The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-04-14
BIG RACES BEGIN.
Continued from Page one.l

ton and New York of course have fine
clubs, while ST. Louis and Chicago
have fighting teams that will not
take defeats without giving their op-
ponents a great battle. The Phillies
have the greatest pitcher in America
in Grover Alexander, and that counts.
Cincinnati will foot a lot of folks.
Herzog has those boys out there hust-
ling and will put up quite a fight to
get in the first division"
New York fans figure that with
four teams in this city including
Brooklyn with the Federal League
club, there ought to be fair chance
of winning one of the three big pen
nants.
Locally the pomp and ceremony
which formerly signalled the open
ing game had been abandoned. There
were to be no speeches nor parades.
Jeff Tesreau, for the Giants, and Jeff
Pfeffer, for Brooklyn, were the OPP
posing pitchers selected for the first
game of the season.
At Washington.
Washington, April 14.-With Pres
ident Wilson ready to lay aside the
cares of his office and toss out the
first ball. thereby starting hostilities
between Washington and New York
American League baseball teams. Of
fetal and unofficial fandom was all
agog over the inauguration of the
baseball season here today.
The baseball spirit was in evidence
everywhere and indications were for
record breaking crowd. Govern
ment officials and employees pre-
pared to take half holiday in order
to witness the opening game
At Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, Pa. April 14.-Fine
weather greeted the fans. who trav-
eled to Shibe park to see the opening
game of the season between Philadel-
phia American League champions and
Boston.
This was Lajoie day, in honor of Ma
poleon Lajoie the veteran second
baseman, who came back to Philadel-
phia after an absence of g years.
Incidental to the opening, the 1914
American League pennant was flung
to the breeze. The battery predic-
Boston; Bush and Schang for Phila-
delphia.
At Cincinnati.
Cincinnati, April 14.-Weather con-
ditions were favorable early today for
an suspicious opening of the National
League championship season by the
Pittsburg and Cincinnati clubs. Man
ager Clarke announced that either
Adams or McQuillan would pitch and
Gibson or Schang catch for Pittsburg,
while Manager Herzog says he would
select Ames or Benton with Dorm to
do the catching.
At Boston.
Boston, April 1.-THE opening of
found the worlds champion Boston
team eager for its first game against
Philadelphia at Fenway park today
Mayor Curley had accepted an invi-
tation to throw the first ball. 1t was
expected that Rudolph would pitch
for Boston and Alexander for Phila-
delphia. The day opened clear and
cool.
At Chicago.
Chicago: Ill April 14.-With St
Louis as their opponents, the Chicago
Nationals were ready for the opening
game of the season here today. The
day was clear and preparations had
been made to handle a record break
ing crowd. Manager Bresnahan plan
ned to start Pitcher Vaughn, while
Sa1lee was the probable pitching Sc
whose fingers were damaged on the
training trip was IN improved condi-
ton and ready to take his turn be-
hind the plate. With Archer in the
game Bresnahan planned to direct the
play from the coaching lines.
At St Louis.
ST. Louis, Mo, April 14.-St. Louis
enthusiasts are ready for the four
teenth annual opening of the local
afternoon and the advance sale of
tickets indicated a record breaking
crowd Manager Rowland of the
Americans arrived this morn
ing and selected Jim Scott as pitcher
for his team.
Manager Hickey of the locals an
either Weilman or LoWder-
milk would go to the mound.
Ban B. Johnson, president of the
American League, and Charles c.
Comiskey, president of the Chicago
club will attend the initial contest