Giant Manager Leo Durocher's theory that "nice guys finish last" gets the heartfelt support of his rambunctious second baseman, Eddie ("the Brat") Stanky. An expert at the art of baseball trickery, within or without the rules,* Stanky, says approving Manager Durocher, "pulls up a team that's down and keeps the infield together. He's the fire and spirit of this club."
Last week, after missing ten days of spring practice because of flu and a sprained wrist, Pepper Pot Stanky was back in the Giant lineup as lead-off batter. He came to the plate six times. Hunching his stocky (5 ft. 8 in.,...