the ball with. his accus-
toned vigor and frequency. Good right
hand hitters are too scarce to think of
letting a man like Delehanty get away"
said Frank just before leaving for New
York. "If he can't play second base he
will get chance in the outfield, for we
need him in the lineup for his stick work
and his aggressiveness.
President Navin is expected to return
from the east this morning and It is be-
lieved that he will bring Manager Jen-
nings' signed contract back with him.
The club and Hughie agreed on the
leader left for home in the fall, and about
the only thing remaining was to secure
his signature to the paper. There never
| has been any doubt that Hughie would be
back nor that he would continue to man
! age here as long as he cares to do SO.
The club is thoroughly satisfied with his
showing, which isn't astonishing, as he
| has won three remnants in the five years
of his service In Detroit. From time to
time there have been reports Of his leav-
| ing to assume charge of other big league
| teams, but nobody has taken these seri-
| ously. AS Jennings Is under a player 8
contract to Detroit, President Navin
would have something to say about his
| leaving and Frank hasn't any intention
| Of letting him get away.
There Is q rumor around town that DR..
Jimmy" Casey is to be connected with
| the Providence club in some capacity and
| men close to the Detroit magnates are in
| clined to believe 1t. DIR. Casey has not
| signed up for next season as yet and
| would be in position to take hold Of the
Providence proposition.
| His long experience in base ball in the
capacities Of player and manager have
fitted him for job Of this sort and Mr..
Navin might go farther and fare worse
than to sign him up.