YANKEE SPIES IN EBBETS FIELD

Even before their spectacular success of last weekend, the New York Yankees had scouts in Ebbets Field, an unprecedented four of them: Harry Hesse, Paul Krichell, Bill Skiff and Frank O'Rourke (above, left to right). They watched the Dodgers for the weaknesses that might snatch Yankee victory from defeat during the World Series.

There was nothing particularly secretive about the scouting. The Dodgers had provided them with choice seats directly behind home plate and showed them every courtesy, even as Dodger scouts had been shown every courtesy when they had gone to scout the Yankees. It was an old story.

"I've been watching the Dodgers for years," said Scout Bill Skiff. "But you can't rely on what you've seen before. They have some new men and the old ones can change. Take Robinson. You can knock the ball down and throw him out now. But he still can bunt—and beat it out."

A throw injured Gil Hodges' thumb, and he left the game. Skiff spoke to O'Rourke, who made a note. "I watch to see what pitches get certain hitters out and compare the pitcher who did it with a specific pitcher on our team. A lefty like Ford might get a man out differently from a lefty like Byrne."

The White Sox were also scouting the Dodgers last week but, oddly enough, no scout from the Cleveland Indians appeared. It seems unlikely now that one ever will.

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