Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1894-09-06
CHARLEY BENNETT.
The Afflicted Veteran Speaks of HIS
baseball Career.

When Charley Bennett was lifted,
manslea and bleeding from beneath
the cars on January 10, last, baseball
lost one of her greatest artists, one
of her truest representatives, a player
who stood at the top of his class
Bennett was cut down when stand,
ing on the topmost round of popu-
larity He had completed last year
his seventeenth year of the diamond.
During that time he had been Il mem
Der of two of the greatest clubs IN
the history of the national game-the
Detroits and BostonS-and even in
that fast company ranked above all
other catchers. In the old days before
the time of catching mits. protectors
and masks, Bennett caught more
games than any other man, and as a
result displays Il pair of hands the
fingers of which have all been broken
twice or more. knotted and twisted,
they are testimonials of his faithful
work.
For the past few weeks Bennett
has been in the city fitting and trying
his new limbs. Like child he is
forced TO learn the first steps. Many
lessons will be necessary. Each day
he gains more confidence and in a
few weeks he will be able to discard
his crutches and walk with the aid
of a cane.
Rennett is really fluent talker,
ever willing to discuss the game he
loved so well. He is modest concern
ing his own history, and except in
answer to a direct question, seldom
speaks of himself. He has an excel
lent memory, keen appreciation of
humor, and has stored away an IN.
exhaustive fund of stories Of the game
and its kings.
1t Is notable fact that Bennett
was never released by any club. He
remained with each team, except Bos-
ton, until it went out of existence.
In response to a question concern
ing the great teams that. have played
the game, he said: Chicago in 81,
80 and SO, had the greatest team
of the world. 1t was about two years
ahead of the other clubs iii team work
and science. Its players We're continu-
ally springing some new trick. The
Boston team today comes nearer fill
ing its place than any other. Each
plays the same style game, depending
entirely on team work and science 10
win. The old Detroit team in 's6-'S7
was the heaviest batting team in the
country 1t depended on batting
alone to pull it through. although for
big men they were clever feeders.
Speaking of press criticism, Bennett
said: The most sensitive man ia the
world is the best ball player His
first act in the morning is to look at
the papers, and If his playing is criti-
cised it will affect him all day. |
have often seen players who said that
they did not care what was said Of
them But their actions when roasted
did not carry out their statements.
/ never knew but one meu who abso-
lutely did not care what was said Of
him. That was Kelly He would moi
even take the trouble TO rend the ar
tiele and would often say: Let them
advertise me; thai'S what / am here
for.
Bennett and Charley Nichols were
the greatest friends. Their families
lived together in Boston last season.
Speaking Of Nichols, Bennett said;
II consider Nick Tie greatest pitcher
in the world today His work last
season was wonderful He was called
on to do more work than any other
two pitchers on tine team. yet Il would
never see any let UP in his work.
lie takes excellent care Of himself and
never has q sore arm. His movement
in pitching Is So free that ! expect
him 70 ontlast the majority of pitchers
lie was always willing to 20 in, no
matter how often. but unless / canghs
him he would make a kick.
Boston II sadly handicapped without
Bennett this season. Camel WAS al.
ways slow and d poor tliroWer, Vhlle
Ryan and Connaughton are young
sters who lack experience
Commenting on the league race Ben
metz said: "A month ago ! thought