Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1962-08-21

PiersuII PROVING
A Gigantic Flop
BY MORRIS SIEGEL

IN HIS UNDERGRADUATE DAYS on the campuses Of
the Red Sox and Indians before enrolling here rumpeted
as centerfielder magma aude Jimmy Piersa easily
managed to ALLEVIATE most of the writing fraternity
did 1t with characteristic effort
So far his ENHANCEMENT with local brethren in the
press box has been mostly intramural stuff and little Of
that There have been two flareups but like the
winning habits of the ball club which Piersa was
supposed to the panacea these fictions
more temporary than not. There is likelihood the
pattern will take permanent status this track
ing station though it is not intended
Let's face it, PierSa has been gigantic flop with the
Senators His ingenious mind easily capable Of explain
ing his poor performance, but the celebrating machines
which decode his playing behavior averages won't
listen They continue to brand him with 248 average
They also show his productivity provder is far
less than one would expect from $4 900 employee As of
Sunday Piersall had driven in only % runs.
The fact he's been batting first cannot excuse his
wretched RBI statistic Abie Pearson, who also plays
centered and who leads off for the Angels whacked
in 81 with that little bat of his But is not Piersas
poor year at the plate his unsensationa play in the
outfleld which disturbing It's his arynx If he half
as destructive with his bat he too often with his
he could become the first player to make Coopesow
before retirement.
THE LATEST INCIDENT involving Piersan is an ex-
ample He thumbed his at spectators in Los Angeles
the other day. He caught in the act rdhanded by
alert photographer, who untrue to his breed
ratng piece Of action other than somebody sliding
The camerman was doing his job while Persau wasn't
doing his.
Jims explanation for his ugly conduct doesn't hold
water 1t is not necessarily true that the customer is
always right, but whenever is ndugent enough to
purchase tickets to watch the Senators play he least
entitled to consideration than the who waits for
the Yankees to to town. Persa said the fans used
abusive, insulting language
Maybe they did, but if Piersan was guilty Of not
Furnishing them severely enough they ugly
he made out he should have climbed into the stands
some balplayers have done Nose thumbing way to
counter department such Persa accused his tormen
tors of.
What hurt PierSall than anything was not the
fact that the picture published all the country
and his wife and family it. 1t happened that Joe
Cronn also it and the American League president
didn't like what he He stuck Piersa with $50 fine
This is what hurt Persa Of ALL the fine nothing
else.
BUT THE LOS ANGELES incident is Just of a
series with this highstrng tempermental often
sonabe and unoften exciting New Englander He has
history Of not getting along with his teammates which
an awfuly disturbing factor especially team like the
Senator'S which has enough trouble with the opposition
and needs Self-inflicted wounds least Of all.
He is fortunate in having tolerant manager in
Mickey Vernon, favorteuncelike relationship with Ed
Doherty, the general and club president in
Pete QueSada who apparently thrills to PierSaH
exploit With any other organization Persa would have
been set down. talked to and maybe fined But here in
Washington he is kind Of hero unfortunate
state Of affairs which to broaden his license.
He is not all bad There have been occasions, such
his pranks with Vic Power Hersa fan and former team
mate at Cleveland when his actions both amusing
and timely. There other instances, too many when
his hambone technques strictly busheague 1t isn't
necessary to be psyche to how teammates
making far less than Persa feel when they their
featured performer carrying like league-leader but
playing baseball very poorly.
BEING TRADED TO WASHINGTON was big break
for Persal. Nowhere except here, where he enjoys
sympathetic front office audience could player command
raise of almost $4,000 for batting 800 the first time
Dorf
from Persa well playing help He has not been the
charmer at the gate it assumed he would be- The
Senator'S with increase Of only $4,000 this
the stretch last year, point to enlarged seat
ing capacity as the chief
Opening day alone for example, there were $4,000
more hand than for the 81 at Griffith Stadium
Not because Of Persa but because there's room at
D. c. Stadium Ditto the recent record-breakng 5000 who
watched the Yankee double header.
If there is to be reorganization Of the Senators,
there must be, it should start right in the middle in
centerfied General may not be Of it, but his
team finish 10th without Piersall.