Evening star., 1960-03-29
WIN, LOSE OR
DNAH By FRANCIS sTANN
KHIebrew: A Book on Him.?

ST. PETERSBURG FLA. MAR 29.-As everyone must
know by now, Willie Lee McCoveys dash to stardom is
over Last year. joining the San Francisco Giants in time
to play So games. Willie batted 1884, hit 10 home runs
knocked across 38 and acclaimed the National
Leagues rookie of the year.
But he won't do too good this season." Chuck Dresser
has pronounced II don't know about everybody else but
know how to pitch to him. says the marveousy brassy
manager of the Milwaukee Braves.
Now this day Ralph Houk the Yankee coach was
summing himself a traditional green bench Ceven at
Miller Higgins Field and saying the thing about
Harmon Killebrew of the Washington Senators. In his
playing days Houk couldn't crack the Yankee lineup
he apparently raised hell with the Germans in World
War II He emerged bemedaled major in the Rangers
Some people think he will be Casey stenges successor
"Killebrew is not going to hit AZ home runs again
this year. Houk predicted I've where he's talking
about hitting so but don't think it's going to happen
Neither is he going to boost that PAP batting average
much"
I'm OTHER WORDS" a visitor prompted you have
book on Kiebrew BY that, mean the whole Amer
lean League has a book on him"
Call it a book If you like" Houk replied dryly "In
any caSe the pitchers know about Kilebrew now
than they did year ago. He'll he murdered the pitchers
the first half of the season."
The records show that by July Is Killebrew had 81
home runs and ahead of Babe Ruths pace of 1927
Then, OF sudden Killebrew seemed to come undone.
Figured" Houk wryly commented THE pitchers
fat pitches Oh he might make certain corrections and
develop to be real good hitter For his sake hope So
He's a nice boy. what know of him."
But he won't hit so home runs?" Houk was asked
mot this year." replied the old Ranger "At least
don't think So"
THE FACT THAT NONE of Washingtons "Fearsome
Foursome" meaning Killebrew Bob Allison Jim Lemon
and Roy Seves has broken any fences this spring is not
considered matter of import by rival talent appraisers
Those free swingers. they need little time" seems
to be the When there talk however
it interesting to note that Severs the granddaddy of
the lot at 49, is the one that cubs-notably the
White Sox-want the most Nor can the flesh peddlers
understand why Calvin Griffith is reluctant to make
trade.
his value" one club executive commented Then they
finally gave him away The things going to happen
to sieveS At the right time Calvin could have picked up
half ball club for Yost and the other half for Severs
Professor Sengel rerans from such discussions al
though the Yankee genius confesseS certain curiosity
about Clint Courtney obviously up for trade Il don't
want him. he stressed because I'm the only manager in
baseball with three good cachers but read where he's
had bad finger and sort of wonder if he's swatting
anybody.
1--WE (THE YANKEES used to have Courtney, YOU
know Stenge mused II sort of liked the fellow He used
to lean over the plate and the pitchers who don't like
him. threw at him. He'd get conked pretty good but next
q
He always asked for it.
Next thing we'd know Courtney would be taking
punch at of my good nfieder using the locker
next to him. No reason, just punch
Now, Rogers Hornsby managed Beaumont in the
Texas League one year and my Gil McDougald was
on the club Well, this Courtney if my memory is right
Just swung on anybody if things didn't go right and
oont know it at the time but McDougald is Of my
players later and don't want him hurt in clubhouse
3d. say don't need Courtney because got the three
best catchers in the business"