New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-12
Big Man-Catcher Myth
Is Exploded by Doom

mile. Jim has lost mono Of his speed
getting around the paths, either.
Marlin is certainly up TO date. The
moving picture theatres have electrical
pianos, which bang out alleged music
no matter what is happening on the
screen. The other night death scene
was being enacted. and the piano
thumped out. "Everybody's Dom It,
Rodriguez, the young Cuban. is learn
ing rapidly. When Palmero IS not
around he IS left to his own devices
but Loddie beats any possibility by
standing right in front Of the dining
room doors.
There are three great events In the
life Of ball player; to wit. dinner
breakfast and supper
Then, Of course. there is payday, but
that only 70 the survivors.
Cole. the graduate OF the sand lots
in Cleveland. Is making favorable
impression in the field. He can move
backward or forward. left or right with
equal ease. and once he gets his hands
on the ball, IL is sure death. So far
he has shown little real hitting ability,
but few Of the men have found their
batting eyes 80 far.
Sharman, the leading slugger Of the
Ohio State League, can certainly bust
the ball. He Is handicapped by
poisoned foot, but none the less 10 IN
the game every day, getting one or two
hits.
I. IA too bad tina. a law canno. be
passed prohibiting the throwing OF
curves. II it could be passed, Jim
Thorpe would lead the league In nit
ting. He revels in the fast ones, and
can hit them high. low, inside or out
side with equal ease. But. oh, oaby,
how the slow curve fools him!
The usual number OF bugs are around
the Arlington Hotel this season. they
engage the players in conversation, ask
after their general health. feel Of their
muscles, and admire the gnarled
knuckles Of the tterans. The vete.
rams, in the meanwhile, get up and
walk away in bored but dignitied
manner.
II Jose Rodriguez can only bat the
way he fields, 1t will take lot OF play
ing 70 take the job away from him lie
is swift and sure in all his work, and
can run the bases with the best OF
them. So far ne has nit well, and the
tale will be told when he faces the
swift pitching and curves OF the
veterans later in the months.
Christy Mathewson is the cynosure
Of all eyes on this trip. Matty has
come down here in search OF the
truth, and there can be no equivoca-
ton. If he cannot round into condition
70 his own satisfaction he Will retire
from baseball for all time, but II the
arm responds 10 training and treat
ment the Old Master may be counted
upon to be in there in his regular turn,
fighting another battle for the Giants
Matty is working as he has seldom
worked from the time he first reported,
just out OF college.
Indeed, there are many who believe
that he is putting his arm TO too severe
"A ties, in the early stages. A few days
ago be cut loose and hurled over
variety Of curves and fadeaways that
caused no end Of wonderment and com
ment among the army Of recruits. lie
made 10 effort 20 spare himself IN any
way, and the ball banged into Wendells
mitt as IL IL were the Fourth of Ju j.
To all appearances, Matty was the old
Maity, Just as good as ever in his life.
The hard work has not been in any
way detrimental 70 his condition. His
shoulder has not bothered him in the
least, and while IL IS a bit early 70
count too much. McGraw and Matty
himself are highly optimistic.