New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-12
Robins to Give
Honus Wagner
a Loving Cup
Celebration Planned for Yes
terday VIII Take Place
To-day
BY W. J. MACBETH

Rain yesterday afternoon washed out
not only all Of the scheduled National
League games, but big celebration
that the champion Robins had prepared
for that grand old man, Hans Wagner,
as well. But, as in the case Of games
postponed on account OF the clements,
the Wagner celebration was not COM
nletely blotted QUIT was put of
little while, that is all. It would take
more than the celebrated food that dis
turbed so many years Of skipper Noah's
life to sPmerge the Flying Dutchmsn
or the esteem in which he is held b.
the country.
The Wagner day viii be observed
with fitting ceremony and as speedily
as possible. If the weather man Is
kind, this afternoon at Ebbets Field
will be dedicated to the honor of the
greatest shortstop that ever wore
spikes and one of the greatest ball
players that ever entertained fandom.
The Brooklyn team will present low
ing cup to the man who put Pittsburgh
on the baseball map.
Skeptics Suspect Plot
Some of the skeptics suspect fell
plot in this presentation idea. 1t is
well known that temperamental folk
usually appear at their worst after
receiving such public ovation. Now,
Brook yn, which has organized a new
start at home. would not be loath 10
see Wagner so overcome by sentiment
during his stay in Flatbush as TO for
get mOmentarily the art OF welding
his trusty mace.
If every National League club whore
he appears would set aside every day
Of his remaining diamond career 10
pay special tribute to Hans the Great
the parent major league would stu
owe something when Wagner finally
decides to hang up his glove. no IN
dividual or player has done more TO
establish the prestige Of the Iener cir
cult through more than twenty years
Of soulful. clean and gentlemanly play.
Wagner is almost as great an lnstl-
tuition as the National League. When
Callahan was here with the Pirates be
fore the team didn't look or act like
Pittsburgh. The Flying Dutchman was
missing. lie had decided to retire But
since then the lure of the game has
drawn him back. He couldn't stand to
zee the team that had meant so much
TO him founder around hopelessly.
Pittsburgh and Wagner both are glad
that he returned. Rival teams are not
regretful, though they realize Wag.
nerless Pirate outfit is TO be preferred
20 the real brand.
Pittsburgh is back under a new man
ager. and he, next TO Wagner, will bear
close inspection. His name is Hugo
Bezdek. which means nothing at all in
the eTete East. Bezdek's elevation TO
the leadership Of the Buccaneers Is an
example OF one Of the atrangest whlms
81 fate. lie has never played league
ball. His experience in the managerial
game has been limited to coaching col
lege teams. I'm the vernacUlar, Bezdek
is real "busher." more so than either
Clarence Rowland. Of the White SoX, or
Lee Foil, Of the Indians.
Bezdek, who admits he is manager
but temporarily, and who so lightly
regards the possibility Of remaining in
his present post that he is planning TO
return to Portland and the University
Of Oregon next fall, has acted for sew
era years as scout of the Pirates for
the Far Western territory. lie got the
scouting job because of the impression
he made on Fred Clarke eight years ago
ty the way h. handled the University
Of Arkansas nine at Hot Springs, Ark,
where the Pirates were in spring train
ing.
Bezdck, who is thrty-three years OF
age and who was raised in Chicago,
played baseball with the Lake View
High School and with the University Of
Chicago. lie was better known for his
football proves, however, having been
considered one Of the greatest line
plunging backs developed in the Middle
West. After graduation Bezdek made
quite a reputation for himself in semi
pro baseball i'm the Windy City. hay
ing played with Anson's Colts and the
Gunthers.