The Washington times., 1916-05-01

the prophets In the American League,
A dark horse IL likely to upset some
of the 80 teams which confidently looked
forward to winning the old 1915 banner.
This dark horse Is none other than
Cleveland.
Before the season opened. even with
Chick Gandil added to the roster. the
Indians did not appear more than or
dinari,y annoying. But with TITS
Speaker clouting the pellet for almost
400 and fielding in his old-fashioned
style. this team has found itself. II 10
running along now like most formid-
able aggregation.
Last week the Indians won five out OF
seven games played. banging out sixty
seven bingies for forty-two runs This
argues for considerable aggressive
strength in Lee Fohrs outfeld. No
other team made so many hits or as
many runs.
The acquisition Of Speaker has worked
n miracle In Cleveland. The Indians.
from being downhearted. have perked
up and actually think they have a
chance for the pennant The fans, from
being steady hammer-throwers have
regaineo their courage, and are packing
League Park whenever the weather Is
Cleveland has always been good ball
town. It has never had a pennant win
iner. but II has come mighty close 10 II
on one or two occasions. Before this
though the 81 fans tSs team ssa lost snd Ssd
turned their attention to amateur base
ball. Now all Is changed.
Jim Dunn. the new owner OF the IN
dams. is already the most popular man an
mas entered at once into the local spirit
on Cleveland. Nobody remembers that
he belongs in Chicago. So everybody
goes out to the ball park to yell Tor
Dunn and his Indians.
beneficial effect in Cleveland. No seat
costs more than $780, and the same
number Of reserved seats are placed
on sale daily and Sunday. No attempt
stated number. When they are gone,
the fans have to hustle to the park for
their tickets. $50,
The fans seem to have taken to this this
system at once , Not a COMPANY prayd. ht 10
cheer them on. the Indians have worked
up a fightlng spirit that threatens to
take them to the top OF the race: o.,
Keep your eyes on the Indians i9s
they may be the dark horse that VIII 90
something this year.
Though still a powerful aggregation.
the Red Sox don't look quite the same
without Iris Speaker in center field.
Duffy Lewis 10 wonderful fielder. his
running catch off Johnson Saturday be-
ing perfect. but Lewis does not begin 70
, be a Speaker at the bat or on the bases.
The champions infield Is aging
trife, too. particularly at third base.
Larry Gardner has been playing ball foT
q number OF years. and II shows In his
work, especially at the bat.
Four pitchers able to pitch consistently
-. lAa ANNR
Shore. Foster. Ruth. and Leonard able
TO perform right down the line. Carrigan
In we'll fortified in the box.
However. accidents come to the nest
of teams. and. II any one OF this quartet
f. injured. Carrigsn will be hard put to
it TO find capable substitutes. McHale.
Jones, Mays and Gregg will never equal
. any OF the first four.
When "Tillie" Walker RECEIVERS his
health. he should prove a welcome addi-
ton to the Red Sox outtleld. Walker Is
a first-class pegger. fair hitter; and
good in the field except on ground balls
An outfieid of Walker. Lewis. AMI
Hooper Is not the worst in the world.
The Red Sox will take a lot OF beat
Ing, but they won't have any runaway
thing of the 1916 pennant race. There
are too many other teams with eyes on
this Anal honors.
During this month the Western clubs
make their first invasion Of the sea-
board. and much depends upon their
showing in the East.
Today the Detroit Tigers look to be
the best team on the frontier. being
tied with the champions for first place.
But thew have vet to face the next
three clubs-Eoston. New York. and
washngton-all of which rank higher
than those teams which have been bat
Ting the Jungaleers.
In one way the Tigers are fortunate
In opening their invasion Of the East In
Philadelphia. Unless all signs fall. the
Tigers should benefit night at the Jump
next on the list. and finally they visit
Boston II the Tigers come East In
FIRST place. II Is a safe bet that they
won't 20 home at the top Of the pro-
cession. The going should DO too rough