The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1909-09-24

athletic world. AS Cobb wins admi-
ration by his grace Wagner awes one
by his bulk Wagner just bulges all
over. He has have shoes made tc
order, he Is cramped in an ordinary
bed, he eats a meal worthy Of three
men, his hands are as big as good
sized hams.
When Wagner wabbles to the plate
swinging his best bat it looks as
though Gibraltar were toppling over.
But when he is set to swing there is
action-wonderful action. Before that
it seems as though the legs. arms and
body belonged to three different be-
ings; but once the great slugger
swings there is a concentration of
energy that makes the most stout
hearted of pitchers vince.
Speedy on the Bases.
But more marvellous is his runniu
Wagner can run the hundred yards in
close tc ten seconds any time during d
seasons play. He doesn't sprint in the
sense OF thu word, nor does he galIop.
No one has been quite able to descrlb
just what he does, but he gets there.
his legs seem to be going In one dtrec-
ton and his arms in another, but
somehow or other he always lands in
tact at the point he wishes to reach.
In fielding it's the same way In
Hans great hands the ball assumes
the size Of pea, or close to it. The
most terrific drive in his direction be-
comes a puny tap when he reaches for
it. His great shoulders seem to fall
forward and an arm that reminds one
Of a great crane to dredge scoop
shoots out. Then, as though torn by
a quake" the mass wriggles and the
ball crashes into the mitt of the first
sacker.
Worth Over 100000.
Wagner hits 300 every year by force
of habit. He has no equal at short,
and his base running is always the
best. He is paid probably the biggest
salary of any player in the game, and
yet it has no joys for him. Gladly
would he quit 1t all and stick to mis-
one joy in life-raising chickens. He
stands alone in baseball as the one
player who wants to quit. His yearly
holdout isn't like the rest. He doesn't
want to hold up Barney Dreyfus for
money, for Barney always sends him
his contract to let him fill 1t in at his
own figure.
Wagner is just tired of it ALL He is
worth well over 100000, is a bachelor,
and Is responsible to no one His
tastes are simpler than the average
mans, and the glamour of the crowds
means nothing to him. In winter he
wants to hunt and in the summer he
wants to be out on his farm raising
chickens. Poultry books are followed
by him more closely than are the
baseball averages.
But every year Dreyfuss comes TO
him and pleads. The friends he thinks
much of in Pittsburg come to him. He
must save them Won't he play just
another year? And he is grateful
Without conceit, he realizes that he
owes a debt of gratitude to the game.
1t gave him his fortune, and he should
not leave 1t when 1t needs him, so
be gets in line again.
AS for gameness, the Georgian is a
study. Just picture yourself as you
are. Imagine seeing your picture in
the paper every night in every town
you went to with lines under 1t to the
effect that fifteen or more men I'M
every city had vowed to "get YOU"
Wouldn't you feel a little squeamlsh,
and wouldn't you the next time you
went out be a little more careful?
But not Tyrus. For three years now
threats have been made against him bs
every disgruntled player he has shcwi
up. But he has kept right on play
ing better ball every day, and until
now he stands with only one man as
his rival-and that Is Wagner
Off the field Cobb is as much as he
is on it. His eyes are never still, and
he himself is seldom in one place
very long. Always quiet, well man
nered. and nattiIy dressed, he makes
distinct impression wherever he goes.
Always he is bundle Of nerve. He
likes good books and the society of his
fellows. He glories in the game he
plays. He could never stand the hum
drum, methodical life of the great
Wagner, but he achieves the same re-
suits
Cobb is different in every respect.
To begin with, the Georgian plays ball
because he loves the game. His whole
heart and soul is wrapped up in it,
Cobb could AXE four hits and play a
wonderful game, and vet. If his team
lost he would be the bluest man on
the club. He likes his base hits, as
all ball players do. but he plays only
to win.
A hot-blooded southerner, he lacks