Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1955-05-11
WIN, LOSE OR
DNAV BY FRANCIS STANN
A Human Swaps, Perhaps?

NASHUA WAS THE SO-CALLED solid horse but faster
breaking colt named Swaps made every post winning
IN the Kentucky Derby. Some such similar development
possible in the National League where quiet
yearod guy named Donald Fred Mueller trying
the sting from the Giants lame start with his hitting.
Right Mueller must be regarded as of the
artistic htters, He that last season. oo when he
finished with 342 average. Down to the final game
blanket could have covered Willie Mays, Mueller
Snder of the Dodgers. Willie with 345 and Snider
third with 341.
Muelers great try was almost overlooked. Mays was
the hottest article in baseball in "a and to most fans it
seemed only fitting that Willie should win out in the batting
race Didn't he hit Al home against Don four? And
drove across 10 runs to II for Mueller?
Sure Willie did, but lot of those must have been
scored by Mueller who base 212 times hits alone
and who scored 80
NEARLY ALL OF THE GIANTS key men year ago were
better known than Mueller. Mays Al Dark Hank
Thompson Johnny Antonelli Sal Magie Ruben
Gomez the bulpen duo of Marv Grissom and Hoyt
Wilhelm Dusty Rhodes The slender Mueller better
than big league outeders fields better hits better
but he could have been classified forgotten
The fellow has turned out to be quite stys at the
plate He chokes up his bat (he difference ball players
say, between driving cheaper and Cadillac, and
merely punches the ball.
Mueller got out of the 300 class in 1853 when he
punched out 1888 1t 342 last and
he's above 400 In the Polo Grounds the fans finally
beginning to appreciate the fellow and when he his
consecutive batting streak to 81 last Sunday to
within three of Freddie Lindsroms alltme Giants mark
set in 1880, they adopted Mueller their very
New York reporter asked Don if he knew the cheers
for him.
sure did," Mueller said "and it felt good" which
you can't blame him.
IT WOULD BE FOOLISH at this early stage of the year
to think that Mueller anybody else will hit 400 Last
to hit this figure Ted Williams who reached 406 in 94
And the last National Leaguerncidentaly Giantwas
Bill Terry, back in 80 when he batted 401.
Fresh in memory is Washington Tampa flight few
years ago, when seat-mate Williams The question
400 htters and Ted of mind that he
would hit so automatically again.
II don't think any long hitter will it." Ted added
II don't think will happen while I'm playing ball and
maybe for long time after quit But picture the possible
400 hitter of the future in the image of Paul Waner
Hes going to be cutie at the plate. He'll have to
protect able beat out lot of balls he drives into
the dirt"
THAT means he'll to run?" Ted asked
Right" Williams said. He'll have to take off almost
soon with the ball He'll have to spray
too hit to field, another to different field"
THE ONE TALKING to Ted asked How about Stan
Musial? Couldn't he hit .400?"
Hes tops" Williams conceded land he could do it. But
don't think The pitchers make too rough
clubs maybe two big hitters have to think
that it'll be somebody like Waner."
49, Mueller may little old to be regarded in terms
of will hit for 400 Williams, himself
barely past % when he batd his O6 although Terry
80 when he posted his big mark His different era,
however.
The manner in which Mueller has hit for the last
years and so far this year. remndul negative way,
somehow of couple ehanded hers in recent history
Harry (The Hat Walker who out of nowhere
largely in behalf of the PheS led the N L. in batting
with 1853 Never very 300 before he hit 300
again for full season.
Mickey Vernon to mind too Mickey 1858
hitter in 43 and his next me out for Navy duty hit
1853 Then batsman until he upped his So
average of Isl to 1897 winning fame the only washington
player to lead the American League twice.
Mickey drove ball longer than Walker and Mueller
but essentially he was spray hitter OF these three you'd
have to say that Mueller now is the most consistent