Vancouver ... 61 31 .663 —
Spokane ..... 50 33 .641 2
Salem ....... 45 46 .495 15½
Wenatchee ... 44 46 .489 16
Tri-City .... 42 50 .457 19
Victoria .... 40 53 .430 21½
Tacoma ...... 38 53 .418 22½
Yakima ...... 37 54 .407 23½
VANCOUVER [Don Carlson, Daily Province, July 19]—Vancouver’s Western International League lead is safe for another day or two—thanks to two old pals who don’t play together any more, Bob Snyder and Bill Brenner.
Filling his third pitching assignment in four days, Snyder Wednesday night beat Tacoma Tigers 4-2 at Cap Stadium, working with a badly crippled club behind him, for his 19th win of the season.
In Yakima, Bill Brenner, last year’s Capilano manager, led his Bears to a double win (2-1 and 3-1) over second-place Spokane, which before Wednesday’s games was only one-half game behind the Caps.
Snyder, beaten Saturday by Wenatchee and relieved Monday night against Tacoma, won that elusive 19th victory the hard way, with a battered team.
Reno Cheso, the great Cp second baseman, was out with a billiard ball-sized lump on his left below (he was hit with a pitch the night before).
Catcher Ritchey went through [the entire game playing on] injured left leg (he caught it on a base the night before).
SINOVIC BOUNCED
Shortstop Ray Tran complained of flu before the game.
Centre fielder Dick Sinovic was lost to the club in the seventh when he was ousted by umpire Dick Valencourt for protesting when called out sliding into the plate after tripling.
And against him, Snyder had Melvin Knezovich, who kept the Brownies hitless for five innings until Snyder himself broke the spell with a sharp single to left, his first of two hits in the game.
Caps had to come from behind to win. Tacoma went ahead in the top of the seventh. Vince DiMaggio [tripled], Marion Watson walked and both scored on Jose Bache’s double to left.
CHARLIE PRODUCES
Caps came close when Sinovic was thrown out at the plate in the seventh, then burst the bonds in the eighth. Snyder started the rally by singling, Bob McGuire and Ray Tran walked and Gordie Brunswick singled in two runs. [Pete Hernandez struck out before Charlie Mead, right] fielder won the game with his solid smash to right, driving in Tran and Brunswick.
Caps have Pat Clyde, a rookie who trained with them in the spring, standing by in case they need catching help . . . Bill Whyte, the Vancouver-born relief pitcher, has been released . . . Frank Mullens, who played for the Caps right after the war and is now a Los Angeles policeman, was a pre-game visitor to the Brownie bench.
WILfan note: There is a fine editor by Don Carlson on the lousy WIL umpiring. Unfortunately, the microfilm of the newspaper is badly damaged and a lot of the story isn’t readable.
Tacoma ....... 000 000 200—2-7-0
Vancouver ... 000 000 04x—4-5-0
Knezovich, Miller (8) and Watson; Snyder and Ritchey.
YAKIMA, July 18—The Yakima Bears, 1950 champs of the league, are in the basement this year but they still have some of the old sock left. They displayed it last night at Yakima by sweeping a twin bill with Spokane The double loss seriously dented Spokane's bid for first place.
The Bears won the seven-inning opener 2 to 1, tallying the winning run in the seventh when pitcher Ken Wyatt threw wild to first on an attempted pick off with the bases loaded.
In the nightcap, the Bears came back with two runs in the first inning after Spokane had scored once in that frame and held on behind pitcher Tom Del Sarto for a 3 to 1 victory. The double defeat dropped Spokane two full games behind Vancouver.
First Game
Spokane ..... 001 000 0—1-7-2
Yakima ....... 000 001 1—2-8-0
Wyatt and Sheets; Powell and Brenner.
Second Game
Spokane .... 100 000 000—1-5-1
Yakima ...... 201 000 00x—3-6-1
Marshall and Sheets; Del Sarto and Tiesiera.
SALEM, Ore., July 18 — The Salem Senators handed the Tri-City Braves a 3-2 Western Inernational league defeat tonight at the Salem ball park.
All the Salem runs came in the third inning. Gene Tanselli walked and was driven across the plate on a solid line double by Glen Stetter. Then Hugh Luby poked a deep liner between center and left field for an inside the park homer to drive in two runs and provide the winning margin.
The Trl-City club outhit the Senators 11 to 6, but five of the six Salem blows were for extra bases.
After the fatal fourth inning, Tri-City pitcher Lou McCollum had no trouble, striking out five and walking two.
Ray McNulty won his tenth game ot the season for Salem.
Vic Buccola hit a homer for the Braves m the fifth with none on, and Tri-City picked up its other run in the seventh on four hits.
The Senator win gives Salem a 2-0 lead in the series, and the two teams meet again on the Salem diamond tomorrow night for the third and final game of the series.
Tri-City ........ 000 010 100— 2 11 0
Salem ........... 000 300 00x— 3 6 0
McCollum and Pesut; McNulty and McKeegan.
VICTORIA [Colonist, July 19]—Victoria Athletics ran out of lefthanded pitchers last night and Wenatchee Chiefs, with most of their power swinging from the first-base side of the plate, jumped on two right-handers for 17 hits and their first, 9-3, win of the four-game series.
Bob Osborn [sic], Victoria manager, took full note that the five Chiefs who club from the port side picked up 13 of the hits and changed his pitching plans for the series finale at Royal Athletic Park tonight. He will send first-baseman Hall [sic] Jackson, a wrong-hander to the mound, resting John Tierney for the opener against Vancouver tomorrow.
Bob White will guard the initial sack, giving the A’s another righthander to face the southpaw—Charlie Gassaway or Tom Breisinger—that the Chiefs will start.
NO AUTHORITY
Showing no authority at the plate, losers were left to four hits by Walt Raimondi, who played in the infield for the 1946 A’s. Not only did Raimondi stp the A’s cold, he proved to be a better hitter as a pitcher than he did as an infielder. Hitless in the first two games as a second-baseman, he batted in enough runs to win with a three-run homer and two singles.
Bill Osborn was hit hard for the second time in a row. Lacking his usual control, the slim righthander worked behind most of the hitters and came in too good when he got the ball over. He was knocked for three home runs—Will Hafey and Jim Marshall leading off the second and fourth innings, respectively, with four-masters—and suffered somewhat from the fielding of his teammates.
HAFEY ERROR
However, an error by Hafey gave Marv Diercks a chance to tie the score with a three-run homer in the fourth, and Osborn was unable to stay in the game. Marshall cracked one over the fence in deep rught for the winning run and Raimondi gave himself a working margin with his liner over the centre field wall in the fifth.
Rom Smith finished up, giving up seven hits but only two runs.
CLARK DOUBLED
Jim Clark, the A’s latest acquisition, started at shortstop. He failed on three tough chances on ground balls, was charged with one boot and came up with a good grab of a line drive. At the plate, he had a double in four trips and gave some indication he might be of offensive help.
Wenatchee .... 010 240 110—9-18-1
Victoria ......... 000 300 000—3- 4-2
Raimondi and Neal; Osborn, Smith (5) and Martin.
Spokane Ball Club Robbed In Yakima
YAKIMA, Wash., July 18 — A thief entered the Yakima baseball team's clubhouse here Tuesday night and stole $587 from wallets of Spokane baseball players, Manager Alan Strange said today.
He said the thefts occurred during a Yakima-Spokane Western International league game Watches and other valuables [rest of story missing]
IT BEATS ME
By Jim Tang [Victoria Colonist, July 19, 1951]
Is the W.I.L. trying to give its patrons better baseball than should be the case in a class “B” league? One man who believes that is the case is Don McShane, scout for the Philadelphia Phillies, who is spending this week in the city while looking over W.I.L. rosters.
McShane, who represents a club that is building up for the future by signing promising youngsters out of college and high school, states that major league clubs don’t look at the W.I.L. with too much favor because of the number of veteran players and the resulting number of high salaries. He doesn’t believe that is good for the future of young prospects, many of whom represent a considerable investment, to play in a small minor league that has an over-abundance of veterans with Triple A and major league experience.
McShane believes that the W.I.L., which he rates among the best in its classification should have—and enforce—a rookie rule. This would keep clubs from overloading with ageing veterans and keep Vancouver and Spokane, the only two clubs who can afford it, from running away from the rest of the league.
That McShane is right is becoming increasingly evident. Six of the eight clubs have lost heavily again this season, two or three may not be able to start another season. If they do, they are going to have to cut the costs of operation and the only place where a big slice can be made is in salaries. They only way this can be done is by bringing in youngsters on their way up instead of veterans playing out the string.
The class “B” salary limit is $4,000 a month, yet it is safe to state not one of the eight clubs comes close to meeting this figure. One club is said to have a monthly player payroll of over $10,000. It is without doubt tops but there are others close to that figure.There are other arguments in favour of making the W.I.L. a bone fide class “B” league. Younger players make for more interesting baseball even if they make more mistakes. One gets tired after a few years of watching clubs which have no speed and too many players who play just well enough to get by and whose conduct, at times, is not too exemplary. Many fans criticized the Yankees when they were working with the A’s but the best clubs Victoria had were the 1947 and 1948 young Yankees. Hustle and speed are what counts. There will have ton be more of it or there may be no W.I.L.
By Jim Tang [Victoria Colonist, July 19, 1951]
Is the W.I.L. trying to give its patrons better baseball than should be the case in a class “B” league? One man who believes that is the case is Don McShane, scout for the Philadelphia Phillies, who is spending this week in the city while looking over W.I.L. rosters.
McShane, who represents a club that is building up for the future by signing promising youngsters out of college and high school, states that major league clubs don’t look at the W.I.L. with too much favor because of the number of veteran players and the resulting number of high salaries. He doesn’t believe that is good for the future of young prospects, many of whom represent a considerable investment, to play in a small minor league that has an over-abundance of veterans with Triple A and major league experience.
McShane believes that the W.I.L., which he rates among the best in its classification should have—and enforce—a rookie rule. This would keep clubs from overloading with ageing veterans and keep Vancouver and Spokane, the only two clubs who can afford it, from running away from the rest of the league.
That McShane is right is becoming increasingly evident. Six of the eight clubs have lost heavily again this season, two or three may not be able to start another season. If they do, they are going to have to cut the costs of operation and the only place where a big slice can be made is in salaries. They only way this can be done is by bringing in youngsters on their way up instead of veterans playing out the string.
The class “B” salary limit is $4,000 a month, yet it is safe to state not one of the eight clubs comes close to meeting this figure. One club is said to have a monthly player payroll of over $10,000. It is without doubt tops but there are others close to that figure.There are other arguments in favour of making the W.I.L. a bone fide class “B” league. Younger players make for more interesting baseball even if they make more mistakes. One gets tired after a few years of watching clubs which have no speed and too many players who play just well enough to get by and whose conduct, at times, is not too exemplary. Many fans criticized the Yankees when they were working with the A’s but the best clubs Victoria had were the 1947 and 1948 young Yankees. Hustle and speed are what counts. There will have ton be more of it or there may be no W.I.L.
ON THE INSIDE
By DON BECKER, Herald Sports Editor [from July 19, 1951]
Ever hear about the time Al Spaeter hit a home run? Chances are you probably haven't yet. It was there in the box score for every one to see the day after the ball soared out of the park. Now the Braves second base man is hardly what you would term a long ball hitter though he does belt a timely double or triple now and then. But a home run . . .never well hardly ever. That's why this story is worth telling.
We're going to have to take you back to the spring training camps of California. . . and more precisely Bakersfield to set the scene. This game was between Tri - City and Bakersfield. Aside from a score of Brave fans from Lindsay the only other supporters of the team on hand were Al Spaeter’s mother and father. . .and oh yes, his brother Bill. It was right on the nub end of the training season and Bill allowed to Al as how he'd like to play a game. That was okay with Al, who was in top shape anyway and who could then visit with his folks during the game. So Bill Spaeter played for the Braves. . .but with the front handle of Al. And all he did that night was hit two out of the park, and each time the loud speaker would boom out that it was “Al” Spaeter.
The payoff came after the game though when a couple of the Bakersfield players dropped around to see this “Al”. Commented one when he met the true, and shorter version of the family, “say, for a small guy you sure pack a lot of wallop.” The two Spaeter's are very much look-alikes facially, but Bill has a lot more weight than Al, hence the long ball power. Still it’s down there in black and white that Al Spaeter hit two home runs. . .and who's going to argue with that.
GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
The umpires have been taking a verbal shelling from the sportswriters on the WIL circuit this year but it’s hard to believe they can be as bad as Al Lightner of the Salem Statesman would have you believe. The big trouble with Lightner’s argument that he only seems to find fault with the calls when they are made against his home town club. That alone puts the “kiss of death” on them.
Our only wonder is that the WIL attracts as good umpires as it does. After all you only get what you pay for, and certainly the cakes and ale stipend in this league isn’t going to burden down the income tax collector. With all the haymow payoffs to the players you’d think the league directors would be willing to lay a little more on the line for the umps. Then if the beefs rolled in they could give the boys in blue their lumps. But as it is now they can say “so what” and in their case there isn’t any answer to that. . .they’re giving their best. . .at considerably less than most players are getting.
Coincident with tomorrow’s return of the Braves to Sanders Field is “Husband’s Night.” The wife, or gal friend as the case may be, buys the old man’s ticket for taxes and a full price one for herself. . .thus saving a good chunk of dough. They say women rule the purse strings, well if so they won't be able to pass up a bargain like that. . .and besides all of you will be welcoming the team back home.
By DON BECKER, Herald Sports Editor [from July 19, 1951]
Ever hear about the time Al Spaeter hit a home run? Chances are you probably haven't yet. It was there in the box score for every one to see the day after the ball soared out of the park. Now the Braves second base man is hardly what you would term a long ball hitter though he does belt a timely double or triple now and then. But a home run . . .never well hardly ever. That's why this story is worth telling.
We're going to have to take you back to the spring training camps of California. . . and more precisely Bakersfield to set the scene. This game was between Tri - City and Bakersfield. Aside from a score of Brave fans from Lindsay the only other supporters of the team on hand were Al Spaeter’s mother and father. . .and oh yes, his brother Bill. It was right on the nub end of the training season and Bill allowed to Al as how he'd like to play a game. That was okay with Al, who was in top shape anyway and who could then visit with his folks during the game. So Bill Spaeter played for the Braves. . .but with the front handle of Al. And all he did that night was hit two out of the park, and each time the loud speaker would boom out that it was “Al” Spaeter.
The payoff came after the game though when a couple of the Bakersfield players dropped around to see this “Al”. Commented one when he met the true, and shorter version of the family, “say, for a small guy you sure pack a lot of wallop.” The two Spaeter's are very much look-alikes facially, but Bill has a lot more weight than Al, hence the long ball power. Still it’s down there in black and white that Al Spaeter hit two home runs. . .and who's going to argue with that.
GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
The umpires have been taking a verbal shelling from the sportswriters on the WIL circuit this year but it’s hard to believe they can be as bad as Al Lightner of the Salem Statesman would have you believe. The big trouble with Lightner’s argument that he only seems to find fault with the calls when they are made against his home town club. That alone puts the “kiss of death” on them.
Our only wonder is that the WIL attracts as good umpires as it does. After all you only get what you pay for, and certainly the cakes and ale stipend in this league isn’t going to burden down the income tax collector. With all the haymow payoffs to the players you’d think the league directors would be willing to lay a little more on the line for the umps. Then if the beefs rolled in they could give the boys in blue their lumps. But as it is now they can say “so what” and in their case there isn’t any answer to that. . .they’re giving their best. . .at considerably less than most players are getting.
Coincident with tomorrow’s return of the Braves to Sanders Field is “Husband’s Night.” The wife, or gal friend as the case may be, buys the old man’s ticket for taxes and a full price one for herself. . .thus saving a good chunk of dough. They say women rule the purse strings, well if so they won't be able to pass up a bargain like that. . .and besides all of you will be welcoming the team back home.
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