WEDNESDAY APRIL 13, 1921
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL OPENING DAY!
The 1921 Major League season is about to beginning and there are many indications it could be a historic one - and not just for what happens on the field. The preseason predictions call for a couple of record setting performances by National League stars as well as some exciting pennant races.
It is widely expected that new Cincinnati Reds slugger Babe Ruth will break his own record for home runs in a season. Ruth, who was let go by Pittsburgh in a cost-cutting move after the Pirates won the World Series in October, hit 30 homers last season after smashing a record setting 38 round-trippers in 1919. While Redland Field is not considered to be as homer friendly as Pittsburgh's Forbes Field most expect the now 26 year old Ruth to surpass the 40 homerun mark.
Meanwhile, Rogers Hornsby of the St Louis Cardinals came close to a triple crown a year ago but was denied because of Ruth's homerun total. Hornsby did bat .417, which was the third highest average of all-time and second only to Ty Cobb's .426 in 1918 for the modern record. Pre-season predictions feel Hornsby will smash that mark this season.
Despite unloading Ruth and other stars the Pittsburgh Pirates are still considered contenders this year as the expectation is Chet Carmichael and Glen 'Ballplayer' Harle will each enjoy dominant seasons on the mound. It won't be enough to defend their pennant as the experts have Brooklyn first and St Louis a close second. It will be status quo in the American League as the Philadelphia Athletics are tabbed to win their 5th consecutive pennant with Detroit picked for second place.
If there is going to be a triple crown winner, something we have not seen in MLB since Levi Meyerle in 1872, the guess is Ken Williams of the Yankees has the best chance. Williams, who won the triple crown in the Federal League two seasons ago, has the power to do it but will face stiff competition for the American League batting crown.