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The time under the Florida sun ended last week, and the club has made its way back to Chicago where the 1938 season will kick off with a 3-game series with the rebuilding Gothams. Tuesday's Opening Day game will see Rabbit Day take the hill for the Chiefs.

There is no doubt that the expectations for the Chiefs are high this season. This is a veteran club that was assembled with the goal of reclaiming the Federal pennant. Here's a quick rundown of the current roster:


Catchers - Tom Bird (.337-24-92), Tom Aiello (.266-0-4)

Bird finished 3rd in the 1937 Whitney vote and has looked even better this spring (.321-5-20).


Infielders - Ron Rattigan (.307-10-84), Hank Barnett (.276-19-95), Bob Martin (.293-13-74), Pete Layton (.301-9-77), Len Jones (.262-3-45), Bill White (.241-1-6), Frankie Cohen (.272-7-51 (AAA))

The big change here, of course, is the addition of Hank Barnett to play second base. That means the 38-year-old Pete Layton will open the season as the starting short stop. How long Layton will be able to handle short is an open question.


Outfielders - Jim Hampton (.300-7-87), Bob Worley (.339-57-148 (AAA/AA)), Cliff Moss (.283-12-46), Tom Taylor(.235-1-15), Paddy Smith (.288-5-41), Vince York (.294-3-34)

Bob Worley was released by Montreal last spring and spent 1937 playing in the Lone Star Association and Great Western League. After being initially picked up by Detroit this winter, the Chiefs acquired Worley from the Dynamos. Worley will be in center field in place of Bennie Griffith, who will open the season in Fort Wayne while recovering from his arm problems.


Pitchers - Rabbit Day (18-13, 3.23), Al Miller (19-13, 3.49), Jim Lonardo (8-19, 4.25), Jack Beach (15-12, 3.69), Red Hampton (6-3, 3.89), Charlie Bingham (12-13, 4.90), Max Plourde (2-2, 4.21), Tom Williams (8-15, 4.35 (AAA))

Once again, the starting staff is expected to be the strength of the club. Newly acquired Jim Lonardo looked particularly strong this spring (2-0, 2.11 in 21 innings).