Evening star., 1912-11-18

Turing the recent worlds series be-
tween the Giants and the Red Sox there
was no more interested spectator at the
New York games than the famous Tim
Hurst. writes Umpire Evans in the sport
ing News In his day one of the great
est umpires in the business, he still has
a hankering for the good old game, and
he always manages to be on hand at any
of the important contests
Tim isn't as portly as when last seen
calling balls and strikes in the American
League. He is slowly recovering from a
severe illness. For a time last summer
it looked as if Tim was to answer the
final summons of the Great Umpire, but
he won the decision after a hard battle.
Il always prided myself on winning argu-
ments," said Tim in discussing his battle
for life. land I didn't feel like quitting
when the supreme test arrived. At that l
believe shifting from German to an
Irish doctor saved my life" Tim always
was able to see the humorous sloe OF
every situation.
I have often heard umpires say they
didn't care a rap how things moved on
the diamond, tnat "a rioe tevery DAY
wouldn't worry them, If it didn't worry
the president Of the league. l have al
ways taken such statements with grain
Of salt. / actually believe Tim hurst
is the only umpire that ever lived VINO
didn't care much what happened. If he
had a good day Tim would leave the
park whisting or humming little tune.
If fandom was insisting that he be elec-
trocuted at daybreak Tim was no dlHer-
ent 1t mattered little to him what the
fans thought or said, just SO long as the
pay check arrived on the 1st and 10th OF
each month.
.Tu never forget the first day l met
him. 1t was in the spring of 1906 and
| was assigned to double up with him at
Philadelphia. We opened three-game
series in that city on Friday, AS was
customary with Tim, he had nothing but
his cap with him, and naturally he told
me 1 had better work the plate. In our
dressing room after the game he said:
We'll, Willie, you did so well today
that have decided to allow you to work
alone tomorrow
"Quit your kidding" 1 replied. land
don't forget to bring out your mask to-
morrow. I'll let you use my protector
if you really refuse to buy one."
Really, Willie" he answered, Il would
buy a protector, only my wardrobe Is so
extensive haven't bit of room in either
of my steamer trunks" This will be bet
ter appreciated when you know that Tim
never carried trunk, and both of his
suit cases were understood.
But what ABOUT tolnOrroWS game
asked.
I'm sorry, but you will have to work
alone I've just received a wire from Mr..
johnson, ordering me to report In New
York to work the game between Prince
ton and Columbia tomorrow.
Its wonder the college teams didn't
give me a chance" / answered Il used
to be rah-rah boy once myself
THAT is just the reason" replied Tim.
1.-The coaches insist that MIR. Johnson send
a man of intelligence and education. not
a college graduate"
Late in the month of June in 1906 Tim
and I were assigned to work a couple of
series in Chicago. We had one mighty
tough afternoon of it, and the fans, to
show their displeasure, gave us; an inn
promptu shower of glassware every now
and then. Tim was working the bases
that day, and naturally was a much bet
ter target for the intermittent volleys A
number of the missiles narrowly escaped
Tins anatomy. When we reached our
dressing room l remarked that he had
had several narrow escapes from injury.
There is nothing to worry about at
present." replied Tim in an Indifferent
sort Of way. THE boys are a tri1e
wild just now, but when they acquire con-
troll about August it will be worth your
life unless you have a suit of armor or
you are a mighty clever dodger."
That illustrates the view that Tim
Hurst took of the job of umpiring. 1t