Evening journal., 1916-05-31
thorpe IS Done
With THE BIC SHOW
Indian Now With Milwaukee
But May Never Come
Back
SLOW CURVE GOT
BIG FELLOWS GOAT

Jim Thorpe, the great Indian ath-
lete whose failure to make good with
the Giants has demonstrated that
there are limits to his versatility, is
getting along in years. Thorpe was 2S
years Old on Sunday and was born on
a farm near Pargue. Okla. McGraw
has decided that he can never make
major 'eaguer out OF the famous Sac
and Fox Indian. but the New York
Club will have to pay part OF his
salary this year. as his $4,000 contract
with the Giants does not expire until
next fall. McGraw has an option on
the aborigine and may repurchase him
from Milwaukee at the close OF the
season il his work with the Brewers
iustifes il. but il is probable that
Thorpe has played his last game in
the big show Against major league
twirling Thorpe is not much better
than he was when he started with the
Giants. although he does fairly well
in the big minors. Last year with
the Jersey City and Harrisburg Clubs
Of the International League he batted
near the 300 mark.
When McGraw signed Thorpe he
gave the Indian an ironclad contract
for three years at $4,000 per annum.
H. was a mighty poor investment for
McGraw. but il was no indication Of
lack of astuteness on his part, for
Thorpe's past achievements i'm the ath-
letic field made him look like a
mighty promising candidate for base
h.. IL.
clare Thorpe might have made good
II he had paid more attention 10 diet.
In the training camps the redskin
had the reputation Of being the cham
pion eater of the world and it is al
legged that he got outside of more grub
at breakfast than some Of the men
consumed during the entire day
II he has failed 10 attain his am
bition TO shine as a star in the Ma
tional League Jim has consolation in
the fact that he has made neat little
bale OF kale out Of his experience.
Most Of the money he received from
the Giants has been invested in farm
land in Oklahoma. and when he quits
the diamond he will he able TO be-
come an agriculturist on a large scale
His services as football coach are
also in great demand.
The Olympic hero made himself a
favorite with the Giants and with the
players Of all the clubs on which he
has worked. Unless his prodigious an
petite be called a vice, be took good
care OF himself and his failure ia
stick with the Giants was not due ia
ack Of trying
Although not a star Of the diamond
Thorpe is certainly the best all-rOund
athlete who ever played professional
baseball Al the gridiron game he
reigns as king with mighty few. Il
anv peers. In almost every depart
ment OF track work and athletics he
was Of stellar quality. and his momen-
tous achievements In the Olympics
although tarnished by the later charge
Of professionalism. gave him an inter
national reputation,
II was the slow curve that goi
Thorpe's goat in his attempt to win a
place in the majors The Blenders
baffled the eagle eye Of the Indian and
left him helpless. His fielding was
'sir. but not remarkable. and even IA
ais baserunning Thorpe did not make
use OF his marvellous speed 10 the best
advantage He used his head. but his
conclusions we're as often wrong as
right. His only chance to get, bach
IN the big show is TO batter down the
American Association fences.
Thorpe, being college chappie. has
thought up name for his ailmeni
while with the Giants. He says h'
was afflicted with paraholitis. which
according to Jim. is a disease which
prevents a man from getting th'
proper hitting slant on a curve ball
Thorpe's failure 10 make good undei
the main tent is but another proof o
he theory that ball players are borI
and not made. A successful bal
player is something more than an
athlete.
4NNHnnWI ann