The times., 1899-03-23
than the magnates, and they would be the
first to discover evidence of double dealing.

Exaggerated reports appear to have gone
out from Indianapolis concerning John T.
Brush, the impression being conveyed that
he Is seriously indisposed. From letter
| received by a gentleman in this city it was
learned by The Times representative that
although Mr.. Brush has been confined to
his home for several days his indisposition
is not serious. His greatest need seems to
be rest which he Is trying to take so far
as his business interests will permit. He
is not under a physicians care, SO The
Times informant states.
Edward Hanlon became reminiscent last
! Monday while waiting for the steamer AL
gonquin to sail for the South with the
Brooklyns. He said: Il have always
studied pitchers closely, and / have yet to
see the equal of Keefe and Clarkson.
think Clarkson was the brainest pitcher
who ever stood in the box. When l was
with the champion Detroits Clarkson used
to have us guessing. He had the most puz-
zling slow ball ever saw and he knew how
to use it to perfection. The moment
batsman stepped to the plate Clarkson
would look him in the eye and take his
measure. He seemed to be trying to look
into the batsmans brain. In many in
stances he would pitch up the first ball as
slowly as possible. The batsman would
look for fast one after that, but Clark
son would fool him by tossing up another
slow one just outside of the plate The
batsman, then convinced that a fast ball
was due, would naturally be puzzled to
see still another slow one lobbed up. II
Clarkson thought he had his man guessing
he would put up fourth ball as slow as
the others, which generally fooled the bats
man into hitting at il in desperation. The
next time this same man came to the plate,
-
completely upset him with speed and
curves. In this way he had his opponents
completely mystified. Keefe was almost
Clarksons double and Welch was not far
behind. RadbOurne was another wonder
full pitcher. These men used science in
preference to brute strength, and as
result they lasted longer than the average
pitcher of the present day"
I'm attersU.ing to kill baseball in order
to get square with the League for alleged
grievances" said a baseball man to
New York SUM- reporter, Freedman is
trying TO injure a national pastime He
is forgetful of the fact that the American
public for thirty years past has loved
baseball for the pure sport and amuse-
ment to be derived and that the men who
run the League cut a minor figure. Hun
dreds OF minor league clubs are conducted
yearly at financial loss, but are kept in
existence by men who take pride in pro-
viding a national game for the public.
Here in Greater New York there are thou
sands of persons who are devoted to base
ball. They are happiest when able to see
their favorite game played by represen-
tatiye team that can carry OFF the laurels
from all other rival teams. There is and
always has been a popular demand for
good baseball, and patrons of the game,
10 t,p,y hAaf. rn1l r-aI
To vent his spite on dozen or more in
dividuals, Freedman is willing to turn
down thousands who ask him to either
provide a strong team to represent them
or let somebody else accomplish it. The
baseball public of America, therefore, is
more of an object for Freedman's attack
than the handful of League men who have
| caused his displeasure. The ruinous pol
icy of the New York Club is of a national
character and is being condemned all over
the country. 1t is about time for the
League to come to a realizing sense and
! take some action toward protecting the
interests of its patrons"
1T requires" says a student of base
ball, about four and a half seconds for
the shortstop, third baseman, or second
baseman to field the average ground ball
and get it to first base. sporting man
| held the watch on a number of ground
balls last season. The hit was timed from
the crack of the bat until the ball hit the
first baseman's hands. Sometimes the play
was m>se in three seconds, and some
7 times it required five seconds, but the
average time four and a half seconds
Therefore, to beat out an infield hit the
batter must make the thirty yards in less
Nh - H<p