Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-12


ambition to reach the top The very fact of obstacles
being thrown in my way had made me all the more de-
termned. forgot all about my mothers desire to have
me made preacher and of my fathers determination
to make lawyer. wanted to be ball player.
In the college that attended professional ball playing
not looked upon with great deal of favor In that
institution it is not laudable ambition There
colleges such as own, Bucknel, Notre Dame, and
others that could mention where ambition to be
professional ball player is not frowned upon Many of
the stars come from those schools But here | in
one of the universities that believed in sport for sports
sake alone, and knew that should have to keep my
ambition secret wanted to get into that Greek letter
fraternity.
was always little inclined to be visionary, and
l walked along that day frequently pictured myself in
regulation baseball uniform striking out great bat
ter and winning game. In my imagination goated
my victory, and could plainly the crowd throw
ing up hats and the little boys following round the
and pointing out as hero. even assumed
slight swagger in my walk, and just on the point
of bushing at my conceit when almost collided
with Red, the rubber who had just turned the corner
"Did you go through with it?' he asked little an
xiously
Yes replied, "Ive got the assignment and we
aFine work. Kid" he exclaimed. a knowed you had
the old stuff in YOU Now stick to EN-, Kid and don't
weaken. III be the job here and keep you wise to
what's goin on. Here, he said and handed me pint
bottle Of some kind of il-smelling OIL keep that wing
soaked in this every night and it'll take the kinks out
it amt better in week. get one OF them red plasters
get wise to what you doing Keep your noodle and
Law off that baseball. Goodbye He gave me his hand,
which rough and red from the constant use OF
rubbing linimentS.
l shook it cordially, and told him that some day
should remember him in way that he wouldn't forget.
Somehow, had utmost confidence in this little fellow
@Oh, forget it!' he replied. I'm gon' to make a
ball player out of YOU If you any of the big
eaguers your trip, tell them that Red is up here
with the rah-rah boys and dom fine
The intimation that was "rah-rah boy didn't par
tculary please me, though knew it was true wanted
be something bigger The visions of big things in
baseball that l had just enjoyed mentally had over
Swallowed the college spirit.
OUR engineering class reached New York that night
- about nine o'clock, and started for the West
hour later. We were on limited train made up
trely of seepers As stood at the train entrance wait
ing for the starting time, noticed several trinity dressed
out showing their tickets. This struck being out
of the ordinary and became interested Eight ten
of them had passed through when another crowd Of
them arrived and loitered at the gate.
"Got the makins?" one of them asked of his
panon and he was handed tobacco and cigarette
papers There four of these athletic looking young
men, and each of them rolled cigarette and began to
smoke.
"Where's the big fellow" of them asked.
Il guess he'll get at 125th-st He lives up there
Gee!" he went wasn't that bird that he waloped
in the eighth"
EYES, was the reply, and with shooting motion of
the hand he exclaimed 4Zowie!' Though had never
heard the expression before, insnctvely knew that
he meant the hitting of baseball.
yes went the young man, ut was right In the
groove-ju Just where he wanted it. He caught 1t right
the snoot I'd like to see him land few like that on
this trip"
Presently busting middle aged man of short
stocky build appeared, and the young began to
pick up their grips Something in the very movements
of this made it plain that he leader In few
quiet words he asked about the and what time the
train left
"Car No. is ours he said to big fellow at my left.
Better get on. The train will
be leaving in few minutes. Is