The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-08-05
Paige TO Hurl LIST Game Against American Giants Sum-
hUSS ]. C0WANS'
SPORT CHATTER

Because Lem Franklin had every
thing but the ability to absorb pun
ishment, the end OF his pugilistic
career seems to have been reached.
Lem is in a serious condition in
Newark, NJ j.. hospital after being
knocked out by Larry Lane in the
ninth round OF a l0-round bout
Franklin was ahead on points at
the time Of the knockout.
Big and fast and fairly scientific,
Franklin punched his way 10 the
heavyweight Golden Gloves cham
pionship before turning profess
sional. Owner Of . terrific punch,
Franklin seemed headed for the
heavyweight crown. some years
back, after he had knocked Q big
segment Of the palookas In . punch
or two. He Was rated the No.
contender for the crown worn by
Sgt. Joe Louis.
Then came the fight with Bob
Pastor in Cleveland in the spring of
l94l. Franklin had Pastor down and
almost out in the second round. but
Bob, possessed OF greater stamina
and ability 10 absorb punishment,
kept bouncing off the canvas and
wading in for more.
Franklin hfgan to weaken, and
soon fell a Knockout victim TO Pas
tor. Fromthat time on he's been
taking the count in fights. Last
winter he was knocked out by Lee
Savold in Chicago, and after that
bout Lem announced his retire
ment from the ring. His battle with
Lane vas his first attempt TO stage
a comeback.
He suffered a conclusion OF the
brain, and repeatedly was para
ly1ed. Later pneumonia developed
and the big fighter is near death.
Manager Frank Duncan Of the
Kansas City Monarchs Is serving
his 18th year rs . member Of the
team he's now managing. And be-
hind that is . story about the days
when the late John tTenny) Blount
was owner Of the Detroit Stars and
Pete Hill. one Of the great outfield- |
ers OF all time, was manager Of the
club.
Duncan. = stripping Of = young
ster, came 10 Detroit In 1920 with
Joe Green's Chicago Giants. He was
the battery mate Of John Taylor, !
. crack young highlander. Green
was willing 10 sell both men. but
Blount decided in favor Of Taylor. !
Duncan Was later sold 10 the Mon
archs. D.,
Taylor didn't relish the thought T
OF pitching IN Detroit. - Sisned .
with a white team in California
Another veteran Of long .ervIce /
with the Monarchs Is Newt Allen |
VINO Is in his 23rd season with the !
team. Allen served as manager Of /
the team for one year. but pre-
ferred being lust player"
He reported 10 the Monarchs ~ a
good second basemsn, and he was |
a crack one IN that position. He
later played short, third base and
all outfield positions. Early this sea-
son. when John O'Neal, regular first
sacker, was called 10 the army. |
Manager Duncan grabbed first
base mitt and tossed il 10 his old ie-
liable friend. Alien. and remarked:
New, you're my first Sacker
Alien grabbed the glove and played
nc position Like veteran When
Boo Johnson. formerly with the
Motor City Giants, was acquired.
Allen moved 10 the Dutield where
re has been playing, and getting his
ATS with regularity.
The Motor City Giants are In .
peculiar position. The team has
,een unable TO get games because
hey're too strong. The Giants are
he strongest team outside league
competition. and are better than
many Of the clubs parading In
eague circles.
But Owner Ben Linton can not
Freak the barriers which bar him
rom affiliation with either Of the
American and Ne
rro National. His team Is capable
" making . good showing In either
oop.
Al the same time league teams
ire raidins his club and taking his
players. and there's nothing he can
10 about IT, Four Of his former
playcrS are now members Of the
Kansas City Mcnarchs-Jim Bum
pus. Walter Thomas, Orel Thomak
nd Bob Johnson.