Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-04-11
BASEBALL GAMES
BEGIN THIS WEEK
Major Leagues Begin the 1912
Pennant Race on Thursday
Minors Follow Quickly,


New York. April 1.-The American and
National Leagues. she, American associa-
ton and the Cotton States and Southern
Leagues start the baseball season this
week.
This matter Of fact statement virtually
means the beginning Of the annual six
months period. during which this year
over 800 recognized clubs Of professional
players will wage battles in almost as
many cities throughout the country for
pennant honors In nearly two-score or
ganized leagues
In the West the Pacific Coast League
has already got into the game" and by
Wednesday the fans" of the middle
West will start roofing" for their
favorltes In the American Association
circuit. On Thursday. the opening day.
enthusiasm will have spread to the
Atlantic coast. reaching a climax in eight
Of the major league cities.
In quick order follow all Of the minors
until by the first OF June all the forces
which organized baseball can command
VIII be in the field Of action, for a season
which Is hailed In all quarters as promis-
ing n greater and broader development of
the national game than ever before
SEVEN NEW MANAGERS.
Although the big leagues retain most
Of the vetsran players and the younger
idols OF last season. the change In man
asements which seven Of the 1G clubs In
the two leagues undergo this year is the
greatest shake-up Of the kind within
memory. The American League has five
ri hoe l.f
Cincinnati and taken charge of tho
Washington nine; Harry Wolverton has
come from the Pacific coast to put new
life into the New York Highlanders: Jake
Stahl. the Boston American first base
man. has come back after years re-
tirement to manage the team; Harry
Davis, the Philadelphia Athletics famous
first sacker. has gone to Cleveland to run
the club; and the Chicago White Sox are
to be generated by Jimmy Callahan. the
old timer. whose come back" last year
surprised the fans
In the National League there are few
changes in management. Johnny King
the former star catcher of the Chicago
Cubs. is promoted to the management
Of Boston after a seasons work behind
the bat there. In Cincinnati there will
be tho novelty Of an umpire turning
manager. as Hank O'Day. National
League arbitrator for years. has under
taken TO lead the Reds,
PRESIDENTS ARE OPTIMISTIC.
President Thomas J. Lynch of the Ma
tionai League is very optimistic about the
coming season.
II look for the best season the National
League has ever enjoyed" he said. with
so many OF the clubs strengthened It
should be keen race. New York. CHI
cago Philadelphia and Pittsburg are sure
to have close competition among them
selves and this season Brooklyn, Gin
cinnati. Boston and st. Louis look much
stronger than last year. And the moro
teams that figure strongly in the race the
better the season will be-"
Ban Johnson. president OF the American
League. Is quoted In a similar vein IN the
prospects Of the Junior Organization. He
predicted that instead Of there being two
prominent contenders in the pennant race
as was tho case last season. there would
be Ave or six In a close race this year.