Evening star., 1918-01-27
BY BILLY EVANS.

AncoupIe Of seasons back Cleveland
made a trade with the Washington
club for Joe Boehling. At the time
the trade was made it seemed Cleve-
land was getting mono the best of the
transaction. Fandom couldn't quite
dope out tho reason for tho transfer.
Practically no one. except those on the
inside, knew the one big reason for the
deal It was not dwelled on at length,
because 1t was a reason that might
have been hard to mako many fans
thoroughly understand
1t has been more or less matter of
history that few clubs have ever been
able to win a pennant without first
class left-handed pitcher. Cleveland
had pennant aspirations Cleveland
needed such pitcher. Boehling, when
the deal was put over. was considered
In that class. At the particular time
when the deal was arranged the Bos-
ton and Chicago clubs seemed to be the
two teams Cleveland must beat. II it
base ball fact that certain pitchers
show their best form against one GER
tain team. sometimes against two
teams.
Boehling Puzzle for the sox.
Strangely enough, the two teams Joe
Boehling had always been able to beat,
since he Joined the American League,
We're Chicago and Boston. the clubs
who were pressing Cleveland hardest.
1t looked as If the Boehling transac-
tfon was the very thing needed to
bpost C1eveland's pennant chance.
That is the one big reason why Boehl-
ing was secured. Had Boehling been
able to show his old-tine form against
those two teams the deal would have
proven a ten-strike for Cleveland. But
the best-laid plans are often 5olted.
had against Boston and Chicago was
lost the moment he donned a Cleveland
uniform. Joe experienced trouble
beating any old team after he left
Washington.
1T is almost uncanny the way GER
tain pitchers beat certain clubs with
regularity. Against all other clubs
they may be just so-so. but, when pit
ted against their favorite attraction,
they are invincible. There have been
club has carried pitcher, simply for
his ability to beat a certain club, rec
OEnized as strong pennant contender
As an example, I need only recall the
Richie caused John McGraw to pass
many a sleepless night. The New York
Giants were made to order for Richie.
His great success against that club won
Tor him the title OF Giant Killer.
Long after he ceased to be effective
against the seven other clubs. Richie
continued to topple over McGraw,s ag-
gregation with ease.
Coombs Bafaed Giants.
Back in 1911 Jack Coombs started to
trim the New York Giants. He made
his beginning in the world series of that
year. He made his debut against Mat
thewson, beating the "old MASTER" 3 to
in eleven innings. Up to the ninth
inning, Mathewson led to o. but in
that inning Baker hit one Of his his
tory making home runs into the right
0eld stand. which evened up the count.
The Athletics, two innings later, breez-
ed home a winner. That victory evil
IDENTIFY gave Coombs the Indian sign on
the Giants. During the days of the
Federal League, Mack granted Coombs
his unconditional release. He signed
with Brooklyn OF the National League
Although illness had undermined his
strength. although he possessed only
about half his former speed and curves,
Coombs at once began to be thorn in
the side of the Giants. II am not
mistaken he beat the New York club
eleven straight times, as a member of
the Brooklyn club. before the Giants
were able to take his measure.
Eddie C1cotte, the sensation Of the
American League last year because of
his remarkable pitching and the moaf-