New-York tribune., 1910-01-29
SPORTS OF THE DAY
LEADERS WITH STICK.
Infelders Hare Better of II IN
National League.

Outhelders as a rule. are looked upon
as the strongest hitters, whereas little is
expected in the batting line of the pitch
ers- The reason for this is obvious, mas
much as the pitcher is picked out particu-
larry for his ability to fool opposing bats
men, while outielders are selected because
OF an inherent ability to solve the most
puzzling delivery. II is true that an out
fielder must have some skill in handling
fly or ground balls, but this is secondary,
TO a large degree. TO their ability as slug
gers.
In comparing the outielders with the in
helders, however. there is little TO choose
in batting strength, although there is a
marked difference in this respect in the
history of the two major leagues Napo-
leon Lajoie is the only infelder who ever
led the American League in batting during
the ten years of its existence. but he was
at the top four times-in 1901, 1903. 1904 and
1905. Otherwise outfielders have shown the
way-Sam Dugan, in 1900; George Stone. in
1906, and Ty Cobb ever since. Outside or
Lajoie, only seven infelders have found
place among the leading thirty hitters in
the life of the league. among whom are
Eddie Collins, the brilliant second baseman
of the Athletics; Harry Davis. Jim Della
hanty. Mig Clarke and Al Orth.
In the National League, however. there
is different story to tell. 1t has been
figured out that in thirtyeighr years an
inieIder has headed the list twenty-one
times, to only sixteen for outhelders. Hans
Wagner has been at the top seven times.
and is the only shortstop to earn the dis
tinctiou Ten fist basemen, four second
basemen and one third baseman have
shown the way Mike Kelly, away back
he 7lIy W
the National League in batting, but he
played in the outield part of the time be-
cause of his ability with the stick One
pitcher also found his way 10 the top in
John P. Luby, of Chicago, in 1890, when
he played in thirty games for percentage
Of S42. Roaring Bill" Kennedy, of Pitts
burg. led the league few years ago, but
he pitched in so few games that he never
got full credit.
A year ago "Matty the Mighty" was the
last man to sign with the Giants or so at
least Dame Rumor had it. This year he
was the first TO affix his signature to one
of the new contracts on the assurance or
John T. Brush that no restrictions would
be placed on him If he wanted TO take part
in winter sports.
As pointed out recently by Charles H
Ebbets. the new clause in the contract was
not aimed at men like Mathewson. Brown,
Tenney, Clarke, Chance, Chase and players
of that stamp who know how to take care
Of themselves and realize the Importance
of fostering their earning power, but
against irresponsible men who. carried
away by momentary requirements, have no
thought for the future, in so far as their
club or themselves are concerned.
Five American owners have made nom
nations for the Grand National Steeple-
chase, which will be run over the famous
Aintre course of miles and $50 yards at
Liverpool, on March IS Foxhau P. Keene
has named Precentor II. j. J. Astor,
Schwarmer; R. Cartwright, Wychwood;
George A. Saportas, Simon Pure III, and M.
Ffzer Hypnos. Rubio an American bred
horse. won the race two years ago. Alto
gether, seventy horses have been entered
this year. including, besides those named,
Lutteur III. which won last season, and
King Edwards Flaxman.
John H Minds, chairman OF the Pennsyl-
vania football committee. is authority for
the statement that Brown will be on the
schedule again next fall and that no game
will be arranged with Dartmouth, concern
ing which there has been some talk The
question of playing the Carlisle Indians
next season is still open Some members
of the committee are in favor of dropping
the redskins. In all probability a new two
year agreement will be signed with Michi-
gan.
kid" Gleason may coach the Princeton
baseball nine this spring. The scout and
coach of the Philadelphia Club of the Ma