Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-05-03


pocket in this show at the orpheum,
Turn to the Right?" was asked Mike
f~Donlin, for as one of the most famous
ball players of this generation the
sporting editor reckoned Mike rather as
big Lacquer than a John Drew,
IN put the cards on the table," says
Mike, who looks as though he bathed
daily in some fountain of youth. "I
needed job, and l happened to walk
into the manager of this show.
"'You look like a piclpocket,' says
he.
"T feel like one,' says I.
"'Will you sign contract to play
an honest-to-goodness pickpocket, says
he, an that's why I'm in Harrisburg
to-day with this company. l must say
1 like the part. After battling umpires
all my life, seem to fall into pickpocket
life with ease and precision. Come ana
see me, whether L look natural in the
part"
The sporting editor, accompanied by
Danny Coogan who is in our midst as
personal athletic trainer to Governor
Sproul came to the conclusion after
cgling Mike on the stage that he is one
versatile lad. Mike always had dett-
ness with his mits. He was the only
man on the Giants in those days OIL
glory who did not fear Catcher FRANK
Bowerman, who could lick any athlete
then coraled under the big tent III
YOU ever go after me-" said Mike, who
was fifty pounds lighter than Bower
man, II will get you some way" That
last sentence seemed to impress the
mighty Bowerinan and he never poth-
cred Mike.
This same confidence now radiates
the one-time hard-hitting Donlin since
he went on the stage. and his character
lo1 show with all
apologies TO Miss Chester, the very able
leading lady.
Mike, however, is not enough Of
Thespian to set the profession above
hall playing and he spoke message
regarding this national pastime when
should interest all followers OF the
game.
do you want to know my predic-
tions and ideas about professional base
ban?" he opened up; we nodded.
"All right; there is sentiment lack
ing. Now, I have discovered that
theatrical people take more interest III
actors and actresses who have helped
tertaining the public. They PROVIDE
homes for them Only couple OF
weeks ago l saw the game at the Polo
Grounds between actors and song writ
ers where was raised $4,000 for the
actors fund. showing how this profess
sion remembers and looks after its
worthy veterans.
I'm baseball there is no such senti-
ment Honus Wagner was the greatest
Of all ball players Why does not some
big league club employ this wonderful
old fellow as an attraction; he would
be worth 4 good salary and the very
fact of his being taken up would cheer
the heart of this hero and crafty the
millions of fans. many of whom would
GLADLY pay Just to see Honus in span
cles on the diamond. There is more
sentiment and feeling among theatrical
people than among baseball folks. This
goes for every one l ever came in con-
tact with excepting John McGraw. who
is to-day the backbone of the National
League and by all odds the man with
more baseball vision than anybody alive
or dead"
As an instance Of the cold. callous
attitude of organized baseball to one
who has done much for the pastime.
Mike Donlin cited Patsy Moran. He
came to Philadelphia when the game
was at an ebb and hardly anybody at
tending the Phillies' park. He won the
city pennant; first the Phillies ever
had, so far as 1 remember; he finished
in first division even after they made
him sell Alexander and Killifer; then
they fired him. Lots of sentiment
Speaking of McGraw, I get eloquent.
He shows what personality means IN
the game and he has no illusions. Base
ball is a show business, just like this
play | am in. But it is the greatest of
all games and you cannot blame a man.
ager for using some theatrical stunts
at times to keep the public jazzed up.
McGraw, himself is the greatest at
traction for the fans. II he is absent
a couple days without uniform the at
tendance drops off. This is because the
public knows what he stands for,
straight, clean play and delivering the
goods He loves the game; loves the
players, and he never ceases to be an
active player, while many managers are
never seen off the bench. He never
plays favorites and he has the courage
of his convictions; afraid of nobody.
This makes him the dominant figure of
baseball: not barring Ban Johnson"
Mike Donlin. actor. was warmed up
with thoughts of his life in baseball and
he related a typical story of McGraw
10 show his demand for system and nom
favoritism. Frank Bowerman was the