Evening star., 1933-04-10
LEADERS HOPEFUL
AS OPENER NEARS
Yanks Again Heavy Choice,
but Open Race Looms
in National League.
BY ALAN GOULD,
Associated Press Sports Editor,


"A yEW YORK, April 10.-The
nj enthusiasm with which big
| Y league pilots approach the
start of the 1888 pennant
races was reflected today by the
fact that no less than seven man
ayers, including four in the Ma
tional and three in the American
League, figure they have a real
chance to bring the flag-winner
home in 'front.'
It's long and rocky drive for most
of the clubs, from the rattle of the first
base hits this Wednesday until the
October struggle for world champion
ship honors, but there isn't a single
manager among the chorus of 16 who
does not strike distinct note of opti-
misE, based on increased power, new
talent and harmony.
Bill Killefer, sagaciouS leader of the
ST. Louis Browns, is the only one will
ing to name the winner. He picks the
Yankees to repeat in the American
League. Even If they don't say so, the
others probably share his view but the
veteran Connie Mack thinks his Ath-
letics have a good chance to win"
and there is no doubt of the confidence
of Joe Cronin In the Washington club.
In fact no less an authority than Joe
Mccarthy, the Yankee chieftain, picks
the Senators to furnish his toughest
opposition"
Over on the National League side of
the fence, strident tones of confidence
can be heard from Charley Grimm of
the Cubs, who says well repeat:
Gabby Street, who comedies no team a
better chance to win than the Cardi-
mails; Burt Shotton, who thinks his
PhilIies can win, and George Gibson,
well satisfied" even though he doesn't
specifically acknowledge the quite gen.
eral vote in favor of his Pirates.
Here's the way the rival managers
size up the races in statements given
to the Associated Press today:
American League.
Joe Mccarthy, Yankees-"We have a
strong club and face the season with
plenty of confidence. However, when a
club is on top every one of the others
is trying to knock it down. The Amer
ican League race will be anything but
joy rice. I think our toughest oppcsi-
ton will be the Senators"
Joe Cronin, Washington,
Will ITO bdldllIG OCpdI LIllCAlbo, ID
preparing to 60 into n1re interesting
race than we have had in years.
Barring injury. I feel we shall be
contender for the flag"
Connie Mack, Athletics-"We have a
good chance to win the pennant. I
like this ball club and would not trade
FOR any other in the league. The team
is young, fast, alert and loves to play
ball.
Billy Evans, Indians-"I think Cleve-
land Is the NEST improved club in the
league. We figure strong enough to be
in the first division throughout, and
that gives us a chance to go places"
Bucky Harris, Tigers-"The Tigers
are stronger than ct any time I have
been with the club perhaps 10 or IL
games better than last year. We have
made some real repiacements and
should be among the first four at the
finish"
Bill Killefer, Browns-'I am conf
dent I have a better club and that 1t
will finish higher. but the Yankees have
the best chance for the pennant."
Lew Fonseca, White Sos-"f our
pitching comes through, Chicago viii
be a first division club. Our scoring
power is tremendously increased with
Simmons, Haas and Dykes. I can't
see now oOSLoI, OtIIoit VI Ot. Louis
can beat u.s."
Marty McManus, Red Sox-"We will
start with stronger pitching and much
greater batting strength. I am optimis-
tic about our prospects"
National League.
Charley Grimm, Cubs-"WeU repeat
Our club is perfectly conditioned. and
Frank Demaree will give us great re-
placement for Cuyler. He can do
everything well. The Pirates are good,
but not good enough to take the play
away from the Cubs"
George Gibson, Pirates-"I dislike
pennant talk, but I am well satisfied.
Our club has strength in every posi-
tion and some of the boys have shown
up even better than we hoped. I think
we will go places"
Burt Shotton, Phillies-"My team
has improved sufficiently to win the
pennant. Our young players have
(Continued on Thirteenth Page.)