The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-05-08
PRIESTS SCOUT
FOR CONNIE MACK

Philadelphia, May s.-Far flung
from rugged Maine to California Of
sunshine and roses, is the system
whereby Manager Connie Mack re-
cruits his young players, the crude
matriculates who in a few years de-
velop into recognized stars in the base
ball armament.
Scouts are recognized as an insti-
tuition in baseball. Salaries that would
make the august supreme court a
tribe Jealous are annually paid TO men
whose ability to appraise a baseball
player is the best asset that they
own.
One day during the winter season,
when the stove circuit hears the tales,
Of how these players are secured. a
western manager in a burst of con-
fidencal information, told a writer in
St Louis that the greatest scouting
system in the world was the one held
by Connie Mack.
To prove how Manager Mack OBJ
tains the stars whom he secures
Manager Bresnahan said: why,
there is hardly priest from coast to
coast who does not recommend a good
player whom they observe, to Connie"
One day last week q player arrived
in Philadelphia who Is a living proof
that Roger is not amiss I'm his state
ment as to the intense interest which
the clergy takes In the fortunes OF Cor
nelius McGillicuddy. This living,
breathing proof Is a great big chap
named Elmer Leonard, feet 31-2
inches, a pitcher who already looks
ne 10 he fnxhk
dition to the best staff of twirlers in
either league.
Leonard comes from California, and
he came to the Mackmen through the
influence of the college he attended,
Brother Joseph. st. Mary's, the same
college where Harry Krause was
sensation, is the alma mater of
Leonard.
The big fellow was a student at the
institution or three years, and he
shown so resplendently as a pitcher
that he was easily recognized as
coming major star. When Leonard
was graduated, and he felt that he
would like to take up major league
baseball, he conferred with the presi-
dent and asked him to whom ne should
apply.
Go TO Connie Mack, IL he will take
YOU was the response. Brother
Joseph wrote OF the prowess of the
young twirler to Connie. and the lat
ter Immediately said that he wanted
him.
Donovan Sought Mack Recruits.
Leonard took i'll early in the month
and was trifie distract. For this
reason he postponed his trip overland
to join the champions until last week.
Upon his arrival he looked every inch
q twirler. Standing above the tall
est men I'm the club, he has trerlen-
dous swing to his arm. He is but %
years old and looks the picture Of per-
feet manhood.
In connection with Leonard there IFS |
an amusing tale. When the red sox
made the journey to the coast for the |
benefit of the Redondo hotel and a /
few way stations, the Bostons tackled |
st. Mary's college. Elmer was in the
box. He shut the sox out, splendid |
feat, as his team mates were able |
only to give him a single run.
Manager Donovan, of course, was
Instantly stuck on the chap. He went /
10 Leonard and endeavored to sign l
aim. When Pat heard that Connie /
Mack had the boy he was dumfounded
% believe that the silent one could
reach out to st, Mary's college and /
nab q prize twirler who had never
1een interviewed by scout.