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amead17 · 01-27-2026, 11:04 AM

SPORTING TIMES CASTS ITS EYE AHEAD AS NEW SEASON DAWNS

By Samuel T. Kingsley and Charles H. Wentworth
Sporting Times
April 11th, 1916

With the sounds of spring training now fading and the real contest about to begin, the Sporting Times once more ventures into the uncertain business of prediction. Pennants are not won on paper, yet figures and form provide clues enough for informed conjecture as to who may prosper in the long months ahead—and who may find the going heavy.

American League Outlook

If the forecasts hold true, the American League pennant may well find its way to Detroit. The Tigers are tipped to finish atop the circuit with a record of 90 wins against 64 defeats, built upon a solid attack and a pitching staff that appears the most dependable in the league. Their projected runs-against figure of 516 and a staff earned run average of 2.79 speak loudly of their balance.

Cleveland is expected to give close chase, finishing six games back. The Indians’ strength lies in a potent batting order, projected to score more runs than any other club, while their pitching remains stout enough to keep them firmly in contention. St. Louis is forecast to be next best, only a game behind Cleveland, with their own blend of power and pitching keeping them in the hunt deep into the season.

Washington, last year’s champions, are predicted to slip back slightly, though their fine pitching numbers suggest they will remain troublesome opponents. Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York appear locked in a tight middle grouping, while Boston is forecast to bring up the rear.

Among the batsmen, Tris Speaker of Cleveland is projected to lead all hitters with a remarkable .378 average, while Detroit’s Zack Wheat and Washington’s Happy Felsch are also expected to enjoy fine campaigns. On the mound, Detroit’s Reb Russell heads the list with a projected 24 victories and a sterling 2.02 ERA, closely followed by Cleveland’s Jack Pfeffer and Chicago’s Smokey Wood.

National League Prospects

In the senior circuit, the prediction is far less clear-cut. Boston and Brooklyn are forecast to finish deadlocked atop the standings, each with 90 victories. The Braves’ advantage is seen in their pitching depth and aggressive base running, while Brooklyn’s strength again rests with a formidable staff and steady offense.

Pittsburgh is expected to finish seven games back in third, with Chicago close behind. The middle of the league appears crowded, while Cincinnati is forecast to endure another difficult season at the foot of the table.

Ty Cobb of Philadelphia is predicted to once again reign supreme with the bat, with a projected .361 average and 54 stolen bases. Boston’s Gavvy Cravath and Brooklyn’s Joe Jackson are also tipped for strong offensive years. On the pitching side, Brooklyn’s Walter Johnson and Pittsburgh’s Babe Ruth headline a powerful list, with Ruth’s projected 1.93 ERA standing out as the best in the league.

Only the Game Will Decide

These forecasts, grounded in careful study of form and figures, remain just that—forecasts. The long grind of the season has a habit of humbling even the most confident predictions. Still, as the gates open and the crowds return, the outlines of what may come are drawn, and the promise of a stirring summer of baseball lies ahead.

01-27-2026, 11:04 AM	#708
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	SPORTING TIMES CASTS ITS EYE AHEAD AS NEW SEASON DAWNS By Samuel T. Kingsley and Charles H. Wentworth Sporting Times April 11th, 1916 With the sounds of spring training now fading and the real contest about to begin, the Sporting Times once more ventures into the uncertain business of prediction. Pennants are not won on paper, yet figures and form provide clues enough for informed conjecture as to who may prosper in the long months ahead—and who may find the going heavy. American League Outlook If the forecasts hold true, the American League pennant may well find its way to Detroit. The Tigers are tipped to finish atop the circuit with a record of 90 wins against 64 defeats, built upon a solid attack and a pitching staff that appears the most dependable in the league. Their projected runs-against figure of 516 and a staff earned run average of 2.79 speak loudly of their balance. Cleveland is expected to give close chase, finishing six games back. The Indians’ strength lies in a potent batting order, projected to score more runs than any other club, while their pitching remains stout enough to keep them firmly in contention. St. Louis is forecast to be next best, only a game behind Cleveland, with their own blend of power and pitching keeping them in the hunt deep into the season. Washington, last year’s champions, are predicted to slip back slightly, though their fine pitching numbers suggest they will remain troublesome opponents. Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York appear locked in a tight middle grouping, while Boston is forecast to bring up the rear. Among the batsmen, Tris Speaker of Cleveland is projected to lead all hitters with a remarkable .378 average, while Detroit’s Zack Wheat and Washington’s Happy Felsch are also expected to enjoy fine campaigns. On the mound, Detroit’s Reb Russell heads the list with a projected 24 victories and a sterling 2.02 ERA, closely followed by Cleveland’s Jack Pfeffer and Chicago’s Smokey Wood. National League Prospects In the senior circuit, the prediction is far less clear-cut. Boston and Brooklyn are forecast to finish deadlocked atop the standings, each with 90 victories. The Braves’ advantage is seen in their pitching depth and aggressive base running, while Brooklyn’s strength again rests with a formidable staff and steady offense. Pittsburgh is expected to finish seven games back in third, with Chicago close behind. The middle of the league appears crowded, while Cincinnati is forecast to endure another difficult season at the foot of the table. Ty Cobb of Philadelphia is predicted to once again reign supreme with the bat, with a projected .361 average and 54 stolen bases. Boston’s Gavvy Cravath and Brooklyn’s Joe Jackson are also tipped for strong offensive years. On the pitching side, Brooklyn’s Walter Johnson and Pittsburgh’s Babe Ruth headline a powerful list, with Ruth’s projected 1.93 ERA standing out as the best in the league. Only the Game Will Decide These forecasts, grounded in careful study of form and figures, remain just that—forecasts. The long grind of the season has a habit of humbling even the most confident predictions. Still, as the gates open and the crowds return, the outlines of what may come are drawn, and the promise of a stirring summer of baseball lies ahead.