Omaha daily bee., 1917-04-29
PREDICT HOT RACES
IN BIG LEAGUES
Presidents of National and
American Loops Prepare
for Real Warfare.
EFFECT OF THE WAR


races in their leagues this season.
They arc convinced that the different
teams in their organizations are pre-
pared to wage real warfare and that
the result OF both pennant races will
be in doubt until the stretch has been
reached,
They both appear to believe that
all of their teams have been strength
cned. Mr.. Tcncr asserts that he be
ieves that base bali will enjoy one Of
its most prospectus years in the
minors as well as the major leagues.
However, both presidents have cx-
pressed themselves in no uncertain
manner regarding war and if it is
found advisable will suspend base
ball operations. They advocate a war
pressed with all Vigor and seriousness
and if the government needs any part
of base ball to help it prosecute the
war to a successful and speedy con-
clusion they have said that they are
ready to turn over all the base balls
assets to the government.
In an interview Mr. Tcncr said l.:
MY judgment is based on antc-sca-
son conditions, but believe that base
ball generally will enjoy a prosperous
season"
President Tener's Statement.
Continuing, he said:
h0f rA1rra I tI,,, !
mindful that the contingency of a
war pressed with vigor on land and
sea might act as a deterrent on what
otherwise undoubtedly would prove
one OF the best year base ball ever
has experienced. This applied to the
minor as we'll as to the major leagues.
Speaking especially of the National
league, | am convinced that the race
this year will be equally as keen and
interesting as it was last season.
look for a great battle for honors
right up TO the end of the champion
ship schedule. am conscious that the
general public expects the New York
Giants to win the pennant without
any trouble-in fact many think
Manager McGraw will take his team
to the front and gradually widen the
gap between the Giants and the other
contenders until the former will make
a walkover race of the schedule
Il do not entertain any such idea.
The other clubs should give New
York stiff fight, and stranger
things in base ball have happened
than that the favorite should fail to
win. 1t is true that Extensively and
defensively the Giants arc a power
full combination, but Brooklyn, Phil
adclphia and Boston, all good teams
last year, and the Quakers and Braves
contenders for the title right up to
the finish, will have something to say
about the disposition of the pennant
this year. All three of these. clubs
look stronger than last year.
Youngsters Strengthen Pirates.
Then, again, the west may furnish
some surprises that the public little
anticipate. Undoubtedly Pittsburgh
has strengthened by the addition OF
young material. These youngsters
made the Pirates quite formidable at
the close Of last season. Mathewson
may spring a surprise in Cincinnati
At all events, the Reds are pretty GER
tain to be superior to the form they
showed last year.
Chicago will begin the season
handicapped by the loss of CAPTAIN
Doyle, but the team may be expected
to play the very best ball of which
it inherently is capable under Mana.
ger Mitchell, for whose ability | have
the highest respect, In ST. Louis the
new organizers are beginning the
season on the policy of building new
from the ground up. Therefore Man.
ager Higgins will be given a free
hand. not only to use all of the young
! blood at his disposal. but other new
players will be sought with the hope
that the team may be strengthened
to become a contender for the pen
nant.
While discussing the race in the
American league, Ban Johnson said
In the history OF the American
league there was never a year when
the organization was so we'll equipped
for championship race. A few days
ago | received letter from Connie
Mack, in which he gave me the assur
ance that he had a vastly improved
team over the club OF last year, and
one that was sure to prove factor
iii the championship contest. II we
can accept this declarations, then there
are eight contenders well balanced for
a grueling fight this season.
Four Prime Favorites.
Every one will conccde that Chi.
cago, Boston, New York and Detroit
are bound to be prime farorites. The
Cleveland club has been greatly
strengthened which is atteStcd by the
fact that Morton shows thus early ii
the spring all the strength he devel
oped in the beginning of last season
Joe Wood claims his right arm has
been we'll restored, so with Coveles.
kie, Bagby and Klepfer in support
| Cleveland is sure to have formidable
staff OF pitchers.
MANY wise base ball men contend.
ed last fall that New York would have
carried off the prize had it not beer
for the innumerable accidents that put
some OF its best players out OF com
mission during the summer"
The ST. Louis club, under the lead
ership OF Jones, must be reckoneG
with. Had the Browns started theil
tremendous drive bit earlier in the
season, the pennant might have gone
to the organization representing the
city by the big bridge. We all kaow
OF Boston's worth. and the fighting
spirit OF the Senators, under the guild
ance of that wise and skilled mana.
ger, Clark Griffith
War may place an indclbIe mari
| 1,,,N -