Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-10

more out of his possibilities than the
Tigar star. His style Of play is being
copied more and more by the future
greats. Mana gers always are willing to
give player of the Cobb type thorough
trial. even though he does not possess the
batting eye of the Georgian.
Cobbs style has impressed more fore
IDLY on managers, players and fandom the
value of speed. when put to proper use.
There are any number Of players who are
practically as fleet of foot as Cobb, yet
they fail to get the most out of the speed
they possess. Failure to take chances
and grasp opportunities usually are the
reasons for the lack of results.
For a good hitter Cobb Is better than
the average waiter, and when he steps to
the plate trouble begins to brew. Any
pitcher. no matter how game he is. will
tell you he feels a heap sight better when
he, has disposed of Ty Cobb and Sam
Crawford When Cobb steps to the plate
the first feeling that strikes the pitcher
is a desire to keep Cobb off the bases.
This is usually quite task. He muStn {
make them good, or there is no telling
what will happen. He mustn't make
them bad or Cobb will gracefully accept
q pass.
Also Keeps Infield on Edge.
The infelders also are on edge. for
they realize they must clearly handle
any ball hit to them il they are to get
Cobb at first. The third baseman is in
a quandary. If he comes rushing in
for a bunt, Cobb, who hits well to left
field for a left-handed hitter. is liable
to drive one back. If he plays deep it
is cinch Cobb will lie down a tantal-
izing bunt. There is a lot OF figur-
ing 70 be done when Tyrus walks to
the plate. swinging his trio of bats.
If Cobb manages to get on the trouble
usually has just started. Few players
take bigger lead. and few PLAYERS more
closely are watched by the pitcher. Time
and again the twirler throws to first.
not only in a hope of catching Cobb nap
ping but also to wear him out by max
ing him constantly hit the dirt. Quite
orten the pitcher in his effort makes
wild throw and Cobb races to second or
third 1t is safe to say that the pitch
ers throw wild oftener than they catch
Cobb mapping.
With Cobb on the bases. another huge
obstacle looms up in the person OF that
demon hitter. Sam Crawford. Many a
game has been broken up by Crawford
driving the ball through some vacated
territory as Cobb PUSHES around the
bases and scores the winning run. With
Crawford up, the pitcher must put every
thing he has on the ball, for few players
ever lived who could hit the sphere in
better style than Samuel. That Is another
reason. why Cobb's presence is not de-
sired on the bases, with Crawford loom
ing ND in the distance. In order to cut
down Cobbs lead the pitcher usually
has to curtail his move. Such action
generally diminishes his stuff. and Craw-
ford is sure to take advantage of every
opportunity Some combination, Cobb
and Crawford.
Cobb believes the failure of many play
ers, to take the chance they would like
to largely is due to too much mechanical
base ball. He thinks such a condition
largely prevails among the new recruits;
that very often. instead Of allowing these
Young PLAYERS to act for themselves. to
take advantage of the opportunities that
must be accepted at the instant, they
must look higher up for orders. During
q tanning bee on a long trip east last
summer / listened to Cobb's arguments
on the subject, and they impressed me
g being quite convincing.
Youngsters Worry About Signals.
.Some clubs have SO many signals
niayer has to look them over every night
so as not TO get mixed up [ think some
NJ them are forced to signal when they
want TO take a chew of tobacco or a
drink of water. The young fellow Just
.I;.c IN usually worries 81 much