New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-11
Bv FRANK O'NElLL

Wilbcrt Robinson will lead hi.
Brooklyn Robins into action against
the Philadelphia Phllies At Ebbets
Field this afternoon in the opening
game Of the season. The Weather Bu-
reau has promised smiling skies and a
rising temperature.
Colonel Charles II. EbbCts, president
Of the Brooklyn club, announced last
night that the field was ready for use
and that the stands had been cleared
Of the snow and ice that accumulated
g. a result of the ,novstorm on Sunday
night.
Promptly at $3.50 o'clock this after
noon Hank ODay will announce the
batteries and sound the call "Play ball,
call which FlatbuSh fandom has
awaited since the dark days of last
October. Immediately after ODay has
issued his command Justice George
Frcifcld, OF the Municipal Court, Past
Grand Master of the Masonic order Of
this state. Will throw out the first bail.
Justice Freifcld has been IN training
for weeks. and AYERS. swears and oth-
orwise doposcs that no wild throws VIII
be charged to him.
May Use Two Pitchers
Jack Coombs probably will start the
game for the Robins. Robbie said last
night that Jack was I'm excellent condl-
ton. This might be taken as a prcdic-
ton. for when Jack is right he is prac-
tically unbeatable. However, Robbie
Will not risk ms venture on any lndi-
vidual Shcrrod Smith, the Georgia
southpaw, is prmcd and ready TO step
into the box for the champions should
the necessity arise.
Grover Cleveland Alexander is the
man on whom Pat Moran will depend
10 start the season properly for the
Quaker City band. The Phillies arrived
in this city last night and, according to
Moran, were in trim for the fray.
O. J. Dugey will guard second base
for the Phillies in the game to-day
and until such time as Bert Niehof'
the regular second sacker, is ready 10
take his place. This change will rob
the Phillies Of some offensive strength,
but with Alexander in the box not
great deal Of hitting power viii he
needed
Brooklyn will present the same fight
ing line that won the National League
championship last season, with two
tUduStA. LdNflU dbl IHufs AalA'N
Bunny for short, will cavort at short
stop in place Of Ivan Olson. The latter
has been shifted over to third base in
the absence Of Harry Mowrey. The lat
ter, known better as Mike. will be on
hand for the opening ceremonies.
Mowrey on Hand
Following a disagreement with the
management Mowrey announced his re-
tirement, but viii report to-day and
Will probably sign his contract. If he
does Olson may be assigned TO bench
duty, but for the present the plucky
Swede will guard the far turn.
Jimmie Johnston will lead off a. the
bat. with Bunny Fabrique in second po
sition and Jake Daubert third. The
only Buck Wheat Will hold forth in the
honored position as cleanup man. and
there is none better than Buck. Casey
Stengel hitting the bail as hard a.
ever, viii follow the Cherokee brave,
with Cutshaw. Olson, Chief Meyers and
Coombs following in order.
Nothing in the line Of pomp and Ger
emory has been overlooked by Charles
II. Ebbets TO add TO the splendor of the
opening Of the season. Shannon's brass
band will give concert, starting AZ -
o'clock. Shortly before 3 o'clock the
teams will form IN company front and
parade to the flagstaff in deep centre
field A brand new American flag Will
be flung 10 April's breeze amid the
strains Of "The Star Spangled Banner
Then the players viii march back
every one doing his best to keep in step.
The lineup OF the TWO teams follows:
............. t.fytfr frs