Evening star., 1961-03-05
WIN, LOSE OR
.DNAW By FRANCIS sTANN
Fifth Isn't Bad Any More

POMPANO BEACH, FLA, MAR. "A courier from up
the road brought word today that Frank Lane general
manager of the Kansas City Athletics at West Palm Beach,
says the Senators can't possibly finish higher than
10th in the 10-team American League.
I'm not interested in what the gentleman has to say
Ed Dohery his Washington counterpart, Snorted. He
Just likes to talk you comment anything he says
1t only gives him to talk about don't want to
hear him"
Lane also says the AS going to finish higher than
Los Angeles and the Red sox."
Doerty stared at the ball field, watching the Senators
move into their 18th official day Of training He did
not speak.
what could Lane be so proud Of after finishing last
80 games out?" the courier prompted.
Lets leave out Lane" Doherty suggested, land I'll
talk I'd rather wait one more week before making any
predictions, but I don't think this is bad club"
GENE wooDLING WAS in the batting cage, real pro
in STYLE George Sekrk, the old Yankee was here the
other day. Doherty said He works for the AS too He
said, Ed you've got outfeld good as any in the
league right now except the Yankees Mantle and Mars
move them in front But I'd rate Woodling Willie Tasby
and Marty Keough good any other.
II think pitching will surprise lot OF people.
We're little thin here and there, but give time"
Speaking of time Doherty said last December he felt
"sure we'd be contender in two or three years. Does
he still feel that way?
"Yes, did say that" he admitted II guess it still
stands" s
Just speaking Of this year. off what he's seen Of the
club would he care predict how high the Senator'S
could finish?
1--WE could finish fifth replied this perennial opmst
Fifth isn't bad any It's in the first DIVISION
&t&
THE FIRST FLASHES of form are beginning to be
shown now Not enough for Manager Mickey Vernon to
start awarding opening game jobs especially in the nfied
but he study batting strokes, at least and pick out
the troops help and the who need seasoning
It's been hard-workng crew. but until the last couple
Of days restrained The guys were strangers, not
sure of most OF the identities until Fred Baxter the club
house custodian got all the adhesive strips on
the lockers They beginning to loosen and act
more like a normal club
Some Of the traditional training camp humor creep
ing out and casualties begin There little of both
yesterday Marty Keogh cut his finger trying to open
coconut. '
This isn't the Keogh who may play rightfied this
year This is 5year Marty jr, compact mite with
some pretty firm opinions Of his own
LITTLE MARTY SUFFERED only scratch but it
entitled him to Trainer Tom McKenna in the club
house and to help make Tv tape for The Evening Stars
Station WNGAL-7.
His father was being interviewed when Marty jr,
walked up and took While hundred bemused spec
tators stood around little Marty asked to his
fayorte baplayer He considered carefully then spoke
UP loud and clear
Harvey Kuenn"
His father the former Red Sox outfielder, grinned
We who is your second favoriteP" orre Siegel asked
"Ted williams" -f
Big Marty smiled. "It used to be Jimmy Piersall
he said $50 I've got him Strengthened out little Bit
"How old your" young Marty was asked by Siegel
give"
How old would you like to be?"
"Ten, guess"
"Why 10?"
Because" he replied as the listeners roared again
"Id be old enough to kick football around little bit