Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-05-18
BY BOHEMIAN BULGER

spring did not know the players personally. As
of fact it took me longer to get acquainted
with the temperament personal characteristics of my
players than it did to learn their ability. And believe
me- knowledge of those little individual traits is
essential to manager! Some players have to be led
others driven, and still Others let alone. Some do
much better if allowed to their own Judgment; but
first manager must know from observation that they
have good judgment. 1t may take me a whole season
to find just where brains and strength needed IN this
club
"When first took charge Of the Cubs, for instance. |
knew that needed a OF experience and ability
at third base. who could balance the infeld and
another in the outed. centered all my efforts get
ting these men. Cost not consideration. Harry
Seineldt of the best ball players in the country
with the Cincinnati Reds at that time and his long
stay there had taken some Of the pepper out OF him.
figured that a change would do him good and after
some negotiations got him. He proved to be the key
to my infeld situation
THOUGH Chance, in modesty refrained from
tioning the details of his next move it was really
the that made him power in baseball He wanted
great outheder and began negotiations for Jimmy
Sheckard of Brooklyn Knowing that the acquisition
of a fast and good hitter like Sheckard would
make his team complete, he let nothing stand in his
way Soon thereafter this new manager amazed the
baseball world by giving four players all OF whom
considered valuable for the Brooklyn outielder
Those who had laughed at what they thought his folly
soon found that master mind the job in Chi
cago Stenfedt and Sheckard proved be the missing
cogs in machine that won tour remnants and tw"
worlds championships.
AS this was recalled to the mind of the who
after his wonderful trade acquired the sobrquet OF the
Peerless Leader, he rubbed the bat meditatively.
"You didn't mention anything about Miner Brown,
NO | wasn't thinking Of that, he said because
am worried about pitchers. OF course should like
to have like him; but my present staff OF twirers
is better than that which had starting out
Of the Cubs. | needed a good one then, and needed
him badly had watched Brown at St. Louis and his
wonderful control charmed me. He not considered
such that time and that made 1t possible tor
me to get him Z reasonable sacrifice. exchanged
Jack Taylor for him: shouldn't be surprised if we
didn't find another Miner Brown right here IN the New
York staff Of pitchers. Several of them have excellent
control"
lust then the Peerless Leader motoned Pep Young
the recruit nfelder and handed him the bat that he
had been inspecting He nodded his head as II to say
"That will do
aWhat's the trouble about the bat?n asked.
"Why, | noticed this morning, he explained, that
Young late swinging at the ball. He was trying to
a stick that too heavy. | told him to get a
lighter one that he could snap at the ball instead OF
dragging at it.
That afternoon Young tried the new bat and showed
wonderful Improvement in his hitting This IS sam
pie of Frank Chances wonderful powers Of observation
Nothing escapes him, matter how triflng For SIX
eight weeks he has been picking out those little
flaws and correcting them.
striking instance of this was when Chance detected
the first flaw in Hal Chases efforts at becoming sec
ond baseman after having served 50 long at first.
Get the bag quicker TO set yourself Tor the
catchers throw, Chance said to him, "or someone will
you down.
At first base the baseman is not often required t.
touch the runner with the ball and he consequently
PLAYS good distance from the bag-playlng deep,
the PLAYERS call it. All that required Of him IS to get
there and catch the ball ahead Of the At second
he must not only catch the ball but must have himself
in such position that he put the ball on the fast
coming and get out of the Of the flying steel
spikes. This technical difference confused Chase a
the outset that he constant danger OF beng
riol1sv injured until Chance pointed out the fault. Hal
SAYS still bohers him at times, he finds II extremely
difficult to overcome a habit OF Years
Great ball PLAYER, that. said Chance he watched
Chase experimenting with his position and this re-
called his opening remark about the strength OF his
material.