The St. Louis Republic., 1904-12-29

st. Louis has secured in George Ston"
one of the best minor league hattcrs in tho
country. That his fielding is not up to tho
average is well known.
When Stone dons n Brown uniform I:
will have been the second major leagu
experience Of this player
Once before Stone had a trial with tn"
Boston Americans But Manager Collin-
sent him back to Milwaukee for q Rrion
who proved dismal failure as a utility
man 70, the worlds champions.
O'Brien. after having been secured for
Stone. WIS traded back for rnGiaub. an
other secnndrate player.
But il is said that stone has improved
much since he got q chance TO show his
speed with Boston before
In fact. il is generally believed tha'.
barring his fielding. and poor Judgment.
that Stone Is really of major league cal
iber.
Rurkett. who was traded for Stone hy'
ST. Louis. surely was on tho wano. His
once famous bunting rrociivitics were :en-
dereL nil last season by his slowncss.
But it is whispered about that Burkctt
did not try his very best here last sen
son. In fact, he made the boast to we'll
known fan mOrc than Il month before Tia"
season closed that he did not care to play
here. and the only reason he remained
was TO be near Nc.Alecr. who was an old
pal IN Cleveland
That McAleer always had a soft spot in
his heart for Cleveland players is we'll
known. In fact. McAlecr would still h."
manager of a Cleveland club If he had his
choice IN the matter
McAl"er made his fame in hascbaI in
-.
81. Louis baseball was his hope that the
city would afford more salary.
Whenever McAlscr has deal on il is
said that Cleveland friends are always
consulted on the trade oefura il i. Tlad..
All the players that ever came from
Cleveland were greatly cherished by Me
-hleer. and the only reason that he al
lowed his old PAL Rurkett to get away
was because the fans would not stand for
him any moro.
No matter low many errors any of the
Cleveland contingent made. McAlear al
ways overlooked them. and never called
Wallace. Burkett Heidrick for any Of
their bad breaks.
Stone. the new man secured by St
Louis, batted 400 hast year in the Amer
that he betted .2aS. and in 1902 he batted
.3i5 for Omaha
In securing stone It Is thought by the
local fans that the Browns have made a
wise moTe. but if he falls down lamenta-
bly, he will not have been the first great
minor Lacquer who made but n sorry
showing in major league company.
Fans who have followed baseball close
ly for some time declare that this apathy
for the interest of st. Louis displayed by
local American League hackers has had
something to do with the poor showing
of the team.
WHERE IS DONOVAN?
What is to become of Patsy Donovan,
that once accomplished and astute bal!
player? He has not yet signed with Wash
ineton OF the American League to man
age that team. and by those who claim TO
know It Is said that Pat will not be the
leader Of the Senators next season.
AS early az last July Patsy told many of
his friends that he would be the bench
manager of the capital team Ia 1HS. This
statement reached the ears Of Ban John
son, who appoints the managers. and even
the waterboys, of many of the American
League cities. Ban grew wroth when he
heard that Pat desired to manage from
the bench. and 1t is said declared that
he would not be manager at all next sea-
son.
From present Indications II looks like
Donovan is through az major league
performer Pat vas always a very clever
ball player. but he is now past the age
of spryness. and his showing as player
last season was anything but good. As q
manager Pat handled two tail enders Of
weakness. and II is believed that a minor