Evening journal., 1914-04-02
Death Strikes
OUT RUBE WADDELL
Great Pitcher, Eccentric But
Brilliant, SuccumbS to Tu-
berculOSiS in Texas
HAD BEEN WITH
ATHLETICS SIX YEARS


SAN ANTONIO, Tex, April q
Rube Waddell is dead. The most ec-
centric of baseball players, and in the
zenith of his career the most formid-
able left-hand pitcher, succumbed to
tuberculosis late yesterday afternoon.
While it was known he could not
live. the collapse was sudden. His
reputation was made as member OF
the Athletics of Philadelphia, where
q career of six years gave him the
reputation as one of the games most
brilliant performers. Fans idolized
him; his prowess compelled admira-
kon.
The great pitcher was conscious up
10 an early hour yesterday morning,
and In the last weeks had lived over
in Renaissance with callers at the
hospital his days on the ball diamond.
Three weeks ago, when Waddell was
told his recovery was doubtful, he an
nounced his determination to get
well.
His father and mother. who reside
at Boerne, Tex, were advised ycster-
day of their sons dangerous condi-
tion. They hastened here. but arrived
r few hours after his death. +. II.
Austin, manager of the Western
Union here, and Mrs. Austin, brother
ln-law and sister Of the pitcher, we're
at his death bed.
Origin of Illness.
Waddelrs illness dates back to an
attack of pneumonia which he con-
tracted at fire in Hickman, more
than q year ago. He was on a fishing
trip at the time. He succeeded in
rescuing several persons from the
fire, and neglected to change his
clothes promptly. As a result of the
drenching he got in a blizzard that
was prevailing he became III. He
went to Boerne 10. be with his par
ents. but his condition failed to i'm
prove.
The funeral and burial We're held
here today under the direction Of the
Elks.
George Edward "Rube" Waddell,
one of the greatest Of pitchers, was
noted nearly as much for his eccen-
tricities as for his ability as a ball
player. In the IL years he spent in
professional baseball he held posi-
tions with 12 teams, and, including
"return engagements" had IA jobs.
His longest term of service was with
the Athletics, and, under the watch
tul eye Of Connie Mack, he pitched
ginning ball for a half dozen seasons.
A Notable Career.
There was no better pitcher that he
when he was in form, but he, as well
as managers and club own
ers. was aware of his powerlessness
10 resist temptation. AS a result OF
his weakness, the largest salary he
over received was S3,OOO year
That he got from the Athletics--with
the stipulation, it Is said, that he
must keep in condition.
Waddell shared with Robert Glade
the strille-out record OF the Ameri-
can League. On July 20, 1909, while
pitching for the St Louis Americans
10 whom he had just been released
BY Mack, he famed 16 of the Ath-
Ietics, his former teammates.
Waddell was born in Butler, Pa.
October 10. 1876. When 20 years oi
age. or in 1896, he pitched his frs
professional ball with the Oil City
(Pa.) team, and the next year, after
brief career with the Yolant Col
iege CPa.) nine, he entered IBIS
League" baseball as a member Of the
Louisville National League team. Th'
pace in such fast company was bi
too fast for him, however, and aftei
few weeks engagement with De
troit he returned TO his native stat'
and Joined the Homestead team.
In 1899 a scout for the Columbu.
team recommended him and he wal
drafted by that organization. Th'
next year he was attached to thl
Louisville club, but when the Louis
Vile players we're transferred t
Pittsburgh, he went along. TIL
American League war, signal for
general periol of players Jumping,
gave Waddell the opportunity for an
other change. and he became a mem
Der of the Milwaukee club In 1900.
With Mack Six Years.
Waddell Joined the Chicago Ma
ionals in 1901, and pitched a FEY
great games for the team unde
lack DOYLE. In 1902 be jumped tn
Chicago club to the Los Angelo
Outlaws" but returned again to OF
sanized ball, joining the Athletics
trOm lSO1 70 lSVo nc was a stal
Mack's team, and then, showing indi
cations of a return to his old habits
Waddell was sold to the st. Loui
Americans. A flash of his famou
skill helped the Browns in the grea
battle they made for the America
League pennhnt in 1908, but at tn
end of the Aext season be was re
leased to Ne3Varr.
The Minneapolis club bought Wad
dell in 1910 and he was two year
with that fGlyb. In the TALL, NJ.
Cantillon, Of that club, sent Wadde
to- Texas, in an effort to prolong hi
life Waddell at the time considere
his days numbered and told friend
lie would die soon.
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