Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-26


curve. It's all right now; but don't ever
try to fool an oldtimer again. 1t might hurt
your chances If there is anything wrong
with you, always go straight to the mana
ger. He is always glad to help young fell
low who wants to learn. III work you easy
for the next few days. and the arms will
come around all right.
During the next ten days the old catcher
kept me at work on my curve ball, and he
was so patient and painstaking with me
that | began to have hope of making good,
after all. My roommate, Red, got little
attention, however, and at nights he was
respondent.
As the days wore on the players began to
talk of being shipped to minor league clubs.
Several scouts had visited the camp and
looked us over as if we were string OF thor
oughbred horses or prize cattle. Rumors
were flying thick and fast. One young in
fielder who had spent all his life in Maine
had been turned over to team in Florida,
and he was badly disappointed. He knew
he had to go or quit baseball, and he went.
Red came in one night and told me that
a deal was on by which he would be sent to
the Texas League. He was furious, and de-
clared that he would quit baseball before
he would go. The old catcher came around,
however, and advised him to take his rnedi-
cine and that he might get back the next
season.
had no idea where | was to be sent; but
in my heart | had determined that would
never play minor league baseball. If |
couldn't make the big league, l shouldn't
play at all.
During this week of turmoil the manager
had not so much as noticed me, apparently.
He would send me in to do my regular turn
in the box,-and against the minor league
club I was fairly successful, -but not once
did he talk to me about being sent to an
other club.
THE training season was finally over, and
we started in two special cars for the
East Our ranks had been considerably
dwindled by releases, and | was under the
impression that the manager was taking me
back so that | shouldn't be far from home.
l was expecting my release any minute. 1t
he kept me day after the season opened,
he would have to pay me salary. No sal
aries are paid during the training season.
AS we sped along over the prairie country
l had about made up my mind to go to the
manager and have it out with him.
wanted to know one thing or the other, as
the uncertainty and anxiety were killing off
my spirit | decided that | would speak to
him the first time he came through the car
The decision on my part had hardly been
made when he strobe down the aisle. He
walked to where l was sitting and looked me
straight in the eye. Again | lost my cour-
age. That look in his eye stopped me, as it
does everyone.
@Say, young fellow, he said to me, @didy you
order a uniform when you got the notice."
NO." replied. Il didn't have the money
at the time. I guess won't need it now
@Well, you sit down there and write out
telegram showing your measurements.
guess, at that, that Burns uniform will fit
you"
dyes, I've worn his l said.
"Well, you wire the sporting goods house
to make you uniform according to Burns
measurements How do you feel?"
"Pretty good" | answered. "My arm
feels fine and strong"
"Thats good" he said. II think you've
got a good curve ball for the spring, and
your fielding has picked up during the last
two weeks. I'm going to use you in some OF
the early spring games when the regular sea-
son begins. This is your chance now. It's
up to you"
was dumbfounded My face flushed up
like that of young boy. | could hardly
realize the meaning of his words. "And
won't be farmed out to a minor league
club?" l finally gasped.
al can't say about that, he replied. go
in there and show me something. You'll