The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-29

DTROIT, Mich, Dec. Swimming
The next pennant, which. with watch
ing the kiosk. is the fsVorite winter
sport of Detroit fans, is more popula r
this year than it has been for several
seasons past
1t looks as though the Tigers really
have a chance to be embroiIed in the
1si5 worlds series, both because their
team will be stronger than in 1914 and
because two OF their most formidable
rivals have been tapped for some of
their star talent There is one element
which will enter into the next cam
psign, however, that cannot be ex-
pressed in cold figures
The 1915 American League champion
snip so far as 1t is possible to form
an opinion from available dope. will go
20 that team among the contenders
which tries hardest. This does not mean
that St Louis, New York, Or Cleveland
can grab the gonfslon merely by
hustling, Nor do tho Athletics and
Washington appear to have enough
strength LEFT to figure in the final dash.
though il is never safe TO count out
thc club pilotcd by Connie Mack
Boston. Detroit. and Chicsgo-conced-
ing . good year TO four OF the Sox
pitchers appear To be SO nearly match
be the deciding factor. II the mem
bers of any one Of these clubs devote
all their time TO thinking about how
much more money they might have re-
ceived in the Federal League. or how
easy IL will be for them 10 tie III with
Gilmore's outfit If they do not deliver
the goods in the American League.
count that aggregation out The very
best efforts of the individuals ana q
strong team spirit will be necessary
TO bring success.
In 1914 the American League was in
rather demordlized condition. Alto
gsthcr too many players had their
minds on the mountains OF gold that
were offered to men who would hurdle
10 the outlaws Managers had little
control over the athletes and the brand
Of baseball in general was far below
the standard. The Athletics. who were
a wonderful outfit, were cosxed and
driven into playing little better than
the rest OF the bunch. but they were not
nearly so good AS in 1913. If Boston
had started to hustle a little earlier,
IL might have won the flag, while the
Tigers. had not Cobb been so unrortu-
nate in his piscatorial purchases. would
have beer so close TO the TOP that they
would have caused lot OF excitement.
The Tigers were one club that ap-
peared 10 be trying az long as there was
the remotest chance Of their winning
the 1914 pennant. In spite OF Cobb =
enforced absences. the team did not
quit. but went along and did The hest
it could without him until ths leaders
we're too far out in front TO be over
taken. Then there was a natural
Slackening of speed for which the men
hardly could be blamed. They main
tanned fair degree Of pepper right up
TO the end, however and would have
Owls I'D it'd ton kgH frin I te
harder in its final series with Washing
ton.
One Of the reasons why the Jungs-
leers look To be worth = bet in 1915 IL
that they can be depended on TO siye
their best efforts They have conf
dence in themselves, and If there is no
more bad luck I'm the way Of having
star players on the sick list they Will
be right in the hunt every minute. Cyea
IL they fall short OF the top place. SO
far as can be learned. every man on the
roster will be satisfied with his new
contract
I'D TO date the Nayiu employees have
stopped MP their ears when the siren
voice OF the Federal LeaEucrs bank
rolls have turned I'D. Instead OF woTry-
outlaws" are getting the 1915 Tigers
viii be willing TO work on the liberal
terms offered them by Mr.. Navln and
uUst to The worlds series 10 furnish
tcnl 3dGltlOnal - WaTd.
Whether tho same state Of mind o.
tsins ~ the other TWO club, thai look
DANGEROUS remains to he seen. II Bog
ton ~ =, Willing 10 hLsIIe rs tho Tigers,
Il win NJ a very iouGh club to beat FOR
Il has The best PITCHING star and IN"
bezs defensive outfield IN major lca-uc
ball Tie Red SoN do not make -
rnsnv rms a. the TIGERS. but they DO
not need them. because their pitching,