Evening star., 1954-01-13

and September grind and last year
sented the games he has lost in single since
he entered organized baseball.
So % victories tidy and pitcher gifted
to wonder what fellow must do to protect his income
ROBERTS NOW HAS put together four seasons in which
he has 20 games. The big Michigan State
coegian has 90 for the Phies since 1850 and
the only active pitcher who has similar
stretch is Bob Feller, who SO from 1888 194l.
might added the irony of it, that Feller took
salary cut himself after his string for Cleveland in
1941 The his contract from Uncle Sam who
put Feer his payroll enlisted man in the Navy for
the next four years.
with superior pitchers Roberts is awork
Feler, instance led the American League five
in innings pitched 1916 he worked total of 371
innings Roberts has not pitched quite as much but the
evidence that he is being worked to it. The Phies in
1850 used him for 304 innings They worked him little
succeeding until he reached S4 innings
So Nobody else at least in the National League has topped
Robin for work since So
MORE THAN A FEW critics charged that Manager Steve
ONel overworked the 27year-od rghthander last
They pointed out that after Curt Simmons trimmed his toes
power mower, and while Karl Drews lucky to get
Roberts started third day
with relief work In between.
It was characteristic Roberts to deny the overwork
charge string along with ONei He pointed out
that when he posted record in 1852 he daily
visitor to Wechecs clinic for rubbing
Last year, though hardly ever saw Frank Robin says
my fine"
But the fact remains Roberts lost eight Of his last
II starts beginning in mdAugus whereas he wound up the
so season with eight in row in his last 13 out
fast ball and his dipping curve according 70
the critics, weren't going for him late last summer
MAYBE IT'S TIME" oNeill told reporters after the
season. that Roberts mastered another pitch, perhaps
change of pace pitchers have to do later
Lefty Walter Johnson could delay their change OF
pace longer they faster Roberts
speed but he hasn't and never had the speed
of Johnson"
1t all depends on who you Not team
of Johnsonit could have been Joe Judge, Bucky
Harris or Sam Rice although memory fails herewas talking
of when Johnson decided to rely great deal on curve
"Au Walter he Sad in effect, was blow his
fast htter Then he got Believe
me- everybody ball club including the cachers could
throw better curve Walter insisted throwing 1t in
his later years had been running from fright
were suddenly anxious step up to the plate.
"They knew when Walter going to throw his wrinkle
whereas until day retired he still could throw baseball
as fast anybody"
THE SENATORS ALMOST lost Johnson in 1914 because of
salary differences The Big Train had finished with record
Roberts-28 18 lost His earnedrun
give idea to his batting
support and deserved boost in his
$12500 salary
Clark Griffith, who only the manager at the time
sided with Johnson Office turned him down. In
fantastic 367 record and felt that
he had comparatively year. When the Federal Leaguers
gave $4,000 and promise OF $4,000 salary to
play in Chicago, Johnson jumped the American League
Griffith got him back but with help from the front
office put the bite Charles ComiSkey OF the White
"How would you like to see Johnson pitching in COM
petition with your White Sox?" he asked Comskey
81 wouldn't like it," the reply.
For $4,000 get Johnson back in league Grf
promised 1T will pay back the Federal League bonus and
think sign Walter"
Comskey paid.