Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-19
CONNIE SURPRISED
HIS OWN PLAYERS
Leader Had to CONVINCE Club
Ehmke Was Smart Choice
to Pitch Opener.
BY GEORGE MOkIARTY.
Big LeaRus Umpire,

TIME elements of wisdom, daring
and mystery which entered into
the world series between the
Il Athletics and the Cubs left the
fans IN the somewhat double
state Of admiration and perplexity,
state which still persists.
First. let us ask the prevailing oues-
ton: What conclusions prompted Con-
ME Mack to pitch Howard Ehmke in
the opening game? Managers, players
and oficials of the American League,
except the Philadelphia club, were
baffied when Ehmke stepped to the
warm-up rubber and started to loosen
up preparatory to facing the Cubs in
that now historic game.
The question can be answered only
by delving into Mack's pitching scheme.
Ehmke had pitched about half-dozen
games all Summer. This is considered
slim printing, indeed, for q prospective
world series hero. However, Macks
original blueprintS did not include
Ehmke for duty in the big series.
Stump Gave Him Idea.
chatted with Mack at Chicago on
the AS final Western trip of the regII-
lar season. At this time the AS man
ager was calmly concerned about the
temporary slump Of his club which had
played considerably under the 500 marx
on that taunt. His players we're show
ing plainly the effect Of the terrible task
Of passing the Yankees.
That mediocre Western trip may have
had something to do with Mack's plans
for the big series. He then realized the
necessity Of having at least one more
rig1t-hand pitcher ready for the Cubs.
Soon Ehmke pleaded for a chance In
the series. Mack assented. He knew
Nth raAk "a
Ehmke's submarine delivery. Here was
natural six-footer sluniped into a
hinge shape close to the ground In the
act OF aiming at the plate; and he vas
to pitch up and out of a dark back
ground in the center field bleachers at
Wrigley Field. What other major
league manager would have given
Ehnke chance? Certainly his sea-
sons record did not merit It,
Following this, Mack was confronted
with the delicate problem Of convincing
his players that Ehmke had a chance
to beat the Cubs. Fifteen other big
league managers might have failed in
this. Informed Of Ehmke's possibilities
the Athletics must have had the same
sensational surprise later shared by the
fans. Well, as you know-Ehmke
pitched-and howl Mack had stretched
his pitching star to At his plans.
McCarthy's Psychology.
That first victory gave Mack chance
to put across his master stroke, the
casting Of his two, star fireball left
handlers. Grove and walberg, as relief
men. With four or five innings to ue
pitched and one or two run lead for
encouragement. wink at either one of
these left-handed gentlemen to come
hither from the bullpen and it Is then
the opposing batsmen who need relief.
Many critics ask why Joe Mccarthy
did not replace Hack Wilson with .
sure hy-catcher to protect the 80 score
N that spectacular Saturday game.
Probably because the magic crystal ball
failed TO reveal Wilson sidestepping the
fatal ny. To have taken out Wilson.
colorful idol Of the Cub fans, you would
have removed a big part Of the spec
tacle itself. Neither would, you have
taken the risk OF breaking down the
confidence Of recognized star If you
had been In McCarthy's shoes.