The Detroit times., 1912-07-31
CRUMBLlRG OF MACKS
BIG FOUR MEANS The
PENHANT IN BOSTON
Hub Fans Can See No Team But
Stahps as Mack's Pitch
ers Weaken
LEADERS FEAR ATHLETICS
Because of Willy Connie They
Think Athletics More For,
midable Than Senators
ATHLETICS RIG FOUR IN 1911
ATHLETICS BIG FoUR TIL
BY ELMER E. BATES.

While Boston is on its second road
trip, the Hub is preparing for the
worlds championship. which everyone
there is sure will be between the
teams of Stahl and McGraw
1t is known TO baseball men that
Owner McAleer and Manager Stahl,
OF the Red SoX, are more In Tear OF
Mr.. Connie Mack. right now-desplte
Bostons lead of ia points over the
sAthletics-than of Washington, which
has hung onto Boston's heels stead
lastly for weeks.
The reason for this fear is the re
sourcefulness of this same Connie
Mack, the shrewdest man in baseball
The fans realize that Mack has had
but one of his big four 10 rely upon
this season, Eddie Plank is the only
one OF that wonderful quartet who has
pitched to form. Coombs, the iron
man." has been winning on his nerve
Early this season he was injured and
still feels the effect of the hurt. Nor
gan has been released. Bender-well'
il requires tact TO handle the Bender
case.
Has the great Chippewa taken TO
the first-water trial that led another
great red man. Louis Sackalexis, TO
oblivion? Common talk among ball
PLAYERS says he has, but common talk
also says he is repentant and has as
sured the ever-forgiving Mack that he
viii just about break his neck 10 pull
the team into the lead.
The charges against Bender apply
TO an outfielder also. This player is
on the bench, watching less capable
man filing his shoes.
To the charge that Mack erred, as
have so many other managers. in not
strengthening his pitching stan in
time, Connie would plead guilty. His
alibi would be that with Coombs, Ben.
der. Plank and Morgan, going as they
we're last fall. the need of new pitch
ers was not visible.
Connie picked up four youngsters.
two of whom, Brown and Houck are
OF the quality he admires-men with
natural ability willing to learn.
There are about So games TO be
played before the American league
flag falls, and there is plenty of time
for Boston TO drop back and the Ath-
letics to come up, despite the hundred
odd points between them,
Club owners. managers, players, um-
pires and scouts say. IT looks like
Boston for the flag" The team has Il
good lead and plays consistent
game The men are loyal to Stahl
and their playing proves it. The out
field is the greatest in baseball, and
the infield is above the average.
Wood, the pitching star, would bring
$4,000 on the block today. The 9th
err pitchers should win majority OF
their games And II the team wins a
majority of the remaining games.
II means a pennant.
Boston fans fear the team will not
stand up" on the road. Stahls men
have not been as good road-winners as
the Athletics. and there is another
trip west after present one is com
pleted.
Yes, IL looks like Boston. but don't
bet that way Leaving out Washing
ton-for like Cleveland, the Senators
disappoint when the most is expected
remember that not so very far be-
hind is the always wasterful genius of
Cornelius McGillicuddy, the fox who
has won two worlds championships
In row and who can steal a lot OF
chickens in the next two months. The
lead OF Boston can, under no unusual
circumstances, disappear in two
weeks.