The Washington times., 1912-07-06
Big League Hitters of
a Day ~
By SENATOR"

Ioday the Climbers are in second
place. Where will they be on October 6,
the day following the close of the
American League season?
Judging from their work to date, the
Climbers should be at least In third
place on October 6, possibly in second
place, and there is a chance of their
leading the race for the gonfalon at the
end Of the campaign. However, they
are certain to be a long shot when It
comes to picking the winner.
Both the Mackmen and the Red Sox
have experience behind them which en-
titles them to more consideration from
the baseball fans Of the. country. For
several seasons the Red Sox have been
potential contenders, falling behind
only through club squabbles and weak
pitchers. This seems to be their year
OF harmony and good pitching.
The Mackmen have won two pennants
and two worlds championships in as
as many seasons. Their chances hang
on the work of their more or less
wobbly pitching staff.
Establish Record.
The Climbers are sure to establish a
record for Washington this year, though,
by finishing in the first division. This
In itself will be glory enough for Clark
Griffith on his first trial here. He really
cannot believe his own words when he
picks his team to land the flag over the
Mackmen and the Red Sox, picking
them without qualification, too.
Championships are not won in July or
August, and sometimes not till the clos
Ing days of September. The strain upon
the players during those closing weeks
Of the campaign cannot be understood
adequately by the fans. and If the
Climbers crack, the fans should be leni-
eEt with them.
his charge. It's hitters are scattered ali
over the lineup. Almost ANYBODY on
the team is likely to start hitting rally
at any needed time.
inexperienced in Field.
In a fielding way, every one of the
Climbers, except Mcbride and Milan,
are inexperienced in the big league. Lit
tie blame would be attached to Gandil,
Morgan, Foster, Moeller, or Shanks were
they to cave in just when steadiness
would be most needed. Mcbride is an
old war horse and Milan has made his
reputation.
Though Youngsters of small expert
ence IN the big snow the backstops with
own with any other stafr in the busi-
ness. causing Griffith no worry on their
account.
with Johnson. Groom, Hughes, Petty.
twirlors the Climbers are about as
strong rs either the Red Sox or the
Mackmen. Indeed. 1t Is upon his pitchers
tEat Griffith leans most in his battle
Tor the ncnnant.
Mackmen May Crack.
Signs are being shown that the Mack
men may crack. Bender and CoomSs
arc not as reliable as of old. Flank
alone is holding up his end in the box.
Brown has much promise for a young
ster. Baker and Collins. with Plank
arc keeping the Athletics in the race.
iris Speaker and Larry Gardner, Will,
Joe Wood. Hugh Bedient. anG BUCK
o'3rien are making It possible for the
struggle.
The Climbers nave slumped yet ar:
IN secoud place. Where will thev be
If their two greatest opponents suddenly
go to pieces, which IS a possibility al
anv time?
Only the Athletics have won a ma.
tority of games from the Climbers
They have an edge on the Red So1
and are tied with the White sox. Few
credit Callahan's Comets with havins
sufficient strength to mold this position
on this next visit here.
Western Teams Here.
The Western teams come here mex
week, the Naplanders opening with
doube-header Tuesday. The Climber
are stronger than any of the Western
clubs and should win a large majorit!
of games to be played here. Thus the,
should hold their own and take thei
next tour around the frontier with
high rank in the struggle.
II Is too early to talk of pennants, g
much may happen in baseball in 8
short time. But Griffith is a veteran
baseball man, has a strong, evenly bal
anced club. and may be able to swim
II to the front in that last bruising lus
for the honors. However, luck mus
be with him for him TO succeed \ tnl
attempt.
II the Red sox or the Athletics fal
ter in their stride for any length Q
time, they may be passed BY the Climb
ers, The latter are young and DARING
fear no one, and are heart and sol
with their leader. Team harmony Coul
not be better, and sometimes this mean
much toward landing the flag.
But three months remain before tn
baBner Is awarded so be patient, yo
fans Remember, too. that never befoI
was a Washington club so strong or S
well thought OF at this time OF tn
year. Leave the rest TO Grin and h