Omaha daily bee., 1914-10-25
MITCHELL UNKNOWN TO FANS
However, He Was One of the Big
Men In on Boston's Victory.
sTALLINGs VALUES HIM HIGH
Mana ger of the BeRneaters Declares
that Mysterious Player IL En-
titled to Ten Shares OF
Prize Money.


in Oshkosh. Painted Post. Cohoes and
other outlying precincts, have heard all
about the miracle wrought by George
Stallings. They know what Johnny
Evers has accomplished for the Boston
Braves and what Hank Gowdy's batting
average was in the worlds series. The
pitching of Dick Randolph and Bin
James was discussed with no more fervor
In big league cities than it was in
Kokomo, Kankakee, Kookuk, or Kala-
nlazoo. and Rabbit Meanwhile provided
inspiration for every schoolboy shortstop
in the country. A fan is fan. no mat
ter where he takes root, and he thinks
he knows all there is to be known about
championship teams.
Nevertheless and Notwithstanding, II Is
asserted that not one base ball fan In
ten knows who Fred Mitchell is. Mitch
ellis name appears among the list of
twenty-six Boston players who split up
nearly $4,000 for beating the Athletics.
lie was a big factor in Baston's sensa-
tional victory, and George Stallings says
he Is entitled to ten shares of the prize
money instead Of one
Mitchell is no less a mystery to the
small town fan than he is to a great
majority of enthusiasts who saw the
Braves perform in National league cities
last season. lie is a worlds series hero
whose light has been hidden under a
bushel Modest and retiring, he shuns
publicity.
MitcheII's Record.
Now that YOU are all pins and needles
to know who this Mysterious Mitchell"
is. here is his record He once worked
for Connie Mack, is a former Yankee
catcher, and now has job for life with
George Stalllngs, whose man Friday he
U.s. Next 10 Evers Stallngs gives Mitchell
more credit for moulding the Braves into
great team than any other member
of that remarkable family.
After the third game OF the worlds
series Stallings was standing in the
lobby of the Hotel Plaza in Boston RS
ceiving the congratulations OF base ball
men from ali over the country. A smooth
featured, swarthy. stocky man OF about
thirty-five strolled along. He nodded 10
stallings and did not even stop to Join
in the conversation.
You fellows have had a lot to say
about me- remarked Stallings TO some
base ball writer's, land you have given
a lot OF publicity to members OF my team,
but you have all overlooked one OF my
stars. There he goes. l consider Fred
Mitchell the most valuable lieutenant any
manager ever had His coaching of my
pitchers is responsible, as much as any
other factor. for the wonderful success
OF the Braves Mitchell was the first
man l hired when Jim Gaffney engaged
me to manage the Braves, and he is the
best investment ever made considering
what he cost me-
started as Pitcher,
Fred Mitchell came into the big leagues
as pitcher with the Philadelphia Ath-
leties some twelve seasons ago. Hts
name was Fred Yapp, bat for obvious
reasons he changed It. Mitchelrs most
noteds feat while nlembeT OF the Ath-
.ledcs was the forcing In of the winning
run by base on balls In an extra-inning
game with the ST. Louis Browns, who
gave the Athletics a hard run. for the
pennant in 1900. Later he drifted TO
Boston, and his last engagement az a
big league pitcher was with the Phillies.
He dropped back to the minors and be-
came a catcher
When s.allings managed the Yankees
he brought Mitchell back into fast COM
pany as a catcher at the Hilltop. Fred
participated I'm the city series between
the Giants and Yankees in 1910 after
Stallings was 0usted. The next season
he went back 10 the International league
and toiled at Rochester and Buffalo until
he was again promoted by Staliingss
Was stRiiinEs' Chief Aid.
In 1917 Stallings was in charge at Buff
falo and Mitchell was his chief aid.
stallings always gave Mitchell credit for
the great showing of the Yankee pitchers
in 1910. when the hurting staff OF the
Hilltop was considered the best in the
American league and Russell Ford was
the headliner.
staliings signed 8 Boston contract In
the fall Of 1919.
President Gaffney told me TO so as
Tar as liked IN building my team" said
stsllings, and the first man I wanted
20 start with brains. We traded and
snapped until only a few OF the old
players were left At the end OF my
first season IN Boston he had a fair
staff Of pitchers. Mitchell had been on