The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-05-05
Russ J. Cowans'
Snort Chatter

AS teams in the three Negro
leagues ready themselves for the
big jump of this month. it seems
the proper time to say few words
about the calibre OF players in the
different loops,
In this third wartime season
for the Negro American and Ne
gro National leagues and the first
for the United States league. the
general standard Of play will be
below that OF years past. years
when great stars were thrilling
the fans with brilliant plays.
THERELL BE no such stars in
the outheld as Pete Hill. Spottis-
wood Poole, Floyd Gardner. Nor
man Turkey Stearnes, Chrlstobel
Torrientte, Rap Dixon or Clancy
White. Nor will there be infelders
10 equal John Henry Lloyd, FL
wood ,Bingo) DeMoSs. Frank War
field, Buck Leonard. Ben Taylor,
Billy Wells, or Marcelle. Catchers
like Bruce Buddy Petway. Biz
Mackey. Rojo, and Gibson Will not
be found, nor hurlers with the
pitching strength and cunning OF
RUDE Foster. Jose Mendez. Bill
Lindsey. Wilbur CBulleO Rogan,
John Donaldson Bill Holland. Dick
Reddng. Joe Williams, and Leroy
tSatcheD Paige.
However. there should be some
development Of young ball players.
and these, coupled with a large
number '.-'--lns beyond the 49,
OF 30. should come I'D with brand
OF play which will ----o than sat-
iSfy the fans.
At this far distance it looks like
the Homestead Grays will be the
team 10 beat in the negro National
league, with the Baltimore Elites
running a close second. II Owner
Tom "'Nson can prevail on Bill
Wright 70 leave his defense job in
California and JOIN the Elites. the
Baltimore team will be serious
threat for the championship now
held by the Grays.
THE CUBANS have plenty OF
color. speed. and pitching, but the
hitting is not so hot. The Newark
Eagles are heavily burdened with
a crop OF veteran performers. and
Manager Billy Wells has a tough
job on his hands.
Although weakened by injuries
suffered by several players just
before the 1914 world series. the
birmingham Black Barons loom
as . likely repeater. The Kansas
CITY MOnarchs have been
strengthened. rs has the Chicago
American Giants who will per-
form this year under the skillful
guidance Of Jim Taylor. last
years pilot Of the Homestead
Grays.
THE CINCINNATI Clowns, nj
ways a contender during the earl
months OF the campaign. will agai
be contender If Manager Hos
Walkers pitchers stand up unde
the strain and stress of the nationa
paStime. Cleveland Buckeyes ar
an uncertainty.
The Detroit Motor City Giant
and Pittsburgh Crawfords look Xix,
the best two teams in the Unitet
States league. A hard driver. Man
ager Oscar Charleston may be able
20 whip the Brooklyn Brown
Dodgers into flag contender. To,
,edo and Boston are the Unknown.
in the league.
ALBERT r. HAPPY" CHAND-
LER. baseballs new high commits
sioner, will be facing a tough job
when he steps into the post for
merry occupied by the late Judge
Kenesaw Mountain Lands.
In one Of his first interviews
Chandler, when asked about racial
discrimination in the major and
minor leagues. said Il have no
knowledge Of discrimination ir
fact
AT the same time Rep. Vito Mar
cantonio was introducing a resolu.
ton demanding an investigation Of
discrimination by the American
and National leagues against play
ers because OF race. creed oil
color
II will be interesting to see
what Chandler does about the