The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-05-19
JAkE'S JUNK.

The performance Of the Kaws has
afirmed our opinion expressed before
the season opened in which we
claimed that the pitching staff would
be the weak spot-if any weakness
developed at all. The pitching staff
Of the Kaws. up to date, has been
disappointment and but one man has
performed consistently. Paul Brown.
Faircloth does well at times, but can
not be depended upon. Barney Nc
Grath and Pepper Clarke are improv-
ing but their future is in doubt, al
though Manager Dale Gear is con-
fident that they will show form soon.
Here's hoping.
Pa Rourke's new team has been a
disappointment. With but two men
Of last years lineup excepting the
picked up a bunch with which he ex-
pected to ''show up" the Western
league. He has had a long list of
pitchers on his staff this season. but
as rule. they have not proved eff
fective. He has but one or two on
the star which appear to have class.
The st. Joe writer's think Hollands
team is stronger than the Denver ag-
gregation but this department fails
to understand it that way. The st.
Joe club has not a Joe Kelly, Zwilling
outfield, is stronger at first and Sec
ond than ever before but Britton as
shortstop is not as good a fielder as
Meinke. who was on the club last
year. The st. Joe club does not ap-
pear to be any stronger than last
season.
Jim Kane, playing first base with
Sioux City, is prancing around the
initial station like two year old. He,
was one of the veterans of the Omaha
club who was unloaded by Pa Rourke
and was one Of the members Of the
wrecking crew which made the Oma-
hogs bite the dust only a short while
ago.
President Tip o'NeiHehas overruled
his umpiress in the decision which
between the Topeka and Des Moines
clubs last Saturday. He has ordered
the game played over. Taking a long
distance glance at the play and the
decision. this department agrees with
Prexy and Gny sane umpire should
have known different. The informa-
ton coming from Des Moines. we
thought at the time to be prejudiced
and not accurate. Our apology to the
Des Moines correspondents.
Umpire George Segrist Of last
year D SS6ll HAS lludlly IetuInCu 10
work and is assigned with Umpire
Harry Parent. who opened the season
in Topeka. Parent gave satisfaction
while here. Knowing the ability of
Segrist. it will be a treat to watch this
pair ofilciate.
Jack Haskell. chief Of the umpires
OF the Western league, has been
working alone all season.
Practically every manager in the
country il complaining Of attendance.
are not to blame. OF course the
teams have not been playing high
class ball and that is accounted for
by the same reason that the fans
have not been attending the games.
The weather is responsible for the en-,
tire affair. and even the scorers are
tired wearing heavy clothes and
icicles of their chins.
Pitcher Wheatly, with the Sioux
City club asst year. was released by
Josh Clarke this spring because of his
wildness. Wheatly returned to his
home in Kansas City and was taken
on for a trial with the Blues. In his
nrst appearance. Wheatly was
Nerve il about all he
has left but he has plenty. Of that.
Frank Isbell Of the Des Moines
club also is having his troubles in
getting his pitchers in condition. In
fact, the trouble is general through
out the entire country. Isbell is try
ing to get better men but the Feds
have given the major league mana
gers q chill. causing them to hold
their youngsters to prevent a total
loss.
A number of New England leaguers
have been shown in this section of
the country and Mel Wolfgang, with
Denver last year. is the only one that
looked like a good performer. George
Boehler. with ST. Joe. was another
but he was erratic and pitched a good
game only occasionally At that his