The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1958-10-24
Future Looms
Brighter for Jets
BY JOHN SANDERS
Jets Publicity Director

~J
The future looms ever brighter for the Column
Entrance into the International League playoffs
this past season, and the prospects of a solid first
division club from the outset in 1859, indicate that
the clubs fifth year of operation will be its biggest
in a continual climb upward since its inception in
January, 1855.
Barring the possibility Of any winter trades,
fhree-fovrths Of the infield will be back intact, along
with regular catcher. Dick Rand. The biggest change
field both Of which need to be strengthened.
Sure-handed Leo Rodriguez, who batted .276
In 135 games, is a fixture at third base. Youthful
Ken Hamln at ~shortstop and dependable second
sacker Spook Jacobs will also be back for another
year.
Hamin, obtained from Mexico City in early
August, could be one the international Leagues
standout infielderS in 1859. He did a creditable job
afield and batted .295 in 81 games after joining the
Jets. This was the former Western Michigan stars
first full season in professional baseball.
The 33-year-old Jacobs was one of the teams
standouts down the stretch. After a slow start, he
finished with a 1872 batting average, and played fine
defensive ball.
Rand Is . capable receiver and hit as in l26
games before a finger injury on his throwing hand
put him out Of commission the final week OF The
regular season and forced him TO miss the ~pIayoffs.
He has The experience 50 necessary in the handling
and development Of a young pitching staff.
Bill Onuska, a 1853 hitter in 81 games, could be
the second catcher again in 1859. He also was forced
to miss the playoffs because of an injured finger on
his throwing hand. Sam Miley, who batted $50 in
the seven playoff games, has returned to Salt Lake
City's roster.
Jim Pendleton, whose .313 average placed him
second In the IL batting race, may be back in left
field If he is not kept by Pittsburgh or traded during
the winter. He had Ia home runs and drove in IS
runs in 1913 games.
Lynn Lovenguth, with a SO won-lost record after
joining the Jets In mid-August, is owned outright by
us. The 35year-old highlander split even in two
decisions during the playOffS.
Another righfhandsr, Whsmnny Douglas, is also
. possible rsfurnee next year. He has been recalled
by 'he Pirates and will begin spring training with
them. He was our big winner this season with . 1910
record and q 3.3l earned run average.
Bennie Daniels, 1916 with an excellent 2.3O
IL after being sent here by Pittsburgh in June,
has a good chance of remaining with the Pirates next
Lefty Joe Gibbon and Highlander Bob Kelly
could be two of our starting pitchers next season.
Gibbon had a 6-13 record in his first complete season
mark during infrequent appearances after he was
purchased from Cleveland in mid,June. If he rids
himself of arm trouble, he will help.
Relief specialists Luis Arroyo and George O'Don-
nell are also in the picture. Arroyo made 81 appear
ances, and posted a 1913 record.
ODonnell had an SO record in SIS appearances
seven OF which were in starting roles.
General Manager Harold Cooper has developed a
"wait-and-see" attitude toward the outfield and first
base. Expected help from within the Pirate organiza-
ton or a player deal before the 1859 season opens
should plug the existing gaps at these positions. At
tnis Time, II Is a matter OF conjecture to say what
might be involved.
In retrospect, despite . horrible season weather.
wise. this years club drew Io4,655 fans during the
regular season and 1922 for The three piayoff
games with Montreal.
f. The regular season total was the second best
IN the Jets brief fouryear history, topped only by
the 2O4,53l figure in 1855. Given a break or two
this year.
So much for 1858. We feel the fans have every
rght to be optimistic in looking forward to next
season.