A new season has dawned and the ball parks are again alive with the sounds of wooden bats striking horsehide. Though the rooting interests for each of the eight clubs in the respective leagues have high hopes for the season, many will wilt as spring turns to summer. But right now, all is right with the world as another campaign gets underway.
In the National League, the powerhouse New York Giants club appears to be replaying their formula of 1904. To wit, they have started slowly. This did not prove to be their undoing in '04 and I doubt many of the Gotham nine's followers are sweating following a sluggish 6-8 April. A lot of base ball remains to be played. Currently the Giants' accustomed top spot is jointly held by the Boston Beaneaters and Cincinnati Reds.
In the American League, the twice-defending champions from the national capital are not following the Giants' plan, but have rather come of the gate quickly and ride a 12-4 April into May atop the standings board. They are followed by their familiar chasers from a year ago - Boston and Cleveland.
Out west on the Pacific Coast, the appropriately named Pacific Coast League is already well-established on its marathon (200 game) season. The Seattle club currently holds the top spot with a 33-17 record on the strength of the batting of Oscar Leitch (.371) and Floyd Volpe, and a trio of top-notch hurlers in Chuck Flinn (8-1, 2.33), Frank Coil (8-1, 2.44) and Ellis Wallace (5-3, 2.57).
The other significant "minor" circuits - the Eastern League and American Association have both begun their seasons this past week and it is obviously very early. More reports on their campaigns will be forthcoming.
CHUCK FLINN, SEATTLE (PCL)