New-York tribune., 1922-11-19

When Alexander was pitching on
those Nebraska prairies twenty-five
years ago little did he dream that
career comprising twelve brilliant sea. d
sons RS major teaguer, o member OF j
pennant ball clubs and participating tn
worlds series would follow. Bat
equaling Alexander's success is not be
yond the reach Of the hundreds of
thousands Of youngsters on the
prairies and corner lots.
how many young phenon1s Join the
major league class as Alexander did
twelve years ago, only to pass out after
a brief fing7
What was wrong with them? What
were their defects and what caused
them to slide down the path Of oblivion
so rapidly?
Walter Mails won seven successive
games for the Cleveland Indians in
1920. rescued pennant and has lust
been Internationally released.
Ferdinand Schupp was a sensation
with the New York Giants in 1916 and
1917, winning thirty games with ten,
defeats those two seasons. He was
traded two years later and now Is
drifting along with no particular port
in sight.
There are many other examples
similar TO Mails and Schupp.
Offers Advice TO Youths
Alexander's prairie days have been
lived and passed. However, he has not
forgotten the youth who is living the
life he did. He was asked recently to
expound his views upon the open sur
face for the generation that is to ar
rive. Alexander tackled the assign
ment with smile and with serious
ness. ~ don't know that have any
thing OF Importance to impart," said
Alexander, "but if can help young
ster reach the top feel that owe it
to the game.'
With Alexander there is not an
ounce Of egotism. He walks with the
same pace and beat of the pulse going
down Chicago's Michigan Boulevard
cheered by thousands as he does ig-
nored by the visitors of his home city
who are not familiar with his success
in his profession.
No one is considered by baseball ex-
ing. tips to kiddies than Aieyander. His
series Is found in the following:
Control Is Necessary
Remember that all successful pitch
ers have control. Some claim it is a
through practice.
Keep your muscles in condition
Nap Rucker. the southpaw, had
clever idea to timber the muscles Of
the back and shoulders by tossing q
ball few feet over his head and
catching 1t for fifteen minutes each
| morning. This is good stuff.
Don't work too hard the day be-
, fore your turn to pitch. Pitch to bat
ters about 15 minutes the day after
you have worked.
"Play the corner, especially the in
side line for the batters who stand
close to the plate.
"A fast ball doesn't mean to burn
one through the center of the plate.
Feed it in the weak spot of your man.
\ in spring training don't show off
everything you have the first day. The
arm has been resting all winter and it
needs a slow, careful course to Yeach
it's proper strength and power.
Avoid Freak Shoots
avoid experimenting with freak
shoots. Stick. TO a fast ball, curve and
slow ball. That's enough stock.
"you will find the majority of bat
ters favor fast ball. Therefore curve
them aplenty with two strikes.
Don't become disheartened. You
many find several batters who fancy
your stuff and hit you regularly.
"The batter's game is to produce
base hits. Rog Hornsby must have an
average more than 800 against me. /
haven't forgotten one game where he
hit me for two triples and home run.
He came up in the ninth with three
on. l was one run in front and he
fouled to my catcher.
Keep your confidence because the
batter is more excited and nervous,
than the pitcher during g tight rally.
Remember you have eight players