Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-29
BY J. ED GRILLO.

That was a tough blow the Athletics
dealt the Tigers yesterday. A dual vic
tory in which luck cut wide swath,
coming at time when the pennant fight
is most spirited, has put the champions
within hailing distance of the lead again.
But they were splendid games between
two well matched teams, in which the
winner had to have the breaks. Three
games remain to be played between these
two teams. and 1t is not at all unlikely
that before Detroit leaves for its next
stand the worlds champions will be in
front in the race again. But such an adj
vantage will not be gained without a
struggle. The next three games will be
fought to the last ditch and the winning
team will know it has been in battle.
Unless there should be a remarkable re-
versal of form the fight from now to the
wire will be. as it has been since the
season opened between Detroit and Phila-
delphia. None Of the other teams has
q look-in so far as the pennant is con-
cerned, though several of them are
strong enough to have something TO say
about where the flag shall fly next sea-
son.
Barney Dreyfuss. who broke all records
when he paid So. 800 for Pitcher OToole
of the ST. Paul club. will probably estab-
lsh another hish-water mark when he
purchases Kelley, the battery partner OF
the high-priced twirler.
There is more or less sentiment about
the purchase of Kelley by Pittsburg.
O'Toole has requested that his catcher
go to the Pirates with him. he says ne
attributes much OF his success to the good
work Of Kelley. and that without him he
might be a doubtful proposition. 1t is but
natural under such conditions. that Drey-
fuss would make the buy, though $4,000
for young catcher is an enormous
figure. vet without him it is just possible
that the investment In OToole might
prove poor one.
1t is becoming more and more evident
that the team which will win the National
League pennant this year will have to
catch the Cubs The winners OF last
years flag are going along at merry
clip just now. and it will be no easy mat
ter to overhaul them. Pittsburg and st.
Louis are steadily advancing, but the
Cubs have the advantage in that they
already have a comfortable lead. Should
this youngster O'Toole be the pitcher he
is believed to be. and the Pirates can
hold their own until he joins them early
in September. it is just possible that
O'Too,e may more than pay for himself
during the last month Of the season, for
should he prove a success he may be
able to land the Pirates at the top of the
heap. That undoubtedly is what Dreyfuss
figured on when he gave $1,000 for the
young pitcher. He simply took a gam
bler's chance. and he STANDS a good
chance to cash.
Base ball men differ tie ability OF
ball players as men differ on all Things.
and for this reason Paul Cobb and Fred
Gagnier will not break into the American
League by the Nationals route Bob
Unglaub, who recommended this pair to
Manager McAleer. was under the impress
sion that both of them would strengthen
the Nationals He was undoubtedly sim
cere in this, and, having been in the
game for years, he should be competent
to Judge
and. as he has established himself as
scout with the local club. his opinion Is
taken as final. Kahoe cannot see either
of the players that Unglaub recommend
ed and no effort will be made to secure
them He does venture the opinion that
Paul Cobb may some day make a good
ball player. but. according to hahoe, is
far from ripe.
Harley Parker, who is assisting Billy
Evans umpiring the present series here,
has until recently been practicing ply
stefan in Chicago, and successful one
at that In his time Parker was pitcher
Of some note. but he quit the game ana
practiced medicine: For time ne mace
a speciality of treating bad throwing arms,
at which he was remarkable success
But the game always had fascination
for him, and this spring he concluded
that he would break back into it, so
purchased the Grand RAPIDS ciup oI TIE
Central League.
The venture was financial failure and
Parker decided to get out or it. But
rather than return to the practlce OF
medicine he concluded to go to umpiring.
When Sheridan retired there was an
opening into which he was placed. I'm
fortunately he is handicapped just now
by the fact that he has badly sprafned
ankle.
A play came up in yesterdays game
which Umpire Evans had to decide,
though he never saw it before and there
is no rule covering it. While Schaefer
was up in the last inning kaier pitched
a ball which struck some feet In front OF
the plate and in passing Schaefer struck
him on the leg. Umpire Evans refused
to let schaefer take his base. He ad-