WAKEMAN RED CAPS SEEN
AS "DARK HORSE" TEAM
IN TRI-COUNTY LEAGUE
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Strength of New Outfit Unknown; Past Record In
Independent Field Indicates Strength; Carl Be-
ment, Former Star B-W Hurler, and Property of
Cleveland Indians, Heads Pitching Staff.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third of a series of
six articles in regards to the prospects of the various Tri-County
League teams. [Tomorrow– Lorain Nativities].
By RUSS DAVIES.
Most EVERY LEAGUE of any description has a "dark-horse’’ championship contender and the Tri-County ball loop this coming season is no exception. While much has been said in regard to the title possibilities of the Lorain Pennzoils, Nativities and Amherst Mischka Meats, little or nothing at all has been spoken of the chances of the Wakeman Red Caps.
In fact, the club moguls, themselves, are saying but little. They do, however, point with great pride to the fine past record of the team, and from this, one is expected to draw has or her own conclusions.Up to this season, the Red Caps have always played independent ball, and have never entered league competition of any sort. Year in and year out, the Wakeman club has always been one of the most feared outfits in this section, and have always produced winning teams.
Just what the Caps will do in league competition, however, is a question that will not be answered until the coming Tri-County season is concluded. From all appearances, the team, should it receive the breaks, will be in the fight from the start.
E. A. Scutt, connected with the club in an official capacity, is making no predictions as to how he thinks his club will fare when pitted against the other league outfits. He does say, however, that while the Caps may not win the championship, they will make a number of the apparently much stronger teams do plenty of hustling, and should the Caps get the breaks, may come through and surprise the flock.
Carl Bement, former Baldwin-Wallace pitching star, who is owned by the Cleveland Indians, will bear the brunt of the pitching during the coming campaign, at least until he is farmed out by the Cleveland club.
Bement is a southpaw, and although only a midget, should easily rank as one of the league’s best flingers. Two other hurlers are included on the roster, both holdovers from last season. Harold Duncan, left hander, who turned in a number of wins for the club last year, is again on hand. So is Skinny Owens, a right hander.
The catching will be taken care of by Link Wasem, a fine receiver. Bob Peters, former Bellevue High star, will be stationed at first base. Sam Purvis, who played with the White Motors of Cleveland, last season, will hold down the keystone sack. Charlie Bement, brother of Carl, will cover the short field position, with Fritz Bartlome, former Amherst Mischka Meat player, due to occupy the hot corner post.
The outfield will be made up of the Gerber brothers, Len and Don, and Charley Wasem.
Approximately 20 candidates are trying out for positions on the team. The only position in doubt, however, is shortstop, where Sonny, Willard player, is giving Charley Bement a good run for the job. The fact that the present diamond at Wakeman is being torn up to make room for an improvement on Route 20, has not retarded the practice drills of the team, and the club expects to be in good shape for its opening game of the season which comes on Sunday when the H and S Bakers will be met at Sandusky.