New Britain herald., 1925-02-05
VERSATILE BALL
 PLAYERS ARE FEW
Majority Of Big Leagaers Simply .. Average

versatility IS rhtnef the exception among the modern big league play. CTS.
 Utility men who can do various stunts in the inneld and outflcld are a much prized possession these days.
 Twenty years ago d majority of the players could All in at some position other than their regular spot in the lineup.
 There was Bobby Wallace, star shortstop. who was equally clever at third and a corking good second sacker. In pinch. if the twirling staff was hard pressed, Wallace could help out on the slab.
 In this respect the New York Giants are unusually well fortified. A number of the regular stars are capable of playing other positions.
 Frank Frisch Is Rare Gem
 Frankie Frisch Is one of the lead ing candidates for second base hon. ors. Until shifted 10 second, Frisch was McGraw's third sacker and reckoned by many of the experts as the best in the National.
 Frlsch plays second, third or short equally well. He is without an equal in catching dropping fly balls of the Texas Leaguer variety. He would have been one of the games greatest outfielders had be elected to play there.
 Frisch's versatility is not confined entirely to field, for he is turn batter. His preference is 10 bat left handed, but with a southpaw oppos- ing the Giants he shifts to the right side of the plate and hits 'em just as well.
 Of course Frisch is the decided ex- ception among ball players. Ath- letes like Ty Cobb and Frank Frisch are few and far between in the na- tional pastime. Real gems.
 Starred in Three Positions
 While First Baseman George KeI- ly is not SO brilliant performer as Frisch, his talents are equally yer satile and just as effective.
 In the last world series between the Giants and Washington, Kelly did the unusual by playing three positions, first, second and center field
 At each position he pulled one or more plays that stood out among the most meritorious of the series.
 Freddy Lindstrom, the hero of the last series by his great work at third base, is also a capable per former at short,
 Although McGraw has only six inflelders; his regulars, Kelly Frisch. Jackson and Groh, and two, subs, Terry and Lindstrom. he Is well for tificd because of the versatility of his players. Bill Terry substitute. first bases man. is the only infielder who has not been used elsewhere by McGraw. when illness or injuries put one of the regulars out of the running. Sad Experience of Nationals
 The value of capable inflelders was never better illustrated than in the last world series. Lack of them almost put Washington out of the running.
 In all probability no position was ever played more poorly in q big series than third base for Washing ton after Bluege moved over 10 shortstop.
 Bluegc, who Is perhaps a greater shortstop than third baseman, al- most certain to succeed Peckinpaugh when that veteran passes out, de- livcred at short Third base, how ever, was a nightmare.
 Without q doubt, weakness at that spot caused the undoing of Walter Johnson in his second start. A great fielder, Johnson, slipped up on an easy bunt down the third baseline, because he was uncertain as to where he should make the play,
 Third base was the spot but Wal. ter feared it might be uncovered. He glanced in the direction of the bag. thereby losing sight of the ball just long enough to make all the trou- ble.
 It's a certainty that Manager liar ris of the Washington club will try to profit as a result of the experir ence he gained In inc series relative A.. .t-A .,oi,a nF utility infnldprE