The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-04-04
(By Wagner.l

Hi Ladd has the honor sof hitting
the first ball for the Mechanics in
the season of 1912. The veteran de-
serted his pool parlors yesterday af-
ternoon and arrived at Newfield Park
in time to be the first batter to face
Dixie Walker in the hitting practice.
There was quite a scramble for the
first position in line, but Hiram edged
in ahead of Cy Miller. Ladd crack
ed screamer to right and the season
was officially opened.
Manager Mccain had his squad of IS
doing stunts at Newfield Park before
a crowd of faithful fans. The boys
chased flies in the outfeld for time
and then lined up for batting practice.
Buster Brown, the New York Ameri-
can recruit, showed lots Of speed in
the fed and has fine position at the
bat. He is good sized chap. weigh
ing about ITO pounds, and his weight
is evenly distributed. Herman Roth.
another New York American boy, re-
sembles Chef Waite, the Springfield
outfielder. in looks and actions. If
he can play as well as Waite there
will he no objections. Roth made a
good impression.
Boss Mccain was greatly pleased
by the actions of Infiel6ers Bernard
Harris and Frank ORourke. The
latter arrived only yesterday morning
hut he hustled into a uniform and did
lightning service at shortstop. He is
a graceful fielder and gets the ball
away with that quick underhand
throw which all infielders must have
IN these days In order to advance in
the profession. His form at the bat
also looked good. Harris is taller
than ORourlxe and appears to be a
snappy fielder. He steps into a ball
as if he could hit. too.
During the infield practice Capt.
Tom Crook was at first. Cy Miller at
third, while ORourke and Harris took
care Of second and shortstop. Crook
and Miller were in their old time
form.
All the pitchers took turns at throw
ing to the hitters. Dixie Walker was
the first to obl'ge. The tall finger
has been working out for the past
week and seemed to be in midseason
The Union City boy is right handler
and will therefore never crowd his
brother Tom for the honor of being
a crack southraw Young Tuckey is
a rangy youngster who may show
something in the exhibition games.
Freddy GIBBS, wearing pair of
white stockings, tossed over few.
Freddy is heavier than he was In 1911
and thinks the extra pounds will help
him. Hooks Cunningham, the pitch
err secured from Troy. will make the
fans forget Ivor Swanson. Cunning
ham is built along the lines of Oh eft
Snyder but is slightly taller than the
swarthy warrior The newcomer ham
dies himself like an experienced box
man. He has done considerable train
ing at his home in South Carolina.
Martin Becker was also on exhibition.
The Washingto boy stands well over
six feet and will be one of the taiiest
pitchers in the league if he STICKS
He has plenty Of smoke.
Behind the bat, Brewer, Mahorey
and Corkins all tried their hands
Brewer is the BIGGEST of the lot but
Gorkins has a better STYLE. Maho-e y
appears to be trifle slow. The
backs OPS must be seen in real game
before judgment is passed, however
Eddie Moran, the local hoy, did a rev
stunts in a way that pleased the man
ager. Skipper Fey and Hi Laid took
things easy and favored their arms
after the manner of veterans.
The first game of the season Will De
staged tomorrow at 8 p. M, when ire
Lynn, New England League club, WI
OPPOSE the Mechanics at Newf1elo
Park. Manager Mccain wants tins
fans to see his new men and he WI
use Cunningham, Becker and Tuckey
IN the box for three innings each. The
infield will consist of Crook at first