The San Francisco call., 1898-07-30
f 4 4 4 4 4 f 4 4 4 < 4 < Y < EASTMAN GAGUS
 SHOULD
 NOW RETIRE.

Popular Charley GaguS, ahaS BUICK, alias "The Jap the grand old man ol baseball on this coast, 1t is said, intends re-entering the game.
 Rumor has it that way, but from what I have heard on the subject I an inclined to believe that 1t is one of those false rumors and that Charley's days as a star player are a thing of the past His friends will not entertain the idee that he contemplates such a move, and have been asked at least two hundred times whether or not 1t was possible fol a man who was the idol of baseballdon about the year 1869 10 re-enter the spor1 in 1898 and be successful. The question really baffles me, as l do not recollect o1 ever hearing of player returning to the game after an absence of nearly a hall century. However, the National League has this year demonstrated that 1t is possible for players, after a few years absence, to return and gain new laurels so it might be conjectured that Gagus, il age has not materially interfered with his speed and throwing propensities could duplicate this feat of those Nation al LeagueIs.
 To see and talk with Gagus, one who is familiar with his past record as the king of second basemen and is also aware
 
 in his dotage, cannot help but admire his youthful appearance and beautifully pro- portioned physique; also his determina- ton to make clear the fact that people especially ball-players, are as young only as they feel.
 The writer had the pleasure of inter viewing the famous fellow but day age for the purpose of ascertaining the truth fitness of the report that his reappear- ance was soon to be a reality.
 I could not refrain from wondering, on being ushered into his presence, what a strange coincidence it was that l should be interviewing man on baseball who in days gone by, had gone to see always in the care of a parent or brother, for you must remember that Gagus played many years ago and that l was but 8 child so young that l had to be carried to the park and home again for fear of being lost.
 1 was received with the usual courtesy, for Charley is a genteel chap, and on Gaugus, that you intend returning to the diamond?' my query met with the fol- lowing retort: NO, sir: I am too old to play ball. True, I am exceedingly fond of the game, but I have taken the harness off, never to don it again. feel young and strong, however and am liable to fool some of these people who seem to think me an exemplification Of
 
 But these rumors, MT. Gagus. where do they originator
 ''Oh, I suppose some of my old club mates of former years, such as Mir. Hunt, now a Superior Judge in the City Hall, have started the story
 The mention of Judge Hunts name in connection with the national game was indeed a surprise, for I had never heard gus if he was not mistaken.
 Why. MT. Hunt and played in the same team at the time the Red Stock ings came out here"
 This l remembered to be before I had seen the light of day.
 And what a grand team it was There was Gus Nixon, first base; John Calvert, they short % stop aS s @ade thTd RT5e base MsF John Dirhe, center field; Judge Hunt, left field; Parse" Miller. right field and myself second base. The grounds were then at Twenty fourth and Folsom and l tell you there were good ball games in those days"
 Unfortunately I could not discuss these bygone days which were, I assure you, a source of great pleasure to MT. Gagus' and was compelled to retire. not. how ever, until l had thanked the gentleman Tor his information, which was interest Ing. l still entertained the opinion that there were few games left in the old veteran, and so considered it wise plan to interview few of his intimate friends on the subject. After doing so I kicked mysel1 on that part less capable of mak- ing a defense. as Goldsmith would say. for all those l interviewed were of the same opinion, that if Gagus played ball again the sun would cease to give heat but would continue with the light
 A few opinions are given Tor future ref erence:
 Judge Hunt-What Charley Gagus go- ing to play ball again? Impossible; my Dan Leary-Am I crazy? Is this entire world crazy, or are you crazy? Is Char Icy iey os Gsagus too g9s old to play ball? Why, he grandfather. For goodness sake ask me Something plauslole.
 Well, MT. Leary, do you think MT. Gagus could ogg get in good enough condition
 If given a years steady practice the chances-mind you, the chances-are that he might. But do you know that Gagus has been In the game longer than An son?"
 l answered in the negative and received another surprise by being assured that he had.
 Rube Levv-Gagus could not play mar bles let alone ball. He is too old.
 Mike Finn-I got on to myseir seven years ago. Gagus Is much older than 1
 Hen Harris-Ye gods! You don't mean that Gagus intends playing ball again?
 Well then, it will be a sad sight l could not bear to see it
 Jack Gleason-I have been slcK all day. Don't be joking.
 George Ryan-Buck is a good fellow but he can't play ball. He Is much older than you imagine.
 Heeley Davis-What Q gall some people have! Now just think of that never waser'' thinking that he can play ball. He neIe CT could play. 1 tell you, never, and If ne attempts 1t again just watch the recep- tion that will be accorded him.
 After interviewing these people have arrived at the conclusion that after a lapse of forty years 1t is time for player to stay at home and live in the glorie5 of the past.
 To-days game will be hot one. The lineup is as follows:
 Sacramento. Positions. Santa Cruz Stanley. Catcher .........C. Daubenbis Doyle. Pitcher Balsz Hutchinson. First Base. Fitzgerald Hughes s............ Second Base .Arrelianes Peoples. base. .Devereaux Lockhead. Short Stop............ Williams Borla nd ........ Left Field ............ Street Shanahan. ........ Center Field ....... Mcintyre Harvey Right Field ......... .McGrath
 JOE. CORBETT. RENEWED ACTIVITY
 IN THE COURTS