The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-03-28

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(ReR. U. s. Pat. OR.) By JACK CUDDY

United Press Stan COrrespOndentD
 New York, March 28.-UP)- Frank J. Shaughnessy. president of the International league, believes that the approaching campaign in the minors will be the most impor- tant since Pearl Harbor because it should disclose definitely whether players returning from service can hope to regain their former prowess on the diamond.
 It will be tip-oh campaign par ticularly for players who have been in combat on land or sea, he said today. It should show whether their hardShipS, shocks and absence from the game will prevent recapturing their previous form.
 The big man with the thick thatch of grayish-brown hair dis cuSsed the situation at his down. town office. He said, When the minors open this time, estimate that at least 25 per cent of the play CTS will be returned service men. This percentage will increase before autumn. The percentage of ex-serv- ice players is higher than one would casually expect, for this important reason: The minor leagues are us- ing far fewer players now than they did before Pearl Harbor. Only 10 minor circuits are operating now, instead of the A that existed in 1941. Because of wartime conditions, 32 of them folded up-none recently. however.
 Most of the players returning to the minors from service now are men who have been in the armed forces for some time-men who have seen action. Their problems are far different from those of the few players who went into service and were used on camp and base teams. when they managed to keep in fair playing shape"
 Everyone in the minors is pulling for the players who have returned from service-hoping that they'll be able to pick up where they lefr off-hoping that they'll be able to improve and advance to higher cir cults, Shaughnessy said. But, in general, they still must be regarded as question marks.
 From isolated cases already noted" he continued, 'it would seem that men who have seen long, ac- tive service in the Infantry and Marines are finding it particularly difficult to get back into playing shape. Players who have been shocked in combat, sometimes get jumpy when the crowd yells or when there are other loud noises during game. And players who for months have been roughing it in the jungles and mud, or making long marches, packing heavy equipment, find it difficult to get muscles used to the fact action and split-second timing required on the diamond.
 But we'll find out all about that this summer. This season in the minors should tell the tale-should disclose definitely what we can ex- pect from the bulk of ex-service players. And whether we must de- pend more and more upon teen-age kids for our future talent"
 Shaughnessy emphasized that there would be no manpower prob lem in the minors this season. The International league, for example, will use only about 200 players. It has plenty of men to draw from. despite the many International cir cult performers who have moved up to the majors since last season.
 We expect another prosperous campaign in our league" he con- cluded Last season was our best since 1889. Only one of our clubs finished in the red financially. We had red-hot pennant race, tor rid play offs, and tight junior world series. What more could one ask?"