Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-12

CINCINNATI. Ohio. March IL
Lacking in years but already ranked
as one of the excellent players OF the
day is Richard Carlton Hoblitzell, the
heavy portside hitter and able first
baseman Of the Reds. Hobby is only
twenty-five years old. but IL a man was
asked to pick a better first-sacker count
ing in hitting ability. winning spirit and
general disposition. he would be hard put
to 1t 10 find a name to place ahead OF
that of the youngster from West Nir-
ginia. Two brief years ago Hobby was
an unknown quantity. When he reported
to the Reds at Atlanta in the spring of
1909 it looked for a time as If he would
be beaten for the first base job by Chick
Aubrey, left-hander and a player of
much more experience than Richard. but,
by dnt of sticking to his work with
tenacity Hobby won out in the fight for
the position. and now there IS not a
club in the league which would no. be
proud to number him among its regular
members.
Hobby has made good with a venge-
ance. In 1909. which was his first Year in
the majors. he batted sos. ranking fourth
among all the hitters OF the National
League, and ahead of every man who
played in as many games ~ lie did. with
the single exception of Mike Mitchell, the
champion three-base hitter OF the league.
He played in more games that year than
any other first baseman in the league
except konetchy of the Cardinals. and
fielded for an average of 49,. And he was
only twenty years old.
Always in Game.
Last season he continued his excellent
work. He hit .27S and played in 100
games. far more than any other first
baseman in the league He is today con-
sidered the best first sacker in the Ma
tional League. Hobby throws right-hand-
ed, but bats left-handed, and he is a hit
ter who is not bothered by southpaw
pitching. He stands well up to the
plate. takes a healthy swing at the ball.
and is a long driver at opportune times
In fact. he is looked upon by opposing
pitchers as one of the most dangerous
men at the bat that they are called upon
to face.
Before coming into the big league Hob
by was a crack foot ball player on vari-
Gus teams. When a mere boy he was
captain Of his high school team at Park
ersburg for two years. In 1908 and 1906
he played halfback for the Marietta Col
lese team, while attending the academy
there. and in 1907 he played end for the
famous W. L. P. team Of Pittsburg. His
when he came into the professional base
ball ranks.
Perfect Gentleman.
Both on and off the field Hobby Is q
perfect gentleman, we'll liked by his fell
low-players and thoroughly respected by
his opponents. He is bright. intelligent
athlete, of perfect habits. who has never
taken a drink in his life and does not in
tend to. He is student of the game and
never makes the same mistake twice He
is a cheerful winner and hard loser,
great combination.
Not waiting until his ball playing days
are over before thinking OF something
else to do. Hobby has taken time by the
forelock and is preparing for the future.
He comes from a family Of dentists, and
naturally his thoughts turned in the di-
rection of tooth artistry when he was
how. He attacked the subject with the
same energy that he shows Oh the ball
field, and has lost no time in securing