The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-10-04
RUFFING'S ARM
 NOT RIGHT FOR
 A SERIES TEST
Yankee Ace Expected to Start Against Reds,
 However
BY GEORGE KIRKSEY United Press Staff Corresponds

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 New York, Oct. 4 - (UP) - Red Ruffing, with sweat dripping off his brow and onto his black rubber shirt, sat on his stool in the Yankee dressing room to cool out.
 "Yes sir, my arms sore" he said. Its been sore all year. But it was worse than ever in September. I couldn't get the ball where wanted 1t. l would try to break & curve over the outside corner and the ball would go some other place. I've rest ed it lately and it's been feeling bet- ter. Maybe it's all right again. I hope so."
 Paul Derringer, chewing tobacco and rubbing his glove, stood before the big post in the Reds dressing room waiting to go out on the field to warm up.
 T haven't any more stuff than I had in 1881 when the Athletics beat me twice in the World Series but l know plenty more about pitching. l don't try to fan every hitter that comes up there. I know how to rate myself better and I can get the ball where want it. mean I can make the hitter hit the pitch I want him to and not the one he wants to-"
 There you have today's world series pitchers as they were 24 hours ago on the eve of the opening game between the Yankees and Reds.
 The calm, unruffled Ruffing knew ms arm isn't right and that he may De pitching under terrific physical handicap but he wasn't afraid to face the issue. He practically nomi- mated himself to pitch when he told manager Joe Mccarthy he was ready. He isn't ready as far as phy- sical condition goes, but he can't get any better in few days so he'll call on his head and heart to make up TOT what his arm lacks.
 Ruffing hasn't been right all sea. son, but he was at his worst in Sep- tember when he was beaten in three Of his last four games. The Red Sox. and Browns beat him, with the last place St. Louis club knocking him out of the box in the ninth inning on Sept. IT. That was the last time Ruffing saw action. Maybe he's had enough time to get his arm somewhere near normalcy again. US not an unusual thing for Ruff fling to bounce back after looking bad. The Red Sox beat him July T. yet big Red pitched three fine inn. lngs in the all-star game and then two days later beat the Tigers. 6-3. Ruffing. with weak arm, is a lot better than some pitchers with a strong arm.
 Not So Good
 Derringer's world series record looks sick beside Rulings. Big Red mas won and lost l, losing only to the incomparable Carl Hubbell in the rain in 1886. Derringer, as freshman sensation in 1881 for the Cardinals, was licked twice by the Athletics. He started the series and was knocked out in seven heats. He famed nine of the first 12 men to face him, and wore himself out. Lat CT in the sixth game the As thump- ed him again. He had a bad break on a ball and strike decision which turned the tide against him. With the bases filled, umpire Nallin cal- ed what would have been the third strike on Mule Haas ball after the As outfielder had started for the bench. That upset Derringer and the As made four runs before he came back to earth.
 But Derringer has come a long way since 1881. He has no superior at pitching to spots. His control is miraculous. He walked only 36 men in 301 innings during the season. His low. sharp breaking curve is .hing of beauty. He has enough
 sching savvy to beat anyone. He laces much store by his ability to rate himself, and call on his best stuff only when the situation de- mands 1t. He usually allows many hits, but few runs. He finished the season with 10 straight victories, the last of which was the pennant- clincher over the Cardinals.
 Ruffing, who is 36, had a record of 21 and during the season. Derringer, who will be 33 Oct. 17, won 25 and lost 2. They're both big, and tall and strong. Derringer was born in Springfield, Ky, and Ruff fling in Granville, H.
 You pay your money and take your choice.-Ruffing the reliable with sore arm against Derringer the control man with a strong arm