Evening star., 1915-11-07

Perhaps 1T was because, not knowing
the Boston batters, he tried to make
them go after bad balls. and perhaps
it was because he was trif1e nervous
and anxious, realizing what big part
his work would ultimately play in the
chances Of his team to win"
johnson Has Most Speed.
Tyrus Raymond Cobb, regarded by all
American League pitchers as one of
the greatest little hitters in the game,
also saw Alexander in action for the
first time in the opening game of the
series. Tyrus was acting as base ball
expert. He looked Alexander over from
the stand. Now, Tyrus has always con-
tended that Walter Johnson is just about
the best pitcher he ever faced. Hav-
ing also read much of Alexander, Ty-
rus watched his work closely, SO as to
make a comparison of the two big
stars. / bumped into Ty the morning
after--the opening game in the lobby
of Philadelphia hotel.
What do you think of Alexander
Billg' was his opening sa1utation.
He is a wonderful pitcher" ! re-
piled. why. it Is almost uncanny the
way he keeps that low ball Of his at
the knee.
Il agree with you that he is some
pitcher, but he didn't show me as good
a fast ball as I had looked for. His
speed is terrific, but you know I have
been batting against Walter johnson
considerable this year After all, he
is the only pitcher I ever saw who
could throw the ball by you.''
To my way of thinking the great
Cobb had paid johnson a very unique
compliment. Being able to buzz the
ball past the batter before he can de-
eide just when he should start swing
ing is quite an art, but all American
league batters will freely confess that
when Johnson goes into high speed he
can turn the trick.
The records of the 1915 race in the
two major leagues show Alexander up
to better advantage, with thirty-on
victories to his credit and ONLY eight
defeats, while johnson captured TWEEN
ty-eight games and suffered thirteen
reverses. Records don't always prove
greatness. for many conditions must
also be figured in with the games won
and lost In just six of his thirteen de-
ieats the washington club was shut
out, so that Johnson's chances of VIC
tory in those starts were mighty slim.
Johnson Saves Speed
During the past three or four years
Johnson's work has not been as i'm
pressive as in former years. His strike
out list has not been nearly SO big
and his few hit games have been much
scarcer. I attribute this to the fact
| that johnson does not always work q,
top speed, as was his custom at one
time. His sole desire is to win, and
do 1t as easily as possible. Only when
in the hole. or when the score is tied, is
he putting all his stuff on the ball a
run or two advantage always causes
him to ease up triie. Johnson's
work in the two final games of the
| year gives one real idea what he
can do when pressed He was sent In
against the two leaders, Boston and
Detroit, with instructions TO cut loose
In the Detroit game, which he won,
to 0. he struck out ten men III the first
| five innings. Then a two-run LEAD
caused him to ease UP. In his Boston
game hes was victorious. s to /. Whit
fing eight of the present world cham.
/ pions.
| Despite the world series reverse
Philadelphians still regard Alexander
as the greatest ever. It is a cinch
| however, that the Washington enthusi.
asts wouldn't stand for an even trade
Both are master workmen. Look theil
| records over and take your choice; yor
can't go wrong either way.
Gopyrisht, 1915. by W. G. Esans.l