Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-09-19

won the Trolley League champion
ship for 1914, something that no other
team representing the Capital City
ever accomplished since the time of
the old Dirigos. The championship
was won on its merits by superior all
round work In batting the team
led the League by large percentage
and also led in fielding by a good mar
gin. Every player was out to win
| and nothing savoring of individual
records was thought of by any of the
players. Perhaps the greatest Sc
cret of the teams success was the
fact that it finished with every man
that it started the season with, ex-
cepting the star second sacker,
Lawry, who was secured after the
League voted to have three outside
men.
Working together like clock work
the infield was the fastest bunch
playing professional ball in
Maine, while the two pitchers, Stin-
son and Harvey, had no equals in the
League. Capt Coady at Sd base and
as field manager was acknowledged
the king of all third basemen in the
League. His marvellous stops and
lightning throws from the hot cor
ner" won the admiration of all the
followers of the game, and his fight
ing spirit whether losing or winning
was an inspiration to every member
Of the team. His familiar cry of Come
on, Stints. old boy. We have got
en-" is remembered by all. Joe is
certainly in class by himself at Sd
base.
Perhaps no man on the team was
more timely hitter than the big first
/ baseman, Neil Violette, who broke up
many games with men on bases by
| his two baggers. 1t was hot shot
when Neil connected with the slants
of the opposing pitcher. Lawry at
I'd base was a wonderful fielder, and
without doubt the fastest base runner
in Maine. His great. fielding and
wonderful speed made MIN a tower Of
strength to the team.
One of the greatest favorites with
the fans was Newbert at short who
played the game of his life and his
batting this season was a pleasant
surprise to all his friends. He in
creased it over last season nearly so
points.
Maurice Appleton in left field cut
off many runs by his fast fielding and
great judgment in playing for the
batsmen. Some of his throws to the
plate from deep field would rival
Duffy Lewis great throws.
Aaron McGhee in center field was
terror to opposing batsmen. All
kinds of catches looked alike to him
and some of the fielding stunts that
he pulled off this season bordered on
the sensational, while his battery was
something to be proud of. He fin
ished the season with percentage of
315.
Earl Harvey in right field when not
pitching and playing elsewhere. was the
teams utility man and valuable man
was Clutter" for in any position on the
team he could always fill with ability, no
matter how trying the conditions.
"Chutter" is a real ball player and has
great future before him as a player.
Players of his class are scarce in the
ranks of semi-professional teams.
Russ Smith behind the bat as catcher
was big factor in the teams success.
Sizing up and remembering the faults
of batter has ever been valuable
Characteristic of the Augusta catcher
and this knowledge never failed to prove
of great value to new pitchers entering
the box against entirely strange batters.
Few runners tried to steal on Smith
after they had known him game or two.
At the willow Russ" was nigh man.
His batting average for the season of
1914 was ,4o1, so that there is no doubt
whatever but what he was there all the
time. The hardest man to pitch to in
the league said Woodbury., the former
Portland New England League twirler
and other star boxmen. Smith is one of
the comparatively few batters who al
ways keep the pitcher working his hard
est He probably received more free
the league.
1t was in the pitching department that
Augusta was particularly strong While
other teams were experimenting with
new men in most every game, Augusta
used practically but two pitchers for the
entire season. Upon Roy A Stinson.
Bates championship pitcher fell the bur
den of the pitching department and right
royalty did he uphold his reputation
against all teams. He pitched 20 games
winning 1S-losing six and one tie game
He won more games than any pitcher in
the League. He is fast enough for any
New England League Club. and has won
four games in this League against New
England League pitchers this season.
Earle Harvey made good in his pitching
with the best of them. winning five
games and losing two; he was especially
strong against Winthrop and had them
at his mercy in every game but one that
he pitched against them, Another sea-
son "Chutter" should be one of the best
in Maine. and will be a strong pitcher
for NJ c, I. in the early season before
the Trolley League season opens.
kid" Brennan, the Cony High south
paw" did fine work against the Brock
ton Blues and won his game Labor day
morning against Hallowell. He pitched