New-York tribune., 1919-03-05
Star First Baseman Has
Satisfactory Chat With
McCraw; Baker Not Yet
Lost
By w. 7. Macbeth

By w. J. Macbeth
Hal Chase, the greatest first baseman
of all time and the most sensational in
fielder that has been seen in the big
show in a generation, came back to the
old hreside yesterday afternoon. This
veteran, still in his prime at the age of
thrty-slx and after fourteen campaigns
through both major circuits and the
FEDERAL League in four different cities.
called on Vlce-President-M John
j. McGraw at his Fifth Avenue Build-
ing omces yesterday afternoon and
signed contract to play with the
Giants during the season of 1919.
chase needs no introduction to major
league fandom. particularly none to
the enthusiasts of New York. It was
IN TINS city, as a member Of the
Yankees, that he attained his greates st
tame. de broke in under Griffith as a
fresh college kid away back in 1905.
and was star of the first magnitude
from MS first appearance. Never be-
lore or since has the art of first base
play been so strikingly illustrated
Overtops Them All
AS tieider, though not so fleet of
foot nor dextrous and agile with his
hands as he once was, perhaps. Prince
nal still overtops them all. He's an
INDIA rubber man, that's all 1t has
been we'll said Of him that YOU might
chop off his right arm Che is a south
paw and he would still be the best
heldlng first baseman Of the game, for
ne can held better with one hand than
any or the others can with two.
Baseball never has developed lust
another such phenom as Hal Chase.
Inc nearest duplicate is George Ssler,
of the Browns. But Sisler does not
possess the physical attributes of
Chase. He has neither the reach nor
tn dexterlty for defensive play. Fast
as he is, he has not the speed Of the
Ohase of ten years ago. And when it
comes to quick thinking and execution
IN unusual situations, why, there has
been only one Hal
1t is to be hoped that age has coole d
the temperamental fires of this par-
ticular genius of the diamond. for
there are ghosts of the past which Hal
must live down before the fatted calf
Is served III oldstyle chicken pie.
Chase, after tempestuous career with
divers managers-G Elberfeld
Stalllngs and Chancc-left the Yankees
~ UiUSA q SiOUU raced 10 the
White Sox, he jumped to the Buffalo
Federal League club. When peace was
established with the "outaws" Cincin-
matt was the only major league club
that would think of giving Chase an
other chance. He comes from Cincin-
matt freshly whitewashed of charges
that impugned his professional hon
csty.
1t has been said of Chase, and by
the most observing and renowned au-
thorltles of the game, that there was
no limit to his possibilities. He had
every physical and natural attribute of
greatness save ambition and tempera-
ment. Had he been so minded he
might have overshadowed through the
past decade even the mighty Tyrus
Raymond Cobb
1t is up to Hal Chase to reestablish
hlmself IN the good graces of New
York. The game can i'll spare such
players of his worth, and though he is
reaching the end of his athletic career
there is no reason--if he be honest
with himself and the Giants-why he
shouid not continue to shine through
several additional campaigns. He will
have the public with him so long as he
merits public confidence. He should
easily realize that this is his lasi
N'isAAi>N' Gnu ~ lIOSI NC I6INcInD DGTpC
that McGraw, to boot, has always
shown wizardry at handling athletes
Inclined to be bit fractious at times
There called at the Giant offices
shortly after Prince Hal had taken
himself hence. one Christy LIathewson
late manager of the Cincinnati Reds
and still later a captain in the Gas
and Flame Division of the United
States overseas forces. 1t was this
former idol of the Polo Grounds, the
Old Master Of all pitchers, past and
present, who as manager Of the Gin
cinnati team last year preferred the
charges of which Chase was exoner-
ated. Since the trial, of course,
discuss the case in any way.
Mathewson yesterday was cIoseted
with McGraw for some time, but after
the conference declared that ne and his
old friend and manager had not dis
cussed his (Matty's) baseball future
in any way. 1t had been believed for
some time, and indeed officially
admitted, that the post Of chief lieu
tenant to McGraw and battery coach
of the Giants would be offered to Big
Six. McGraw had Pat Moran engaged
for the work, but gave up his claim
when the former leader of the Philies
was offered the management of the
Cincinnati Reds. This doubtless paved
the way for Chase's coming here.
Matty admitted very frankly that it
was his intention to remain in base
ball, if possible-that is, If the right
sort of opportunity presented itself
However, he seems in no hurry to grab
for the first foothold. He expects no
less than unconditional release from
Cincinnati, he being entitled to that
courtesy on the ten years service rule
if no major league club desires his
services. Cincinnati has asked waivers
in the hope of favoring Matty's wishes
Mathewson was recently discharged
from the United States army
Though Frank Baker has notified
Manager Miller Higgins, of the Yam