The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-08-01
Today's Sport Parade
By OSCAR FRALEY

New York, Aug 1-CUP)-Leo Durocher, fortified in one of the gaudiest and swankiest private of- fees a major league manager ever dared possess, finally admitted to- day that the St. Louis Cardinals are tough" and the road to the pen nant Is a very rocky one indeed.
 The Brooklyn manager, taking his ease in an overstuffed red leather chair behind a shining wal nut desk which looks larger than the Ebbets Field infield, was re- calling that he had picked the Cubs as the team to beat.
 So what happens2" Leo inquired in tone which didn't require an answer. T pick the Cubs as the team to beat; the Cubs pick the Cardinals and the Cards pick us. After splitting these last two games with the Cards I'm willing to con- eede that they are the ones to beat"
 Spirit Surrounds Buns
 Leo the Lip, now known as the Dapper Durocher, dusted a cigaret ash from a screaming silk sport shirt and reflected on the often asked question: What keeps the Dodgers up there?"
 Spirit" Leo parked suddenly, rubbing his feet on luxurious car- pet and glancing around at the picture-lined walls. T defy any club in baseball to show more individ- ual and collective spirit than we have. My boys have heart and they hustle-giving their level best all the time
 A finely-mounted deer head on the wall seemed to nod agreement over red leather sofa and Leo, glancing satisfactorily over his or nate domain, dipped into red Morocco box for another cigaret.
 Another thing" he added, flick ing ashes into a silver ashtray i'm bedded in red leather. We aren't afraid to gamble. Now for instance you take that opener with the Cards, We had to gamble.
 When I was over in Korea with Danny Kaye we bumped into Rube Melton. I could see he was a differ ent pitcher without even throwing ball. You know why?
 Pitched Every Night
 He was pitching every night while lying in that Army cot" Leo grinned. That's right, he pitched over again every game he ever had been in and 50 he said to me: Leo, l see what you mean now about making every pitch set up another to make the hitter come to you And he has. Sure it was a gamble, but what could l do but try with him"
 They're saying now you're pretty good manager" somebody interrupted.
 Bunk" the Lip snorted. "A hero today, a bum tomorrow You gamble and you're lucky and you're a great manager.
 Take the other night" Durocher continued. We were behind, 2 to 1, when man walked and Pee-Wee Reese came up. I ordered him to bunt.
 Some guy behind the dugout yellS: 'GWan va bum, let him hit. Pee-Wee bunted foul twice and then hit into a double play. just turned around and looked at the guy who wanted him to hit-and you never saw anybody slump lower in his seat. Yeh, those grandstand man. agers are rough"
 To Go On Radio
 His lead sliced to 21a games by the Cards, Leo was glad to talk about something else. For instance the radio program on which he'll answer sports questions every Sum- day starting in October.
 Sure, I'll answer the questions" Lippy laughed, but I don't know what I'll do if somebody asks some thing about tennis or polo or one of those kind of games. I guess I'll strike out"
 As for the question of whether Brooklyn will win the pennant, Leo replies:
 T never predict"
 The ears of the deer head seemed ] to get longe rand you almost ex.