The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-05-29

his days as an active g.leaguer for
three seasons thereby. First base,
Hughie insists, Is the cinch position
OF the national pastime.
On Saturday Hughie put his theory
10 another test, sending Delahanty
to first as a sequence OF his assign
ment OF OLeary to second base.
Everybody knew that Charlie was
capable at the keystone sack and
there was never any doubt over his
performance, Delahanty, however.
had never played FIRST base in his life
In a big-league game. He didn't even
have the advantage of a moments
practice at the position before the
brief trial which preceded Saturdays
game. He borrowed a init, however,
grinned at his mates as he got his
bearings and then proceeded to dem
oDstrate that Hughes confidence
was not misplaced. The switch from
second to first he made with the same
facility as that which characterized
his change several seasons ago from
third to second. He pulled OF two
scintillating plays-one each day
and took all reachable throws In per
feet style. He showed on one occa-
sion that he still has something to
learn about the art of smothering low
throws but this will undoubtedly come
to him in the long series OF games
ahead before the time that Galnor
will resume his position. At present,
that date looks to be somewhere near
July 4.
Delahanty is a much better bats
man than Ness and the versatility
well for the Tigers in many close
game.
Speaking of Businessmen calls
forth reference to the fact that, dur
ing the series here, Manager Bobby
Wallace of the Browns, turned one
loose on the Tigers. which simply
stopped everybody In blank amaze
ment On Saturday he came here
with one Rowan, Of whom few ever
heard. Even his mates didn't know |
how he happened to be In the party. |
whence he came or why.
Modestly Mr.. Rowan walked out to
first base where he proceeded through
the two days that ensued to grab ev.
erything in sight, and with a dash
which bespoke experience and good
head.
At the bat he amassed a total OF
six hits In the two days, of which one
was a three-sacker. with the bases
full.
Frantic inquiries came in from ST. |
Louis. regarding the mysterious Row
IN. Sherlockholmsing about, the fol- |
lowing facts were discovered:
Mr.. Rowan's light has heretofore
been obscured by the Three-I. league
bushel.
He has first-based quite some sea
sons In that organization and hasn't
stuck out with any particular bril-
fancy. though couple OF years ago
be managed to lead the league batters
and was drafted by the Chicago
Whitesox who turned him back to
Peoria afteria training trip trial
4 He became a part-owner of the
Peoria club and this spring didn't like
the looks OF his investment, so he
traded his release for the stock he
held and joined the Browns on trial,
certain or making good. There was
a yawning chasm at first base and
chucked him In. On his form
Of the first two days in the big league,
Rowan looks like the best first-base-
man the. Browns have ever had.
Rowan is left-handed thrower and
has the entire infield at his easy
.ange. He fields In snappy way,
has the swings Of experience and hits |
his blows having a |
tendency to go hard to |
,ither left or right. But one element |
clouds his success. Why was IL that |
Rowan had been so long overlooked |
n league in which scouts make up
he large percentage Of the paid at
enhance?
With Rowan on first base, the
Browns have one real fault, however.
Their lineup yesterday included per-
force five lefthanded batsmen. II
would have been as soft a spot as
is likely to find this year.
But Jennings has sentenced his left
handler to practice sessions, appar-