The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1917-10-04
HOW OUTF|ELDS OF
BIG TEAMS COMPARE
Both Aggregations Are Star
Performers And are
Heady Players.
lBy Associated Press)

EEW YORK, Oct. 1.-The Outfields
II clubs playing in a World Series form
the final line OF defense and much de-
ponds upon the ability OF the trio U!
players in the short but classic con
test staged each season Tor the base
bail championship. Deiensiye!y these
rutfelders must be fleet OF foot, sure
eatchers of long driven fly balls and
spinning grounders which have pene'
trated through the intield lines. In ad.
1ition they must possess a powerful
throwing arm, an accurate eye for dis
lance and direction and quick but
sound judgment regarding choice o:
players when such emergencies arise.
Considered broadly the outiields OF
the Chicago Americans and the New
Torkfl Giants which are to pit prowcss
in the coming World Series, meet these
requirements better than those OF any
two teams which lave met IN similar
series in some past seasons. There
NAV have been single triOs which
c!assed as high or higher but 1t is eX-
lremely doubtful il two World Series
clubs have entered the big clash IN
many years more evenly matched in
high grade outrield combinations than
those of the White SOX ana the Giants
Collectively and individually the
guardians of the outer lines are star
aggregations and the all.round play
of these combinations is expected to
be feature of the struggle. The very
mention of the names OF Jackson
Felsch, ]. Collins and Leibold for the
Chicago club and Burns, Kauff, Robert
son, Thorpe and Murray for the New
York team is sufficient TO start contro-
yersy among the fans. While there Is
some possible doubt as to how Mana
ger Rowland will align his outfield In
the opening game at Chicago on Satur-
day, it is likely that the trio will con-
sist Of Leibold, right field; Felsch, cen
ter field, and Jackson left field. The
Giants trio will consist OF Robertson,
right field; Kauff, center field, and
Burns, left field.
Based upon their records for the sea
son it would appear as though Robert
son had slight edge on Leibold in
comparison OF the work of these two
players in right field. Robertson out
ranks his rival both at bat and in field
speed on the bases and stolen bags, 1t Is
about an even break. Leibold has not
played in as many games as Robertson,
but both have seen sufficient service
to establish their standards. or the
two the New York player is thought by
some critics to be a better thrower
and more dangerous batter in pinch
especially in driving out extra base
hits.
There should be an exciting struggle
between Burns and jackson for honors
in left field as both are players OF ex.
ceptional talent. There is but point
or two difference in their batting and
fielding averages and each is star in
offensive and defensive play. Burns
is apparently a more successful base
stealer, leading Jackson in this feature
Of the game as well as in the total num-
Der of hits and runs scored.
Jackson is the more spectacular OF
the pair in play, both in his batting
and fielding, but Burns is perhaps the
more consistent. The White Sox star
is a matter OF tremendous power once
he hooks the ball, with a tendency to-
ward right field hitting. Burns is the
better waiter at the plate; hits to eth.
er right or left in about equal proper
ton and is harder batter to outguess
from both the standpoint Of the pitcher
and outfielder. The Giants left fielder
is a tireless worker, apparently i'm.
mune to injury as his record Of more
than 450 consecutive games of play
shows.
Fe!sch and Fauff. who will play cen.
ter field for the Chicago and New York
clubs respectively, are two players
who have sprung into national base.
ball prominence in the past few years.
Both are under thirty and have yet to
reach the height OF their diamond ca
reer. There are few outfielders in the
game today, however, who can excel
theee two;in general value and effec.
ttvnesB- both at bat and in the field.
Each Is . 800 or better hitter; fields
ever, ball within yards OF his position
m rms the bases Ike the proYerbial