Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-31

tired to do things on their own hook, with
the result that they lost game after game
but more of them later.
I have often told my players, "Do what l
tell YOU. will take the blame for any mis-
takes
used to worry more over Devore than
any other man except Raymond. Josh
was harmless, likable little fellow, utterly
different from Bugs. He was lazy, though,
and like Marquard | always had to ride
him." l remember once in a close game in
Philadelphia that he and Marquard, who
roomed together when the club was on the
road, were sitting on the bench talking about
their suite in high-priced Philadelphia
hotel. When a critical contest is on | will
not stand for my men discussing other things
than baseball 1t not only distracts their
attention, but mine and the other players.
"Say, Rube," began Devore, amt that
room Of ours dandy?"
BEST in the lot" replied Marquard.
"It's got five windows and swell furni-
ture,' continued Devore.
@Solid mahogany" interrupted. HAnd
that be about all for you fellows If hear
any more of that talk during this game, I'll
fine you ten dollars apiece"
The talk ended, and they concentrated
on the game.
T HAVE always had my hands full in hand
ling players. 1t used to be a common
saying among big league managers, If you
have bad actor, trade him to McGraw.
l got the reputation for taking men in hand
with whom other managers would not be
bothered.
think that in the last ten years have
come in contact with practically every
PLAYER of undesirable habits in the big
leagues. They were of the old school of
players, who looked upon baseball more as
sport than a profession. do not judge it
bad taste to mention the names of some of
these men; for their names were common
gossip at the time; moreover, many OF them
have so changed their way of living that
they are now desirable citizens. Among the
men of this kind was Mike Donlin, with US
again this season as a pinch hitter No
other manager could do anything with Don
lin He will admit that himself. And in
the next breath he will boast that he has not
taken a drink in seven years. Donln IS
prouder of that fact than of all the home
runs he made in his successful career.
l believe that worrying over Bugs Ray
mond took five years off my life. l never
saw such case of ruined baseball talents.
l chung to Raymond simply because
thought there was chance that he might
come to know himself l blame the news
4Bugs." They faxed up stories about him.
They exploited his bad habits, until in his
childish, weak way he thought every lark
was an achievement that was making hero
of him.
believe in the swatch dog" policy when
ever it is necessary. have always made it
point to maintain strict surveillance over
my players when they are off the field.
have not had to do this so much with my
present team; for they are about the clean
est collection of ball players that it has ever
been my good fortune to manage. Around
1906, though, it was different.
had man on that club who when in con-
dition was really great player. But he had
too many friends who insisted on buying
him champagne. 1 kept strict watch on
him, and finally got him into good shape.
His eyes and his skin were clear. Then we
took a long, crucial trip on the road, and the
playing of this man on whom had counted
went to pieces. l studied his case, and it
puzzled me. Every night remained in the
hotel lobby watching him. About eleven
o'clock he would always say:
u guess I'll go upstairs, Mac. Nothing
like sleep to give you ginger"
Then he would get into the elevator. l
would feel relieyed-and the next day he