Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-07-28
SPORTING COMMENT.
BY ]. ED GRILLO.

There is not apt to be an investigation
of the tipping bureau charges against
the New York club. at least not along
the lines demanded by Hugh Fullerton,
who claims to be able to prove the ex-
istence of sgn-tipping station on the
New York grounds.
If there is an investigation of these
charges it will be held just as was the
one last year, behind closed doors. with
no one present excepting those anxious
to protect the New York club and the
American League.
Whatever evidence may exist to show
on the New York grounds this season,
it is certainty that the evidence is
not half as strong as it was last sea-
son. when an expose of the bureau was
made by Trainer Tuthill of the Detroit
club, who carried the evidence away with
him.
At the supposed investigation of the
matter no one was called to testify.
Tuthill was not brought before the in
vestigator to explain what he had found,
to the whole affair.
The reason for this is plain. Gene
Mccain. an employe Of the New York
club, had confessed to Joe Cantillon
this was his only duty. 1t is therefore
reasonable to suppose that the club
knew what Mccain was being paid for.
To investigate meant to involve per-
sons higher up than players or the
manager and the American League did
not feel that it could afford to do that
Neither can it afford to hold legit-
innate Investigation now. Though the
league had assurance during it's last
investigation that the trick would new
er be turned again. it may feel secure
in prying into the matter, but it dare
not go back any farther than this
season.
There is such thing as legitimate
sign tipping. II it is possible for a
coacher at either first or third to
read the catcher's signs he is not vio-
latihg any rules by tipping off the
batsman as to what sort Of ball the
pitcher is about to pitch. Frequently
a base runner at second can see the
signs and communicates his informa
tion to the batter. But whenever this
is possible it is because the catcher
is not protecting himself.
When a catcher is careful there is
no way to get his signs. for he pro-
tects them between his knees and the
big nit so that the pitcher Is the only
one to see them. But there is no pro-
lection for catcher when he has no
reason to suspect anything and has his
signs taken from him by means of field
glasses used from the outside OF the
park.
Such practices are unfair and reflect
upon the honesty of the game and it
have been intrusted with the care of
the national sport to punish those who
resort to such trickery for personal
gain.
it and 1t is up to some one to establish
that fact.
Jim McAleers decision to direct his
t. rofv n
have q detrimental effect. for the very
good reason that he Is fortunate in having
several seasoned wise players on his
team who are capable of holding down
a coacher's job. Coaching, when properly
DONE gives a player a chance to display
judgment, and incidentally to be blamed
for things which he cannot control.
One frequently hears coacher blamed
because q base runner is caught OF the
bag, and yet ii the base runner. would
have to walt to start back to the bag
until he was told to do so by the coacher
he would never have a chance to get
there. The base runner must watch such
things himself. 1t is not possible for the
Goa cher to help him in such cases. But
the coacher can see to it that the base
runner is not attacked from behind, and
in running from second to third he can
wave him on to the plate or stop him.
Under such conditions the coacher Is IN
position to see the play to which the base
runner has his back turned.
Elberfeld, schaefer and Mcbride are
all reliable coachers. McAleer makes it
a practice to send them up to direct mat
tiers instead of putting a lot of mex
perienced kids on the lines, which one
frequently sees some managers do.
Following in the wake Of several other
clubs. Cleveland has decided to rebuild
it's team with youngsters But it seems
that this has been the policy Of the
Cleveland club for several seasons. Sure
ly enough material has. been bought up
every year, but the club has been UNI
fortunate in not getting what 1t wanted.
This year the prospects are better, for
Graney is undoubtedly one player who
has made good and is still improving.
Then. too there are several young
pitchers on the team who promise much.
it is of course needless to say that the
Maps will not try to displace Lajofe or
Turner with any youngster This pair
looks as good as ever, but third base
man to replace Bradley and some out
fieiders would no doubt be welcome.
But Cleveland will find 1t no easier to
get such material than do the other
clubs Developing ball team takes lots
of time and a patient lot Of supporters.