New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-04-02
Rube WaddeH, a Peer of
S0uthpaw Pitchers, Dead
Brilliant as Eccentric, He
Was Tower of Strength
for Athletics in His
Heyday.

San Antonio, Tex, April 1.-"Rube"
Waddell. the famous left-handed pitcher.
died here to-day. He had been i'll for
months with tuberculosis.
John Waddell. "Rube's" father. and his
mother arrived from Boerne two hours
after their son died. A sister who lives
here is the only other surviving relative.
Interment will be here tomorrow.
George Edward Waddell one OF the
greatest left-handed pitchers in baseball
was noted nearly as much for his eccen-
tricities as for his ability as a player.
In the seventeen years he spent in pro-
fessional baseball. he held positions with
twelve teams. and. including return en-
gagements." had fourteen jobs. His long
est term of service was with the Phila-
delpha Athletics, now worlds champions,
where, under the watchful eve OF Connie
Mack, he pitched winning ball for a half
dozen seasons.
Waddell's inability TO keep in condition
discouraged most other managers and
was indirectly responsible for his con-
tracing tuberculosis, which caused his
death. There were few better pitchers
than he when in form, but he, as well as
managers and club owners, was aware
Of his poweressness to resist temptation.
AS a result Of his weakness, the largest
salary he ever received was 5000 a year.
That he got from the Athletics-with the
stipulation, II is said, that he must keep
I'm condition
Waddel shared. with Robert Glade. the
strikeout record OF the American League.
On July %. 1908, while pitching for the st.
Louis Americans, to whom he had just
been released by Mack, he famed six
teen of the Athletics, his former team
mates.
When he first started playing ball
"Rube" used TO 20 about the town with
a bucket Of white paint and A brush and
on fences and sidewalks would write
signs that read: Come and See Rube
Fan En- out. He'll Fan En- for You"
Waddell was born in Butler, Penn. on
October IL, 1876. When twenty years OF
age. or in 1896, he pitched his first pro-
fessional ball with the oil City, Penn.
team. and the next year. after a brief
career with the Volant College. Penn,
nine. he entered big league" baseball as
a member OF the Louisville National
League team.
The pace In such fast company was
bit too fast for him, however. and after
few weeks engagement with Detroit
he returned to his native state and Joined
the Homestead team.
In 1899 n scout for the Columbus team
recommended him and he was drafted by
that organization. The next year he was
attached to the Louisville club. but when
the Louisville players were transferred to
Pittsburgh he went along. The American
League war, signal for general period
OF players Jumping" gave Waddel the
opportunity for another change. and he
became a member OF the Milwaukee club
in 1900.
Waddell Joined the Chicago cubs in 1901
aud pitched a few great games for the
team under Jack Doyle I'm 1907 he
jumped the Chicago club TO the Los
Angeles outlaws" but returned again
TO organized ball. joining the Athletic
From 1902 TO 1908 he was "A star OF Mack
team. and then, showing Indications OF n
return OF his old habits Waddell was
sold 10 the ST. Louis Browns.
fash OF his famous skin helped the
Browns in the great battle they made
for the American league pennant In