Omaha daily bee., 1916-02-20
OTTO MERZ SIGNS
UP WITH ROUUKES
indianapolis Pitcher Accepts Terms
and Will Appear on Hurting
Mound for Omaha.
CY FORsYTHE SIGNS CONTRACT

The signing OF Otto Merz. last year n
pitcher with the indianapolis American
association club. was announced by w. A.
Rourke yesterday. Mere was made free
agent by indianapolis and Rourk0 Of
fored him a proposition 20 play with the
locals Acceptance OF the offer was re-
ceived yesterday
Aferz had somewhat OF an OFF year at
indianapolis last year. but II wasn't all
his fault as the team behind him was
nothing TO brag about.
lie was used mostly as a relief pitcher.
While no took part in thirty-five games.
no pitched only six complete games. He
won six games and lost ten, In the re-
mainder the victory or defeat was re-
corded TO other pitchers. He allowed on
an average OF ass runs per game.
Merz was also Mt. Indianapolis IN 1874
THAT year he hurled forty-eight games.
won twenty and lost nineteen.
Otto Is veteran and foxy pitcher.
Rourke expects him 20 be a winner in the
Western and Manager Marty Krug Is Just
as confident.
Makes sixth Pitcher.
Merz makes the sixth pitcher Rourke
has signed Two OF last years staff,
Thompson and North. will be back. and
three other new ones have been secured.
Mack Allison, last year with Kansas City:
Meyers. last year at Flint. Mich. and
Brown. a Nebraska semi-pro. Mers, All
son. Thompson and North arc experienced
hurlers who are OF established merit.
while Meyers and Brown are youngsters
who show great promise.
The Western league schedule meeting at
Lincoln last week was an exceptionally
pleasing evnt for Pa Rourke and Marty
ISrug Not 70 much because OF the busi-
ness. although that was in every way sat
isfactory. but because the Omaha men
found other Western league club owners
had been watching several OF the players
signed by Omaha and they pass out some
flattering compliments regarding them.
savage boosts Miller.
John Savage, owner OF the Topeka
club. slipped RouriSe some Information
that made him grin from ear 70 ear. Saw
age tells Rourke that Ray Miller, new
first sacker, and Pete Kilduff. shortstop.
will be sensations In the Western.
Savage knew Miller when he was with
Columbus. Savage was secretary OF the
Kansas city club for number Of years
and saw Miller play for two seasons.
'I don't see how he ever got out OF the
association" said Savage TITS wonder
to me the other clubs waived on him. He's
n 800 hitter In any league and while no
demon at fielding, he's a great ball player.
KiIduff VIII Mako Good.
"As for Kilduff." continued Savage
''he's no mere prospect as most rookies
are, he's a ball player. watched him all
last year and he is Class A timber" Saw
age also says q good word for Pitcher
Otto MerK.
All Of the magnates declare Harold
Ireian viii make coed at second for
Omaha and they ali think Rourke IL
lucky TO set Kruger back behind the
bat.
Rourke 70 getting moro ticikied over
prospects avery day and believes the
signing Of one or two more players will
round out pennant contender.
Forsyfhe signs Up.
Cyrus Forsythe, the well known tango
Kid. blew into town from Fender the other
day to affix his signature 20 contract.
Cyrus will be back In the right garden
and slamning 'em UP against the fence
In manner that delights the fans.
According to dope from the coast Fres-
ident Mater of the Vernon club OF the
Pacific coast loop II dickering with the
stock company which controls the Wichita
franchise. AIaier believes Wichita would
be a good buy and Is trying to purchase
Mater Is q good base ball man and he
would be a good acquisition for the
Western league.