Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-03-05
BASEbALL'S OLD
GUARD STILL IS
HOLDING ITS own

New York, March %.-(AP)-Base-
balls "old guard" despite the. at
tacks Of time and the rockies, seems
ready and able to hold its own as the
major league clans prepare among
palm trees and orange groves for the
1926 season.
A few Of the veterans have given
ground. Some others. such as Hank
Gowdy, George Burns, Harry Hooper,
Dick Kerr and Bob Veach. have pass
ed from the big league picture. Most
of them, however, appear equipped
to offset the challenges of youth. Sell
dom, in fact have the prospects for
any season of recent years embraced
as much dependence upon the "old
reliables" as they do for this year.
The big four" Of the ''old guard
the men who still are setting much
of the pace after around q score OF
wears in major league service. are
Ty Cobb. Eddie Collins. Walter john
son and Iris Speaker. They are the
only stars under the "big top" today
who were in fast company as far
back as 1908.
Cobb is recovering from an eye OPP
Grafton which he expects to aid his
batting vision for his twenty-secono
season. 1t was not so dim last year
when he hit for 1889. Collins, starting
his 21st year, still ranks among the
greatest inflelders while also hand
ling managerial reins. Speaker may
not roam as far afield as he once did
but his batting eye is as good as ever
He Just missed leading the league
last year. Johnson, in his 2Oth season
Is counted upon to win at least ~
games for the Senators.
The careers OF other veterans give
promise of blooming with scarcely
less vitality. Zach Wheat. In his lStn
season, is the oldest National Leagus
in point of consecutive service, ye'
he demanded and has received the
high salary Of any Brooklyn player
for 1926. Max Carey, captain OF tne
Pirates and a hero Of the CLUB
world championship victory last 1ali
starts his 18th campaign. as does an
other "old master" Grover Cleveland
Alexander of the Chicago Cubs.
Recruits have been acquired by the
wholesale for the experimental pro-
cesses In the South. but veterans are
keystones in most Of the important
shifts made since last season
Brooklyn acquired Rabbit Maran
vile to plug an infield gap. Washing
ton has obtained Joe Bush. now II
his fifteenth season. to reinforce
pitching staff already well supplied
with veterans. Wally Pipp, waived
out Of the American League. Is
counted upon to fill Cincinnatfs frs
base hole if he comes to terms.
Babe Ruth was all but counted
OUT last season, after siege of III
ness, followed by poor playing year
but the Bambino has whipped him
self into condition for banner
campaign. He Is 80 now and expects
to stick to the big show until he is
40.
Most of these veterans are close &c
the 40-year mark now. and age wher
few athletes are able to withstand
the attack Of youth, Speaker. COBB
Collins and Johnson average exact
ly 40.
of the "old guard" follow:
Ty Cobb. Detroit, entered majors
1905 season starting %, age AZ.
Collins. White Sex, entered majors
1906 season starting, p. age 80.
Walter Johnson, WASHINGTON, en-
tered majors. 1907, season starting 20
age 3S.
Iris Speaker. entered majors 1908
season. starting 10. age 43.
Stuffy McInnis, Pittsburgh. entered
majors 1909, season starting Is, age
SO.
Zach Wheat. entered majors 1909
season starting IS, age 80.
Max Carey, entered majors 1911
season starting 16, age 36.
Grover Alexander, Cubs. entered
majors 1911, season starting 16, age
80.
Rabbit Maranville. Brooklyn. en-
tered majors 1912, season starting 10
age "a.
Ray Schalk. entered majors 1917
season starting Is. age 3S.
Joe Bush, Washington. entered ma
iors 1912 season starting Is. age "a
Heinie Groh. Giants. entered ma
1ors 1912, season starting Is, age IS
wally Schang. Browns, entered
majors 1913, season starting IA, age
33.
Babe Ruth, Yankees. entered ma
jors 1915, season starting II, age 81
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