An Error for Connie

Connie Mack has missed very few bets in his 44 years with the Philadelphia Athletics. But he gave up too soon on Al Benton. Ten years ago he shunted the big, happy-go-lucky pitcher off to the minors. In exile, 6-ft.-4 Al worked for Williamsport, Albany, Chattanooga, Memphis, Toledo. Gradually, he cured a sore arm and came up again, this time with the Detroit Tigers. As their grade-A relief pitcher, he averaged over 150 innings a season, and saved many a game, from 1939 through 1942.

Now back with the Tigers after two years in the Navy, 32-year-old Al Benton is not only the cream of the reclaimed-servicemen crop but the hottest pitcher in baseball. Off relief at last, he has made four starts this season, gone all the way each time, allowed one lone earned run in the 36 innings and breezed to four straight wins. His combination fast ball and curve have taken the play from his dazzling mound-mates Dizzy Trout and Hal Newhouser, who almost won last year's pennant for Detroit. Last week, Connie Mack said that Detroit was the American League team to beat--mainly because of the added oomph which Al has given the Tigers' pitching staff.

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