New-York tribune., 1919-01-25
George Gibson :
Gets Release
From Giants
Veteran Catcher Now Free to
Manage Toronto Club;
John B. Foster Busy
By w. ]. Macbeth

George Gibson, for many years one
of the most renowned characters of
the National League, was given his un-
conditional release by the New York
Giants yesterday afternoon This was
done at the solicitation of the one
time star catcher so that he might ad-
vance in his profession as manager of
the Toronto club of the International
League.
It had been known for many days
that Gibson's going to Toronto to as
sumo the leadership of the Leafs was
purely matter of all the major league
clubs waving claim to the services Of
the veteran. McGraw was anxious that
Gibson should avail himself of the '"ten
years continuous major league SER
vice" rule, which necessitates uncondi-
tlonal release for veteran player
whose services are no longer desired
in fast company.
When John J. McGraw a few weeks
ago signed Pat Moran, the discarded
manager of the Phillies, to a Giant
contract it was generally believed that
assistant to the Little Napoleon, would
be let out. especially as the low roster
llmlt or major league clubs precludes
the idea OF two uniformed coaches, each
OF whom counts as a player.
"Iron-Man" of Catchers
Gibson, who returns to the league
that developed him, though it was then
known as the Eastern, was for manv
years known as the "iron-man" of the
professional catchers. He graduated
from the Montreal club of the Eastern
League to the Pittsburgh Pirates, of
the National, thirteen years ago.
From 1906. when he joined the Cor
salrs, until the end of the season of
1915-for ten years, to be exact-Gib-
son served admirably as anchor man
OF the Pittsburgh catching corps. His
best year was that of 1909, when the
Pirates won remnant and peat the
Detroit Tigers for the worlds cham
plonshlp. That season he caught $50
games for his club. and hit .265 into the
bargain. In 1910 Gibson worked behind
the bat in 143 games; he caught lao
games IN 1908; 120 in 1915 ard 102 in
1914.
Gibson may not go down in history
as one of the phenomenalIy great
among the backstops. but for faithful
ness. earnestness and stamina he hrs
haa lew equals and no superior. He will
carry with him to Toronto the best
wishes of all National League fans. for
he has ever been a great credit to the
game. He should be exceedingly popu-
lar in. Toronto. because he is a Cana
dian, having been born and raised in
London, Ontario. where he still resides
in the winter time.
Business Manager John B. Foster. of
the Grants, who is busily engaged in
framing an exhibition schedule now
that the Giants have chosen Gaines
vile, Fla, as spring base, has tenra-
lively arranged for an extension of the
senators. Originally it was planned tos
play in Washington in the capital civ
on Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and
20. Yesterday it was agreed to make
II best two in three. the inaugural game
falling in Richmond, Va, on Friday,
April 49,
McGraw, usually stickler for long
training trips. Is going TO try a new
League rule limiting the training
period to thirty days makes short
preparation absolutely necessary. Nc
Graw, therefore, proposes to remain
IN Florida much shorter time than
he ordinarily would so as to have a
week at least to acclimate his PLAYERS
IN or around the Washington section.
The Giants open the season in Phil
ade 'phla this year, if precedent in
schedule is followed. and the Philadel-
phia climate of late April is practically
identical with that of Washington and
enyironS