New-York tribune., 1916-07-23

last years were triumphs of the mind
rather than of the arm.
When Mstty came up to the major
leagues, sixteen years ago, he had as
much smoke and speed as Rusie or any
other pitcher His drop was as great
as that of the famous Jouett Meekin,
hero of twenty years ago. His curve
ball broke with vicious snap, and he
was a strike-out pitcher. Yet with all
his power Mstty anticipated the day
when that mighty arm would weaken.
He made careful study of the batters,
noting what each hit and where they
hit it. Many time and oft he has
shifted his felders in their positions
and then caused the batter 10 hit the
ball right TO them.
He knew that his bullet-like speed
could not last forever, and when finally
the change came il did not find him un-
prepared. He was ever 4 wizard IN
controlling the ball in its flight from
the rubber to the catcher, and with his
uncanny knowledge of just where to
place the ball he maintained his old
effectiveness.
When he lost much of his marvellous
speed he developed that mystery bal!
Of all mystery bRlls-his famous fade
away drop. He ceased trying 10 strike
men behind him. This worked to his
detriment in a couple of battles wagod
for the worlds championship, but
Matty. big in heart as he is physique,
never whimpered.
Worlds Series Record.
Matty stands to-day the only pitcher
in the game who pitched three con-
tests in a worlds championship series,
and in winning them all did not al
low his opponents a single run. lie
performed this prodigy of pitching in
the 1905 series against the Athletics.
I In those three battles he vanquished
Eddie Plank, Chief Bender and Andy
Coakley, who were in the heyday of
their pitching power. He did not do
so well in the other games with the
Athletics and Red Soy, but errors and
boneheaded playing by the men behind
him were responsible for his defeats
TO a greater extent than any weak
pitching.
And now New York must bid fare
well to this wonder pitcher. He has
been traded TO the Reds along with
two other players for Charley Herzog,
the manager of the ill-starred Cincin-
natl team.
The Yankees have struck the West
ern trail, taking with them the well
wishes Of every New York fan. They
are fighting grim battle for the flag
in the face of every handicap. In
juries have exacted staggering toll
from their playing strength, and II
NAV be that the pennant chances of
the team, which were so bright three
weeks ago, will be total wreck before
the return is made next month.
Starting with the loss of Maisel, In
iuries befell Frank Gilhooley, Frank
Baker, Nick Cullop, Hughie High and
Raw Caldwell Earlier in the season
Gilhooley and Magee were out, III with
tonsillitis, and now Joe Gedeon Is
under the weather. Such trials as
these test the courage OF any team.
The Yankees have proved beyond doubt
that theirs is the real grit, the eour-
age that knows no fusing point. They
were wrecked by injuries IN 1913, oeing
forced to borrow Doc Powers from
the Athletics when the last Of their
catchers was hurt. History may repeat
in 1916.
Il has been a year replete with in,
juries to ball players. The Cleveland
Indians lost their grip on the leau
when Guy Morton, their pitching ace;
Jim Bagby, Ed Klepfer, Terry turner
Ivy Howard, Wambsganss and some
of the others were banged up: The
Red Sox. who are now fighting so
bravelv. have not been immune. Ernie
Shore. Jack Barry and Duffy Lewis
we're out for a while The Tigers. too
have suffered. Dubue, Dauss, Stanage'
Cobb and Bush have been forced 70
take rest at various times. One
might think that the Athletics nave
had enough trials for one year or for
lifetime, but now Wallie Schang, one
Of the teams real ball players, is out
with fractured jaw. The fans are
wondering Just where il will end
The case of the Giants is puzzling.
An operation is necessary, but McGra"
is at his wits ends TO know just where
to start welding the knife. Saliee
will be Of some benefit, TO be sure. but
he cannot carry the entire burden.
There are other changes TO be made,
and they doubtless will come when the
opportunity arrives. To cut blindly is
ever an unwise move, and McGraw will
not do any blind cutting.
Brooklyn at present is out in the
lead, but there is little likelihood of
the Robins staying there unless a good
shortstop is secured, and quickly.
O'Mara seems TO have lost his nerve,
and Olson will not do. He is not re-
Ishle and is weak hitter.