The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-10-05

o out so long that even Manager MCAieer
was seriously considering the placing o.
Friel n third base. just about tina time
Mccormick began 10 improve. and In two
weeks was PLAYING the game OF his lie.
cited admiration. He handled bunts nicely
and his quick lob rarely went Wild. He was
patted on the back and encouraged by the
management. and played a hne game tho
rest Of the summer. Mccormick was signed
and he didn't have TO De coaxed. wheedled
or threatened
John Anderson was harassed By Director
Billings OF the Boston National League Club
until he agreed TO take a contract with him
on the road In case that he felt at any Time
as II he wished to practice signing his
meme For a long time BIG, John vas con
ISuis eoDfrac, doSsn haHtSs ~ goI ~ aSc-
ument and handed John a pen. Anderson
bound himself 10 the 81. Louis club for an
other year.
Jesse Burkett went through a season that
would have made 4 less hardy or deter
blHnes mar throw Up MS hands The
early part OF the SEASON they roasted him
GnmercIuiiy- Always a good batter. Bur
kett was discouraged when he failed 70 get
his hits. He nearly always hit the ball.
but he couldn't get it safe. The fast field
Ing and such pitchers as Cy Young. Bnl
Dineen. Al Ortiz. Winnie Mercer and others
made the task OF keeping up his reputation
ss a hitter a most trying one. Even though
ne didn't lead the League. In hitting. Buy
49, - A1AAa a ~ vi YAH Ills NN
other ways mannEed to get on the circuit
often enough 20 score more runs than any
hasemen as Bradley. Lave Cross and Jimmy
collins ne found u hard to lay down safe
hunts The old boy" was always there,
however. and when he got out on the field
he knew nothing but a desire 10 win. and
no one worked harder. He PLAYED whnr he
should have been In bed under a doctors
care. ana missed but one game during the
entire season.
THE rnwgsFr- 49,. DBL.
plemcnted by various distorted tales as to
his conduct. and between the two Burkett's
lot was not a happy one. As the season
advanced, however, his batting improved
and he never Mayed a better fielding game
In his career. Then the bleacherz warmed
TO him; they cheered him while they KID
ded," but II put heart into him once more.
He had almost decided TO cast his lot Tor
next year with Kew York. In order 10 get
keenly. though apparently disresarded. He
was criticised because he didn't lead the
league In batting as he had done In the
ward OF greatness. II he had never hatted
above 500. then he wouldn't have been no.
tied But because he went 10 the top
twice In the National League he was ex-
pected 10 he in the front rank all the time.
The New York club made a liberal o5s-
to Burkett- He could have returned to tho
Cardinals Detroit stood ready TO take him
out leaving the American League. He was
undecided for some time. When u came
time 10 make a choice he explained hts no
sition 10 Secretary Hedges and Manager
McAieer. Perhaps he wasn't hitting quite
as well as he did last year. The manage
ment. he explained. might want 10 MI his
place with 3 younger man. He had read
that the 81. Louis club would drop him by
simply reSlectinE TO make him an oTa-
for next year. He was willing 10 go. he
said. n the club could ind a man 20 take
his place.
Without hesitation Secretary Hedges IN
formed burkett that he was wanted and
badly wanted by the ST. Louis club. Bur
kett has many friends In ST. Louis-he new
plated leavinE-and M. HEDGES knew that
ne was not anxious for n change. What |
ever the public may have thought Of his
work Manager McAleer appreciated his
services as a rnn-getter, a hard worker in
every department. and a man who took his |
medicine without \ kick They pressed him |
TO stay. convinced him that he would
weaken the club by leaving Il. and talked 10 |
MN as man 10 mar Orce he knew that |
ms services were appreciated there was no
town. but beyond n PROLONGED chat 4, the |
earT1dor OF the Lindeli Hotel Rurkett had |
ntt.e 20 90 with him. He made no promises /
70 McGraw and he had none, Therefore 10 !
ereak. AcSraw stated that Re was putting
eOEetner A Strong team. offered, as proof ]
70 proauce the signed contract OF more than 1
one American League star. aud wound m /
BY oneTtng Burkeft liberal terms. SIN Rur-
kett siEned with the St Louis club for less
Willie" SUdhoR Is a 81. IouIs hov and
there Is a local opinion that a 81 Louis |
ooy can't get a fair show on a 81. louis /
teem- Last year Sudhon was ACCUSED ~ /
aciink a. a spy on Powell and McCana- /
ana OF various other orenses- He remained