The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1913-09-27
SLIDE TO FIRST BASE
Umpires Call Out Player Who Hits
Dirt at Initial Sack.
Arblters Claim II Is Done to Make the
Play Look Close In Hopes Of Gain
ing DeeIslon-Runner Loses
Time In Sliding.

More sliding to first base probably
would be seen in the National league
II 1t were not for the fact that the
umpires invariably call out the man
who hits the dirt. They do not think
1t is necessary for Lase runner to
slide into first base, because he loses
time In 30 doing. They also add that
players do 1t In order to make the play
close at the initial cushion In hopes
of gaining the decision. ~
Not long ago an umpire in the Amer
lean association called out runner
for sliding into first base, when he
apparently was safe by five feet. That
same official declared after rendering
that verdict that he would call out
any man who slid into first base,
whether he was out or safe. He also
said he would not permit any ball
player to show him up that way. Most
indicator handlers look at the play in
the same light and say they will wave
out a runner nine times out of ten
when he jumps into the nrst base.
Sliding into first basr is rather a
thrilling play and in an exciting gamq
is a feature that excites the fans
Players would like to do 1t, but say it
would be suicide to try it, as the de-
cions of the umpire would be against
the runner. Many instances come up
in a ball game where player be-
lieves he can beat a throw by slid.
ing into the base, but he is afraid to
try 1t knowing the official will call
him out, and attempts to beat the bali
by running.
when you start to slide you are
out" said one of the leagues best
players "The umpire, in my opinion,
makes up his mind that you are out as
soon as you leave your feet, for he
believes that by sliding you are try.
ing to make the play close and hard
for him. If you watch you will find
that most of the decisions are given
in favor of the basemen when man
slides. Time and again you will see
men called out at second base, when
apparently the ball did not reach
there until the man slid into the bag
1t is because the umpires know the
play is going to be close and they dc
not favor the runner. Therefore, why
attempt to slide into first base, when
you know that the chances of being
announced safe are against your
sliding is one OF the features oil
baseball" said another player. 81 dc
not think there Is part of the game
better than when man by a clever
hook or fade-away. manages to escape
baseman, Often a man will score
a run by his ability to elude the catch
er and seldom does he receive the
credit that Is due him. Often you
will see man steal second by getting
around the shortstop or second base
mans touch and later score on a
single. Yet that man who stode is not
commended for his excellent work
Knowing how to slide into a base
makes up a championship ball team.
Take, all the championship teams of
modern years and you will find they
had smart base runners and sliders.
What makes the Giants so strong
Their ability to run bases and slide.
That is one OF the first things McGraw
teaches his players, and, If you ever
have noticed. each one is we'll versed
in hook sliding"