Evening star., 1948-04-22
Spectacular Nab
Off FenceCaps
Ear|'s Big Day
Three-Run Homer Hit
By Coon Seals 6-3
Win Over Champs
By Burton Howkins

by bufton noWklnS
The major league career of wavy-
haired, slim Earl Wooten may not
be marked by the majesty of home
runs soaring over fences, but in
future years when brilliant catches
are being discussed they'll remember
the blond center fielder. Washing
tons trim utility performer rapidly
is qualifying as defensive genius.
Wooten moved into action yester-
day because Lee Culberson was in
capacitated, due to drops in his
eyes. He won't supplant Culber-
son, but Earl has cinvinced the
Mats fan that any time he's In the
outfield they're slated to get some
sparkling, unbelievable catches.
Rootin' -Tootin' Wooten was a
conspicuous figure as the Mats
bumped New York, So. To the
astonishment Of the baseball world
and robably themselves, the Mats
displayed considerable resiliency in
recovering from an embarrassing
1874 opening day defeat to capture
the next two games from the world
champions. Playing no minor role
in Yesterdays heroics was the hand
some 23-year -old tlyhawk from
Pelzer, S. c.
Catch Ranks With Greatest.
Wooten isn't noted as hitter,
despite his current 500 average IN
two trips to the plate. AS a fielder,
though. Griffith Stadium customers
are certain that Earl ranks with
royalty-that when better catches
are contributed Mr.. Wooten will be
making them.
There was that occasion late last
season when Wooten, summoned
from Chattanooga for an examlna-
ton. took fly ball on the run
while tumbling over temporary
center field fence. 1t was remark
able episode, but yesterdays sixth
inning snatch will rate with the
all-time terrific catches viewed at
Griffith Stadium.
It came with warning, for an in
slant before Wooten had dashed
into eft-center for a fine catch OF
Steve Souchock's drive, then un-
leashed a superb throw which near
ly nipped Johnny Lindell advancing
from second base. That opened the
fans eyes - then came a catch
which 6,9O5 fans never will forget.
Bill johnson blasted one OF
Mickey Haefner's offerings toward
the center field bleachers. 1t was a
booming, authoritative poke at
which Wooten took preliminary
peek, wheeled and streaked for the
fence. Twice more en- route to the
wall he checked the drive for dis
tance, then seemingly ran up the
center field wall to haul in the
mighty clout with backhand stab
which literally picked the ball of
the fence.
Mats Go Wild in Second.
For several years, Chattanooga
fans have been acclaiming Wooten
wildly for his fantastic fielding
feats and after yesterdays catch
Washington rooters wouldn't be
surprised to see Earl sprint hall
way up the flagpole for his next
number. He won't be regular with
the Mats unless Culberson's hitting
falls off, but any time he's in the
lineup there will be no complaint:
from the folks who pay the freight
The artistry OF his fielding is worth
the price of admission.
There were some other outstand
ing instances yesterday. The Yam
KEGS leaped into 20 lead in tht
first inning when Joe Di Maggie
rammed q 440-foot smash into th'
center field stands, scoring Georg'
Stirnweiss, who had singled, aheac
of him. The Mats bounced bacl
with run in their half OF thu
inning when AL Kozar doubled ane
Wooten singled him across.
1t was in the third inning tha
the Mats hit the jackpot agains
Pitcher Vic Raschi. Eddie Yos
walked and shifted to second or
Kozar's single. In that situation
Gil Coan lifted a home run ovel
the right-f1eld wall. Later in thu
inning Mark Christman pumped {
single to center, scoring Mickey
Vernon and Wooten for the Mats
second five-run outburSt in two days
Drews Stops Home Batters.
Meanwhile Haefner braced to per.
NIT only four hits in the next sever
innings, the Yankees fashioninl
their final run in the ninth wher
Johnson singled, Phil Rizzuto sacri'
hced and Gus Niarhos singled.
Karl Drews stepped in to stoI
the Mats attack. He allowed only
one hit in the 52s innings he la
bored, but by that time the Nat!
had inflicted enough damage. Ko
zar led the Mats 7-hit attack with
double and two singles, while
Stirnweiss and Niarhos each go
| two of the Yankees nine hits.