The Washington times., 1915-04-14
Yankees Better Team
Under DOnOpan'SHa
"Wild Bill'' Expected to Do Much With Highlanders
His International League Reputation Landed
Him New York Berth.
By LOUIS A. BOUCHER.

The Yankees of iJl5 seem to be con-
siderably improved over thee Yankees
of 1914. Whether they will finish high
er than sixth. their 1914 position, OF
course remains to be seen, but the out
look for the American Leaguers under
Bill Donovan is decidedly more promis-
ing than 1t was under Frank Chance a
year ago.
Bill Donovan comes to the Yankees
with a reputation in the International
League. He led the Providence club
into the championship last season when
few thought he had a chance. He dis
played excellent Judgment in the hand
ling Of his players and his victory was
most popular around the circuit
Donovan for years was one Of the
best pitchers in major league baseball.
He had to live down a reputation for
wildncss. Indeed. his nickname, wild
Bill" indicates his habits on the mound
during his earlier days. But he did live
1t down. and by the time he quit he
had hung up some of the best pitching
performances In the history of the
game. His work against the Chicago
Cubs for Detroit in the worlds series
was some OF the most polished pitching
ever witnessed.
Wherever Bill Donovan is known. he
is well liked. His sunny disposition
makes everybody his friend His choice
as manager of the Yankees after a Sc
ries of failures was greeted with ap-
plause In New York. and Captain Hus-
ton and Colonel Rupert were congratu-
lated on their wisdom in picking him
from the big field seeking the place.
The Yankees trained this spring at
Savannah. Ga. and did not meet with
hxr Id -
much valuable time because of rain and
cold weather. But Donovan stuck to his
task and he presents today at Georgia
avenue a ball club that must be con-
sidered. He had his pitchers go to Hot
Springs. Ark, for preliminary stunts
They ioncd the team at Savannah in
fair shape. Had they met with warm
weather then. they might today be
ready. But cold ocean breezes inter
fered with their conditioning and TODAY
Ray Caldwell. considered one OF the
best pitchers in the business is not able
to do himself justice.
However. the rest of the twirling
corps is ready for the gong The Yank-
ces have one Of the best veteran pitch
ing staffs in either big league. Where
Clark Griffith depends largely upon
youngsters Vet to bear the brunt OF
manv battles. Bill Donovan has a bunch
Of cool. crafty veterans. Ray Caldwell,
chief Of the Yanks' mound corps, is "A
right-handcr with plepty OF speed. a
good curve ball and perfect control In
addition he can hit as hard as many
players In other positions. Frequently
he has played the outfield because of
his hitting.
Jack Warhop, one Of the few pitchers
with an underhand delivery. is ex-
pected to show his oldtime class this
year for the Yanks. He has been with
them for five or six seasons, bus each
spring he shows enough form to held
his job in the face OF opposition.
Ray Heating, a big right -ha nder with
worlds Of speed. Is not yet in the best OF
condition, but when he rounds to he
will pitch some sterling ball for his
, team keating had n brilliant year In
/ 1913 and Bin Donovan expects him &c
come through with another this season.
Ray Fisher, the Vermont school mas.
! ter, is one of the hardest pitchers to lit
in the American League. JIe is also
a right handler
years ago, Is just now under the weat her
but Is expected to be a winner before
| the season Is far advanced.
| Marty MCHale, formerly with the Ros
! ton Red SoX, is also late in developing
! but may he good when he Is right
! Cy Pieh. a youngster. Is another twirl
cr from whom much is expected.
| In 1914 the Yankees inficld was con
sidered weak, but 1t has been strength
ened by the addition OF Walter Pipp a
| first base, and Luther Boone at second
| Pipp made an enviable reputation fol
himself at Catholic University couple