davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
HARD LUCK EXCUSE LOSING ITS FAVOR IN ALL LEAGUES
PLAYERS MUST FIND EXCUSE;
 HARD LUCK" LOSING WEIGHT

Is. there such an element as luck in base ball?
 There is a great difference of opinion. We do not believe that luck, in actual play, creates any figure at all, and that its discussion by fans is due to their desire to excuse home talent.
 Niuue Finn, the astute leader of the Mobile Seaguls, often talks seriously of luck in baseball. He states that Birmins- ham, with an inferior team, won the pen nant in 1906. as the result of luck
 ..In one game between Birmingham and Nashville" states Finn when in remin- iscent mood, "the Vols had the Barons beaten, To, until the dawning of the lat ter half of the ninth.
 l''With two down, the Barons pushed man to second and another fo first. Roy Montgomery came to the bat and dropped a Texas leaguer to right. There was not. a chance in the world. apparently, for the Baron to score from second. Our right fielder got the ball on the first bounce and returned it on a hop to the catcher.
 "But Montgomery, in leaving the plate after his hit, dropped a bat about three feet from the plate. What did that ball hurtling to the pan but strike the bat. From the stick it caromed sharply toward third The third baseman was playing too closely to the plate, and into left field rolled the pill.
 "The Baron on second scored and the tie was broken a moment later when 'Hcrseshoe' Smith came in with strides half block in length. 3
 That was marvellous luck. Such luck gave the Barons the .pennant."
 On the other hand, Charlie Frank, lead CT of the New orleans Pelicans. doesn't tolerate the hard luck excuse.
 "It will be found to be the invariable rule" states Charlie, that the team wins which plays the better ball. Luck con- sists only in taking advantage of the rnisplays of your opponents. Luck fol- lows the team which keeps wide awake. I have seen many games won because of some bright chap on one club, and have heard the following morning the papers prating of hard luck I have also seen numerous opportunities presented to los CTS to win. which opportunities were per- mitted to escape. Don't talk to me of hard luck There is no such thing as luck in baseball
 Another who adheres to the theory that luck cuts no ice in baseball is John J. Me Graw. leader of the Giants. In this re- gard he has written the following;
 'We'll say the Giants are battling for a pennant. They need only one game to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
FIFTEEN BARONS PRACTICE
 ON RICK WOOD FIELD TODAY
M'BRIDE AND WIFE, EMS AND HARDGROVE REPORTED YES TERDAY AT NOON = MANY
 OTHER PLAYERS COME TODAY

The small Baron eolony-Moleswort Foxen, Lemon, Kane. Smith and Bell which alone has battled for a week against the snow, rain and ice of this sunny southland was augmented yes terday at noon when Mcbride, Ems and Hardgrove arrived.
 When these three distinguished sons of swat reached headquarters and in stentorian tones announced Present, a shout rang out from the gallery ana Manager Molesworth's expression be- came as benign as that of 8 young hen in contemplating her first brood
 Mcbride Looks Strong
 Mcbride and wife came directly from Rock Island, where they spent the win ter. The outfelder looks better than In many moons and he feels confident of defending the position, which ne has held for two years. against all corners. "The man who gets the 1op' stated he, will have to go at clip never as yet surpassed in the history of the Southern league Mcbride whose inability to punch the ball at psychological moments last season lo~- tItu HIS StOCh III NA'N nation of the baseball populace, gives promise of returning to old time form this season. At his normal gait he is a fine outfielder and one of.the best hitters in the league.
 Ems and Hadgrove . Ems is young man who played last season for Gaylesburg in the Central lro1x n youngster and promises to make Me- Gilvray "chew' himself to death. Last season he hit .275 and fielded .973. He is man who will bear watching, II Is said and Manager Molesworth. be- fore wing him southward, had re- ceived very complimentary reports con corning his ability.
 Hardgrove is a finger and last sea son was with Monmouth in the Central association. He pitched and finished s1 games, of which siumber he land ed IS on the proper sfoe of the ledger. He is a large man and is said to be a promising youngster for the fiinging staff.
 Big Practice Today
 Other Barons who are expected to ar rive today are Mowrey and Cochran, outfielders; Catcher Dilger, Pitcher Boyd, and InneluerS Carfoil' wal anu Midkiff. It is therefore seen that this afternoon 15 Barons will probably be assembled on Redwood field, and IL is possible that many hundred famished fans will be seated about the enclosure, watching the gambols or the aspirants and listening to the thrilling clout of the hickory.
 By Tuesday afternoon every player. with the exception of Marcan, will probably be on hand. Marean is due to arrive March A.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
MAXWELL AUTOMOBILES ARE
 CONSTRUCTED BY LEE LEMON
BY REUBEN A. LEWIS

Lee Lemon, the recruit catcher of the Barons, is certainly fine looking fel- low. Although he is not large, being just feet, 94a inches high, he weighs 156 pounds, and makes a good appear ance. He is built on the order of "Rowdy" Elliott and looks like a catcher in every respect. He las a fine physique, and is stockily built.
 Yes" said Lemon, 'I am glad to get to this town, and I hope to stay here. l have just arrived from h. diana, where there was a bit of snow on the ground and this weather feels pretty good. even if it is rather wet
 T suppose I am what you would call an experienced man for I have been playing professional ball since 1904 when I began with the Terre Haute team in the Central league. I don't remember what my record was, but that worries me even less .han who will be the next President. The next two seasons. 1905 and 1SOss found me in the Three I league with the De- catur, H.. team. I caught there and then travelled over to Clinton. la. which was in the same league.
 '1 left the Clinton team in 1908 and went to Keokuk, where I played that season. Toward the latter part of the year I was bought by the Indianapolis team in the American association. 1 played there as utility man in 1910, and then was turned over to San Antonio in the Texas league for the season of 1911 The Birmingham team bought me from San Antonio. and now l am a Baron. Although I have been play
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
M'BRIDE NGS i. NEW BARONS HOME. MORE COME TODAY

ing eight years, I am not a veteran. as I am but 26 years old. [ am mar ried and only have fence running around the house."
 T suppose I could play almost any position except that of pitcher 1 can catch, play the infield and also the out field. So you see, I am nearly a Jack of all trades. However, am natural ly catcher, and prefer to perform in that capacity.
 T was born early on March 30, in the year of 1886 at Anderson Ind. I was reared and educated there, but did not take a college course. I am mechGnic when I am not cavorting about the ball grounds, and I supposei I might tell you that I help turn out the splen- did Maxwell automobiles During the winter. I work at New Castle, Ind, with the Maxwell concern. 9kt
 "Other than baseball have not leen identified in the world of sport, as have never played football or basket ball to any extent. However, I sup pose you wouldn't publish the list of umpires that I have murdered, and | might mention that at present l am not at the head of any large trusts. am fair pugilist.
 q hit at the ball right handed-you nOIlCe l Salu mt at-and InrOW III the same manner. I am in good shape and hope to stay in Birmingham dur ing fthe next season.
 Last year Lemon had a successful year in the Texas league, as he hit .299. led the catehers of the league in fielding, and stole 19 bases. He comes to Birmingham highly recommended and will no doubt prove to be a good man. Dilger and Yantz are the other catchers who have been placed on the reserya list Dilger will arrive today, but Yantz is still a holdout.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
FOOTBALL STAR CHOKES TO DEATH
 ON BIT OF FOOD

Collegeville, Pa, March 7.-Robeft Thompson of Pittsburg, for four years star tackle on the Ursinus football team, was choked to death today while eating dinner in the college dining hall. Ills throat was in weak condition after a re- cent attack of dlphtheria, and it is be- leved the throat muscles contracted on a piece of food.
 Students at the table thought Thompson was joking when they saw him gasp, but when he started to struggle for b<Oeth they became frightened and sent for a doctor. By the time the physician arrived Thompson was unconscious, and he died before anything could be done to relieve him His brother. Kerr Thompson, cap tain of last years eleven, was at the table when the accident occurred.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
SOUTHEASTERN IS
 FAST WARMING UP

Anniston, March 7.-(Speeial. )-Anniston and Rome have taken the initiative in improving their parks for the ensuing season in the Southeastern league, and both of these cities have likewise decided to issue more stock and expand their stockholders of the Rome club Tuesday evening it was decided to raise the cap ital from s3ooO to $5O0O. The club will pur- chase real estate near their park and make needed improvements at the grounds R. A. Denny is the new presi- dent of the Rome club, the other officers being: C. R. Porter, vice president; T. J. Simpson, treasurer, and Roy Porter, sec- retary. J. II. o'Neil1, who was league president last year, is among the direct orc
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08

Montgomery, March 7.-(Speeial.)- The St. Louis Browns of the American league will train three weeks in Mont gomery. This is the information Just received by Charlie Jones, president Of the Montgomery Baseball association, from Bob Wallace, manager of the Browns, who says the team will reach Montgomery this week.
 In his telegram to President Jones, the manager of the St. Louis team said he would bring with hlm 40 men. Tn this number there will be Pratt and Bailey, who won fame last while play ing with the Billikens President R. M. Hedges of the St. Louis association will accompany the team to Montgomery.
 The Browns will train for three
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08

clnch it. Their opponent for that game is Boston, the tailenders. The greatest pitcher in the world is working a the top of his form for the New Yorks. A Boston player reaches first. then-one, two. the two next batters strike out, and the weakest hitter on the weakest team comes to the plate. Spectators clog the exits in their rush to get a seat in the cars outside, bat boys collect the balls and bats. The game is as good as over it is over, for the batter lays down a slow gFounder to shortstop Just one second, though! Shortstop fields the ball perfectly losses 1t to second, who is covering the bag. The man on first, who started before the crack of the bat, hits the dirt at second. There is q cloud of dust which slowly settles. The second baseman lies on the ground. spiked; the base runner is just rounding third for homeI the center fielder is chasing the ball or throwing it to the catcher, not in time however, to stop the score. The game is tied Everything is even up be- tween the tailenders and the fighters for lhe pennant; it is an even bet. Luck? got a bit of it. There is no such thing as luck in baseball. I want you to get it in the very begirAing, and get it hard, luck is one of the very few things that does not enter into baseball.
 
 Tough luck that the second baseman gc spiked? He was in the path, and the path belonged to the runner. Tough luck that the fielder didn't get the ball in time to make a perfect throw to the catcher? He should have played in closer, then he could have recovered the ball quicker. had more time to set himself for perfect throw. Luck that the base runner took advantage of the chain of circumstances which rendered him safe? Not lr T. He scored one run which could not gain him or hls team anything. The run lost thousands of dollars for the pennant chasers-some of them the best friends that base runner had in the world. But he made the run-worked desperate ly to score it. Nothing mattered to him but that run. Baseball-thats what 1t is. Tomorrow will be another day with a different game to play. The sweat, the toll of 100 games counting for nothlng Duck-not a bit of it. It's baseball.
 "Forty thousand spectators are sick at heart, there have. been times when men died from the strain of such plays. They grumbe and growl about the play. But would they have it differently? They say they would, but would they really? Of course they wouldn't. It's that uncer- tanty that draws them to the grounds away from their offices It's the clean ness of the game the perfectly obvious freedom from anything crooked in game that can produce such situation.
 
 So forget that old excuse. "hard luck Smile when a player explains how some power over which he has no jurisdiction prevented him from making play which he should have made
 You will note this coming season that the man who is most popular with the fans is that one whose work is never han dicapped by "evil spirits H. ". R.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
Three Are Holding Out

Fred Wasem, who led the league at bat last year; Gordon McDuff, who got trycut with New Orleans, and Larry Brown, Anniston's leading catcher with the 1911 team in the Southeastern. are holding out for more money this year. President Mitchell is in touch with them, however. and it is probable that they will be brought around before the season opens. In the contrary event, Manager Fisher has signed three men who, 1t is believed, will be able to fill the gaps in very acceptable way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
OSTER DEFEATS
 THE B. A. c. TEAM

The Oster Brothers Bowling team de- feated the Birmingham Athletic club bowling squad Wednesday night at the B. A. c. bowling alley by winning two out of three games. The Oster team was steady throughout, while the Athletic bowlers were bit nervous and rolled er- radically. Osborne of the B. A. c. crew rolled the high schore for the night when he totalled 215 in the second games.
 The B. A. c. bowlers won the first games by the score of 792 to 73s, while the Oster team won the other two games by the scores of S43 to S2s, and ST to S45 re-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
CONSIDER CAMPAIGN
 FOR MORE MEMBERS

As a preliminary move toward inausu- rating a whirlwind campaign for member ship in the Chamber of Commerce, Chair man Oscar c. Turner of the new member ship committee lias called meeting of that board for next Thursday afternoon at o'clock. The session is to be held in the directors room of the Chamber of Commerce and the entire committee is composed of Oscar c. Turner, chair man. E. F. Stovall, J. H. Dean. F. D. Fowlkes and Sidney Lazarus
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
----.ss--------- FRANKS PELICANS ARRIVE HOME AGAIN

New Orleans, March 7.-Resident Man. ager-President Charles Frank of the New Orleans Baseball association arrived here today aboard United Fruit companys steamer with his team from a two weeks training season on the Panama canal gene. The team members were reported to be in excellent condition The Southern leaguers will share Pelican park with members of the Chicago National league team here for spring training.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
ATLANTA CRACKERS
 TO REPORT FRIDAY

Atlanta, March 7.-The Atlanta Crackers are du etc report tomorrow, although nine have already arrived for spring training, Outrelder and Man ager Hemphill. Infielders Jordan, Sykes and O'Brien. Catchers McMurray and Luck and Pitchers Atkins, Mayer and Gentle have already reported, while the following are yet to arrive: Outfield- CTS Watson, Bailey and O'Dell; Intield CTS Howard, Wolfe, Warner Joines and Phelan; Catchers Wells. Miller. Kerr, Russell, Mayer and Menafee; Pitchers Sitton, Johns, Paige, Miller. Revelle, Hogue, Dessau and Britton.
 "Whitey" Alperman and Charley Mill Ter will not report until later.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
STOCK COMPANY
 HAS FRANCHISE

President F. c. Manasco, owner of the Bessemer franchise in the Southeastern league, announced yesterday that he had incorporated the franchise, and that he would control the club. The official name of the organization will be the Bessemer Baseball club and is capitalized at $50oo, with $2I00 paid in.
 The former owner will act as president of the club. while A. R. Sims and E. E.. Wallace have stock in the company. Everything is in readiness now excepting the baseball grounds, which will be con- peted by March 20, when the players are due to report. The park has been named the Underwood field, and Gordon Hick- man is the manager of the club.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
First Game at Anniston

The first baseball game at Anniston this season will be that between the Preds Of the Alabama Presbyterian college and the Aggies of the Albertville Agricultural school on March 15. The Preds have games with Southern university. Georgia university, Birmingham college, Marion Military institute, Riverside Military Academy and others. Two days after their opening game Johnny Ganzel, with his International (Eastern league) cham pions will arrive in the city for spring training, and the Southeastern training season will begin, so that Anniston is promised a good year of sport this season.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
ST. LOUIS BROWNS COMING
 TO TRAIN IN MONTGOMERY

weeks on the local diamond and will begin practice the first of next week. On Sunday they will play an exhibi- ton game with the Billil<ens.
 It Is believed that the coming of the big American league team to Montgomery will do much toward arousing greater enthusiasm and in terest in baseball in this city than have ever before been shown. Fans of the city are jubilant over the fact tbat the Browns are to train in this city, and the keenest possible interest att taches to the announcement, particu- larly as Pratt and Bailey, two former idols of the Montgomery fans, will be seen with the big team.
 This will be the first time in a num- Der of years that a National or Amer icap league team has trained in Mont gomery.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
Yankees Hold Practice

Atlanta. March 7.-More than 8 mem- bers of the New. York American league baseball club. with several members of the Atlanta Southern league team, en- gagged in light practice at the park to- day. Wet grounds have prevented games so far. The regular team of the visitors will meet the second club and the Atlan- ta players when the diamond drys.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
Van Gregg Still Holdout

Mobile. March 7.-Manager Harry DAVIS of the Cleveland American league baseball team today denies that VanGregg has signed a contract to play with his team this season. VanGregg is still on the Pa cific coast and nothing has been heard when he will leave there.
 Catcher Theodore Easterly and Pitcher Whaling are due here from the Pacific coast today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
Field Foul
 goals. goals. Pts
ST. LOUIS SQUAD TO
 TRAIN AT CAPITAL

Montgomery, March 7-The St. Louis American league team, 30s strong will reach Montgomery in special car tomor- row to train here for three weeks. It is understood that decision was just reached to bring the team south on ac- count of cold weather further north An exhibition game will be played here Sun day between two picked teams
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
CLEVELAND SQUAD
 LEAVES FOR MOBILE

Cleveland, March 1.-The second squad of the Cleveland American league base hall players to go south left here today to join Manager Davis aud the players who went a week ago. In the party were I.aJoie, Birmingham: Bronkie, Graney' Olsen, Montgomery; Ball, Peckinguagh,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08

Stanbury, Turner. Scout sam Kennedy and Vice President Barnard. Hohenhorst and Butcher will be picked up at Cincin- natl.
 Mobile, March 7.-Under lowering skies the Cleveland team of the American league worked out this morning and the practice was very fast. For the first time the glove and mask was used by the catchers The staff of pitchers are be- ginning to show something in speed and from now forward the men will be active. Pitcher Cook from Blown Rock, N. C., ar rived yesterday and joined the squad. He was an army recruit and is said to be very fast.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
Finn Will Arrive March 10

Mobile, March 7.-Secretary Colsson has been notified by Manager Mique Finn that he will not arrive until March 10 as he will remain in Texas to look over the recruits who will be placed on the market soon by the majors. He expects to get some play CTS from both the Philadelphia Amer jeans and the New York Giants.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
R;Ilikens Arrive

Montgomery. March -Four moro Billikens have arrived in Montgomery and have reported to efanager Dobbss They are~Manning Smith, Ed Mannings Duggan and Captain Bill Elwert. The other Billikens are expected to arrive from now until next Tuesday.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
FLEHARTY IS THIN!

Nashville, March 7.-Earl Fle- harty arrived looking thin and hun gry in comparison to his appear ance when he left for the Sunfiower State last fall. When Earl depart ed he weighed in the neighborhood of 2l5, but now he weighs but 1855. He says that he worked hard dur ing the winter in a lumber camp and is now in good shape for the spring.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
New York Rained Out

Marlin, Tex, March 7.-Rain today again interfered with the work of the New York National league baseball players. They did not even don uniforms.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
ELLIOTT WILL REPORT

Nashville, March 7.-There is but
 , little doubt now that "Rowdy'' , Elliott will report to Manager Bill
 , Schwartz, for the rowdy one , aueered his bluff few days ago. , The strenuous "Rowdy" ordered , six bats from a well known Louis , vile firm and sent the bill to the manager Bill Schwartz thinks he ,, will come across and report on time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-08
GOLF TOURNAMENT
 IN JULY THIS YEAR

Montgomery. March s1-(Special)-Tne annnal invitation golf tournament of the Montgomery Country club will be held this year on July 3, and 5. These dates have just been decided upon by the golf committee of the club, and steps have already been taken to make this the most successful and interesting golf tourna- ment ever held in this city.
 The club announces that this year there will be five flights instead of four, as pre- yiously held, which will enable players
The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1912-09-06

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The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1912-09-06

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