Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-03-21

Fred Merkle did the same thing that any other
ball player would have done under similar crcum-
- stances. For twenty years it has been the custom
for players to to the clubhouse the moment the
winning is the plate, 1t SO happened that
Merkle was the unfortunate player to follow the
the day it to be upset. It cannot be
players in the country do the same thing time and
again. and nobody made protest. 1t was left for
Frank Chance to the technicality and take ad-
vantage of it for the benefit of his team.
That eventful day in baseball will always live in
the mind Of Fred Merkle as tragedy. When he came
to the clubhouse after the excitement had subsidized
he was the most miserable looking man that many
of to see. Sitting stools and boxes,
the other players were grouped about him on every
side Merkle felt that which was in the minds of all
of them. He knew that his mistake had, would,
cost each of them at least two thousand dollars the
amount usually received for playing the series for the
worlds championship. He had just started in the
major league and was trying to make good. AS they
all there silent, of the players made cruel
remark, without thinking of the pain it might in
ict which cut Mere SO he could not sleep for many
nights
TT seems pretty tough said the player, in re-
Elective way, for to fight so long for the cham
pionship, and then have fellow who has been on the
bench all season come in and lose it for us.
During the days that followed Merkle almost lost
his mind. He could not Sleep and became SO morose
that the players were alarmed about him. He lost
more than twenty pounds.
Chances Rise to Popularity
WHILE New York was abusing Merkle and he was
w being made the target for jokes throughout
the country, Chicago was lauding Manager Chance.
He was much hero as Merkle the goat"
Frank Chance is most remarkable Until
four years ago nobody had discovered in the
assuming Chance those traits necessary to great
manager. He was the star first baseman of the Chi
cago club, and, for that matter is yet. The players
had often commented on his wonderful judgment
of space and speed and the fact that he had
misjudged play; but thought of him
manager. He has the reputation of being the most
adept batter in the business stretching one-base
hit into double. He can figure to foot the dis
tance by which he beat ball to second base and
by thus turning single into two-bagger he has
often close games.
Frank Seele, famous manager, had been in charge
of the Chicago club for several years but his health
failed and he had to retire Charles Murphy had just
bought the Chicago club and his quick eye in
Chance the qualities his club needed. He was ap-
pointed manager temporarily, and made such rapid
strides to the top that his berth became permanent
In three seasons Frank Chance won three remnants,
and has just signed contract for five years more
In disposition Chance is the opposite of McGraw.
He is quiet cold blooded fellow and acts after long
and careful deiberation. McGraw is impulsve.
In looking the team that was placed in his
charge Chance found that he had weak spot in left
field and another at third base. He told President
Murphy that the man he needed most was James