The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-01-25
(Reg. U. s. Pat. OH.) BY JACK CUDDY

New York, Jan. 25. (UP)-We ale ways have awaited opening of the baseball season with certain eager ness if for no other reason than 1t heralded release from winter sports doldrun1s. But today @ short of tan- gling expectancy envelopes us when we remember that this is the year that Rube Melton is going to pitch for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
 Fore some years the Dodgers held unalientable rights to the title of the "doffiness boys" and the presi- dency of Larry MacPhail added to the reputation of Brooklyn's bolster ous BuckoS. Hence we viewed with considerable apprehension the ape pointment of ultra conservative branch Hickey to the helm of the Dodgers. Here, it seemed, was the end of an era and the reformation of the roaring rowdies appeared to be only matter of n1nnths.
 But not even Rickey was immune to the spell that encompasses those who belong to the Dodgers and he succumbed completely, to our mind, with the acquisition of Melton-as unorthodox young gentleman who ever graced the roster of a major league club.
 Can Pitch
 Before enlarging on the intrigu- ing anomalies of Melton, let us ad- init that the kid really can pitch. He won only nine games while losing 20 for the Philadelphia Phils last season but even that record is some thing of an accomplishment with a club like the prennial tailenders of the National League. His record might easily have been reversed with a capable club.
 That Is the only dull part of Mel toms record. He is the widest pitcher in the league and that automatically qualified him as 8 full-time resident at Ebbetts field where the duster is allegedly con- sidered a work of art.
 Melton made an suspicious entry into the National League with the PhilS in 1941. Manager Hans Lobert, coming to training camp on an early inspection tour, discovered his Lanky rookie had been here days before working out. But his elation at this freshman display of ambi- tion was somewhat dispelled when he discovered that Pappy Melton, his wife and the rest of the family completed an eager entourag.
 Lobert tactfully sent the nor- pitching MeltonS homeward and took on Rube for two moderately successful but none the less inter- eStoing seasons. Melton displayed two regular idioyncrasies. He be- lieved he was a terrific hitter-al- though that is 8 common belief among mbajor league moundsmen- and he continually threatened to quit. AS regularly as clockwork, Rube announced his intention to give up National Leabue ball and play independently in Puerto Rico.
 Lobert, famous as a diplomat, stopped that one easily. He always gave the Ego ahead" signal but the club refused to pay the war. Melton remained.
 HiII-BilIy
 Melton'S teammates became some what thick skinned to Rube's non- conformist attitude but the story they like to tell best abou heir Hill-Billy hurler from Norh Caro- lima goes like this.
 Rube was working night game for Columbus of the American Asso- citation some time agon and after a few innings the Red Birds took their places without a pitcher-a normat procedure for few min utes or SO. Rube had apparently ogne to make a quick change of shirts and his mates tossed the ball around. Time and the fans patience flew rapidly however. as Melton, failed to return. The Umpires fidgeted and the fans began q series of loud razzberries when like Q homecoming pigeon. Melton showed up and finished the game.
 Not until the game was over did anyone discover that Melton had moi changed bis shirt or so much ai m0pped his brow. He blithely res vealed that he had been outside the park. swapping tales with q friend ln . parked car.
 It was e curious way Of exhibiting major league ability. Of course. but . non-the-lehs certain method Oi demOnsTating a natural affinity fol Brooklyn and the Dodgers.