davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1917-01-06
Base Ball On the Inside
Being Discussion of Plays and Players, Rules and
Rulings From Serious and Humorous Angles
WITH BILLY EVANS

How do you manage to do it?' I re-
marked to Eddie Plank, as he passed
me on his way to the clubhouse. Plank
had just finished pitching a two7hit
game. He never looked better. He had
excellent speed, a fast breaking curve
and crossf1re that he mixed in every
now and then. just to vary. the monot-
ony.
A broad smile played over Planks
face. He understood what I meant; he
knew I had reference to the superb
exhibition of pitching he had given.
Guess am lucky" he answered, the
bring out the wrinkles. proof he was
far from youngster. And don't for
get had some support; say. wasn't
that great catch Bert Shotton made
that one got away. That double play
in the fifth. with the bases filled. sure
got me out of bad hole"
Yes. that was some catch by Shot
ton. and that double play certainly
helped some, but that doesn't explain
my question. What 1 want to know Is
how do you manage to keep pitching
shut-out ball at fifty.
plank continued to smile. and
scratched his head.
Hardly seems as though I'm fifty
Bill. Rather unkind of you to bring
up the age question, but at that 1 am
getting pretty old-forty-one-so you
weren't so far out of the way. 1 have
been pitching fifteen years, and would
ike to be able to work about five more
That would make twenty years for a
southpaw in the big league, a pretty
good mark for future left-handers to
shoot at.
But that Isn't answering your ques.
ton, Is 1T? 1 believe I owe much OF
my success to the fact that 1 always
had an excellent curve ball, and that
l rarely use it. During my big league
career, 1 have thrown at least four fas,
balls to every curve, perhaps five would
be closer. I always have regarded my
curve as my reserve, using it only
when l figured its use would outwit
the batter. OF course. when I pitch
against certain batters known to be
weak on curve balls I work contrary
to my theory, and use a large percent.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
BY n, C, BYRD.

Some splendid competition should be
basket ball series. The opening games
yesterday demonstrated that there is
not enough difference In the playing
strength of the teams to guarantee a
victory in any contest in which any
one takes part. The series is the first
listed as a regular schedule for the
five high schools. giving basket ball
the same prominence in the curriculum
of athletics as that held by base ball
and foot ball. Business won from
Western by getting the jump in the
second half after the two teams had
struggled along on almost even terms
until the end of the first period East
ern defeated Central by one point, after
it had finished the opening half five
points behind. Business. 81; Western.
12; Eastern, 22; Central. 81, were the
scores.
The feature OF the opening was the
strength displayed by Eastern. The
Light Blue and White showed capa bill
ties in the last half that were far above
anything evidenced by any of the
other three quints. Business, it is true.
may have looked somewhat better by
comparison in the second half against
Western, but Western was weakening
and faltering in competition with
much older and more experienced men,
Easterns passing and handling of the
Sall was all that could be expected, and
more. Scholastic teams in this section
seldom are able to handle a baske'
ball with the facility shown by the
Eastern players. In the opening nall
Eastern outplayed Central on the floor
and got more shots for the basket. but
it's tossing was Inaccurate. In the sec
ond part of the contest, though. the
Light Blue and White Players located
their goal and made good in a mach
greater percentage of their attempts.
Their defensive work was clever. too.
as Central men seldom were able to
get clear shots.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
BY DENMAN THOMPSON.

Manager Griffith returned to Wash
ington today after a sojourn of several
weeks On his ranch in Montana brimful
OF confidence regarding the outlook for
base ball. He is particularly pleased
with the outlook for the Nationals. and
asserted that the wise boys" around
the circuit who had counted his team
out Of the 1917 race had the surprise
of their life coming to them.
I was unable to put through any
deals while in Chicago Griffith said
but one or two projects are under
consideration, and 1 may have some
gets under way"
Contracts for the coming season will
be in the hands of the unsigned Griff-
men within a few days, according to
Manager Griffith
Many Of the clubs already have mailed
the documents to their players, and it is
assured that of the mass of work which
confronted Manager Griffith upon his re-
turn to Washington the matter of con-
tracts will be given first consideration.
Four of the veterans of the team al
ready are under contract, Johnson
Milan, Morgan and Foster being bound
to the club by agreements which have
another year to run. Three of these
players are sure to be seen in Wash
lngton uniforms next season. Morgan Is
said to be slated for a change OF
scenery. and with Williams proba bly,
Will be disposed of in a trade. Should
Grimth be unable to strengthen his
team by deal for them they probably
VIII be sold. Morgan is far from being
through as player, but his usefulness
here is believed to have ended.
ic o,fi iriv tad ov1 70
signing the men. Griffith never has
failed to reward his men in substan-
tial manner for meritorious service,
and there is not a man on the squad
who has any fear he will not get all
that is justly due him. Several men,
bonus arrangement and this system will
be continued. Griffith said.
Although he had just completed a TRIP
OF four days on the road. Manager Grif-
nth appeared to be not in the least tagged
and said he intended to buckle down to
work Immediately.
There is a great deal to be done in
addition to sending out the contracts, -
Griffith said. "All the arrangements for
the spring training trip have not been
completed as yet and there are any num-
Der of minor details to be attended to-
have not yet selected the hotel at which
we will stop while In Augusta, and may
run down there myself to be satisfied that
everything VIII De IN tlp-top shape for
us. The matter of suitable bathing ia
cilities for the boys Is one which is Civ
ing me concern. and If find l am unable
to go to Augusta myself 1 will send Mike
Martin down.
IN any event. everything will bA ir
readiness by March 1 when the pitchers
will start work. ] don't think I'll send
any catcher with them. 1t might tend tc
make some Of the youngsters loosen uI
their wings before they should, and with
no backstop available they will be less
liable to disregard instructions to take II
easy. ! will take the main squad to Au-
gusta about the tenth of March and we
will be there about three weeks before
starting for home by way Of Cincinnati"
Evening star., 1917-01-06

age of curves. When my control is
good, and for a left-hander I always
have been pretty well blessed In that
respect. 1 regard it wise to slip up the
curve with the count three balls and
two strikes. 1t gives you a bit the
edge. 1t is my frank opinion rs per
cent Of the pitchers use the curve more
than is wise. particularly If they hap
pen to have good curve"
Plank's explanation is unique. He
credits his showing not to the fact that
he always boasted good curve. but
set on which many pitchers depend
almost entirely. 1t is about an estab-
lished truth that excessive use of the
curve raises havoc with the arm. Vean
Gregg, for a couple of years the sen
sation of the American League. had
one of the greatest curves l ever saw
Gregg, unlike Plank, used about two
curves to every fast one. Suddenly
Gregg's arm went bad and for more
than two years he has done but little
pitching.
Last season Guy Morton. star Of the
Cleveland STAFF, snapped something g
loose in his right arm while throwing
a curve. For the remainder of the sea-
son he was of no use. Whether he will
be able to come back or not means a
great deal to Cleveland. The throwing
of that one curve practically eliminat-
ed Cleveland as a contender, although
the club fought gafhely to the finish.
Morton had good curve, but had such
an excellent fast ball that it seemed a
waste of time to fool with the danger
Gus curve. When Charley Street caught
Walter Johnson, Johnson depended al
most entirely on his speed. Streets
theory was that it seemed unwise to
use the curve, when the opposition
couldn't touch the fast one. Johnson
changed his style after the passing OF
Street, but not so far as can see, to any
material advantage. A snappy curve pu'
"Slim" Caldwell, star of the New Yorl
staff out of it for q year. dozen
more instances could be cited to show
the curve often greatly curtafls the
length of pitchers career. Another
proof that Plank's theory has consider
able wisdom is the case of Cy Young.
For more than a score OF years Young
graced the major leagues greatly to his
credit, and Cy frankly admits that not
until five or six years before the close
of his career did he essay the curve.
Evening star., 1917-01-06

Receipts of rabbits from shippers in
nearby states last week greatly re-
duced the cost of living for thousands
Of persons. it is stated. and correspond
ingly decreased the number of rabbits
poses. So large were the shipments
that rabbits were offered as low as IL
cents each. and. 1t is stated. were sold
at wholesale as low as 75 cents a dozen
Reducing the high cost of living
sounds WELL" remarked a sportsman
but the result may be rather disas-
trous. When the next cunning season
rolls around there may be an alarming
scarcity of rabbits that will run the
price so high 1t will overbalance the
low prices this season"
Local sportsmen think something
should be done by the legislatures OF
nearby states to put a stop to the
wholesale slaughter of rabbits.
'In Maryland" remarked a gunner
there is a bag limit of one dozen rab-
bits, but even that number Is entirely
too large. There is no reason why a
or eight rabbits in day, and IL that
number does not satisfy him, the law
should make him be satisfied
1t is said that Virginia has no bag
limit. There is bag limit on most
other game, it is stated. but sports
men say they are certain the number
of ducks and geese shipped here this
season is evidence of failure to enforce
the laws.
wild ducks and geese have been Of
fered on the streets during the past
few days at remarkably low prices.
commented a sportsman, and many OF
them were too poor and thin for any
purpose"
Charlie Jacobson, who recently has
become interested in the fishing sport
received a pleasant surprise Christmas
morning in receiving an OUTFIT IRON
members of his family that would make
any angler happy.
Bernard Harding. curious to know il
bass would bite during midwinter. last
week brought the old year to termi-
nation on trip to Aqua creek
His curiosity was satisfied" com
mented Mack Sparrough, and hii
friends were surprised when he re-
turned with a string of fish"
Harding had often heard it remarked
that if fish could be landed in nets
they could be caught with hook and
they certainly would eat, and the day
before the last of 1915 he made the
trial.
II fished from the railroad bridge
he told Ir1enQg- was TdtHct Coiu
but / managed to stick it out five or si1
hours, and landed five bass averaging
two and one-half pounds each.
Robert Lee Evans. who was famil.
iarly known in sporting circles as Bot
Evans, was here during the Christina!
holidays to see Charles Macnichol, q
former fishing companion.
Bob's home is in Minneapolis, where
he said, the fishing in the late fall il
so attractive that it would make many
Washington sportsmen daily" He re-
lated a story of a two-day trip to g
chain of lakes 200 miles north of Min
neapolis, where he and a companion
made a catch of forty-three bass and
seventeen pickerel.
The largest pickerel We caught
weighed eleven pounds" he said, "ano
which was terminated by the boatmar
giving the fish an awful wallop with ar
oar
Oscar Schleichert has returned from
a midwinter trip to his country home
Evening star., 1917-01-06

helpful in getting . Missouri exposition
building In Washington.
Charles 9. Shreve, president Of the Fed
GRAFTON Of Citiaens' Associations, spoke
at length with respect to both the inau-
gural and permanent exhibits. calling
upon the societies to aid in getting the
inaugural exhibit bill passed by Congress.
This is an altruistic proposition as far
as the federation Is concerned" said Mr..
Shreve. ut cannot be Justly accused OF
having any taint of commercialism. The
federation is not looking for glory and Is
willing to stand in the background. It
simply believes that a wonderful oppor-
tunity is presented at inaugural time LOT
demonstrating to thousands OF Amerl-
cans the operations of the federal govern
hibits and they can be displayed in some
central building, probably the New Ma
tional Museum, at but little cost, whicn
can be met out Of the contingent funds
ed to appropriate a dollar for the ex-
hfbit. The entire proposition Is an edu-
cational one and should be of inestimable
benefit to those who see it,
Misunderstanding In Congress.
Mr. Shreve expressed regret that
there appeared to be some misunder-
standing in Congress as to the merits
of the proposition and thought that the
state societies could do much in dis
pelling this misconception. 1t was on
motion of Mr.. Williams that the rep
resentatives voted to use their personal
efforts in explaining to members of
Congress the educational benefit that
the nation would be expected to de-
rive from the holding in Washington
of a symposium of Uncle Sam in his
workshop"
With regard to the other plans of the
federation. Mr.. Shreve said that this
body desired only to stand back of the
state societies and aid them in every
possible way in promoting the perma-
nent state exposition plans.
Chairman Ashford stated that the
District Commissioners are in sympa-
thy with the suggestion for an inau-
gural educational exhibit and estab-
lishment of a permanent states expo
sition. and expressed the opinion that
the boardroom of the Municipal build
ing would be available at all times
for the meetings of the federation and
the state societies in furthering these
projects. He said that he would ask
the general inaugural committee of the
federation. of which Edward F. Col
laday and William NICK. Clayton, are
chairman and vice chairman. respec-
lively. to meet with the state society
representatives and the Washington
correspondents at the session to be
held January 10.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
GLAD|ATORSB BREAK
SET, GAME MARKS
Better Records for HyattsviIIe
Duckpin League in Match
With Old Boys.
sIMMS ROLLS 375 SET

The Gladiators last night broke two
records in their match in the Hyatts-
Vile Duckpin League. Chick" Dar-
nails team rolled the best game and
the highest set registered in the cir
suit this season. In their opening con-
test with the Old Boys the Gladiators
obtained a count of $50, and their total
for three scores was 1856. Darnall
ano McClay did the feature work for
the Gladiators, the former rolling 116,
101 and Ill and the latter 12S. 104 and
SO. The Gladiators won two out of
three from the Old Boys. In the other
match in the Hyattsville League the
Comets won twice frcm Chillum-
Rudecker, anchor man for the Mo-
zarts. in the Saengerbund League. was
responsible for his teams victory over
the Schumann five. Rudecker got a
count of 124 in the first contest, lU4 IN
the second and then jumped to l31 IN
the third. The total for the three
games was 365.
The Grand Centrals proved too strong
for the Resolutes, in the District
League, taking two games. The Grand
Centrals' best count in one contest was
5SS and their mark Tor the set l,sS4.
Johnny Vaeth was high man, with a
set of 354. Vaeth's scores were 1876,
1O4 and ia. Farrow, ST., got 12S, 12O
and SO pins in his games and Mayhem
rolled Ill. 102 and 125.
Simms of the Cannon Ball team. in
the Southeast circuit, did some stellar
work In the opening setto Simms got
only 107 pins, but in each of the sec
ond and third contests rolled 134:
Simms' set was higher than that of
any other player, totaling 375. The
Cannon Balls made a sweep over the
Southlands.
The National Capitals won from the
Post Office team, rolling a
set of 1903. Burtner of the winners
was the star of the Individual players,
his 116. 40 and ia giving him a much
better set than was registered by any
other member of either team.
The scores:
Evening star., 1917-01-06
McIntyre's Bonehead Play
Melted Tigers Three Runs

Old-time Detroit players still re-
call. with a laugh, a play that
Matty Mcintyre once pulled when
he was with the Tigers. Mcintyre
was Oh first and Detroit runners
also occupied second and third. y
Suddenly Mcintyre dashed for
second. The Detroit coachers tore
their hair. Tiger runners dashed
back and forth and the opposing
team started to take advantage of
the break. In the excitement they
threw the ball away and all three
Tigers scored.
''There." exclaimed Mcintyre,
''see what did. 1 knew they'd get
mixed UP on that play. A plain
three runs, eh?''
Evening star., 1917-01-06
SOCIETIES TO PUSH
STATES EXPOSITION
Organizations to Use Influence
With Governors and
Legislatures.
PLAN nationwide EFFORT
TO HELP GET PERMANENT
EXPOSITION IN CAPITAL

Each society will communicate
at once with the governor nnd
legislature Of state II represents.
F0rty-tvo legislatures are now
in session. and effort will be
made to get At least one building
appropriated for before March.
Societies Will cooperate with
Federation Of CitizenS' Associa-
tions In arranging for conference
Of governor. on March 9. when
national permanent states expo
sition organization will be ef-
fected.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
BIG BOUT FALLS THROUGH

NEW YORK, Jaanury 6.-The last
faint hope that Georges Carpenter
would come here to box has gone glim
merfnR. The French heavyweight
champion has again returned to the
front in the line of duty, and there is
not the slightest indication that he will
he permitted to sail for this country.
Even Tex Rickard. who has been most
sansuine as to the coming of the
Frenchman, has evidently lost con-
adence. He has not abandoned hope,
but he has reached the point where
he will discuss his plans in the event
Of Carpenter not being able to make
the trip
he would wait for the Frenchman.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
Two Army Officers Dismissed.

By direction OF the President. Capt.
Louis soleliac. 18th Infantry, and
Second Lieut.. John o. X. Taussig, s4th
Infantry. have been dismissed from the
army. Each officer was convicted by
court-martial of charges of eonduct un-
becoming an officer and o Qontleman
and sentenced to dismM4 Capt.
Soleiiac was tried at No00xee, Ariz.,
and Lieut.. Taussig at Ell P0oA Tex.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
80cietY
Continued from Fifth Page)
dent general of the National Societ,
Daughters Of the American Revolution

Doos VI ShC AHcElCdn EteVOiuIlON
Miss Davetta NJ. Martin has returned
to her home at Baltimore, from WASH
tngton. where she was the guest for
the holidays of Miss Beatrice Carbo
daughter of the late minister from
Ecuador.
Mrs. r. S. Shepherd entertained
yesterday at breakfast at the Shore
ham In honor of her house guests, Miss
Maria NJ. Manley Of Baltimore. Mrs.
Myron NJ. Parker. Miss Conrad of Win
chester, Va. and Father Hemmick. Mrs
Shepherd will not be at home to-
morrow. but the following Sundays.
Mrs. Lewis ]. Cox Of Tefre Haute.
Ind, has come to Washington to spend
the winter. being interested in suffrage
work at the capital. She Is to stay at
the headquarters of the National Amer
ican Woman Suffrage Association.
Miss Bouldin will be at home after
o'clock every Monday in January at
the Magnolia.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
Births Reported.

The following births have been reported {
the health department within the last twent,
four hours:
Albert c. and Alva Van horn, girl.
Edgar ". nnd Edna n. Stork, girl.
George and Marion Potter. boy.
Francis T. and Louise Mccormick, girl.
Samuel and Minnie Micharlson, boy.
William and Edna Harrison, boy.
Harry A. and Lydia Glorius, girl.
Hyman and Anna Green, girl.
Ataton and Mary z. Davidson, boy.
Joseph and Sadie II. Duffy, girl.
william and Maud Dudley. boy.
Raffele and Philamina Chirico, girl
Frederick and Ada N. Catlin. giri.
+. c. and Bertha Castro. girl.
Harvey and virGie Bell. boy.
Thornton r. and Annie u. Burns boy.
Robert o. and Eloise F. Beckham. boy.
Herbert and Katherine Block. boy.
Joseph and Lucy Aquiino. girl.
Angus and vernnia White, girl.
James A. and Carrie Maddison. girl.
Thomas and Emma Matcieil. girl.
Archibald 8. and Martina A. Morse, girl.
John 8. and Elisabeth Miller, girl.
John and Sarah Martin. boy.
James and Lottie Grimm. GIRL.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
WINS THREE-CUsHION MATCH
Charles Otis Defeats William Cullen
by so to As.

BUFFALO. January 6.-Charles Otis
OF New York defeated William Cullen
or Buffalo here last night by 80 to 45
in an interstate three-cushion billiard
league tournament game. The contest
took eighty-three innings. High runs
were five for Otis and four for Cullen.
Evening star., 1917-01-06
Work for Missouri BUILDING.

Representative Rubey thought this was
the proper way TO get at the question and
pledged his individual efforts toward in
teresting the Governor Of Missouri and all
pther agencies whose influence might be
Evening star., 1917-01-06
Darcy May Meet Mccoy First.

This question will be settled within
the next two or three days" he declar-
ed. Rickard 10 apparently tired of
waiting, and Les Darcy is clamoring
for chance to start training with
some definite bout in view. Rickard
admitted he was giving some thought
10 the choice of substitute for Car
nentier against the Australian. Rickard
has a high opinion of Billy Miske but
II In doubtful II he will let Darcy take
on the st. Paul boxer first.
1t II not improbable that Darcy might
frst box Al Mccoy. owing to the
championship claims of the Brooklyn
man. and the evident desire OF the
Australian to have the question Of the
world title cleared up.