Page 5
Black vs. Reynolds Today In World Series Opener
University Daily Kansan
Brooklyn—(U,P) - Manager Charley Dressen gambled on Joe Black, a raw-boned rookie right-hander, to subdue the thunder in the New York Yankee bats today and get the Brooklyn Dodgers off to a winning start in the 1952 World Series opener at Ebbets field.
Opposing Black, who never before has seen a World Series game, much less played in one, will be righthander Allie Reynolds, the veteran fire-baller who was the Yankees' most valuable pitcher during the regular season when he won 20 and lost only eight.
The weather forecast was for clear, sunny skies with temperatures in the 70's for the opening of the 49th World Series. A sellout crowd of
By BOB LONGSTAFF
Kansan Sports Editor
Oklahoma's dropping to 10th place in the weekly United Press poll behind Kansas came as somewhat of a surprise to us. We expected the Sonners' rating to dip—but not below Kansas'. Oklahoma—the power of the midlands—rated below the Jayhawkers.
It truly is a fine tribute to KU. But also it is too bad that the sportswriters can't get together before every game and determine which team is going to win without the formality of playing the contest.
If such a procedure were possible, and on the basis of the UP poll, we'd be content to write Kansas down as the winners against Colorado and Oklahoma. It is a nice thought, but unfortunately, it is impossible.
The Oklahoma-Colorado tie last Saturday which dropped Oklahoma to 10th only illustrates what terrific teams the Sooners and the Buffalooes have. Loaded with power and depth, the two teams clashed, and the deadlock resulted.
Colorado's Zack Jordan showed last Saturday that he'll be way up high in the running for a position of all-conference back along with his teammates Carroll Hardy and Woody Shelton, Sooners Billy Vessels, Buddy Leake and Buck McPhail and Jayhawkers Charlie Hoag, Gil Reich, Brandeberry and Galen Fiss. And don't forget the Cornhuskers' prime pride—Bobby Revnolds.
Nearly every Big Seven team this year has a backfield that glitters like sun on the ocean spray. The entire Kansas, Oklahoma or Colorado backfield could be singled out and selected as the outstanding conference backfield, and the choice wouldn't be bad.
And these teams have the lines to go with the offensive backfield. Of the three, perhaps Kansas' offensive line has made the poorest showing, but Coach J. V. Sikes has been working the offensive line hard this week.
It is too bad that Time magazine couldn't have waited until after the Oklahoma-Colorado game to make its prediction on which team is the "one" in the Big Seven conference.
In the Sept. 29 issue of Time, there is an article in which the Time writer picks Oklahoma with its "tradition of five straight Big Seven championships" to repeat this year. Kansas was listed as the No. 2 team in the league according to the magazine. No mention was made of Colorado.
Nearly every sports periodical which ventured a prediction on the Big Seven took Oklahoma as a strong first. Some even went as far as to say that the Sooners would be the best team in the nation.
And now, after polling sportswriters throughout the country, the United Press rated Kansas ninth and Oklahoma 10th.
It only makes us more sure that polls can't be regarded as the ultimate authority.
35,000 was expected to jam every available vantage point in the Dodgers' ancient ball-park. Game time is noon (CST).
Dressen's reasoning in starting 28-year-old Black, playing only his second season of organized baseball, was logical. The big Negro speedballer was brilliant all season long as he made 54 relief appearances, compiled a 15-4 record, and saved at least 15 more games. He proved to be tireless, often pitching in three or four games a week.
If Black won the opening game, Dressen reasoned, he could pitch again in relief on Friday, Saturday, or perhaps even both days, if needed.
Despite the Dodger skipper's confidence, the odds were 6-5 that the Yankees would win the opening game today and $8\frac{1}{2}$ to 5 they would win the Series for the fourth straight year and the 15th time in 19 tries. The Dodgers, incidentally, have not won a Series in five attempts, including three setbacks at the hands of the Yankees.
"I think we have a good chance to take it," Dressen said again yesterday at practice.
Manager Casey Stengel of the Yankees, blessed with a superior pitching staff, had similar strategy in mind in nominating Reynolds. The strong-armed, part-Indian ace was used frequently in relief during the last weeks of the pennant race and Stengel may be contemplating
Reynolds is an old hand at Series games, having won four out of five starts. He had broken even in two opening game starting assignments.
"He's my guy," croaked wily old Casey. "Allie showed me during the regular season that he can start and relieve, and do a good job at both. He's the best I've got and I'm quite sure we can win with him."
If Stengel can guide his Yankees to a fourth straight world championship, he will take his place in baseball history alongside Joe McCarthy, who is the only manager thus far ever to win four straight World Series. McCarthy did it with the Yankees from 1936 to 1939 inclusive.
Stengel willingly announced his starting pitchers for the first three games—selecting Vic Raschi and Ed Lopat to follow Reynolds in order but—steadfastly withheld the Yankees' batting order for the opener.
Filkin's Leather
SHOP
- Luggage
- Billfolds
- Belts
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1952
Leather Goods our Specialty 847 Mass.
"Before each date -- call 498"
THE CHAMPION
. . . the lasting record of achievement, group or individual, made with the exclusive, Balfour Bronze finish.
- CUPS
- AWARDS
PINS
- TROPHIES
MEDALS
PLAQUES
Little Sport
Sport Coats SMART AND CASUAL
Solid colors or small checks in 100% wool fabrics. Select one to harmonize with your shirts and slacks.
$19.50 to $29.50
Corduroy Coats
For campus or casual wear get one of these corduroy sports coats in the new Lounge model. Grey, maroon, or tan.
$12.95
POPLINS GABARDINES LINED OR UNLINED.
FALL JACKETS
$3.95 to
$16.95
SUEDE JACKETS
Knit collars, cuffs and bottoms.
Colors are navy, grey, tan or brown.
$17.95