The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-07-03
I odoy's Sport Parade

this connection, we might note that Is other pennant winners, in addi- ton to the Tigers, rose from sec- ond place on the July holiday dur ing the three decades.
 The Tigers seem destined for the flag because they shape up as better-balanced club than that which barely lost the pennant to the Browns last season, after rising from seventh on Independence Day. Their pitching is stronger, due to Alton Benton's return from serv- ice and the more consistent work of Frank Overmire. Meanwhile Hank Greenberg recently returned from service and indicated he hadn't lost his power by hitting home run in his first game. His return is ex- pected to offset the loss of Dick Wakefield from the "A club. It is significant to note that the Tigers were strong enough to develop lead before Greenberg's return, and while Benton was out with broken leg.
 Meanwhile, the Yankees and Browns definitely are weaker than in "A; and the Red Sox appear about the same as last season de- spite the acquisition of Boo Ferriss. Chicago's White Sox are too weak on the road. Some admirers re- gard Washington-with its we'll balanced pitching staff and its hustle afield-aS a dark horse. How ever, the Senators Ctoday. at least) are in second division; and statis- tics show that never in the past 30 years has club risen from second division on Independence Day to win pennant. It is true that back in 1914 the miracle Braves climbed out of the cellar after July 4th and went on to win the national gon- falon and the world championship from the supposedly invincible Ath- lctics.
 Ill the National league. the first place Dodgers seem to be playing over their heads. They confound the experts by staying up. They need fourth starting and winning pitch CT, to work with Hal Gregg, Curt Davis and rookie Vic Lombardi. Ten of their last 21 games were won by relief men. However. the buns have yen for coming be- hind to win games-often the mark O. a championship club.
 Many of the wise heads still string with the champion St. Louis Car dinals to win the flag for the fourth consecutive time. The Cards. now ir second place, are gradually work ing into one of the typically-smootn combinations of the Billy South worth regime. They have repu- tation for stretch running; and ii they can hold their spot four-and- a-half games behind the Dodgers until they return home for long stand, They'll probably take over the lead. Their pitching problems seem to have been solved, with Charley Barrett adequately replac- ing Mort Cooper, rookie Ken Burk- hardt shaping up as their No. winner, and Ted Wilks showing signs of coming back after arm trouble.
 Meanwhile, the Giants are coming back after their terrific slump and may prove troublesome, despite siowness afoot, lack of pitching depth, and streaky hitting. The Cubs must be rated a dark horse. Ii they lived up to their potentiali- ties they could win the flag. But they have fallen behind because of a general let-down in which only Phil Cavarretta seems to be playing championship ball.
 The Braves, led by brilliant Tom my Holmes, also are equipped to make trouble; but the disapjpoint- ing Pirates lack consistency in per- torrance; and the Reds pitching is not up to par to offset their weak hitting.