Norwich bulletin., 1915-04-14
"PLAY BALL" WILL RING OUT TODAY
Two Major Leagues American and National, Open Their
Season-BasebaN Men Confident That the Game VIII
be Well PatronizedHN. F. A. Plays First Home Game
Against All Stars.

The call of play will sound to-
day for the two major leagues OF
organized baseball. Despite the war
among the nations abroad and the
continuation Of strife between diver
gent baseball interests at home, big
league magnates expressed belief that
the coming season would be a sue
cessful one for the game. Influences
and other factors mitigating against
interest in the sport declared to have
spent their force and baseball men
seem confident that the game Will be
again well patron1zed by the public
New managers in two cities in each
league will make their bows today.
In the National League, Roger Bres-
nahan will lead the Chicago Cubs on
the diamond, while Pat" Moran will
perform similar office in Philadel-
phia- In the American League, Clar-
ence Rowland will appear as the new
manager of the Chicago White Sox
and William Donovan will begin tu-
telage Of the New Yorks in what their
friends hope will be an upward course.
In the opening games in the Ma
tional League Brooklyn will play in
New York, Philadelphia in Boston,
Pittsburgh in Cincinnati and st. Louis
in Chicago.
In the American League the openings
VIII be: New York in Washington,
Boston in Philadelphia, Chicago in st.
Louis and Cleveland in Detroit.
In the game in New York city,
Manager McGraw is expected to pre-
sent Jeff Tesreau as his boxman, while
either Pfeiffer or Atchison will occu-
py the mound for Brooklyn. George
Burns, the Giants crack fielder and
batsman, laid up for some time by
an accident will be at his old station
in left field for the opening game,
it was said tonight. Brooklyn, how
ever. will still be without the services
Of First Basenan Jake Daubert, who
has not sufficiently recovered from his
recent injury to be able to take part
in the game.
How the majors will start the sea-
son:
American League
Athletics-The 100000 infield brok-
en- UP by loss of Collins and Baker
Bender and Plank take away pitching
steadiness from the team. Coombs al
so possible loss, in coaching at least.
Joie probably will help club. Ath-
letics. however, surely not as strong as
in 1914. although with Connie Mack
at helm always have chance for flag.
Bcston-Start season with expert
enced inf1eld, rated pretty high by ex-
perts. Outfield considered best all
round trio in league. Pitching staff
stl ong, and will be greatly strength
ened II Joe Wood displays his 1913
form. Red Sox general favorites for
1915 pennant, and not without good
reason.
Washington-Walter johnson may
make or break the Nationals. If
he is permitted to remain with Wash
ington all season and is the pitcher
he was in 1913, Griffith's club will be
dangerous. Infield well balanced and
outfield big league calibre. Good catch
erS. Senators almost certain to be in
the fight all the way.
Detroit-Ffrst- class inf1eld, with ex-
per1enced guardians Of first and
second sacks. "Old War Horse"
pitching corps should put the Tigers
In the running. If Cobb plays regu-
larry and up to his inimitable stand
ard and Crawford slugs ball as he did
In 1914, Detroit ought to be flag con-
tender, although not favorite.
st. Louis-An uncertain proposition.
Unusually effective twirling> staff, if
up to last seasons mark Several
topnotch batsmen. Fair, but rather
unsteady, all-round team. Branch
Hickey inspiring manager. Browns
not regarded as championship nine
but may battle for first division berth.
New York-New and aggressive
manager. Bill Donovan, who landed
providence in first place in Interna-
tlona1 League last year. Yankees not
wen balanced, but have good pitchers
Hard club to dope" Not expected
~ W4n PSnuanC IQ1S year.
Chicago-Clarence Rowland, new
manager. without big league expert
ence. Eddie Collins will strengthen
White Sox on attack and defense, as
well as in brain department Hurting
corps must show Improvement over
1914. Star young catchers. Chicago
regarded as most uncertain PROPOSE
ton In league. Likely to make trouble
for other clubs.
Cleveland-Loss OF the experienced
La5oie may be serious handicap,
although his playing not up to stand
ard In 1914. Joe Jackson uncertain.
manager Birmingham must rebuild
team. Indians appear to have, no
chance for flag and must fight to i'm
my their way out Of last place.
National League.
Boston-With veteran infield, outfe1d
strengthened by addition of smuggling
Sherwood Magee, tried backstops and
excellent pitching staff reinforced by
youngsters who showed class towards
the nnlsn OF the 1914 campaign. the
Braves are picked by a majority to
repeat.
New York-Lobert's acquisition for
| third base Job and F1etcher's improve
| ment as shortstop should give McGraw
q steady infield. Outfeld only fair
II Mathewson. Marquard and Tesreau
| hold up the twirling department, " III
| assistance from Fromme and Perritt,
the Giants are sure to be around the
top. with an excellent chance of "cop-
ping"
st. Loufs-Competent bunch of hurl-
ers, topped by Doak. Infield good.
Outfeld uncertain. Loss of Lee Ma
| gee. inf1elder and outfelder: Wingo,
INST class catcher and Ferritt, high
grade pitcher, hurt the club.
Chicago-Roger Bresnahan. expe-
| r1enced ard spirited. but now manager
| Excellent catchers. Pitcher, promfs-
ing. Cubs must strengthen second
base and shortstop positions. Strong
| batting team: several sluggers.
Brooklyn-One of the best batting