The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-04-14

schedule:
 Brooklyn at Boston.
 Pittsburg at Chicago.
 st Louis at Cincinnati
 New York at Philadelphia.
 First Day Crowds
 Thus there will be eight games i in as many cities. Since they are the first games of the season they will be marked by capacity attend- ances and by the usual bonus-bol- ognus.
 The show" will include such items as the ceremonial over throw ing out the first ball, raising of flags and much band playing.
 Once the extra a-athletic festivities have been dispensed with. actual play will start. The spectators will then be treated to pitchers battle, slugging bee, nip-and-tuck con- test, an extra-inning thrill or a tie game.
 A Few Changes
 The same 1G clubs which formed the two leagues last year are start ing afresh today. This does not mean that the same players will, in ali cases perform for the same clubs. By way of example, Brooklyn has acquired the services of Fresco Thompson. 6 second baseman, and Frank (Lefty) O'Doul, left fielder. They were mainstays of the Philidel- phia Nationals last year. Another transfer Of consequence has brought Lu Blue, first baseman, from the St Louis Americans to Chicago of the same league.
 Further, three clubs have new managers. They are the New York Americans, or Yankees, Boston Am orleans, or Red Sox. and Chicago Nationals, or Cubs. Joe Mccarthy is the new Yankee manager. John (Shano) Collins is new at Boston. Rogers Hornsby is starting the sea son as leader of the Cubs. He ac- quircd that position just before the last season edded.
 Yanks Have Chance
 By almost universal agreement, the American league race should principally involve two clubs. Phil adelphia and Washington, with New York a third championship possi- biltty.
 Five teams have been forecast as possible National league winners. They are St Louis, Brooklyn, Chi { cAROs. NcW OTk dHU
 These clubs along with the others of the 16 vii strive to win cham pionships of their respective leagues. Philadelphia won last year in the American league, and St Louis in the National. Philadelphia then won the championship, or world series, play ed by the two clubs. Baseball Is called the national pastime. Once It was that without 8 doubt. Now, with the constantly increasing popu- larity of golf. tennis, and football. the title is clouded.
 Freaks of Flatbush
 There is these days something less of the seeming insanity among the spectators that once marked playing of the game. This lessening does not, however, apply at Brooklyn. There are no fans like those of Brooklyn.
 Despite the claims of the game's adverse critics, 1t is a fact that more people saw major league baseball games last year than In the year before. However, the attendance covered the leagues as wholes, and there was scanty attendance at many games played by also-ran clubs. This would indicate that baseball fans like a winner. This Is correct.
 Still The King
 George Herman (Babe) Ruth is starting his fifteenth season In base ball with the New York Yankees. Despite his age, Ruth is baseball's most truly colorful figure. He won his fame by the wholesale hitting of home runs. He holds more home run records than any other player in baseball. Ruth Is the idol of old and young among baseball fandom. baseball bearing the autograph of Babe Ruth, far from a rarity, is still a valuable possession. Ruth is thinner this year than last. He Is lee zaa x,nnr aIIar