The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-14
ing his position; running Or batting. he was

ing his position. running or batting, he was
out Of it entirely.
Ramsey's unusual success was to a consid-
cradle degree due to the able catching of
kerins, who was. by the way, an Indian
apolis production. He began as first base
man. but when Hart, who Is now president
of the Chicago club, brought up Ramsey
from Chattanooga, Kerfns was used to
eaten the erratic delivery of Ramsey, as
none of the regular backstops could hold
nim RamSey's chief curve was very de-
ceptlye drop ball, the equal of which has
probably never been duplicated since. The
heaviest batters would fan out before him.
ana on one occasion he struck out no less
than seventeen of the old Metropolitans.
Like all ball players. however. both Ram
sey and Kerins had their day. and now both
nave practically dropped out of sight.
10 be sure, every crank knows that big
Amos Rusie is another of the Indiana col
lection. He began pitching in the lots
around indianapolis before he was eighteen
Years old and, in fact, was still minor
RuSle mas pretty generally been credited
with having a greater amount of speed than
any OF the National League tWirlers. While
this is doubtless true, the big fellow is also
possessed of remarkable curves. He can
toss up the widest kind of an out curve or
snap the sharpeSt of inshoOtS. He generally
does his best work later in the season, but
his friends this year are doing considerable
worrying, and not without cause. for Rusie's
arm has not been in the best of shape, and
this may possibly lessen his effectiveness
from this time on
Another twirler almost equally as well
known Ruse is ''Jou'' Meekin. This con-
Sistent performer halls from New Albany,
Ind. and first began his baseball career as
a catcher. Later he developed into a
pitcher. and his first engagement was with
st. Paul. He accomplished nothing start
ing there nor at Louisville, but shortly
afterWard became famous in a Washington
uniform, ably coached by Catcher Farrell.
Since becoming a member of the local nine
he has been of great service. and one sea-
caliber that he easily led the League as
winning pitcher. One thing which makes
Meekin of such value is his cool head, and
it's in the tight places where he generally
does his best work. When he puts on steam
and the balls come shooting over, backed
up by that well-known swing, an opposing
batter is indeed lucky to secure safe hit.
Indiana seems to be especially fertile in its
production of pitchers. for, in addition to
formers as "Jot Goar and Cuppy might
be named. The former is a native of New
Lisbon; Cuppy came from Logansport,
where he was born and bred and for years
Old yeoman service for the Cleveland club.
When his arm was in shape .Cuppy was
ranked almost on a par, with the, great
Young. At present he is having a deal of
trouble with his arm, and has practically
been of no service to Cleveland thus far
The Hoosier State furnished several
players to the Philadelphia club. There
was Inks, who a few years ago was con-
He has brother, viii who no for some
time played on the Springfield nine as an
outfielder. Big Sam Thompson. who for
years the favorite of nearly all the
Quaker City cranks. first saw the light of
day at Danville. McKeon did work as a
pitcher away back in the American Associ-
ation and later for Cincinnati, He halls
from Indianapolis. Fisher, who has rem
dered good service for Cincinnati, was born
in Anderson, Ind.
The Sowders family, of Indianapolis, was
credited with furnishing several players. all
of whom became more or less prominent on
the diamond. The most prominent of the
brothers was Len" who at one time
played with Baltimore, and was famous as
batsman. fWilp' Sowders was left
handed, and several years ago played with
the minor leagues this yarn about players
originally starting from Indiana might be
spun out indefinitely, but from what has
already been published it can easily be seen
that the Hoosier State has done its share of
contributing star opponents of the great ma
tional game.