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ONeill Signs to Pilot Phils in 1954 Holds Little Hope For Pennant Then Clubs Owner and Manager Disappointed OyerTeams Showing; After More Power By GENE HARRIS United Press Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Aug. 20. Portly Steve ONeill, disappointed over the showing of his Philadelphia Phillies this year, signed today to manage them again in 1954 but held little hope for any pennant chances even then. Club president Bob Carpenter, an even more disappointed man than ONeill, gave the genial, 62-year-old manager a one-year contract terms undisclosed. ONeill is believed to be getting 5,000 a year since taking over as the Phils pilot, in mid-season of 1952. Both ONeill and Carpenter took a glum view of their teams failure to live up to pre-season promise. Both had thought "this might be the year." Now, they said, even next year doesnt appear bright. The Phils are currently in fourth place in the National league 16 and games behind the leading Brooklyn Dodgers. ONeill said the clubs spirit is "100 per cent satisfactory," but the lack of hitting has put the team in a "slump." "After we score three rims, were stymied," he said. He cited third baseman Willie Jones "his fielding is great, but his hitting is poor" and pitcher Karl Drews as among the bigger disappointments. Carpenter Agrees on All Points Carpenter agreed with his manager on all points. "Were not a heavy scoring ball club," he said, "but we dont usually bat as poorly as we did on the last road trip." Only two days ago, Carpenter remarked bitterly that many of his players not only failed to show any improvement but "have not equaled their showing of a year ago." He said then, "It is too late to do anything now. The damage has been done." ONeill indicated that "with -the exception of a few pitchers" presumably Robin Roberts, Curt Simmons, Bob Miller the players were fair trading material. "Theres no one on the team that cannot be replaced," ONeill said with the added reservation about the "few pitchers." Carpenter, however, said he was doubtful about working up a trading deal because "if there is a trade, it must be regulars. Theres no one on the bench on any team." Both ONeill and Carpenter had generous praise for Roberts and viewed Miller as the , "biggest pleasant surprise" of the year. They couldnt explain Simmons recent showing. "Curt used to throw himself out of any difficulties before that lawn mower accident in June," ONeill said. "Maybe his arm is a little weak, although he hasnt said anything about it to me." In his long career in baseball, ONeill has managed three other Major league teams Cleveland, Detroit and Boston in the American league. His 1945 Detroit club won the World Series. ONeill said he would retain Eddie Mayo, ; Ken Silvestri, Benny Bengough and Cy Perkins as coaches next year.
