The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-05-26
A r T III L X PELKEY
MUST FACE CHARGE
OF MANSLAUGHTER


4 \ ons are trailing in a grimy
and ignominious dust, there is much
to warrant the assertion that the
bold and battle Scared cohorts
of Carleton Molesworth are des-
tined to attain a standing of much
distinction, and that these same
colors will faunt proudly in the
summer breeze that fan the faith
full at Redwood field ere the sands
of the summer have run their
course and the days of the season
are ended.
Such an assertion, thus boldly
spoken while the Barons are yet
safely anchored next to the unfor-
tunate feathered tribe of Charlie
Frank is needful, perhaps, of much
explanation lest those who are
prone to voice criticism of Baron
braves take violent issue with the
humble opinion proffered.
To the weak hearted who have
forthwith accorded the Barons the
title of cellar champions because of
their present standing, let it be
said once again that the present
season is yet wrapped in its swad-
ding clothes and flushed with the
Inconsistency of babyhood. The
midseason grind, the real test of
nerve and calibre, which follows
the shutting off of early enthusi-
asm has yet to arrive. That period
during which many play above their
standard and occupy positions
which in due course of time they
must yield to their superiors Is
still in vogue. However, 1t is wan
ing. The stage is set for the heavy
acting when the light comedy fell
lows who drew the airy plaudits of
the tickle fans must yield to those
who are able to shoulder the title
roles as the plot begins to thicken.
This much is in favor of the
Barons. Certainly they have not
been playing above their standard
Just as certain is the fact that they
have been playing below 1t. Moles-
worth has gathered team of ex-
perienced ball players, and players
who are not likely to flash for a
moment like the meteor only to
fade into insignicance before the
steady glow of the star. They need
time to round into midseason form
an, hit their real stride. This
ivy No xUn 1u 20
miliar with the playing ability of
the Barons can fail to foresee that
they have yet to show their full
ability.
At present there are several mem
bers of the Baron crew who have
made baseball history in Birming-
ham during the past several years
and who are destined to make
more such history, but who are now
playing far below the standard of
which they are capable. This is
said, not in a spirit of criticism.
because we firmly believe that these
men are ball players of real abili-
ty and are of that calibre who will
not lose their value to their club
In the long run because of tenn
porary slump.
"Big Bill McGilvray, erstwhile
premier hitter of the Southern
league, is causing Dixie hurlers
but little trouble at present. For a
hitter of the calibre of McGilvray
this slump might be characterized
by the term fearful Hence not a
few caustic fans deduce that large
William is slipping. They point to
the age, the bald Uranium. and 9th
er personal attributes of the Baron
first sacker. and obviously declare
that his days in Glass A are num-
bered 1t must be admitted, how
ever, that il McGilvray is slipping,
he has a long way to slip, and the
writer would like to venture the
prediction that he will slip some
more for several games before he
will be adjudged invaluable by the
Baron connoisseur of baseball abll
ity, Manager Molesworth. Bill is
destined to play several more games
ina Birmingham uniform, and those
fans who are predicting his down
fall Will yet live to see Baron de-
feats turned into victory by his
hefty willow.
In similar situation is Lii Mar
can. Some fans are prone to crit
icize the Baron second sacker be-
cause he hesitated to attach his sig
nature to "A Birmingham contract
this spring. In view of his recent
slump, dark hints are made that
Marcan is dissatisfied and that he
Is not giving Birmingham the best
in his stock. Such accusations are
ridiculous. Marcan, though playing
his best, is victim of just such
a slump rs is at present gripping
Bill McGilvray in its tolls And Mar
can is going to play a much better
game for Birmingham than he has
thus far, because Marcan is going
to hit his midseason stride. And
Marcan is going to be an important
factor in the Baron machine which
is. in turn, going to be just as inn
portant a factor in the pennant
race this season.
The absence of the hardworl<ing
Captain ELAN is sadly missed from