New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-18
Men of the Dead Circuit
Showing to Advantage
with Donovan.
BY GRANTLAND RICE.

ID to this moment the Yankee addi-
lions Baker, Magee, Gedeon and Gill
hooley-have gotten away to much
fancier start than the Giant additions,
comprising Kauf, Roush, Rariden and
Anderson. The historical value Of a
comparison based upon two or three
games may be wellnigh null and void,
but it ia at least enough for the pent-
up fanatic 10 use as debating material.
For the 1916 campaign the Yanks and
Giants each added four new regulars,
and SIX Of these came from the vanished
Feds. SO far the Yankee quartet has
been in much better tune. The Giants
in the main have had 20 depend upon
their veterans, Burns, Doyle and les
reau leading, while most OF the thrills
from Yankee land have come from
Baker, Gedeon and Magee. This latter
trio has hit the ball hard, far and
often. with something like ten hits in
two games. Whereas Kauif Is still lag
eing with only two hits IN three con-
tests.
The prevailing atmospheric condi-
lions permitting to-day. Benny will en-
Brooklyn, upon which soil he led the
Fed circuit last year. But even with a
brisk start, Kauff Will have to hustle
TO keep pace with Baker IN local es-
teen. OF the eight additions named
above we should say that Baker viii
be the seasons main hero IN New York
hsunts, with Keuf facing tough fight
10 beat out Lee Magee. Baker is not
only in fine physical shape FOR hard
season, but he IS also lmbued with a
keen ambition TO deliver for the big
town.
Being a star with the old Mackian
outfit was nothing out Of the ordinary.
They were all stars. where IL was hard
for one athlete TO shine with any great
glow. But Yankee fans have never had
popular hero since Hal Chase wrecked
the affection that was once his. and
now Baker. a modest and earnest work
or, is more than usually anxious 10
make good for the clan that has wei
coined him with such spontaneous
output Of the hip-hip stuff. The talent
he has for busting the ball. plus the
new ambition in his soul, should give
John Franklin, Of Trappe. the best year
he has ever known. We take this occa-
sion TO contribute some words Of New
York welcome to a visiting ball player
who was batting 300 in the major
leagues just twenty years ago.
We refer TO Napoleon LajOie. OF
/ Woonsocket. Il. |. and Philadelphia
Back in 1896, in total OF thirty-eigh;
games with Philadelphia. Larry batted
1881. He was then just twenty-One
/ years old. Twenty years later the big
/ Frenchman IL representing the same
city on the ball field. He Will be forty
one on the 9th Of this coming Septem.
Der. He IL the games veteran, as hC
was in harness four playing months
before Hans Wagner left Paterson. y
j.. for Louisville. Ky. Larry is now
serving his twenty-hrst season. liz
and Wagner are types of the oldtimc
player big. powerful men from =
regime that was largely built up oil
stalwarfs.
Larry, tho Larruper, will appear
against the Yanks to-day and Wcdnes
day. And when he steps 10 bat there
Will be no lank pitchers taking the
occasion with light-hearted lcvity.
new peril has come out OF the
West Before the season opened IN tho
National League the pennant was off
CHILLY awarded by the Dope Circuit "a
one Of four clubs Boston. Brooklyn
Philadelphia or New York al Eastern
entries. Now the Reds, with Hal Chas,
added. are kicking up vast clouds OF
dust. They have three great iafclders in
Chase, Herzog and Groh, and four fin,
pitchers in Touey, Dale. Schneider anc
/ Mckcncry. The outhcld is nothing &c
rave about. but the main flag essential,
are the pitching and the inteld. wher,
the Reds are AZ their best.
They have enough strength here tC
raise quite "A rumpus and even finish
as high a. third II Herzog could only
add a hard-hitting outfclder he could
raise the we'll known dickens IN III,
course Of the campaign. The unlocked
for strength Of the Reds only adds "a
National League complications. n the
! Braves don't jump too far IN front thu.
circuit will furnish race close enough
20 make your hair curl In a series Of
kinky spirsls.