Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-18


note instantly any tendency toward a
change; he is supposed to know, better than
any one else, the failings of the different
| batsmen. Therefore, pitcher time and
again depends upon the catcher to give the
signs for the balls which in his judgment
will produce the best results under the cir
cumstances. II the catcher's judgment Is
good. up goes the pitcher in public estima-
ton; If poor, thumbs down for the man In
the box!
Shortly after Frank Hahn Joined the Gin
cinnati Reds he was put in the box to pitch
| against Delahanty, Lajoie, Mcfarland. VOL
verton and other 300 per cent hitters.
Hahn was youngster from the old
Western League. "Heiny'' Peitz, the
Reds catcher. was an old stager and
acquainted with the devious ways of heavy
ball. Next morning the Cincinnati papers
hailed with paroxysms Of delight the
youngster who had not given Delahanty ct
al. single hit in nine innings.
Pitcher and Catcher Friendly.
Pitchers generally recognize the position
that the men who catch their deliveries oc-
cupy toward them. So do the catchers.
When Tony" Mullane was twirling for the
Reds and the late KID Baldwin was his
partner it was not an uncommon occurrence
for TONY to rush up to the Kid after
the game and exclaim, hotly:
you threw me down! You knew he could
hit that ballv'
And Baldwin would coolly reply. as he
tugged at a stocking:
.fCheese it, Tony I'm the man who
makes your reputation for YOU
On the whole pitcher and catcher are
usually on excellent terms. and quite fire.
quently are cronies. Mathewson and Bow
eIman of the champion Giants are examples.
They are known among their teammates as
inseparables; what's ones, 'tothers; and.
besides swearing fealty in the ordinary way,
both are members Of the same secret So
cety lodge.
If this friendly condition did not prevail
the lot Of the manager would be great
deal more arduous than 1t now is; for.
among other things. every pitcher knows
that his catcher watches him with an eagle
eye in the preliminary workout, and II he
does not come up to his usual form therein
the managers attention Is called to the
fact, with the result generally that another
pitcher is ordered into the box at the last
minute.
Discovering New Twirlers.
Many stories are told of the efforts of
team managers and magnates to secure new
pitchers. One of the best is from the lips of
Charles w. Murphy, assistant secretary Of
the New York Base Ball Club.
During the course of one of the seasons,
when Mr.. Murphy was sporting editor of
Cincinnati paper. he soon noticed that
among the Geographic reports of base ball
games played throughout the state there
were always sure to be two three a week
telling of the pitching prowess of a certain
Amos Scott One night the account would
run in some such fashion as this: Amos
Scott pitched today for Bethel and defeated
the Batavia team, striking out nineteen
men and allowing the Batavians only three
safe hits" Two or three nights later the
account of SCOTS feats would be even more
glowing. Naturally. In the course of time
Mr.. Murphy conceived a great respect for
Mr.. Amos Scott and his good right arm.
About the middle of the season the Reds.
Mr.. Murphys home team. struck a bad
streak. Try as they would. the boys were
unable to shake off the hoodoo pursuing
them. Everybody was in despair. when
news report from Bethel suddenly reminded
Mr.. Murphy of the redoubtable Amos Scott.
Strafghtaway he sought out Mr.. John T.
Brush the Reds owner.
Look here. Mr., Brush said Mr.. Muir
ply, Il think know the man who can pull
the Reds out of the hole they're in
Tell about hinl-quick." shouted Mr..
Brush.
send to Bethel for Amos Scott" was the
answer, as the editor spread before the
magnate's eyes the sporting pages recount
ing the wondrous feats of Amos Scott OF
Bethel
That day an em!ssary was dispatched to
Bethel TO make terms with its great pitch