The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-07-28
THE world abounds in marvellous
stories. There Is the tale OF the
Il butchers con who became the
CLARENCE SMITH

THE world abounds in marvellous
stories. There is the tale of the
i butchers son who became the
leader of Napoleon's cavalry. There Is
the romance of the man who left his
plow and became a Roman emperor;
boy who learned his letters by the kind
ly glow of the pine knot became Presi-
dent of the United States. And there is
other abundant proof that birth and
position and wealth play Only an humble
part in the destiny of individuals.
While it is probable that Clarence Smith
will never be the leader of sousas band,
or maker of a third or fourth political
party to disturb the peaceful slumbers of
a great people. or fabricate romance to
thrill or cause the speculation of the
mind he nevertheless is the subject of
a story which is we'll worth the telling
and the reading.
Two summers ago. he sold eoca-cola to
the patrons of the Birmingham ball
games. AT that time this gawky youth
of Is summers thought the greatest man
in the world was that one who, with
quick breaking curve, could strike out
Bill McGilvray or cause Swacina to pop
gently into the hands of an infielder.
Then he did not dream of being able him.
self to do those same things of which
he marveled
Now, however, he is the best young
pitcher In the Southern league. Next
season he will be a member Of the White
Sox club of Chicago. The world is open
and soon he may smash the record OF
Marquard or cause the same of Mathew
son to loose its magic spell over the
gossipers of the corners.
Several may lay claim to the honor of
having discovered the young ''phenom.'
To Wordsworth, however, is the credit
due. for twas he who discovered the dia-
mond in the rough. In 1906, young Smith,
then mere lad watched with anxious
eyes the efforts of the stars. He had
started on his career as n merchant of
the ball ground. The humble position of
selling peanuts to the fans was a begin
ming. Soon after he would run from
home early in the afternoon In order to
chase fungo hits to the soutfied and pick
up balls which missed the mtts of the
drowsy catchers.
Starts to Pitch
Three seasons passed. From the posi-
ton of chasing flies and ill-iimed throws
he advanced slightly to that of tossing
over the pellet to players TO make keen
their batting eyes. Then Earl F1eharty
became interested III tfit sotti5otSt. A<oe'i
to learn Smith was inquisitive and File
harty became his instructor. Smith was
taught the rudiments of pitching during
spare moments before the battles.
Perhaps the most encouraging fact was
that he was anxious not only to learn, but
to better the efforts of his teachers. His
memory was good and his attention was
better Then his effectiveness Increased.
The watchful leader of the Barons saw
that the batsmen of his battle SCARED vet
Grams could not hit the youth and real
| lied that he was promising enough for a
trial In the fall of 1910. disguised with
the success of his star batsnen in hitting
| the kid, Molesworth decided to sign him
| for next season.
Although the players thought him moth
| ing but q raw youngster with bit of
sense and ordinary wlles, they soon dis
covered that the kid had a lot of stuff.
His quick breaking curves and change of
pace had them biting at the ball and
popping weak flies. Finally one day
'Rowdy'' Elliott remarked that that kid
could win and the others continued the
| conversation along the same line. The
older and more experienced players
agreed with the younger ard then Moles-
worth, whose mind had previously beer
convinced of the merit of the youth, said
that next year they would find the kid q
| member OF the same club.
The manager preached the subject tc