The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-12-26
FAMILIAR PLAYERS TO TAKE.
REGULAR ROLES ON DIAMOND
Hornsby, Vance, CuyIer, Bot
tomley, and Hack WiIson'vvilI
Be Found at Old Positions
in National League; All Of
Them 1923 Leaders.
By HENRY FARRELL

Familiar names are found in the
ma ority of the places on the National
leagues list of distinguished perform
ers for 1928. And those who have not
been listed in previous years hardly
need an introduction as strangers.
In batting. fielding, pitching and
base running the familiar names of
Rogers Hornsby. Dazzy Vance. Kiki
Cuyler. i'm Bottomley and Hack Will
son are in accustomed places. and the
newcomers. Larry Benton and Taylor
Douthit, aren't infant prodigieS by
several seasons.
Mr.. Hornsby occupied a role in the
years doings that he has been well
fitted for by past experience. He lost
his job as manager. was traded to an
other club. and led the league in bat
ting for the seventh time III ten years
He now needs only one more year as
the champion batter to tie the record
of Honus Wagner.
Hornsby's average for the year was
1897, which was behind his 1897 for
1921, .401 for 1922, .424 for 1924, and
.4O3 for 1925, but it was enough to
give a comfortable margin over Paul
Waner's $40 and Fred Lindstrom's
1853. which were second and third be-
hind him.
Did Some Real Hitting
Jim oBttomley. winner Of the most
valuable player prize, may have beer
the most valuable hitter III the league
even if he was way down the line
with seasons average OF 1875.
Bottomley hit for the most tota
bases, 362; the most triples: 20; anc
tied with Hack Wilson for the mos
home runs with total of 81.
From a spectacular standpoint
Larry Benton was the standout pitch.
er of the year. He won Is games a11e
lost 9 and almost pitched the Giant!
lone-handed into the pennant. HI
was the fifth on the list of earned rur
averages with 27.3. Benton also dis
tinguished himself as being the frs
pitcher since Christy Mathewson wht
was excused from taking bench orders
from John McGraw when he wa
working.
The Dazzler Did Noble
Considering the hopeless position h
wtas in, the real pitching of the yea
was done by Dazzy Vance. who, IL
the opinion of the ball players, is tn
greatest pitcher in baseball. He VOL
% games and lost 10 for terribl
Brooklyn ball club. and with prac
tically no defense but his own skill
he held the opposition to 200 runs pc
game and was first on the list.
The weight Of the burden imposes
upon him may be seen in the records
which show that he famed 200 bat
tiers. leading both leagues. It was hi
seventh year as the strke-oue king o
his league, and in that time he ha
struck out a total Of 1888 batsmen
Kiki Cuyler had a tough time get
ting going with the Chicago Cubs
and his batting and fielding suffere,
by slump that held him fast for tn
entire first half of the season. Blu
the slump didn't slow him up on hi
feet and he led the base runners will
81 steals.
Nearly Got Fired for II
Taylor Douthit, the st. Louis out
fielder. who was threatened with tn
gate by his employers after he wa
caught out Of position on coupl
OF smacks In the world series, was tn
outstanding fielder Of the year.
He set new league records for put
outs with SAT, for chances accepted
557, and for total chances, 566. TIL
| former records were made 1923 b
Max Carey, then with the Pittsburgl
Pirates. Douthit was also one OF tn
seven players who played in ever
game Of the season.
On their fielding averages the all
star nfield Of the season would b
Grimm. first base: Frisch, secon
base: Ford. shortstop: and Lndstton
third base.