Evening journal., 1915-07-17
BROUTHERS { BARNES
Stick NONOPOuSTS
Stars of the 1SSO'S Played
Heady Game While in
the Limelight
THEY WERE NEAR
WILLARD'S SIZE

Fame was ever a feeting thing, nut
in the sporting world II IS provided
with seven-league boots. II seems
impossible TO the fan Of today that
he day will come. when. with his
grandchildren around his knee, he
will boast of the achievements OF Dy-
zone days and his oratory will be in
.errupted with
"Sav arandpop. who was this Math-
ewson person and Wagner and Cobb,
anyway?"
with due regard 10 the alarming ig-
norance OF the rising generation, 1t is
pointed out that not long ago was
celebrated the anniversary of the
birth of a pair of the greatest Dali
PLAYERS who ever cavorted on the dia-
mond. viz. Dan Brouthers and Ross
Barnes. Brouthers' real front name
was Dennis. but everybody, man and
boy. called him Dan. He was born at
Sylvan Lake. N. Y. In the course OF
his career in the spangles Dan played
with Buffalo, Detroit, Boston, Brook
lyn. Baltimore and Philadelphia. Bat?
Yes. children. Dan could bat a little.
For a little matter OF 10 years, begin
ming with 1881, Brouthers batted over
the 300 mark Pitchers all looked
alike to Dan. lie didn't play any ia
vorites. but swatted 'em all alike. He
was with the Detroit club in the era
of Ned Hanlon and in 1887 he batted
for an average Of .419. He led the
National League in batting In 1882,
1883, 1889 and 1892. AT first base he
PLAYED heady. scientific game and
was remarkably quick for man OF
his weight and height, being only a
size or two smaller than Jess willard
After his playing days were over Dan
acted as scout for the Giants.
Roscoe c. Barnes was another play
er who deserves to be remembered.
Ross was born IN Rockford. ILL.,, 65
years ago and died in Chicago, only a
lew months ago. He was a youngster
when baseball was in it's infancy and
grew up with the game. Rockford was
one of the fret among the western
towns to take up the diamond pastime
and In the early days of baseball club
was one Of the crack organizations OF
the country, the Rockfords having as
great a reputation in the west as the
immortal Troy, N. Y. Haymakers had
IN the east
Barnes started his major league ca
reer with Boston in 1872. IN the old
National association. the forerunner
OF the National League. During his
four years with the Bean eaters
Barnes helped his club to win four
pennants in a row On the bases with
Barnes were Gould and Shafer. with
George Wright as shortstop, Spalding
as the pitching stan. McVey as catch
er. Leonard. Rogers and Harry Wright
In the field. and Birdsall as substi-
.tute In 1874 Barnes accompanied the
Boston and Philadelphia clubs on the
trip TO England and ireland. In 1879
and again in 1878 Barnes batted over
the 400 mark, and In the latter year
his average 543. established a Ma
tional League record never since
equaled In 1876 Barnes went over
10 the Chicago club, and signalized
his first year by batting over 400 and
helping the Windy City TO the first
pennant of the reorganized National
League. Cal McVey. al Spalding and
Jim White accompanied Barnes to
Chicago. and tho Boston club was al
most wrecked by their desertion.
Barnes continued with Chicago until
1881. when he retired from the game.
In the latter years Of his life he was
by turns a broker. hotel keeper and
hookkeeper Barnes. with Spalding
McVey and Deacon" White constitut-
ed the immortal big Four" of the
early days Of the baseball game.