Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-08-23

Another week did not serve 20
lessen the tension in the pennant
races in either of the major leagues.
Six teams-three in each league
still are very much in the running
and the outcome is as uncertain as
it has been for weeks. The stand
ing of the leaders could be COM
pletely reversed in a few days, and
may be, and again It may not.
Cincinnati, Brooklyn and New
York, in the National and Cleve-
land, Chicago and New York in the
American are travelling a pretty
even pace. The Champion Reds,
however, are playing the kind of
BAN that makes them favortes.
At the present time they seem to
have a slight edge over their rivals
on form,
notwithstanding the tragic death
of Ray Chapman, CIeveland's star
shortstop, the Indians took two out
of three games from New York.
Lunte, who took up the burden of
the shortfield position in the series
against the Yankees, played well,
accepting all of his chances and
made two hits out of four times up
in the third game of the series.
Unfortunately for Carl Mays,
New York pitcher who threw the
ball that resulted in fatal injury to
Ray Chapman, he has been unpop-
- %
American league for several years.
He has been known by players and
fans alike as the bean BALI pitch
er and has been quoted by sport
writer's in defending himself of that
charge as saying that he never hit
a batter intentionally, but that h"
had trouble controlling his fast
ball a recent statement of two
umpires said that Mays constantly
roughed one side of the ball SO he
could get a quick break on it, un-
til the rules outlawed that action.
Last year, Mays became angered
at a Philadelphia fan and hurled
the ball into the stands. striking
Tie spectator. For this he was
fined and suspended and refused to
pay the fine. Later he was purchas-
ed from the Boston club by New
York, before President Ban john
son. of the American league had
lifted his suspension. A row which
for time threatened to disrupt
the league followed and was not
settled until last winner.
This is merely a recital of some
Of Mays history, and is no attempt
to charge him with improper mo-
tives when he made the fatal pitch.
Press reports say Mays said the
fatal injury was purely an accident.
1t will be so recorded and so re-
garded. Mays and everyone else
regrets the accident.
The fatal injury to Ray Chap
man, Cleveland's star shortstop,
was one of the greatest tragedies.
baseball has ever suffered. He was
one of the most popular players in
the game and will be greatly
Just what effect his tragic
death will have on the playing or
the Cleveland team remains to pc
seen but it is likely to materially
affect the clubs pennant prospects.
1t may break the morale of speak
er's men. Merely an injury when
would have kept Chapman out OF
the game would have hurt CleVe-
lands prospects hut it would not
have had the effect that attends his
SUDDEN death. Chapman is gone.
not only as an active member OF
the Cleveland team, but as an lnti-
mate friend and associate OF ms
teammates who held him in high
esteem. No matter how well ms
plays the game he can
not take Ray Chapman's place, ior
Chapman, although dead. will I'VE
In the memory of Cleveland play
ers and he will be missed. Cieve-
land may yet win the pennant bat
The team faces severe handicap.
Manager Iris Speaker has Two
good inficders, substitutes, one OF
whom will likely get q regular
berth as successor to Chapman at
shortstop position. They are Lunte
and Evans. Both are good infield-
ers. Evans probably is a better
general utility infield man tha'
Lunte but Lunte is considered
rood shortstop and has been Chap-
mans understudy for a couple OF
ears. If Lunte shows his past form
he probably will be given the late
tar's place in the regular lineup
While Evans will be kept for gem
raj utility duty in the infield.
unite not only has given promise
II becoming a great shortstop but
lie is fast on the bases, His hit