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SPORTING TIMES — APRIL 14, 1910
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

A NEW SEASON DAWNS: SPORTING TIMES UNVEILS ITS 1910 PENNANT PREDICTIONS
Washington and Cincinnati Tipped as Favorites in Their Circuits

With spring training now concluded and the familiar crack of the bat returning to ballfields across the nation, anticipation builds for the grand opening of the 1910 campaign. The ballparks have been swept, the chalk lines freshly drawn, and the baseball public readies itself for another summer of triumphs, heartbreaks, and no shortage of surprises.

As is our annual custom—though history has proven the exercise more hope than science—we at the Sporting Times venture once again into the treacherous waters of prediction. Below are our projected standings, individual leaders, and commentary from some of the principals expected to shape this season’s story.

AMERICAN LEAGUE FORECAST: WASHINGTON FAVORED TO CLAIM FLAG

The Sporting Times projects the Washington Senators to rise above the field with a 90–64 mark, boasting steady pitching (2.57 ERA) and swift legs (184 steals).

Behind them, a tightly packed chase features Boston, Philadelphia, and Detroit.

Washington manager Chase Stone spoke with quiet confidence:

“We’re not counting victories in April,” Stone said, “but the boys played with purpose all spring. If we stay sound and steady, we’ll give anyone trouble.”

Among the expected offensive standouts is Philadelphia’s incomparable Napoleon Lajoie, projected to hit .348, while Washington’s own Pete Hill follows at .326. Cleveland’s Tris Speaker is also tipped for a banner year, batting .323 with 47 stolen bases.

On the mound, Boston’s Ed Walsh is forecast to lead the league with 24 wins and a sterling 1.79 ERA, while Philadelphia’s Ray Collins, Washington’s Smokey Joe Williams, and New York’s Jay Hughes round out an elite class of twirlers.

NATIONAL LEAGUE FORECAST: REDS LOOK STRONGEST IN THE SENIOR CIRCUIT

The Sporting Times sees the Cincinnati Reds atop the National League at 91–63, their success built upon speed (248 steals), steady run production, and the reliable right arm of Eddie Plank.

Reds manager Patrick Pinnow offered a measured assessment of his club:

“Predictions don’t win ballgames,” Pinnow remarked, “but I like our mix. We’ve got lads who can run, lads who can hit, and pitchers who know their craft. That’s a fair foundation.”

Philadelphia is expected to give chase with 86 wins, led by none other than Ty Cobb, predicted to hit an astonishing .392 with 65 stolen bases—numbers befitting a man widely regarded as the fiercest competitor of his generation.

New York and Chicago remain in the hunt as well, with stars such as Frank Schulte, Honus Wagner, and Vin Campbell expected to provide plenty of fireworks.

Pitching in the senior loop is dominated by Brooklyn’s phenomenal Walter Johnson, projected for 24 wins and 273 strikeouts, while New York’s Christy Mathewson remains a paragon of consistency.

PLAYERS WEIGH IN

Several players shared thoughts as the new season looms.

Washington’s fleet center fielder Pete Hill, projected for a .326 average, noted:

“Predictions don’t rattle me none,” Hill said with a grin. “All I know is I’m ready to run, ready to hit, and ready to win.”

Pittsburgh’s superstar shortstop Honus Wagner, pegged for a .321 campaign, remarked:

“Every season’s a fresh slate,” Wagner said. “Some clubs are marked as favorites, some as underdogs—but the game has a way of humbling all of us.”

As clubs make their final preparations and fans prepare to pass through the turnstiles once more, the Sporting Times can only offer its best guesses—and a friendly reminder that baseball has a remarkable way of making fools of even the most seasoned prognosticators.

Let the season begin.