Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-12-20
NAMES TEAM HEAD
John 3 Mcconnell Engaged by
Rock Island Baseball
Associate
HE IS FROM WESTERN LEAGUE
s Six-Footer, Catcher. and Strong
With the Bat - Decatur
Gets Thornton.

John IL. Mcdonnell. OF CarrOlltOn.
No, is to be manager of the Rock
island baseball team in the Three-Eye
eague the coming season. He was en-
gagged by the directors of the associa-
ton at their meeting he'd last even
ing.
In consideration of his release from
the St. Joseph club OF the Western
league. i.ally and Aunis are 10 be
given Lally was indefinitely suspend
ed by the Rock Island management
last season. after playing for two
months in right field Annis covered
second after the injury to Miller in
the latter part of the season. Both
are first-class players.
Mcconnell has been in professional
baseball six years. For four years
ne has been in the Western. with
the Denver and St. Joe teams. The
past two seasons he was with the lat
ter. He is a catcher. and will do the
backstop work for Rock Island in addi-
ton of his managerial duties.
Is a Physical Giant.
Mcconnell is a young man. stands
over SIX feet, and is said to be sp!e n
did specimen of manhood In 1865 n
batted .301. and was fifth among the
catchers of the league in fielding, with
an average of $50. Last season he
batted 240, his falling off being due 70
spell of illness. and he was ninth
among the catchers. Mcconnell IS
married. is a man of exemplary habits,
is aggressive and ambitious. and $
confident of his ability To- give Il salts
factory accounting of himself here
both as player and manager. lie
comes backed highly by his former
employers and associates. He was
chosen from list of % candidates.
Thornton GOES to Decatur.
The directors voted TO release Ross
Thornton. who was member of the
Rock Island club the entire last sea-
son. and for period acted as mana
ger. The conditions under which
Thornton agrees to return are such as
! the association IS net able to meet.
He expects the same salary as he re-
ceived as manager. and while the CLUB
could force him TO pay 1T smaller
| figure. it is not disposed To- stand in
his way to better himself. ii ne can.
although reluctantly parting with his
services. as he is unquestionably as
brilliant a fielder as ever played in the
league. Thornton came from Decatur
to Rock Island. He was member of
the Decatur team two years before
he was released TO this city.
| Walters Offered in Trade.
| Decatur wants him back. There is
moral obligation involved, and if
Rock Island is TO allow Thornton to go
the association feels that Decatur
should have first call on him. as there
was no compensation demanded of
Rock Island when he was allowed TO
come here as manager. The relations
between Rock Island and Decatur
have always been the most pleasant,
and the local association proposes that
they shall continue. The Commodore
management has offered to trade
Hank Walters for Thornton. Walters
will be taken probably. At any rate,
Decatur is to have Thornton. That is
| settled.
| 1t is aimed TO retain intact the team
of last year as near as possible. So
far but three changes are contem-
plated Carlisle to be switched TO cen
ter and new men placed in right and
left. and Mcconnell going behind the
bat Pete Lister will cover the first
sack again, Kohley Miller will be at
second. Jack Sweeney at short and
Dow Vandine at third. Togo Durkee
will be retained as utility man. Four
catchers and six pitchers have been
signed.
President NJ. H. Sexton was empow-
| cred by the directors to obtain an
estimate on the painting of the build
| ings at the new park. If the expense
| is not too great it is hoped to do the
| painting in the spring.