The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-14
LOOKOUT STOCK HAS TAKEN JUMP SINCE SIGNING OF PITCHER
George Cunningham, New Twirler, Greatly Increases Strength of Chatta-
 nOoga Team

Chattanooga, Tenn. March A13.-(Spe- oialD-Purchase of Pitcher George Cum ningham this week caused more baseball enthusiasm here than anything that has happened in recent seasons. Whatever happens to the rest of the team, local experts now figure that the pitching staff is as good as any of them The staff as it stands at present seems likely to con stst of Marshall Noel. Cunningham and Vines right handlers, and either York or Hassig to serve up portslde offerings. There are a number of other pitchers among Nicklin's bunch of rockies, but none who give promise of beating any of these boxmen out if their berths.
 York Is showing lots of class in prac- tice He was picked up by athletic scouts from an army team, having served through the war overseas When he finally signed Lookout contract, after some uncertainty as to title to his serv ices, he was still in the army and sta tioned at Camp Pike. Hassig, the other southpaw, fs also a soldier. NicSlin is giving careful personal attention to both pitchers in the early drills of the team, and hopes that one of them will come through. If one of them makes good, the staff will look like a big winner. on paper at least, as Cunningham and Marshall are rated among the best that ever hit V pecially Vines, showed exceptional prom ise last season. Vines is the only one of the five not signed; he is working out at the camp of the Brooklyn Nationals at Jacksonville, Fla, and trying to persuade Niol1lin to give him to the Robins for tryout.
 CATCHING ARGUMENT
 There will be some merry competition for the honor of playing second fiddle to Doc Neioerkorn behind the bat. Three athletes are battling for the job-Whit Farp, of last years team; Daheney, the former Chickasaw, and Decker, young ster from St. Louis An equally interest ing contest is in progress at first base where Cy Anderson of last years team is opposed by Gross, an Eastern leaguer, and local boy; Beiderman of the St. Louis lots, and Burns, a Three-Eye veteran, who Is just getting out of the army. The latter is said to be a good hitter; he has just been signed, and is regarded as a probability for regular duty.
 Billy Gleason, second sacker and Henry Doemoe, ehortstop, are still unsigned. young city ieaguer named Burton is the only rival of Gleason for second sacker duties At shortstop, Gerdes, who has lust reported from Detroit, and Sergeant, the Birmingham semi-pro, are cavoFting just at present Fred Graff, the veteran, set at rest all hopes that he would play this season by returning to Pennsylvania Thursday, and the only prospect for third base at present is one Nick Reidy, serni-pro from St Louis.
 It is not impossible that Gerdes will be shifted to third when Denoe reports Gerdes has played both short and third. IfIe was picked up in the steel league by a Detroit ivory hunter, and if he should hold down the hot corner Chattanooga would be swapping third sackers with the industrial circuit.
 It's mery chase in the outfeld, with Bratchi, of last year L5olSouts, still hold ing out: Burke and Charity, ex-Galves- ton fielder, and Daniels still uncertain, with flock of youngsters so thick in the gardens that it is difficult for fly chaeers to keep from falling over each other.