The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-09-13
Through
The Sports Mirror
BY Russ J. Cowans

BY Russ J. Cowans
Jack Johnson, former heavyweight c6amnion -5o
IS not acquired the expanded girth and bav window m
niar with most men who have laid aside the ardooo
bors OF an anele Tor ire OF ease was discussing great
lie Of participant to that of an observer more tban On
sr ago, he has been very keen observer during ho
ven serious consideration. " NC
While johnson did not hesitate in selecting Peter
Jackson, James j. Jeffres, James J. Corbett. Sam
Langford and Bob Fitzsimmons as ton rsrL;
heavyweights, he pointed out two men who de.as
recognition because of their superior mecbanc,I
ability, great lighting hearts, and rhythmic capability
that made them feared by most of the men of the;y
day Jack referring to Joe Jeanette and the late
Sam McVay
Il fought both jeanette and Mcvav twice" sa;a
rk, and when tell you that they were tough know
hat I'm talking about And jeanette had one of the hest
dy attacks I've SEEM
Jack hen turned his attention to two other old tim
E-Dcn,er Ed Martin and Bob Armstrong
Bob Armstrong and Denver Ed Martin were two Of
ceNcreSt neavywelghts ever to step in the ring said
chnson Martin would have gone places but he had
ASS Jaw ne later became chief sparmate for Phadel-
ha Jack @ 'Brien
Armstrong, with all of his cleverness lacked fight
instinct HI was Fitzsimmon's sparrng partner for
lmber OF years and also worked with Jeffries'
Speaking of fighters recalls the death of Edward
Fleming CThunderbolt) Smith several weeks ago
While Ihunderbolt not fighter of established
reputaton such as Langford, Joe Cans and other
greats of his chosen profession, the chunky and bull
like Smith won the respect of welterweights and mid
Endowed with keen competitive spirit Smith in his
yday, was a tough little batter who met and hewed
own lighters in divisions much heavier that his 148
nds One of his greatest battles was his fight with Joe
|acoti The Barbados Demon defeated Smith after
fuellng battle
One Of Smiths big disappointments after he had
ng up ms gloves was his failure to obtain position as
amer OF lighters But his temperament against him.
he same pugnacity that had carried forward as fighter
locked his way to job as trainer.
Ihnndcrbot familiar character on the streets of
trclt during the past 20 years, moving along with
Fngntly step and frown that could be quickly turned
ITO smile will be missed by those intmates who enoy-
listening to his tales of ring warfare.
Charley Shields, 1S-year-old southpaw who has been
stratng the efforts of opposing basmen to gather hits
large numbers since he joined the Chicago American
anS last month. will face Leroy (SatcheD Paige in
inc games of the doubeheader his team will play the
ansaS iy Monarchs in Briggs Stadium Sunday. judy
IRON shields accomplishments since he Joined the Gil
MIS- vi VI Salch should be in for real battle.
But suppose we could turn back the years and substi
Tor Shields ireba pitcher of another day. pitcher
no IN his prime considered of the fastest of all
tn-frank Wckware, the gift to baseball from Coffee
ne Nan. Wickware on the mound against Paige would
battle worth walking miles to
Paige !: credited with possessing greater speed
man Bob Teller Back in Wickware's heyday Walter
Johnson, the Big Train from Washington, peer of
all speedball pitchers-except Wickware. Wick
ware, whose speed estimated to be greater than
. that of Johnson, bested the Washington hurer in a
post-season game in 1915 winning by score of To-
Now, just picture mound duel between Paige
and Wlckware! Both ably supported by strong
plate with the speed of cannon shot, batters would
probably be moved down with monotonous regular.
NY Wiokware the strikeout king of his day. and
rage holds the distinction today.
but perhaps young Shields fill the niche held by
kNk~are. He showed in his first league game that he
me speed to whip the ball past batters, striking out
u the Memphis Red Sox. Moreover, he has shown
|sn intelligence in quickly ascertaning the weakness of
tsNeIS and pitching TO that weakness. So. if he has
1Ud day the fans will be real pitching duel one that
4 ~ make odtimers recall the days of Wickware, Dick
|uu'hg Joe Mendez and Bill Lindsay.
W nen Joe Louis and Lou Nova signed articles last
eek Tor the heavyweight championship fight to be held
N.Y.. 90 IN the Polo Grounds in New York they shled
mOrS East that the two would meet. These ru-
Es mad been floating around in the East for several
eekS prior to the signing.
ms rumor started after the Louis Managers asked
postponement of the fight, request made to give
champion time to condition himself for the nine
nI I defense of the title he in 1887 1t was not
n e by Louis, according to Julian A. Black comanager
he champion, but by Black and his partner John w