The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-24

 on a particular play or an individual player, Hanlon was able to grasp the situation as a whole. That helped him immeasurably in building up his famous machine.
 One of my correspondents, having noticed that l have stuck to the dug out for the past two seasons writes to inquire if I ever intend to go on the field again. and would like to know why I changed my system.
 What I have just said about Han lon really answers that question. AS long as I remain manager l intend to stick to the dugout during all the championship games. l have found that my opportunities for general ob- servation are much better l see things on the field that would escape me if I was on the coaching line. This Is particularly true in the shift ing of the outfield which often be- comes necessary in the varying stages ] of play on the diamond.
 Watched Runners
 While coaching at third base l often found myself so concentrated on watching and directing the runner that I overlooked chances for shifting the attack at the bat. also was too far away to discuss the situation with the men on the bench. If one is acting an coach on the base lines he must concentrate on the efforts of the runner. Otherwise he would be no good as coach. Thefe- fore I find 1t much more advan- tageous to leave the coaching to others and direct the whole team from the bench.
 Personally, would prefer to be | out on the field in uniform because always had a liking for being in the midst of the fight. To get the best results though, I find that 1t is l better to get in the dugout and stay | there.
 It is much easier to give signals | or signs, as we call them-from the bench. Moreover, they are not so ob- vious to opposing players and to the spectators.
 This system of signals, by the way, 1 Is not nearly so elaborate as the public seems to think Three or four goods signs are sufficient. compli- cated system is worse than none at all. I have seen some so complicated that the players spent more time in trying to figure them out than in making the play.
 Signals Are Simple ! Naturally, I have no intention of l making my signals public. It has 1 taken me too long to build it up. l 1 will say, however, that my signs are very few and very simple. 1t wouldn't make bit of difference to me if the onnonents should discover
 m. could change them between innings. After all, there is little ad- vantage in stealing signals The i chances of getting crossed are greater than the advantage.
 Signs are worked in various ways. On the old Baltimore team, for in stance, our signal for the hit and run was for the batter. upon reach ling the plate, to rub the Ealm of his hand over the en dof the bat, as if 1 wiping off the dust. That meant for the runner to start on the next ball pitched.
 An old signal for stealing a base was to pull the visor of the cap down over the eyes.
 Pitching Signals
 The signs from catcher to pitcher are very simple. For curve ball the catcher can show two out stretched fingers in the palm of his Init. For fast ball he will show one. For a pitch-out he can slap the init with his whole hand Practically all pitching signals are variations of that plan. On my club I give the sign to the catcher and he relays it to the pitcher.