The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-07
Pretzels Have Formidable Array of Very Young
 Talent
THE PITCHERS LOOK STRONG AND CAPABLE
Lelivelt, Duggleby, Sparks, Thomas and Hickman Enrolled-Bills Valuable Utility Man.
 Others Ordinary
By BERRYMAN G. BETTY

l Montgomery, March 6.-(Special.)- While far from being vainglorious over his success in rounding up the 1911 Climber squad, Manager Johnny Dobbs, of many l leagues fame, is more or less content with his lot. He has not yet reached the point where he feels like sitting back in | the presence of his present laurels and batting himself on the back, but he is approaching that very limit-if ante-sea- son prospects ever yet materialized. Up to the present time the new Montgomery cheftain has string attached to some 2i or 2S men, and he confidently believes as do the Montgomery club officials that a winning, or near-winning team, can be selected from the lot.
 Included in the list of players which the manager has succeeded in rounding u- are such stars as Kay and Elwert, Sparks, Savidge and others. Dobbs himself is somewhat of an artist when it comes to outfeld territory. while few of old-time Climbers are to be found in the list.
 Believing however, that a new team is the best team, the ex-Climbers who will be found in the company are few and far between. Those to whom contracts have been sent, moreover, are included in that class of players which is always in de- mand.
 The Old Players
 Among the old players who will be given another chance in Montgomery uniforms are OSteen, who broke leg early in the season last year; Pitchers Forrest Thomas. Duggleby, Hickman. and Smith: Jud Daley, of outfield reputation, and Gribbens who was farmed out last year Smith is the youngster who showed such promise last year as to cause the unanimous prediction that the forthconl- ing season would develop his arm into one of the truest of the league.
 Eddie Greminger, who last year covered the first sack for the Climbers and who for more than two seasons managed the destinies of the team, was not given contract this year, and as a consequence he is now a free agent. Montgomery cit izens have not Been informed of his in- tentions.
 Among the players who last year wore a Climber uniform, but who will not play with this city this year are such stars as Hart Phillips, Whiteman, Burnett, Mill Ter. Guese and Pope.
 The New Players
 
 to wear Climber uniforms this season are such men as Bill Kay, National leaguer, and Elwert, who was purchased from Cleveland. Kay has written to Dobbs promising to be present early in the sea- son. though Elwert is feeling somewhat snubbed over coming south. Information S that he fears malarial fever.
 Hammong, promising pitcher who was secured from Sioux City, will be with the squad, and is said to be valuable asset.
 A few semi-pros have been secured, hut, of course. Dobbs is not relying on them to set the league on fire.
 Aside from glittering generalities, how ever fans of this city see in the sea- sons lineup a formidable array of base ball talent The city has never been suf- ficiently fortunate to cop pennant, but it is confidently believed that never be- fore did the Capital City of Alabama start out with such an opportunity to land the rag.
 The Prospective Lineup
 Dobbs' permanent team will be secured from the following lineup:
 Catchers-Martel, Gribbins, Brooks Foultney, Flint and McAlister.
 Pitchers-Thomas, Duggleby. sparks Hammong, Pruett, Smith, Savidge, Leli- welt, Clements and Hickman
 First Base-"Happy" Smith, one of the best infielders In the business.
 Second Base-Graham.
 Third Base-OSteen or Pratt.
 Shortstop-Elwert, Kreuger or Bennett
 Outfielders-Daley, Kay and Dobbs
 Jtility--Joe Bills.
 Pruett mentioned in the list of pitch CTS is an amateur, and was one of Green yilles tossers last season.