Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-21

fast going Giants would run wild on the
Athletics. Cub followers insisted the run
ners up in the National League race
would make short work of the Sox. st.
Louis fans, even many Brown rooters,
looked on the meeting between the Cards
and Browns as a workout for the Card
inals. Cleveland was a. topheavy favor
lite over the Cincinnati Reds 1t was be-
lieved that the Maps. who finished the
American League season in whirlwind
style. would find the Reds easy picking.
What jolt was handed to Old Man
Dope by the outcome of the four meet
ings. The fast going Giants looked very
ordinary on the paths. Instead of the
CUBS making short work of the Chicago
series, the White Sox did the trick by
taking four straight. The st. Louis meet
ing, instead Of being a trial heat for the
Cardinals, developed into a bitter strug-
gle, with the lowly Browns nosing out
their rivals in the seven-game series The
Cincinnati Reds. much abused by fandom,
made quick work of the much touted
Maps. The Reds played wonderful ball.
IN fact looked like one OF the best teams
in the, country l umpired that series.
and don't believe ever saw club work
more smoothly than the Cincinnati team.
Said to be weak in the box. they
looked mighty strong in that depart.
meht. Reported as lacking good
shortstop. they appeared to have q
star IN Esmond. who was easily the
|
team which had failed its supporters
In the National League race, which
went into the series as the under dog
played like one Of the best balanced
aggregations I have ever seen in
action.
Nothing tends to create enthusiasm
more quickly among fandom than the
discovery Of one or two young phe-
noms among the recruits secured 70,
trial. Last year was a big season fol
the recruits. Several Of the clubs had
big years. more or less due to the unex-
pected showing Of one or two Of the
sational had been expected.
Vean Gregg and Joe Jackson die
much to make the fans Of Cleveland
happy last summer Alexander was the
idol Of the Philadelphia fans because
guard was another National League
phenom. His consistent work aided
the Giants greatly in the race for the
pennant. Detroit fans enthused over the
work of del" Gainor. Jack McInnis
jumped into high favor with the Athletic
supporters. due to his brilliant fielding
and timely batting. Marty O'Toole was
the object of much admiration among ths
Pittsburgh fans Pitcher Harmon Of the
Cardinals did much to place Bresnahan's
Practically every major league clut
boosted Of one or more brilliant young
performers last year who did much to
make the season a successful one. Little
was expected Of most of these stars al
the opening Of the season. They came
through far In advance Of the expecta.
tions. What will these debutantes do In
the 1912 campaign? While much de-
Ponds on them because Of their grea,
work last summer. that dope affords moth
ing certain. Perhaps they will deliver IL
better style than ever. but then you car
never tell In base ball
Because a man Is star In the minors
Is no positive assurance that he will sci
the big league on fire. Because busf
Lacquer does not carry everything before
him In the minors is no conclusive proof
| that he won't be able to make good In
the majors. Because player performed
brilliantly In one campaign Is no Stgr
that he will play equally brilliant thu
following year. Because q player slump:
terribly in all departments one year u
no reason why he should be immediatel.
tagged with ticket to the minors OF
| ten athletes have led their respective
classes after a most disappointing show
Ing the year previous. Because team
wins all base ball honOrs one year.
no indication that they will sweep every
thing the next campaign.
lake nothing for granted In bas'
ball.