Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-03-06
WIN, LOSE OR
DkAW By FRANCIS sTANN
Return of the ProdiqoI

BRADENToN, FLA MAR 6-When 36-year Tommy
Byrne of the Pacific Coast League probation
year ago and pennant for the New York Yankees
he may the back to the big leagues for
another oStensbly waShedup, aging Southpaw At least
Gene Bearden taken big stride the road back
Back in 1949 the best rookie pitcher in the
business He 20 games for the Cleveland Indians in
the regular season. including the payof for the pennan
against the Red in Boston He another game
the World Series against the Braves and saved
in relief role.
81 worked hard get to the big leagues and worked
throw away Bearden said in the training
of the Milwaukee Braves "Al got to show for it is one
at the top and the rest wasted lucky to get
this chance
Gene is listed on Wichita roster but the Braves
are hurting for a relief pitcher and if the lefthanded
knucklebal expert qualify only work will be
necessary to transfer him to the parent club.
81 HAVEN'T HAD a drink in year and three months"
said II haven't had bottle of beer in year.
made lot of mistakes but they're giving me chance
here If blow this one I'm done"
Byrne had 20 games for Seattle in 1854 to earn
chance with Yankees When he carried his stuff
the American League long last General Manager
Quinn got the idea that Bearden, 18game winner
last for San Francisco, might do the same for
the Braves in the National
AS matter of fact, the Yankees almost chance
Gene early last year when their relief pitching begged
down. The San Francisco Tommy Heath, vowed
that Bearden had mended his ways The Yankees didn't
buy, Gene wrote to Quinn asking for trial.
There reply until Bearden joined Cienfuegos in
the Cuban Winter League. Quinn called him in Havana
you won't get into trouble up here" Quinn said.
"I haven't" Gene swore. "Al want is chance I've
been damned fool with all that kid stuff"
LESS THAN TWO YEARS after he the toast of
Cleveland traded to the Senator'S who sent him
to the Tigers who shipped him to the Browns Finally he
wound up with the White sox, and when they released
him to Seattle it looked like curtains
Seven years after breaking into pro ball with Miami
Beach, he had reached the top 1t took only five to skid
back when you think you got it, Gene said you think
you're going to lose it, You to yourself can
always get it back and it doesn't back"
At IS and looking all of his age, the onetme glamor
boy thinks at least hopes he has learned his lesson in
time. And maybe he has When Gene and Bob Teller and
pitching the Indians to that 48 pennan
Bearden throwing perhaps the best knuckeb in the
American League real beaut Once mastered KNOCKERS
stay with pitcher long time
Success may have gone to his head The night after
Cleveland beat Boston in the first payof in American
League history the Indians threw party Spirits high
in every direction The celebration proper included
differences of opinion among the champs Hangover
participants the next morning found Gene still celebrating
in the hotel dining in Boston And he didn't
himself off then.
1T is SAID THAT Bearden helped to make history in
than in that pennant payo. The Red Sox
at the time grooming Mike (Pnky) Higgins who was
managing in their chain succeed Mccarthy perhaps
by 1850.
But Bearden's clutch pitching made Lou Boudreau of
the Indians look like great manager fearless gambler
who took chance rookie And as player Lou did
himself proud with his 4for4 at bat including home
runs. Between them, Gene and Lou did in the
1t is said that Mr. and Mrs Thomas Yawkey watching
from their upstairs box, entranced by Boudreau
that Boston future managerial plans changed that
afternoon The Red Soxs permanent manager would
be Boudreau, and in 1852 they got him.
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