The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-04-13
EXPECT 100000 TO SEE OPENING. TUESDAY
Schedule Calls for l6I Night Games; Another
 "DOg-Fight" in N. U?
BY GEORGE KTRKsEY United Press Staff CorrespOndent)

New York, April 13 --lUP)-- Against a backdrop of a nation girding itself for total war on fay flung battlehelds, baseball starts it's 1O3rd season tomorrow. It has sur- vived other wars and plans to see this one through to 8 finish, too.
 Even with the nation in the midst of the greatest war effort in his- tory, the public still has a soft spot in its heart for the national pas-- time. Some 100000 will turn out to see the two major leagues get away on their first and Q half month campaigns, unless weather interferes, and there are indications that the turnstileS will click 'merri. ly all season.
 But the war will bring many changes in baseball. Already the tank battles on the sandy lands of Egypt, the bitter defense of Cor regidor and air bombardments on the continent are vitally affecting Americas favorite sport. Next Oc- tober baseball will still be played but some of us may not recognize 1t.
 Who and When
 The two major leagues have con- tributed 76 nle1--the American 48 and the National 28-to the armed services and many more will go. Who and when are matters that'll play a tremendous part in deciding the pennant races.
 At the request of President Roosevelt the majors have expand ed their night baseball program so that the greatest number of fans can attend games. The National league will play 84 night games and the American league 77-a total of l61, more than twice as many as last season. Twilight games prob ably will be played in industrial cities like Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
 The world champion New York Yankees seek their thirteenth pens nant, opening in Washington before & distinguished gathering which will include President Roosevelt, if he can spare the time.
 With five pennants in six years to their credit. the Yankees are one of the ShorteSt-priced betting fav- oriteS in history at 2-5. Only once before was any club quoted that short and it was the Tanks in 1889 after they had won three straight flags.
 Despite the Tanks short-price, Joe Mccarthy isn't sitting on top of the world. He has only half an infield and starts the season with first and third base unsettled. Ed Levy was bought from Kansas City yesterday to play first but he Is still on trial. He does not look or act like Yankee ball player. Gerry Priddy has been playing third base but there is a question whether he'll hit. If Red Rolfe re- gains his health he will return to third and Priddy may be shifted to first. Otherwise, the Tanks look all set.
 Dog-Fight
 The National league promises an. other thrilling dog-eat-dog race among the Champion Dodgers (re- member those beautiful buns com- Ing down the stretch last Septem- berf). the Cardinals and the Reds. The Cardinals have been establish ed a slight betting favorite at l3-lO, | a shade under the Dodgers at 7-5. The Reds are 5-l but must be rated 8 contender because of their tre- mendous pitching array.
 Brooklyn will battle the Giants In the National leagues big game of the day at the Polo Grounds be- fore an expected 5O,O00. The two Dodger cripples, First Hasemar Dolph Camilli and Second Baseman Billy Herman, who have been nurs- Ing back ailments. will be in the opening day lineup as will Arlsy bought from Pittsburgh. Vaughan, who'll play third, adds considerable authority to the Dodg- or batting order.
 The Cards will base their bid on speed, youth and pitching. They have the leagues fastest club. its youngest and bow oi1iy to the Reds In pitching strength.
 Three new managers make their iebut- popular Mel Ott as boss of he New York Giants, 6O-year-old Hans Lobert as pilot of the Phillies and 24-year-old Lou Boudreau, youngest manager in major league history, as leader of the Cleveland Indians. Luke Sewell, who was ap- pointed manager of the St. Louis Browns last June 5, will begin his nrst full year at the helm.
 Rookie stars
 Many new faces will be seen in he major league lineups. A total )f 79 rockies still remain on =aaiog eague rosters. Among the leading candidates for the rookle-of-thN- Tear award are John PeSky. Red sox shortStop, John Lindell. Yan. zee pitcher, Stan Musial, Cardinal outfielder. Vernon Step hens, Browns shortStop. Bert Haas, Reds 'htrd baseman, Les Fleming. h. iiars' first basenlan and Willard Marshall, Giants outfieider.
 In the American league the two Sox, Red and White, appear Co have he best chance of heading off the Yankees in an upset. The Red eox. With .40O-hitter Ted Williams, may iurprise if their pitching measures ID to expectations. Long on power or years, the Red Sox now seem to laye some genblance Of q pitching tan. The White Sox on tic other lands are loaded with pitching and ,an be dangefOlfs threat 0Niv if