The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1904-06-04
HAS ONLY ONE LEG.
But Robert c. Nolan Is a Noted Base Ball
Pitcher and Batter,

To be great baseball pitcher is
desired by most boys, but to be an ex-
pert pitcher, despite the handicap of
having only one leg, seems almost i'm
possible, yet such is the case of Ed
ward G. Nolan, of the Bronx, New
York, who is known as one of the best
semi-professional pitchers in the
younger ranks. In addition to that he
has reputation for batting and play
ing that would do credit to many pro-
fessionals..
When young lad his left leg was
cut off by car of the old 'Huckle-
berry, line.
Last Sunday, at West Farms, Nolan
was in the box for his team, the
Young Mems Catholic club, and for
twelve innings pitched such good ball
that not man Of the opposing Bel
monts crossed the plate, while thir-
teen batters who faced him famed the
air.
In Crotona Park, which is one Of the
largest and best baseball grounds in
this section, excepting the Polo
Grounds, and where the crowds are al
most as large as at the latter place,
Nolan and his work have been much
admired and wondered at.
Robert G. Nolan, who is known far
and wide as ''the one-legged pitcher"
is the son of Policeman John J. Nolan,
who lives at No. 1919 fremont ave-
nue., where Robert was born about
twenty-one years ago. He attended
the public schools of his neighborhood
and later went to Manhattan college,
from which he was graduated in 1902.
After leaving college he took an ex-
animation for the purpose of going to
the Philippines as teacher, but later
changed his mind and entered the pub
lie schools Of this city as a teacher.
He has been teaching since then at
various schools, and is now connected
with Public School No. %, at 165th
street and linton avenue, and is popu-
lar with the boys on account of his
athletic ability.
While still youth he evinced
fondness for baseball, and was con-
stantly aiming to be a "twirler," pay
ing little attention to the loss of his
leg. For several years he was connect
ed with local teams, and gradually he
began to be recognized as something
more than a boy pitcher. While at
college, and later at Crotona Park, his
work was Of the highest order, and he
has had the satisfaction Of striking out
some of the cleverest batsmen who
faced him.
Several years ago, when the Young
Mems Catholic club of West Farms
decided to have baseball team, No
Ian was elected captain and manager,
a position which he has held ever
since, and he and his team are much
desired as an attraction by other clubs
all over the country. Last fall he was
the guest of the Canadian Baseball as
ooSioeioh dl NucIC SUI
prised one of the largest crowds ever
assembled to witness a game.
When Nolan is in action on the dia-
mond he uses wooden crutch while
delivering 4 ball, the crutch merely as
sisting to steady him and aid him to
keep his balance. His left leg has been
amputated above the knee. In deliv-
ering the ball he swings back on the
remaining leg and is enabled to get as
much speed as if he possessed two
good 'kickers."
He has good curves and an excellent
change of pace, together with good
Judgment. When at bat he uses his
crutch in much the same way as he
does when pitching. 1t is no uncom-
mon sight to see him land on the ball
for double or triple base hit, which
always delights the crowd.
While teaching school in everyday
life Nolan puts on a cork leg, and ex-
cept for slight lameness his loss is
not apparent. He, however, says he
prefers the crutch, as he can handle
himself much better that way, being
better trained to act with one leg only.
nrnoCD aNc, II1TYV 1s1ru