Evening star., 1952-12-22

Fan is a banjo hitter. Not that he's rrane.st st.nn
drawback because this is the second in he's topped
the American League and 6 hits have to help club
But it's the third straight win for Musa in fact his fourth
triumph in the last five Jackie Robinson got into the
picture with 42 in 1949 to interrupt Muals reign
significant that Robinson hits authoritative
ball. There's getting from the fact that in recent
the National League has been turning out the sterner hers
DURING FANS TWO seasons the best batter in the
American League he's hit total of eight home Musal
the periodl951 and 952has hit 53 And to the
argument that is unfair to only the batting cham
pions, there is additional data.
Eight regulars hit 300 or better League
last Only two-Mckey Mantle of the Yankees and
the 1ndans-coud be classified hers The
others may wave gifted wand but there's little strength in
those sticks.
Here's the lineup aside from Mantle and Rosen Fain Dale
Mitchell Cleveland George Sox
ling the Billy Goodman of the Red sox and Bobby
Ava of the Indians Among these six total of only
hit in his Musa has hit homers and
the 32yearod craftsman from Donoa Pa never has been
exactly second Ruth
the National League during there 300
better htrs Drop the with the least homes runnerup
you up with 119 payo
blows from Musial Ted Kluszewsk Robinson, Red
Schoendenst Duke Snider Al Dark Dee Fondy and EnoS
Slaughter The eight htter for in the American
produced only SS home and Mantle and Rosen
responsible for 81 of these.
FOR FACT, the American League misses Ted Williams,
still sweating it in Marine aviation Since Ted last
the batting championships in 947 and 94S the Americans
haven't had that classic Indeed Mickey vernon OF
the Mats who in 49, and George Srnwes then with the
and winner in 4 in the nature OF long shots
Stirnweiss' 800 in year actually apologetc
Williams the American Leagues last answer to Musal
triumph 1948 there have been Ke Good
and wice these gentlemen could be called
much than spray hitters. Kell probably hits ball
than and Fain yet George aiming good
of at the nvtngly short lefed fence in
Fenway Park connected for only homers.
Musia strong boy. When he's listed in the roster as
pounds bushng He's lot closer to
pounds during the o-season doctor put him on
diet-a to put heft him. What he's got
going him the best pair of wrists in the business plus
superb eyesght.
THE OTHER BALLPLAYERS recognize the young mans
artistry tter have rated complete
attention in batting gpractice cages One Williams
the Musia When they stepped for their CUTS
stopped playing catch to observe.
Williams deceptive build. He appeared long, lanky
man. One morning Red clubhouse in Sarasota big
gadge designed wrist strength. Williams snached it
away and clicked it several times-with each hand.
Musa on contrary relatively small In comparison
to Williams Kner ze and Others that is His secret is superb
coordination his wrists the time Musial hits
baseball is something to be recorded
League, however, all hope is not lost
fellow, Mantle the Yankees His 311 third
behind Mitchell hasn't got his second wind yet
If the kid can't match casscism of Musal stroke at this
moment Mantle other factors in his favor First he can
bat from both sides plate Secondly he's II younger
than Musal
doesn't take charge during the next couple OF
years or sooner surprise, Musia notwith
standing.