Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-03-03

He ought to have credit for succeeding in do
ing this. don't mean to say that y u have
said said anything about Myer that Is not lit true,
pointedly with his faults as q fighter" The
letter goes on to say that neither Myer or Nc
Auliffe are real frst-class men, and winds up
by pointing out how the sporting department
OF a newspaper ought to be run.
The Western Man Answered.
To a very great extent am glad to take the
opportunity of saying a few words regarding
the criticisms or opinions stated in these col
umns from time to time. 1t has ever been the
policy of THE DISPATCH to fairly consider all
suggestions and opinions forwarded by its
readers. The letter above quoted is a fair sam
pie of many that reach the office. However, 1
am glad that our friend in Cook county, Illinois,
deems my opinion of the -Myer affair
a correct one, and that the only fault he has to
find is that should have made so much of
Myers faults. He also refers to Myers keep
ing away" tactics, and intimates that did not
give him credit for them Certainly did, and
now say that, doubtless Mr. Myer could have
kept out of the way for year, providing he
could secure his meals and sleep. But certain
ly this is not pugllism; were it such the cham
pion sprinters might easily be champion pugil-
lists. The letter also refers to speaking too
plain, and advises something like milk and
water lotion The time for this haZy and carrying
Observation-Disclosures kind of policy is past
Most assuredly the day has come when an In
telligent public denies that we call spade
spade; fighter tighter; a novice novice and
a coward coward. 1t is only those who are
that they have very grave faults as
public performers to hide who are complainers
of this frank and fair policy. However, am
truth and judgement my criticism of the Nc.
Auliffe-Myer contest was, in the estimation Of
one of Myers friends correct.
GaIvin's Training Methods.
If anybody knows correctly about getting
into good condition, Jimmy Calvin ought to
know. He has had more practical experience
than probably anybody else In the baseball pro-
fession and his opinions, right or wrong. de-
mand attention. The othei day Jimmy said
to me on this question: when went to st.
Louis at the close of last season l found tina
almost all the ball players there had made ar
raagementS to take daily exercise in the gym
nasum. l was asked to join the party but
said, Galvin's not in with it, A long expe-
rience has taught me to know that it is one of
the worst things in the world for ball player
to continue hard, physical exercise through the
winter. This particularly refers to a pitcher.
rest, of course. He can have little exercise
now and again to keep his system all right A
few months idlenesS will not injure the mus
cles, at least have found this to be the case.
A man may gain flesh and his wind become i'm
paired, but this can be remedied in very short
time. When hard work is resumed the muscles
are all the better for the rest. A continuous
strain exhausts and weakens them. L never
use my arm in heavy exercise during the win
ter; if did, I'm convinced that would not
have the power in it to-day that have. Most
recommend good rest for players
of all kinds"
Advice That should be Taken.
Without doubt Galvin's advice will be valu-
IL.
physically, but mentally. distress themselves
during the winter months They are anxious
to keep in condition as "fine as silk" and this
anxiety in some cases is so strong that the
nervous system becomes affected. The notion
that the process of keeping oneself down to
weight from years end to years end by the
most strenuous physical exercise has misled
and is still misleading many good athletes.
Speaking on this point the other day friend
of mine who has interested himself in training
methods for more than 30 years said: take
Dominick McCaffrey for Instance. The amount
of physical exercise that he has performed
during the last II months is more an abuse of
his system than anything else. OF course cir
cumstances have forced him to keep in ex-
cellent condition all the time; but, OIL it is
ruinous. If he is matched to fight Dempsey he
shouldn't fight before June. and he should in
the meantime take good rest" / could null
tiply these Illustrations with dozens of others
relating to sprinters boat rowers. etc. SnfR-
Galvin's opinion is worth considering.
49,
About the Amateur Boxers.
was not surprised to learn that the East
End Gymnasium had decided to prohibit any
more boxing contests at its rooms. Boxing has
during recent months taken violent header
and goodness only knows when its
will be regained. II is, however, a
pity that amateur boxing should suffer because
of anything connected with professionalism
Boxing is Just as much feature on the card of
physical exercises as anything else. When
pupils of other branches are encouraged by
public exhibitions to show how proficient they
have become it seems singular that the student
of boxing should not be allowed to display his
activity of hands, head and legs. No matter
what any Of us may contend, the fact remains
alarms boxing contest is always the most at
tractive feature. l fail to see why any,
body objects to boxing and yet favors
or fencing. Speaking of the
East End Gymnasium reminds me that it is
progressing wonderfully Its roll OF member
ship is increasing, and its finances are in good
condition. Among its members are the most
prominent young men Of Pittsburg and the
East End. President Barber tells me that it is
the intention of the directors to make 1t a
ment. Altogether its success is assured.
Pedestrian Contests.
There can be no doubt whatever about the
boom in long distance pedestrian contests this
winter. There is scarcely town or city in
Ohio or Pennsylvania where contest has not
been arranged or talked Of At least there are
two or three per week going on somewhere
and, as in everything else, the demand for
pedestrians attracts the supply. The latter
is, therefore, greater to-day than it ever was