Evening star., 1918-04-01
VETERAN SLUGGER
WORKS FOR GIANTS
Dan Brouthers, the Ty Cobb OF
His Day, Is Employed at
Polo Grounds.

Dan Brouthers, one Of the greatest
batsmen In the history of base ball, Is
still "in the game" Born In 1858 at
Sylvan Lake. N. Y, he has been out OF
active service, on the diamond for
number of years, but as one OF the stan
employed at Brush Stadium. the home
of the New York Giants, Dan Brouthers
still retains a place in the national
sport.
To be sure, Dan has passed beyond
the range Of the sportive spotlight. The
modern fan knows him merely as a
memory. But the statistics OF his tima
tell of his achievements across span
Of many years, during which the dia-
mond devotees of another generation
paid him homage as the Ty Cobb OF his
day. Few greater batsmen have WELD
ed the aehen mace than the big fellow.
whose stick work kept him IN proma-
nence for many years.
Like many another athlete of the old
days. Dan Brouthers acquired the
knowledge of his profession on the
sand lots. He had no college coach TO
impart to him the fine points OF the
game. Base ball came naturally to Dan
Brouthers. and in his early youth he
began to show the talent that In later
years made him one of the greatest
base ball players in the country.
Great Driving Power.
Standing more than six feet in height
and weighing more than 200 pounds.
Dan Brouthers was a splendid speci-
men OF physical manhood. A keen eye,
a firm grip and tremendous driving
power in q pair Of mighty shoulders
t. give him early az ia
those days that he had not single
weak spot; that there was no curve
that usually could fool him. Brouthers
just met 'em all, and, perhaps. could
drive ball farther than any other
player of his time.
A friend Of Brouthers recalls having
seen him playing in Washington at the
old Capitol Park in this city in a game
that ended when the big fellow took
hold OF fast curve and whaled it over
center field fence. one of the longest
drives ever made on ball field. That
feat stood for years as standard by
which other long hits were judged in
the Capital city.
Dan Brouthers devoted the early
years Of his career on the diamond to
playing with semi-professional clubs in
upper New York state. His first real
team work was with the club that rep
nine was called the Actives, and it was
with this team that Brouthers first at
tanned fame as a slugger. He broke in
as a pitcher and his height and
strength combined to give him speed
and sharp curve. He also played with
the Actives through the season Of 1877.
Cleanup Hitter.
The following season found Brouthers
with the team at Staatsburg, for which
he also pitched. Brouthers in those
days usually batted in fourth position
because he could be counted upon for a
decisive blow. Not infrequently 1t was
his hit that broke up game and gave
the contest to his club.
The next year Rrouthers was with
the Lansingburg IN. W club, but the
team disbanded before the season was
a month old. 1t was not long that he
was at liberty. He had several offers
from small upstate clubs, but turned
them all down in favor of one that
came from the Troy club. then in the
National League.
This marked Dan Brouthers' chance.
1t was his debut as big Lacquer, ard
he made good from the start. So valu-
able had be become as batsman that
Brouthers, was transferred to first base,
which position he played at Troy. Oc-
casionally. however, he tried his hand
at pitching with excellent results
In 1880 Brouthers Joined the Balti-
more team, but the club disbanded in