OPENING DAY 1951
DAWN OF A NEW ERA 
United League opens today, heralding rebirth of baseball
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 3) -- Organized Baseball's renaissance culminates today when the United League opens regular season play with games in Brooklyn, Louisville, New York, and Washington. The new eight-team circuit, which was cobbled together in a span of weeks this winter, will carry the banner of the national pastime into the second half of the century. Just months ago, the the grand old game's survival was called into question by the sudden bankruptcy of the American and National Leagues, which had been reeling after years of declining attendance and spiraling salaries. But a cadre of magnates saved the national game by forging a new league on a firm, if modest, financial footing. The UL is stocked with big league players who will play in big league ballparks, but the circuit is limited to just eight teams and operates under a league-wide salary scale, as league founders try to reestablish the game's financial health.
   The league's first official game will take place at Yankee Stadium this afternoon, where the Boston Beacons will face the New York Gothams. In D.C., President Truman will be in the grandstand when the Washington Monuments entertain the St. Louis Maroons at Griffith Park. In other matchups, the Chicago Colts visit Ebbets Field to battle the Brooklyn Superbas, and the Detroit Sound helps bring the major leagues back to Louisville after a 52-year absence in opening day action at Parkway Field.

CHARLIE QUALLS
The Wrong Mickey
"Louisville is proud to announce as their first pick, Mr. Mickey... McDermott?"
It's true, the aging starting pitcher was as shocked as anyone.  Anyone, that is, who isn't Mickey Mantle, who was already on his way to the podium before he was called off.  When he heard the elder Mickey's surname called, he tripped and gashed his knee on Mickey McDermott's chair, which had been knocked over when the pitcher jumped up to join his new team.  The Commerce Comet was overheard saying "That's the last and only time you're gonna get me out, McDermott!"  The next pick went to St. Louis, but they had their sights set on a guy known simply as "The Man."  With only two picks left in the round, Mickey seemed pleased to have the chance to play in New York once again.  But it was not to be as the Gothams selected an aging superstar named Ted.  The Mick was visibly dejected when Warren Spahn was selected as the last pick of the first round. And he felt more insult coming because of the Boston office's intention of selecting two starting pitchers.  No one in the room seemed terribly surprised when Mantle slipped to the second round.  A slap in the face to arguably the best American League hitter of his generation?  The Boston front office claims that there was never any doubt about picking Mantle, but chose to drop him to the second round so they wouldn't have to pay him as much.  This irked Mantle at first, but he understood.  Most affected was Mickey Mantle, Jr., who, was already working on a plot to clone his father's DNA and get rich.  Luckily, Ted Williams, Jr. was there to talk him out of it.

An Extensive Glance at the League
Washington   Nothing Monumental about Washington's first choice, Willie Mays.  This team is looking to contend right away.  And with two-thirds of Willie, Mickey and the Duke, it seems very possible.  Hank Thompson is a young stud who should hold down the third base job for years to come.  The big question is pitching.  The Monuments didn't draft their fourth pure starter until the 22nd round.  While it is assumed that Harry Perkowski will share starting duties, this doesn't leave much wiggle room should injuries occur.  It took a while to get all his pitchers, but the byproduct of that is quite possibly the league's deepest bench.

Brooklyn  Roy Campanella may be one of the all-time greats behind the plate, but was he the best choice as second pick overall?  Time will tell.  Slugger Larry Doby and ultra-solid Bobby Doerr should provide plenty of support for Campy.  The Superbas wasted no time putting together one of the league's toughest infields.  An experienced pitching staff should help to keep things competitive.  However, with only four lefty bats total, Brooklyn has limited options on the bench.

Detroit  It is generally agreed that if anyone could give Willie Mays a run for first pick overall, it was Robin Roberts.  The Sound were thrilled to get him as the third pick.  But will it be enough?  Robin's got a decent staff behind him, but what's really got him excited is the outfield trio of Kiner, Irvin and Pafko.  These guys can make any pitcher look bad, and if they can get anyone on base ahead of them, look out!  A possible snag... Detroit was drafting everyday players into the 20th round.  This could spell trouble.

Chicago  This looks like the youngest crew being put on the field, but don't be fooled.  This team is ready to play right now.  Yogi Berra was the glue that held one of the greatest Yankee teams together during one of their greatest decades.  He knows what it takes to win.  And who knows how many more miracles Bobby Thompson has up his sleeve.  The pitching staff, anchored by ace Don Newcombe should have enough experience to keep things interesting.  Is it enough to overcome a bench deficiency?  No matter what happens this year, this team has the makings of a perennial contender.

Louisville  Another pitching question mark.  Mickey McDermot is solid, but may be one of the weaker aces.  It took a while to assemble the staff.  Lots of Lefty bats spell bad news for some opposing pitchers.  But overall, this team will need some luck to contend this year.  A bright spot is CF Richie Ashburn, a several-tooled stud who can spark any offense.

St. Louis  Pitching and Speed and Defense, oh my!  Oh, and Stan Musial.  These guys may be the paper favorite at this point.  Sam Jethroe could be the sleeper pick of the draft.

New York  Questionable choice of Ted Williams as first pick, but quickly recovered by swooping Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges.  Lou Boudreau rounds out one of the league's most formidable infields.  Wynn Early and Wynn often may be their motto, but it will take a lot of help from one of the league's least promising pitching staffs.

Boston  A solid rotation and plenty of bullpen options should keep this squad in a lot of games.  Can Spahn and Lopat live up to their potential as two of the best lefty starters available?  Torgeson/Stanky may be the best 1-2 combo on the market.  Pitching, speed, power and a deep bench should keep things jumping in Beantown.

OPENING DAY LINEUPS