New Britain herald., 1928-09-22
DIAMOND VETERANS |
 PUSH YOUTH ASIDf|
West Ends, Composed of Old
 Timers, Upset Title Dope

made for the City League cham- pionship game between the West Ends and the Pirates, which result ed in a victory for the former last Saturday, the fact that the Pirates outfit was made up of players who nave been ill the game a consider ably shorter period than have the new champions was quite generally commented on, and as the game progressed it was apparent that one of the greatest factors in settling the issue was the experience of the older players, which enabled them to take full advantage of every break.
 It was not the first time in the athletic history of New Britain that a championship in a diamond battle went to a team of veterans over a club of youths. and undoubtedly many fans in the city who were in the bleachers last Saturday recalled a series that ended in much the same way at Pioneer field on Ellis street in 1913, just 15 years ago this season. The Independents, managed by Jim Luby, and the Pioneers, un- der management of the late Julius Rosna. were the foes and the Inde- pendents won three straight games and the championship of the citS.
 Throughout the season of 1913, the Pioneers rode roughshod over string of crack semi-pro clubs, in- cluding .;"isord Springs. Williman- tic. the Irish Boys of Wallingfofd, the Newfields of Bridgeport and number of others high up in the race for the state honors. while the Independents were having a touglA time with their schedule, losing number of hard fought games at home and on the road. The Royals of Hartford. Manchester and other high class teams locked horns with the Lubyites and while the locals played good bal their record on pa per was not nearly as impressive as that of the Pioneers.
 Hot Rivalry For Title
 Both local clubs were pointed for the championship series and the rivalry between players and rooters was fully as hot as that between the Burritts and Falcons or any of the present Industrial or City League teams. In addition to the will to win for the glory that went with vic- tory, the clubs had an eye to the financial end of the series. for the split" was on a 60-40 basis and up- wards of 2.000 fans were certain to be on hand for every game. The in 1912 had polished of the Pioneers for the ampion- ship but the teams seemed to be more evenly matched in 1913, al- though as it turned out, the Inde- pendents were far too classy for their younger opponents.
 The players who took part in that series and are active in the game to- day, are: Mickey Noonan, who caught for the Pioneers and is now doing the backstopping for the Fal- cons; Warner Johnson. who twirled for the Pioneers and was relief pitcher for the Stanley Works, champions of the Industrial League this season; Joe Fitzpatrick. Pioneer first baseman who starred for the Rangers in the clash with Kensing- ton last Sunday: Buggy" Fitz- patrick, third baseman and leading hitter for the Pioneers, who was with local teams early this season: Steve Dudack. who played the outfield for the Pioneers and still roams the pasture for the Gascos; Johnny Schroeder, who caught for the h. and has tho same job with the Stanley Works; Red" who played shortstop for the Independents and was main- stay of<he West Ends this year, playing third base, second base and the outfield. besides yielding a potent bat; Eddie Goeb. star out fielder for the Independents and one of the leading members of the Landers club in the Industrial League.
 Blanchctte's Big Season
 Tommy Blanchette, whose pitch ing was one of the sensations of the City league season, had one of hls best seasons in 1913 when he twirl. ed for the Traut & Hine team in the Industrial league, and also worked for other teams in Sunday games. the Traut & Hine outfit was weak, due principally to the fact that there were comparatively few baseball players employed in the plant, Blanchette managed to win a game now and then. It was common talk in the league, though, anyone who hit the ball on the fly balls that should have been easy puts often went for base hits. Blanchette. according to the rec ords of the league for that season, struck out IS men in a game against yorbin Consolidated at Pioneer
 field, yet lost the game by several runs. Had he been with one of the eading teams. he would probably nave gone through without defeat, md his success in the City league his year made him look more like he star of other days than he has n any season in the meantime.
 Basile Stars Despite Handicap
 Another veteran of IS seasons or nore is Tommy Basil. who had one ,f his most successful seasons in he outfield for the West Ends. AL hough having but one arm, Tommy s one of the surest outfielders in he City league and Is always up lmong the leading hitters. His work las for some time been a feature of he West Ends drive for the cham ,ionship and in the deciding game everyone on both teams and among he spectators realized that the end lad come when Tommy got set un- Ter Bill Mangan's high fly to cen-