BROWNS AND ROBINS SET EARLY PACE AS SEASON TAKES SHAPE
League Races Begin to Clarify; Monthly Honors Announced
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
May 1st 1918
Though the campaign is yet in its infancy, the first faint outlines of the pennant struggle are already discernible, and certain clubs have sprung briskly from the barrier while others labor to find their footing.
In the American League it is the St. Louis Browns who for the moment command the summit. They enjoy a lead of one and one-half games over the Washington Senators, with three additional clubs standing but a further half game adrift, two games off the pace. The race, therefore, promises keen contention as May unfolds.
At the foot of the American table lies a surprising occupant. The Cleveland Indians, runaway champions of last season, have stumbled badly from the outset. With but four victories secured, they already trail the leaders by six full games, a circumstance few would have forecast when the curtain first rose.
Across the way in the senior circuit, the Brooklyn Robins have once again assumed the mantle of the team to beat. They hold a margin of three and one-half games over the Pittsburgh Pirates, while the remainder of the field remains within respectable striking distance. At the bottom, however, the New York Giants find themselves in an unenviable station, eight games removed from first place and with but three victories thus far recorded.
Monthly Honors Bestowed
With the turning of the month comes recognition for those whose early efforts have shone most brightly.
In the American League, the premier batsman for April honors is Beals Becker of the Browns, whose remarkable .449 average, accompanied by one home run, eleven runs batted in, and twelve tallies scored, has furnished much of St. Louis’ impetus. The leading pitcher’s distinction falls to Charles Bender of the Chicago White Sox, the right-hander boasting a flawless 4–0 mark and a 1.53 earned run average. Rookie laurels in the circuit belong to Rudy Kallio of the Browns, who has fashioned a 3–0 record with a 2.08 earned run average in his opening performances.
In the National League, George Sisler of the Cincinnati Reds claims top batting honors, having struck at a .431 clip with one home run, ten runs driven in, and twelve runs scored. The foremost pitcher’s award is accorded to Walter Johnson of Brooklyn, whose 3–1 record and sparkling 1.07 earned run average have strengthened the Robins’ commanding start. Rookie distinction goes to Charlie Hollocher of the Chicago Cubs, who has batted .411 with five runs batted in and ten runs scored.
Thus, even in these early days, the lines of contest begin to form. Whether the present leaders shall endure the rigors of the long summer ahead remains to be seen, but May opens with the Browns and Robins setting a lively pace.
