The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-06-12
RECEIVES THE clrY's FREEDOM.

oRSAhV CehCA "OIA J0-
warded by st. Paul's Council.
1t is not often that a ball player has
the freedom Of the city extended him for
meritorious work on the diamond, and
JAG Crooks, now of the st. Louis
Browns, is possibly the sole player in
the ranks who can claim that distinc-
ton.
1t came about in this wise. Crooks is
a product of St. Paul, and used to catch
Tor a nine made up of railroad clerks.
His work attracted attention, and he
o secured an engagement with a pro-
fessional team, and gave up his posi-
ton as a railroad clerk. The next year
he became a member of the st. Paul
club, and was put on third base, and did
excellent work in that position. In
those days he was quite a batter, and
pulled out many a victory for the home
team.
The rivalry between st. Paul and
Minneapolis was as virulent then as now,
n the contests between clubs repre-
senting the cities always attracted a
big crowd, who rooted" enthusiastically
ly, uproariously and continuously for
their respective clubs. st. Paul had
the better team, and placed the majori-
ty Of games to its credit at the end of
the season.
This particular year the two clubs
were running nip and tuck, and the pro-
portion of fans to the population was
greatly increased. On the day in ques-
ton ST. Pau played in Minneapolis, and
a large delegation came from the saint
ly city to see the game. 1t was a close
fight all through. The opposing pitchers
were both in fine form. Minneapolis
made a few scattering hits. and Crooks
Nxyn q fh0 on1vr .,o xryk4 <o.,1l l. ---.xA.--
for st. Paul. He most certainly had
his batting eye with him, and estab-
lished a ecord that to-day has never
been surpassed. Every time he came
to bat he made a home run. He was
at bat five times. -Four times the
bases were empty. The fifth time he
faced the pitcher was in the ninth in
ming. Minneapolis was two ahead. and
it looked like a cinch. st. Paul had
of a scratch hit. The st. Paul crowd
began to howl like a lot Of maniacs as
the next man stepped to the plate. The
Minneapolis pitcher was a trifle ner-
vous. Crooks was to follow, and every
energy was devoted to retiring the bats
man and ending the game with a VIC
tory over the saints. Over-anxiety
made the pitcher nervous, and the bat
ter was given a free pass to first.
"1S AaO" SAOOn0 VII
Of cheers and yells Of encouragement
again went up from the st. Paul dele
gates. Crooks was implored. entreat-
ed and begged to put 1t over the fence.
FOUR home run had been placed to his
credit. and few people present expected
him to d. another to the list. Crooks,
however. had his batting eye with him.
Presently a good one came over the
plate. 1t must ave looked as large as
large as a balloon. Crooks swung at
II hard, and the next minute IL was
soaring far over he left field fence,
and Crooks chased the other two run-
ners across the plate. The St. Pau
rooters were in q frenzy Of delight. Sill
yer quarters. halves and dollars were
thrown with q lavish hand. and Crooks
was carried OF the field and down to
the train.
That same evening the ST. Paul city
council met. Inc n enthusiastic men,
Der offered a resolution rendering
Crooks the freedom of the city. An
other. who was not quite so enthusiasts
tic. offered an amendment giving
Crooks the entire and sole use of Third
street. then the leading street in the
city. between the hours of l and $3.50
y. m. for three successive days.
This was rejected and the original
motion prevailed Crooks Is still a
hero in the town. n h fans never
tire of telling the story.-Chicag
Chronicle.