NORTH DALLAS 40 1930 PREVIEW



DRAFT
Some curious selections, considering all of the Forty's picks were long-term projects. First round pick Luke 
Appling has all the tools to be a DBS standout, but will require some seasoning in the bushes. Ditto for OF 
Bruce Campbell, P Joe Heving and 1B Gus Suhr. None of the Forty's picks will make a major impact in 1930, as 
management apparently is content with who will be with the big club. Although the draft didn't address immediate 
concerns, there are some players in this class who will someday make significant contributions to the Forty. 
Grade: B+


CATCHING
In a spring-training shocker, rookie Gus Mancuso beat out three others to win the starting job. Mancuso's hot 
spring, as well as assorted injuries to Spud Davis (.276 12 55), gave Gus the position over the veteran incumbent. 
Should Mancuso falter, look for Davis to resume his starting position. Either Charlie Berry or 1929 #1 pick 
Rick Ferrell should be the third catcher. Injuries and inexperience at this position make this the Forty's 
biggest question mark 
Grade: C+


INFIELD
All-Star first baseman and Manager Bill Terry leads a talented North Dallas infield. Terry (.327 14 50) had a 
very strong second half, and most are expecting the young first baseman to establish himself as the top hitter 
in the DBS. All-Star second basemen Jimmie Dykes is rewarded for his 1929 performance with a seat on the bench, 
due to injuries. Jake Flowers and George Grantham (.260 10 30) will platoon at second. Travis Jackson entered 
the lineup for good in late-May and responded with a sparkling glove and .289 average. He will return. 
3B Wally Gilbert was demoted to the minors, and will be replaced this season at the hot corner by Sparky 
Adams. Ed Morgan will be a big bat off the bench, and could spell Terry if he ever needs a rest. However, 
moves at third and second are questionable and could backfire for the Forty. On the other hand, these 
youngsters have loads of potential and may surprise. 
Grade: B


OUTFIELD
LF Kiki Cuyler (.308 22 83) turned in an All-Star worthy performance in 1929 and returns as the club's leadoff 
man. His spark (19 SB, 90 runs) is crucial to North Dallas' fortunes. Also returning is Mel Ott in right field. 
Ott (.250 14 76) had a somewhat disappointing 1929, but most forget that the slugger is only 21 years old. 
With a couple of years under his belt, look for Ott to shine in 1930. North Dallas grew tired of Bob Fothergill's 
constant injuries in 1929, and when he reported to camp overweight, rookie John Stone was handed the 
centerfielder position. While Stone can fly, whether he can replace Fothergill's bat (.293 17 43) remains 
to be seen. Charlie Jamieson (.294) returns as the fourth outfielder. 
Grade: A-


STARTING PITCHING
Like St. Louis, North Dallas also has an exciting, young starting rotation. For North Dallas to have a 
successful 1930, the rotation will need to be brilliant. Leading the pack is LHP Carl Hubbell (9-15 4.02) 
While "King Carl" hasn't yet lived up to the success predicted for him two years ago, the Forty are still 
hopeful. 1930 should be his year. RHP Charlie Root emerged last season to become North Dallas' big winner 
(14-10 3.66). There is no reason not to expect a similar performance. Bob Smith (8-9 4.22) also returns to the 
rotation, as does graybeard Red Faber (12-11 3.42). Look for both starters to improve slightly over their 
1929 numbers. The question mark in the rotation is Red Ruffing (10-10 5.15). Ruffing was dominant one outing, 
dominated the next. If he can live up to the promise he showed late in the season, look for the North Dallas 
rotation to be very surprising. 
Grade: B


BULLPEN
Unlike the rotation, the bullpen is a series of question marks. Stopper Ben Cantwell (11 saves, 3.73) is the only 
consistent hurler. He is joined in the pen by Bobby Burke (0-4 6.02) and George Blaeholder (4-8 7.62). Both 
have lively arms, but didn't show it in 1929. They are joined by Waite Hoyt (released by Sahara) and rookie 
Whit Wyatt. If Burke and Blaeholder can pitch up to potential, if Hoyt can return to 1928 form, if Wyatt 
has a good rookie season. If, if, if. 
Grade: C-


OUTLOOK
Many didn't notice when the Forty played so well in the second half last season. This success should give them 
confidence that should carry over to 1930. While an improvement over 1929 is likely, general logic dictates that 
they shouldn't move up in the standings. However, don't be terribly surprised the Forty have the potential to 
shock the world in 1930. 
PROGNOSIS: Fourth Place