Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-08
TY C0BB'S GOAT"
DROVE CR|GER AWAY
Story and Play That Made
Veteran Catcher Tired
of St. Louis.

81. LOUIS, Mo-. January S.-Ircredlbie
as II may seem, Lou Crigers ill-health
and dissatisfaction in St Louis last sum
nler were brought about more from the
result of one play made in a game of ball
than from hot and Sultry weather condi-
tons. That play occurred in "A game at
Detroit played on April 30 and was the
first between the Browns and Tigers, then
considered the two chief contenoers for
the pcnnant. 1t seems now that play not
only took the life out of Criger, but dis
heartened the entire St Louis club as
well, for from then on they never had
chance against Jennings hustling team.
Fans will remember that at the start of
the spring training trip u story was print
cd in which Criger was quoted saying
he had Ty Cobb's goat and that he
would stop him from stealing bases on
the Browns. This reached the ears of the
young Detroiter and he answered with
the declaration that he would steal on
Mr.. CriGer the very first time he reached
first base.
The duel was exploited through all the
papers while the teams were on the
spring training trip and the two did not
meet In a cha mpionShip battle until April
30. Naturally. there was a big crowd in
the Detroit park, though the weather was
bitter cold and the players in no humor
for game.
But the crowd was clamoring for the
contest and wished more than anything
else to see what Cobb woud do against
Criger. When the umpire announced the
batteries and named Criger as the ST.
Louis catcher. wild scream went UP and
taunts were flung at the veteran catcher
from every stand and bleacher.
Bill Graham was chosen to- pitch for the
Browns and though Bill had lots of speed
at that time. his slow delivery is great
aid to the base runner, giving him a big
start.
1t was the fifth inning before Ty Cobb
reached first base His first two times
at bat had been easy outs. and when he
came up the third time Criger was in
quite a jovlal mood. But Ty was de-
once and for all the dispute. He hunted
the ball to the right of the pitcher and.
with splendid sprint. beat it to first
base. The crowd stood up and cheered
Now they were to see whether Cobb
would succeed In stealing second or be
thrown out by the veteran backstop.
There were two men out at the time
and the score was to in favor of the
Tigers. so, of course, 1t was Cobh's place
to steal. He let one ball be pitched, and
when Graham started the wind-up for
the next Cobb was off for second like a
flash. The ball was low and Criger had
to stoop for it. He hurled it to second
base with as much speed as he ever
cred the bag. The throw was about a
foot to the left of secoud base. and be-
fore Williams could drag 1t over and
down on the runner he had one toe
hooked over the base. 1t was close de-
cision, but the umpire spread out his
hands to announce that Cobb was safe,
and for several minutes the crowd danced
and yelled with delight. while Criger hung
his head and sulked in dire distress.
Criger would rather have lost month $
pay than to have lost that decision. He
was never the same man after that. The
Detroit fans jeered him without mercy
the rest of that day and all Of the next.
The following evening the Browns took
train back to ST Louis, and In the
dining car Criger was so depressed that
he couldn't eat his supper. Jimmy Nc
Aleer tried to cheer him up but Criger,
in rage, announced that he could lick
the man who started the story of his
having Ty Cobb's goat" But he knew
as well as McAleer and the others that
the statement had been made. Cobb had
reclaimed the goat that day and he kept
it all the rest of the season.