The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-02-15

John Barry. shortstop- on the world
champion Athletics, and a player who
has shone with remarkable brfihancy
ever since he eft Holy Cross College
10 adopt the career of a major Lacquer,
is the player chosen by the baseball ex-
p.rts as the most worthy to pc nomi-
mated as shortstop on the Ail-American
team.
To choose the right man from a field
that provides SO many remarkable. ex-
ponents was task that caused no ut
tie difference of opinion among the men
who watch the big leaguers perform day
by day. Although the bulk Of the votes
fell Jack Barry's way, it was admitted
that there are many other claimants
for the title, and the ability OF any one
of three men might easily recommend
him for the job.
~ Two for Tinker.
Two of the experts voted for Tinker
and their arguments in favor OF the
Federal Leagues recruiting officer would
seem ito be well confirmed by the fact
that during last season Tinker hit for
well over 800 and was a leader in his
position as a helder. One expert cast
his ballot for Fletcher, Of the Giants.
because of his great showing in the last
worlds SERIES and a fourth nominated
old Honus Wagner as his choice for
Americas greatest shortstop. Few will
agree with the expert that selected
Fletcher, howe ser and undoubtedly sem
timent had a great deal to do with Ex-
pert Jerpe's selection of the veteran
Pittsburgher as the logical man. But
last year proved that the great Honus
of q few seasons back had begun to
slip.
Tinker has had his good years and his
bad years, but Jack Barry. as the rec
ords will clearly show. has shown the
utmost consistency in his work A won
derful and reliable fielder. a clever and
intelligent ball player ne has proven one
of the strongest points of defense In a
great infield and on the attack he has
proven almost equally as strong factor.
Always Held Rank.
From the obscurity of small New
England college team he leaped at once
into the very front rank Of professional
ball, and in spite of the keenest sort
of rivalry he has held his rank.
Some Of the experts have figured that
his title to pre-eminence comes as 1t
did to Baker from his connection with
a wonderful quartet of infielders. but ii
should be stated right here that Barry
owes his class or title TO no other player
or combination of players.
He has no known weakness. as Baker
had, but Is always DONG the right thing
at the right time. He fears no base run
ner. and no one can put the ball on q
runner more quickly or to more advan-
tage than can Barry.
He has every qualification that goes
toward the composition of a star, and
though his rivals may be many, there
is none that can rightfully be consid-
cred in exactly the same class.
Unlike many another hero of the big
leagues, Barry did not learn the rudi-
ments of baseball on the sand lots. Jacks
folks were comfortably fixed with world
" goods, and he had abundant leisure
when a youngster to devote to the ma
tional pastime- And even while a lad
phenon, and long before he entered the
Meriden High School his services on
Saturdays and holidays were much
sought after, and by clubs that averaged
eighteen and nineteen years of age.
Barry was not exactly a fence break
er" with tho stick, but he was then, as
he has been ever since, one of the
timeliest hitters on the team. He sell
dom drove the ball over the garden
wall, but when a hit was needed to drive
in a run or Break up the game" Jack
could generally be relied upon to de-
liver. He was clever base runner In
addition, and had he wished he might
have begun his professional career right
then, as three minor league clubs sent
after him.
But the high school phenom had no
intention Of making any such radical