Rohwer Stays With Seattle; 1924 Coast League Schedule Set

 

ROHWER STAYS WITH SEATTLE; CASH REFUSED

Indians Willing to Trade Outfielder for Players-Season

Will Open and Close One Week Later Than 1923.

Special to The Times.

OAKLAND, Tuesday, Jan. 15 .- Charley Lockard, president of the Seattle Baseball Club, made efforts to interest his fellow directors, at the Pacific Coast League meeting yesterday, in a deal for Ray Rohwer, hard-hitting outfielder.

Lockard was unable to make a deal and decided to retain the former California player. The St. Louis Cardidinals offered cash and Bill Pertica, former Los Angeles pitcher, but their offer was turned down.

"We want players and not cash," said Lockard.

The Seattle chief is still angling to dispose of "Doc" Johnston, veteran first baseman, as It has been decided to open the season with Jimmy Welsh at first.'

Lockard is anxious to obtain another pitcher and an outfielder. The Indians still have a catcher coming from the Cubs. "Kettle" Wirts was offered Seattle, but his services were refused. Very" little - was accomplished at yesterday's meeting, other than the adoption of the 1924 schedule. The meeting will be continued today, at which time the player limit will be considered.

The season will open and close week later this year than in the past. the opening week being April 8. This was adopted against the advice of Williams, who claimed that it would interfere with the football season.

The schedule was submitted by Herbert McFarline, secretary of the Oakland Club. The opening, closing and holiday dates were announced as follows:

OPENING WEEK

Vernon at Sacramento

Oakland at Salt Lake

Portland at San Francisco

Seattle at Los Angeles

Decoration Day.

Sacramento at San Francisco.

Salt Lake at Los Angeles.

Oakland at Seattle.

Vernon at Portland.

Independence Day.

Salt Lake at Oakland.

Sacramento at Vernon.

Lon Angeles at Seattle.

San Francisco at Portland.

Labor Day.

Salt Lake at San Francisco.

Sacramento at Los Angeles.

Vernon at Seattle.

Oakland at Portland.

Closing Week.

Oakland at San Francisco.

Vernon at Los Angeles

Seattle at Portland,

Salt Lake at: Sacramento.

Seattle Game 1, April 8, 1924

In the 1924 Pacific Coast League season, the Seattle Indians and the Los Angeles Angels faced off in a thrilling game at Washington Park. The Indians had just wrapped up their spring training in Los Angeles and were ready to take on the Angels on their home ground. Washington Park, nestled next to Chutes Park on Main Street between Washington and 21st, was a bustling sports venue. It was the home ground for the Angels before they made their move to LA’s Wrigley Field in 1925.

The Seattle Daily Times covered the game in detail in its April 9, 1924 issue. Fans in Seattle had the opportunity to follow the game ‘live’ through an automatic ‘player’ displayed outside the Times’ offices in Seattle’s Times Square, facing 5th Avenue at Stewart.

The game was a duel between two seasoned pitchers, Vean Gregg for Seattle and Otis Crandall for Los Angeles. Both pitchers showcased their skills in a beautifully pitched ball game. The Angels emerged victorious with a score of 5 to 1, a victory witnessed by a crowd of 10,364 spectators.

Crandall’s victory came when Gregg’s defense faltered once. Frank Emmer, who was substituting for the injured Ted Baldwin at third base for the Indians, misjudged a hit from Flea McAuley. This allowed two runs to score and set the stage for a double steal that brought in a third run.

Despite this setback, the Seattle team managed to get eleven hits off the Angel veteran, while the Angels got nine off Gregg and Bill Plummer, who relieved the southpaw. Each team had one walk, so honors were virtually even.

The pitchers’ battle was a sight to behold. They appeared to be in midseason form, working the corners of the plate with balls not too good to hit, and mixing their curves, fast ones, and change of pace in pretty shape. They were best in the pinches, easing along when there were no men on bases, and slowing their work when men got on.

Seattle set the stage for a score early when Brady singled sharply to left. However, the Indians didn’t quit after the Angels’ scoring spree. Brady and Crane opened the sixth with singles, but the necessary hit in the pinch was missing. Despite the loss, the game was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams. It was a memorable start to the 1924 Pacific Coast League season.