The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-03-30
Reviews and Previews

The smart money boys are quot ing to odds that Joe (Coal-Miner) Baksi will beat Lou (Cosmic- -Punch) Nova and thus disrupt the former heavyweight's comeback splurge. But also on the other side of the fence, as always, there are those that are shaking their heads taking these 4 to odds in bewilderment. And the main reason that these money bags on every American Broadway are finding an unusual number of takers is that James Champion builder) Johnston has taken on the job of breaking Nova of his cosmic aspirations and renovating him from not been an easy task but through moderately increased doses of psy- chological strategy the required re- suits are becoming apparent. AL thought all this points to a new and better edition of the Lou Nova we were very familiar with a few years back, we are inclined just this once, to give the nod to Joe Baksi who has g very potent punch. Lou, may be on the comeback trail but before we acknowledge the fact of- ficially we want to see the new Nova under fire, we hope that he has gotten and keeps his feet on the ground. Baksi to beat Nova in all probability 1t will be a decision. at Madison Square Garden, tonight.
 CURRENT COMMENT
 The 1945 edition of the St. Louis Cardinals, although badly riddled by the draft, has one of the best looking pitching staffs in the Ma tional league with Mort Cooper. Max Lanier, Harry Breechen. Blk Donnely, Ted Wilks and number of promising rockies This, alone will definiteyl class them as team to be reckoned with in the l945 pennant race.
 Father John Sullivan, former curate at St. Thomas parish in Wa terbury, and now a professor at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. sends his best to all his friends and former proteges in the Brass City, through his father, Fred Sullivan, a scout for the New York Yankees in | this vicinity. Father Sullivan, be- fore leaving Waterbury, had taken great interest in the athletics Of the parish and had coached the grammar school and CYO baseball teams, capturing number of cham pionships and turning out a num- Der of prominent athletes.
 While on the subject of baseball 1t can be revealed that the New York Yankees were interested and still are in Ray Davis, former fire ball h,rler for the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CYO baseball squad. This young pitcher, because of his fast ball, had caught the eye of some vigilant scout. However he is now in the Armed Forces and chances are that he will be signed to play at the duration. This is as yet unofn- cial, of course.
 The arrival of Nick Etten at the Yankee camp at Atlantic City would take a load of Mgr. Joe McCarthy's mind If the hard hitting first sacker had been signed to a contract. But local spectators have envisioned Nickie as another holdout. They figure it something like this: f Crosetti can get five thousand dol- lar raise; why can't I? Is he is or is he ain't?
 Jackie Sullivan; the popular Brooklyn A. c. shortstop has been considering several offers in the way of sports. Up to date Jack has only been felt out by the Pirates, Cards, Tanks and also playing for Yale. If Jack takes any offer it will have to be fast because the Pirates, the only club he has not turned down as yet, want him in camp around April 1. l From where we sit 1t looks as if Jack will make go of it no mat ter which offer he accepts. He has what 1t takes to be big leaguer; agility, speed, control. power and g little common sense. Good luck Jackie!