The New York herald., 1922-04-02

THEY WERE CHAMPIONS
No. 9--JACOB SCHAEFER

Jacob Schaefer, Tho Wizard" father
OF the present champion Of the world at
ls:2 balkiine billiards. was champion
who revolutionized the game with which
he was identified. Born in Milwaukee
February 2, 1856, and reared In Leaven-
worth, Kan, he came to New York in
the autumn of 1875. When he reached
the East the standard test of profess
sional billiard skill was the three ball
caron game. subsequently, designated as
straight rail-" The only restriction pro-
hibited keeping the object balls within
O. space OF Az inches square In any
corner for more than four shots. Other
wise unlimited nursing was permitted.
Now only ordinary amateurs indulge In
straight rail-" billiards.
Schaefer made his headquarters at
the room OF Tin Flynn. then in the
basement OF the old Times Building. To-
Gated on the triangle OF Nassau street
and Park Row. At that room Cyrillo
Dion and A. p. Rudolphe, OF champion
ship class. frequently engaged in Tits In
games OF 100 points for $500 side and
occasionally played the best three in Ave
or four in sovon for $500 side. In a
short time the young man from the
West engaged In inapromptu individual
matches against Dion and Rudolphe.
both of whom appeared anxious to sup
press him. The erstwhile champions
were surprised and subdued. They en-
countered an expect who executed masse
strokes they would not attempt and
who could run the balls along the rails
und turn corners without infringing on
the rules
Dion was the first to realize he had
struck snag. RudoIphe was more per-
sistent. Eventually he retired from COM
petition with the little fellow. He did
not do SO amiably. His contempt for
Schaefer's playing was voiced when he
said: "Your nursing is not genuine bill
liards. You may as well put the balls
in a hat and shake the hat" That
opinion was expressed early In 1876. II
was a pertinent comment on classical
billiards Of the period.
Wins Worlds Title.
The Wizard" achieved distinction in
q tournament for the championship OF
the world. held by tho J. M. Brunswick
a Bake Company at Cooper Institute
January % 10 February 2s. He beat
Slossor. Sexton, Daily. GARNER. Gala
CHER. Rudolphe and Heiser The games
were 600 points straight rail-"
The final game was between Schaefer
and Slosson. In his sixth inning Slos-
son ran .4e4 and left the table with the
score $50 to 10 In his favor. He got
IL more In HIS next inning. With runs
OF 2s3 and 2ss Schaefer won. The hall
was crowded ard thousands stood on the
surrounding streets awaiting the out
come. The full scores were: Schaefer---
12. 0. /. /. S. 2s3. 2ss; total 600. slos.
son--15. Q. 0, II. o. 464, IL total 47l.
On May Is. 1879. at McCormicks
Hail. Chicago. the last championship
match at straight rail- was played.
Slosson challenged and game OF 1000
points was arranged Schaefer won
In three innings His runs were ). 690
and 500. Slcsson's total was "a. Tho
following October the same players had
an independent match OF 1900 points
for $4,000 side. It was played In
Madison Square Garden. Schaefer won
5000 to 2.60s. That eliminated straight
rail- as a match test.
Then came the champions game, lines
Ia by %. extended to 20 by 40. cush-
ion caroms and balkline. which ex-
panded from 10 to 1872. 14:2. 1871