davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
BOB GROOM GOT START
ON HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
Willing Worker Robert Is Expected to Do Great Things
This Season-Has Not Rounded Into Shape
Yet-Bon in Indiana
By THOMAS S. RICE.

NORFOLK. Va. March 19.--We can
not all be born with a cherry tree in
the front yard, waiting for US TO cut
IL down with a Ratchet. so we can con-
TESS the horrid crime, received a lick
ing. and become father of our country.
Therefore. we can sympathize with Rob-
ert Groom, pitcher, who ws5 born in
Belleville. Ind. twenty-five years ago.
The front yard to his home had none
but locust trees. and II he had ever
said he felled one OF them with a
Ratchet he would have been known for
a fibber right away.
Our hatcnetless hero grew up in
Belleville. where Die Wach am Rhine
IS the favorite song and ST. Patrick
Day is not a public holiday. English
Is taught in the public schools there.
but sharp cry Of "zwei delles," ac-
companied by a dime. prUdu .es better
results than a recitation of "Curfew
Shall Not Ring Tonight"
Robert mo middle monaker) Groom
played football and pitched for the
Beneville High School He broke into
baseball when sixteen as e delivery
end of the battery of Groom saF Groom.
the receiving end being ais cousin
-nANNhs AAtNe JfAAAAAF ANNNANEh aA1 pc
game. or $3.50 each. for UNFOLDING Belle
ydlle's rs or in the Trolley League that
surrounds St Louis.
His first engagement for regular wsg
was with Fort Scott. Kan. in ;he fdis-
souri, Valley League, in 1904. lie pro-
crossed 10 Springfield. Mo. in the
Western Association in 1905. and at
tracted enou-h attention 10 that Town
by his work 10 distinguish II from
Springfield. Ohio. and Springfield, Ill,
something the Missourians had been
waiting many years to attain.
Robert continued 10 distinguish
Springfield. Mo, at such rate in 1896
that he was sold on the hoof in May OF
that year 10 Walter n. McCredie for de-
livery TO the Portland. ore, club the
next season.
Thus II was that the man who mad
never cut down cherry tree was A
member Of the Portland team in 1907 and
lS0S, The popular name TO- the team
was the Webfeet. due 10 the fact that
Portland can have more rain to the
square picnic or Democratic barbecue
than any other place known to science
II sometimes gets up In the middle Of
the night there 10 rain. Roses and
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
NATIONALS READY
FOR FIRST GAME
Dixie Walker to Pitch
Against Norfolk This
Afternoon.
LINE-UPS FOR TODAY.

NORFOLK, Va, March 19.-Man-
ager McAleer gave his henchmen a
rest this morning, in anticipation OF
the first regular game Of the season,
which will be played with the Norfolk
Virginia League club. The Wash
ington squad has had about ten
days more practice than the Norfolk
contingent. but the minor leaguers
always extend themselves more than
the ma. nrs in the spring exhibition
games. and there should be a good
contest.
Dixie" Walker is recovering from
his indisposition, and McAleer thinks
he should be able 10 work out this
afternoon for three innings. as the
trouble Is not in his arm, but was
due TO a cold. Charley Street is stil
nuI sing his ankle. which is coming
along as well as could be expected.
Vice President Eddie Walsh. Thorn
ton Chesley. and Louis Weaver came
TO Norfolk this morning for the first
game. and spent the forenoon hObnOb-
bling with McAleeT.
Bob Groom has not yet signed nCr
has McAleer had a talk with him, but
Mac says il is all right, ana that for
all practical purposes he considers
Groom's name already on contract.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

very worrisome question. and get in as
soon as possible
One report Of the meeting published
this morning stated that the original
constitution adopted by the commission
had been changed in three sections.
While three changes were made they
were only IN the wording OF the pas
sages and do not affect the original
meaning
The real bone OF contention among
the players VIII no doubt regard the
professionalism clause. There can be no
mistaking the meaning Of this section.
Il demands absolute amateurism. which,
e. adopted by al as a has been by FIVE.
VIII perfect the plan 50 diligently stTiV-
en- for by the commission ever since its
organization So strict Is this rule that
almost the thought Of professionalism
is intolerable.
Its effects viii be a matter Of opinion.
Those who hold that players should be
allowed 70 make what they can may be
opposed. The simon pure adherents
viii be gratified. II would seem at the
present time that the latter class Is in
the majority II is generally known that
some professionalism has existed FOR
years. Likewise that but few PLAYERS
are benefited. Again IL Is the minority
that Is affected and not the real BODY
OF amateur players Which viii II be-
Urges Pure Game.
Those on the commission feel recEon-
ably certain that the whole affair can
be patched up 70 suit all hands. They
are expecting no opposition from the
affected players Mr.. Boigiano has this
to say this morning: We have known
all along that professionalism existed.
but We're poweriess 20 prevent H. IN
der the new constitution we have That
right and its rules must be adhered TO.
Personally, and I think that / may also
include every member Of the present
commission. ] favor the idea OF the ball
player obtaining money for his services.
But not In an amateur league. The very
meaning Of the word is antagOnistfc 70
8 n procedure II IL continues, we will
nave the same trying state Of affairs
that We have had for years. II II Is
Stopped feel certain the game viii be
vastly betteTed. ! do not think that the
players who have been receiving money
VIII register any kick on the change and
hope they viii not We have q pretty
sensible lot OF fellows in our leagues
and think they will readily perceive
the advantages Of pure amateurisn as
opposed 20 the present condition Of some
forty or nifty receiving money and the
others playing Just as we propose under
the new code
One SIDE Of the question. that OF the
amateur commission and the FIVE presi-
dents. has been decided for good and for
all. The other Is open. How do you
feel about IT. H NJ b.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
AMATEUR QUESTION
COMES UP ONCE MORE
Constitution Prohibiting Professionalism and Granting
Commission Complete Power Is Adopted by Five
Leagues-Others Will Likely Join Movement

Smiles Of great joy besmirch the
Countenances Of the Washington anna
teur ball players today. A correspond
INK gloom Is apparent on the physiogno-
mics OF a few Of our near amateurs.
There's a reason.
As a result Of the meeting OF the
amateur commission and FIVE presidents
OF the District leagues at spaldiug's
sporting goods store last evening. two
important topics are now confronting
the fans and players. and must be de-
cided in the rear future One was par
tally decided last evening. when the
five executives signed up for the i'm
proved method Of handling the amateur
question, namely, control by the anna
teur commission and absolute prohibit
ton Of professionalism. These two is
sues are NOW I'D TO the amateur fans,
and the Capital City League in particu-
lar. The following leagues. Depart
mental Sunday School. Marquette, Su-
burban, and Railroad Y. NJ. c. A, have
already joined the ranks Of the up
lifters.
Sure to Go Through.
According TO a prominent member OF
the commission the reformed promo ion
Of the amateur game win go through
whether the Capital City joins the
movement or not. That leagues View
OF the matter has not yet been officially
expressed The official points out that
should any resistance be offered by the
Capital City League folk It can only be
detrimental , themselves as already the
I'VE leagues mentioned above have been
Incorporated and the players therein vii
not be allowed 70 play outside Of the
commissions jurisdiction.
This would undoubtedly play havoc
with a majority OF the rosters Of the
First and n street organization as
nearly one-third OF its lists are members
Of one OF the Incorporated leagues, the
Departmental particularly
But, stated the commissioner" We
have had no intimation that the Capital
City will not join hands with US. On the
contrary We have had several OF its
managers express favorable views on
the new venture. several going as fer as
10 indorse an alliance with US As riIs
is the thing for which large maJOr-ty
Of the fans AID promoters have been
working fOf the past five years Il is an
earnest hope that All Of the organiza-
lions vii figure the alliance the only
sensible solution 10 what has proved a
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
BOCOCK REMAINS
AS Y. P. |. COACH
Former Georgetown Player
Signs Contract for An
other Year.

Branch Bocock. OF this city. has
signed a contract TO remain another
year al Virginia Polytechnic Institute
as coach Of all athletic teams.
When Bocock took charge az Blacks
burg last September il was with The
understs ndinE that he was 70 leave in
June. but so consistently successful has
fe been that Y p. I authorities made
him the biggest offer ever made an
athletic coach there and Bocock has
agreed 20 remain.
Following the remarkable showing IN
football last fall inc v. +. l. basket
ball team went through its season with
out a defeat. and the prospects for
-'SebaN are exceedingly bright
The agreement affecting next wear
vas brought about AZ this time because
two universities In The South were anx-
ious to obtain BocOck.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
RULES PLAY HAVOC
WITH SCHOOL STARS
Baseball Squads First Hit,
and Now Track
Outfits.

The campaign to maintain a high
standard in studies among the athletes
of the Washington high schools has
played havoc with the field and track
team.
Baseball was the first TO suffer the
loss Of several Of the hest players in
the league who were notified that they
would not be allowed 20 play until thes
had heightened their standing Hare y
had the diamond squads been sorted AIT
before the announcement came tc9t
many OF the best athletes on the track
would come under the ban.
The exact amount of damage VIII not
be clearly known until outdoor work is
begun, but the indications are that sew
eral familiar faces will be missing. One
squad is said TO have lost six stars.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
FANS ARE IN DOUBT
ABOUT ABE ATTELL
Champions Showing Against
Johnny Mario Is the
Cause.

NEW YORK. March 19-New York
night fans are not altogether certain to-
day whether Abe Attel. the feather
weight champion. has regained his old
time form
in a ten-rOund 20 with Johnny Mario
before the National Sporting Club last
night AtteH fought Ike the Abe Of old
for seven rounds and then sprung a Hat.
tire, and permitted Mario 10 more than
even I'D matters in the last three rounds.
The spectators decided the contes. d
draw, but had h gone two more rounds
Mario might have scored a knockout,
for he had his little Hebrew antagonist
on the Vane.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
THINK MILLER FAKING.

WALLA WALLA, Wash, March -
That James Joy Miller, missing quar-
terback on last years University OF
Michigan football eleven. who was dis
covered yesterday on a fruit farm near
here. where he had found work. re-
members his past record on the grid
iron. as well as all his other expert
ences, is believed BY those who have
interviewed him.
His actions, and the fact that he has
been receiving mail regularl.g from
friends in Michigan, leads the investi-
SatinS authorities to believe his ap-
parent loss of memory is only feigned.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

heard of in the Revolutionary war and
in the Indian wars" he used 70 say,
and let me tell you, though they were
a quiet and peace-loving people. they
never allowed themselves to be
whipped
That was the principle tried TO fol-
low. never picked any fights. but II
one started in spite Of me I took great
JOY IN not allowing myself to be
whipped. The surest way to prevent
that was to pound the other fellow IN
I'll he gave in
w nen ! was small boy in the Ar
rOyo Secco School, near ouI. home
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

, throw me or and / gave him a fierce
beating. His eyes were blackened and
his face bruised when I got through.
Then I let him up and went back into
the school house. He followed
or course. there was an investigation
on the spot
Did you do ali this damase2'' asked
the teacher. after taxing a good look al
Fred
I did" said T.
The teacher looked al the big fellow
and laughed. The difference in our sizes
made II seem ridiculous, guess At
any rate. teacher wouldn't believe that
little Jimmy vas the guilty party, and
refused TO punish me
Hamilton and I had many a good
laugh over it years afteTward when
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
Y. M. G. A. SWIMMERS
PLAN A DUAL MEET

BALTIMORE, March 19.-The first
dual swimming meet between Washing
ton Y. NJ c. A. and Baltimore Central
will be held in the local pool next
Thursday evening. AS these two asSo-
cations have men entered in the South
Atlantic championship it will give the
''dopesters" ar opportunity 70 pick
probable winners OF the championship
games
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
REDS BUY CAMP.

HOT SPRINGS. Ark, March 1s.-Man-
ager Clark Griffith, of the Cincinnati
bring to that club a permanent tract
or ground for training season purposes.
Griffith saws Hot Springs seems 10 be
the best place for his team TO train.
The price paid for the grounds is not
known. but is said 10 be IN the neigh
borhood of $4,000.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
DONLIN HANDS OUT
DECISION AT LAST
Has Three Contracts on Stage
and will Not" Play
Ball.

BOSTON, March -19.-Mike Donlin. the
one-time mighty swatter Of the New
York. Giants. is finally out Of the game
Dondin is in Boston today with his wife
Mabel Hite. the comedienne. The ex-
Giant had barely arrived in the city
when a telegram was handed TO him
II was from John T. Brush. Of New
York, and said:
''NVill you play ball, finally, or not?"
Mixes answer was brief and 20 the
point. II was, Il will not"
Donlin declared he was under contract
90 Ldebler & Co. for three years
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
NOBILITY TO SEE FIGHT.

SAN FRANCISCO. March I9.-Word
has been received here that a party -
British lOblemen, headed by the Earl
of Rosebery, former premier of Eng
land, will come here next July to wit
ness the Jenfries-J ohnson fight. The
party has already cabled for reserVa-
special train.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
MARTELL TO JOIN
BOSTON NATIONALS
Former Georgetown Player
Leaves Tonight for South
ern Camp.

Leon Marten. the former Georgetown
athlete, was today sold by the Scranton
Club to Boston, Of the National League.
Martell was sold by the Phillies to
Scranton. but he refused 10 20 to the
minors and negotiations for his sale
have been under way for some time.
He leaves here this evening for Au-
gusts. Ga. the training camp of the
Boston club.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Jehrias declares he Is an American
through and through. OF Scandinavian or
Morse viking stock and relates some OF
the fighting done br the Jenries family
before his time
Tells OF early experiences al his birth
place Carroll. Ohio. Champion says his
love OF hunting was born during his child
hood days Narrates details OF his first
deer hunt.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

had grown I'D to a mans size. and he
didn't mind the idea of having been
heaten bv me
On another day a teacher threw a ball
at me and lit me on the head. 1 picked
it up and threw It back and hit him on
the head. but much harder. I wasn't
punished for that. for It was just tit for
tat and no favors.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Walter McCredie are the great annual
plants in POrtlan5.
Our particular Webfoot won half his
games in Portland in 1907, and won
thirty and lost fifteen in 1905 This
showing caused MeCredie to sell him to
Joe Cantillon, and he Joined the Wash
inSton club at Galveston last year. His
record IN his first game With Washing
ton was something like four bases on
balls and two men hit in the first in
ming. he never quite equaled this won
dertul performance afterward, but he
nearly did 50. The fans have great
hopes that he Will not this wear.
He showed so much class that Nc
Aleer banked a lot on Groom for the
1910 season. and II looks Ike a pretty
good bet. Some OF the game he pitched
last year were as clean-Cut as any seen
on the Washington grounds. and ne was
overcoming his wildness IN a manner
that spoke well for the future. He
reached Norfolk last Wednesday night,
having been detained a. home ten days
by tonsilitis and IL will take him a
week 10 catch up WITH the rest Of the
Dogs, but We have a bunch that II is
going 70 be a good year for him.
Don't place too much reliance on the
showing made in exhibition games
Should a ball player touch first with
ms rlbHt OF ms ieIt FOOT. and should he
ever break his stride in order 10 conform
20 style2 This question is agitating some
members Of the Washington club and
promises TO furnish an endless chain of
argument Doc Gessler touches Il with
his left, Mcbride. Conroy and others
with the right and. OF course. Bob I'm
glaub says he touches il with first one
and then the other, just as the circum-
stances require. The gabfest over this
little-considered point arose as a result
Of some OF the free advice given Clyde
Milan. McAleer ended Il temporarily BY
saying that any man who broke his
stride OF tried 20 learn a system OF run
ming that would require a new adjust
menJ OF his equilibrium after ne was
old enough 10 play major league base
ball was foolish, and SO II would SEEM
Doc Gessler Is one OF the most
thoroughly Ieft-handed men in baseball
His Tighl arm is as useless to him as the
left is To most persons who have never
gone in for athletics he bats throws
eats. and writes left handed. He is left
legged also to an unusual degree, kick
ing a football with his port side foot
when he was a gTidirOn star. and run
ming left legged This accounts for the
wsv In which he touches the bases, and
Il IS hard for him 10 understand that II
is not the only logical way 10 turn that
trick.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Casper Leon, the former champion
oantamweight, declared in court in New
York the other day that he was broke
and had not earned a cent for several
months
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

champion, who IS now doing a mono
logUe, writes that if Jeffries wins back
the heavyweight championship he will
90 IN training and win back the light
weight title for the Irish race.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Benny SeliS, OF San Francisco. the
former manager of Joe Cans, says he
has signed a contract TO manage Abe
Attell. When Il comes 10 signing the
articles and counting the money after
a battle. Attell is his own manage
Foxy Abe lets the managers do the
boosting for him.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

AS 'Porky" Flynn had an operation
on his nose recently. he has decided not
to meet Morris Harris in Brooklyn next
Monday night
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
COLLEGIATES.

Yale should have an exceptionally
strong Eclf team this spring with r. G.
Gardner. the national champion. as one
Of its makeup.
Cooke, the Princeton sprinter. who
won the siXty-vard dash n the New
York A c. games Tuesday night, is a
CoTker. and viii have 10 be watched
rtnis spring.
The Johns Hopkins University is TO
have an independent baseball team. The
athletic association has refused 20 rec
osnize or give any aid 10 the national
sport
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Young DOughrey and Dave Ryan will
meet in New York next Tuesday night.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
AMATEUR DRIVERS
WANT RECOGNITION
And Many Leaders Are Dis
posed TO Give Ii to
Them.
By HARRY WARD.

Amateurism has always been burn
ing question in all sports and now II Is
becoming a live issue in the automobile
sporting world. The situation is sd-
mirably stated BY Automobile Topics,
which says:
1T was not 70 be supposed thai erla-
teur drivers who, after all, ere = ~
majority would continue Indefinitely %
rest passively in inconspiclIousnsss. or
endure the sight u professionals and
semi-professionals monOpolizinE races
ana all other competitions. The only
reason the matter has lain dormant 50
long is that autonaobiling, while a sport.
$ much more than this. Or, 20 put -
another way, the sporting aspect is
only one Of many aspects. The profes-
sionaI driver is, Of course, one who de-
votes his entire time 70 handling and
looking after a car, and also, as a mat
ter Of course, ne becomes more expert
and more proficient than the motorist
who drives as a recreation or az odd
times. Furthermore, so long as he
strict amateur line is not drawn in COM
petitions. a professional has the call.
II is equally natural that the amateur
driver should finally become tired %
forever being ousted from the llmeliEht
by the professional. So long as he drives
al all he dreams Of participating in and
attaining success IN contests Of some
sort, and. as the superior expertness Of
the professional makes il a foregone
conclusion that the latter viii be sue
cessfuI when pitted against the ANA
teur, II was only a question OF time
when the matter Of separating the
classes would come up That time IS
now here
The present movement, however, z
carried long way forward, does not
threaten the professional driver with
extinction The general public recks
little Of amateurism OF professionalism
when the matter before II Is a sporting
match. Il wants the best display OF
skill and daring, the fastest driving,
the most expert management There
fore, any talk Of a Vanderbilt race for
amateur drivers. exclusively, would be
foolish IN the extreme Nothing Of the
kind IL Intended BY the organizers OF
the two new associations. There is Just
a natural disposition 10 give amateurs.
themselves. a chance 70 figure in COM
petitions Of the future As such Il is
a commendable desire. and the outcome
viii be watched with a great deal OF
interest"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Ketchel says he will never box Papke
again unless it is for $1,000 side wa
~. Ketchel has signed 20 meet jim
Howard in Memphis April 6.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Copyright. 1910. by the Associated
Literary Press in the United States
Canada. and Great Britain. All rights
reserved.)
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19

Critic of Sundays chapter, II Nearly
Get ShOf.-)
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-03-19
My Story of My Life Szz5z@
SYNOPSIS.

" v@ ' ne Aa. go ' N os gs. s' .a and e aaaa An