The Washington times., 1931-03-25
CHICAGO SOY
|NF|ELD IS
PROBLEM
This is one of a series OF stories
covering 1881 prospects of National
and American League teams.
By HAROLD JOHNSON
International News Service
Special Correspondent

SAN ANTONIO, March 25.
Pitching of a high caliber, i'm
proved catching and a heavier
hitting outfield are assured the
Chicago White Sox in the i'm
pending American League cam
paign. Manager DOME Bush, now
entering upon his second season
as Charlie Comiskey's diamond
foreman, isn't concerned over the
outlook in these three depart
ments. But a vastly different
situation confronts him on the
infield where his worries center
about the development of compe-
tent talent for first base and
shortstop.
The White Sox are entertaining
no ideas Of entering the first
division in 1881. Most of the ath-
letes are under 25 years of age
and the young fellows naturally
are all steamed up with ambition,
though mindful of the fact that
the Athletics, Senators, Tigers,
Yanks and Indians are all
equipped with veterans, likewise
robust sockers. Yet the Bushmen
incline to the belief that they're
strong enough to clinch fifth posi-
ton this year, which would truly
constitute an achievement.
FirSt-BaSe Vacancy
1t will be recalled that the Sox
of last summer employed three diff
ferent workmen at first base,
namely Bud Clancy, Art Shires
and Johnny Atwood. Bush, how
ever, was not satisfied with any
of these buckos. Scouts urged the
acquisition of Ray (Rip) Radcliff,
who batted 800 for Selma, of the
Southeastern League, and Comis-
key obtained him. Radcliff, after
nearly three weeks training,
hardly looks competent to fill the
station in major fashion. He is
short of stature, not very Shifty,
and appears helples against able
hurting, particularly the left-hand-
ed species.
WatwOOd, a bigger chap, also
left-handed hitter, is in reality
an OutfieIder. He appears weak
on ground balls. Bush frankly
admits he doesn't fancy the out
look on first base and is casting
about in quest of an experienced
initial Sacker.
1t has been definitely deter
mined to retain Bill Cissell on sec
ond base and Willie Kamm,
launching his ninth season with
the club, will again cavort about
third base. In Luke Appling, age
81, who left Oglethorpe University
last June as a sophomore, to sign
with the Atlanta Crackers, the SoX
own a shortStop whom Bush pre-
diets will blossom into a real SEN
sation.
Appling Cost $4,000
Appling is a right-handed hitter,
exceedingly fast and endowed with
corking arm. Appling played
only three months with Atlanta,
after emerging from Oglethorpe,
when he was purchased by the
Sox for $4,000.
Johnny Kerr and Irwin JEFF
fries will be retained for utility
infield roles, both being right
handed batters and exceptional
fielders.
The outfield has been def
nitely selected, presenting Carl
Reynolds in right, Mel Simons in
center and Smead Jolley in left,
as regulars, while Bob Fothergill
and Fred Eichrodt will operate
as the reserve fly chasers.
Reynolds, who batted 1859
last season to tie Babe Ruth
for third hOnOrs among the
American League sIuggers, is
conceded to be the fastest man
in the junior circuit. Carl hits
right-handed.
Jolley, a much improved out
post and a left-handed Sticker,
walloped at a .313 clip in 1880,
while SimonS, also a southpaw
swinger, who was purchased from
Louisville in February, batted
.371 against American Associa-
ton hurting. Bush declares he
has one of the greatest outfields
in the majors.
Catching Staff Strong
The Sox catching corps looks
to be the strongest the club has
known since the palmy days of
Ray Schalk. Bennie Tate, VINO
was acquired from Washington
along with Pitcher Garland Brax-
ton last summer in the deal for
Art Shires, probably will furc-
ton as the first string receiver.
He is a left-handed swatter and
fully informed regarding the
batting abilities of all the Amer
lean Leaguers. Last year he hit
.312.