davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
PRON|OT f D DEA
At BALL PARK
BY LOUIS A. BOUCHER
Sports Editor, The Times

Jim O'Dea, for years and years
the efficient groundkeeper and GER
eral majordomo at the American
league ball park in Washington.
has at last joined those who neither
toll nor spin. vet outshine Solomon
In all his glory. He Is now to DE
majordomo alone. sitting in the
warm sunlight and gazing upon the
field where so many hot baseball
battles have been fought and won
and lost. To another will fall the
hard task Of keeping that field
in condition for the spiked shoes
of the athletes.
Emil Haisman. last season
groundkeeper at Comiskey Park.
Chicago, has been signed as ground
keeper at the Griffith Stadium. re
porting here next Monday.
Clark Griffith has known HAS.
man ever since he was boy. AT
that time Griffith was pitching
for the Chicago Cubs on the West
Side in Chicago. The Washington
magnate has always admired HAS
mans ability to keep a playing
field in good shape and he con
ing his old friend.
But Jim O'Dea is to be promoted.
He is assured of a lifetime job at
his present salary in recognition
Of his fine service in the past, and
that past runs back over many
years His health failed him II
couple Of years ago, though he
kept up the good fight. He refused
to admit the seriousness of his case
but gradually his strength left him
and late last season he was sick
man.
O'Dea began his duties with the
Washington club in the days when
he was a bit of every little thing.
He was groundkeeper. guardian Of
the gate, ticket-taker, policeman,
assistant manager. etc. etc. II he
would tell it. he might spin a
heroes he has seen closeup. May
be. now that he may sit in the sun
and rest, he may do that.
In his younger days O'Dea
possessed wonderful strength. In
deed. many believe he was Wash
ington's strongest man. OF rugged
build. he lived an outdoor life that
tended to keep him in perfect
health. AS a litter of heavy
weights he had few equals in thl3
section and he usually did the
work OF two men around the ball
park. And he did it cheerfully
and with smiles.
So. now Jim is to be honored for
his years of faithfulness. The hard
toll is TO slip from his to an
others shoulders and ne will busy
himself with generally overseeing
the huge plant which is a monu-
ment at once to baseball and to
Clark c. Griffith.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
GREB AND TIGER
TAKE It EASY

NEW YORK, Feb. 25.-Having
finished the extensive part of their
training, Harry Greb and Tiger
Flowers, champion and challenger,
in tomorrow nights middleweight
championship bout, "tapered Off
in their preparations today.
They were to be visited in their
quarters by representatives OF the
State Athletic Commission, to eX-
anime and weigh the principals as
preliminary to the actual weigh
ing in ceremony tomorrow.
Both were said today to be near
the middleweight limit OF 100 pounds
and reports on their condition were
favorable.
favorite in the betting.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Loses No-hit Game

TN his last year with the Browns
Plank came within a hair Of
- pitching a no-hit, no-run game
against the Washington club and
it was this writer's good fortune
to witness that effort.
The Griffmen were playing in
ST. Louis and "Old Poison" as
Plank was known on the Wash
ington bench, was steaming along
in fine style. Inning after in
ming he turned back the Griff-
men, hitless.
Going into the ninth frame, the
fans were pulling for no-hit
game and Plank seemed capable
of turning that trick, too. Quickly
he had two out, bringing up Ed.
die Foster, the little third base
man.
Foster, thinking to help the
veteran as mach as possible within
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
TRAYN0R Sees
EASY VICTORY

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25.-Bound
for their spring training camp at
Paso Robes, CAL, the Pittsburgh
Pirates, world baseball champions,
arrived here today. The Pirates
will open training tomorrow and on
March 16, will start on months
tour to play exhibition games with
teams of the Pacific Coast League.
PIE" Traynor, Pittsburgh's third
baseman, who Joined the Pirates
here, declared Pittsburgh was 2
to / shot in his opinion to win the
National League title, and the
world series pennant again this sea-
son.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
MARYLAND FIVE
GOES SOUTH

Bound for Atlanta. Georgia. eight
University of Maryland basketball
players and some coaches left port
today for the Southern Conference
basketball tournament. The boys
will step into fast action on their
very first game when they en-
counter the Mississippi Aggies.
Burton Shipley, now recognized
as one of the best of the basketball
coaches in these parts, has his team
hitting only the high spots. He
says they will come back with some
thing else in addition to punched
Pullman tickets.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25

Plank, a native of Gettysburg,
attracted attention by his great
pitching for Gettysburg College
and hoped right out of the class
room to the Philadelphia Athletics
in 1901. For 13 years he pitched
for the Mackmen, winning 272 VIC
tories as against 1853 defeats. In
1904 Plank won 26 games. Eight
years later he equalled that total.
Showing his improvement, he lost
II games in 1904, but was de-
feated only six times in 1912.
The southpaw wonder took part
in five world series, winning two
victories and losing five games,
most of them by narrow margins.
He seemed fated to oppose the
greatest hurler on the other side
just when that opponent was go
ing at his best.
In 1902 it was Plank, Pete
Hastings and Rube Waddell who
pitched the Mackmen into a pen
nant. Three years later Jimmy
Dygert, Andy Coakley and Chief
DSuuCI "cIC IIlo dSoAotdIlIS.
In 1910 Plank, Coombs, Bender
and Cy Morgan formed one of the
greatest pitching quartets IN the
history of baseball. Their rivals
never had an easy day against
that gang.
In 1913, with Plank 80 years
old, he won II and lost 10 games.
Then he pitched one of the great
est duels in history against
Christy Mathewson, losing a 10
inning game in the world series,
3 to 0.
Coming back for the fifth game,
Plank pitched the Mackmen into
their last world championship. de-
feating Mathewson, to /, and
holding the Giants to three hits.
Plank was with the St. Louis
Federal leaguers in IA and rs,
ending his career with the Browns
in 1917. He was traded to the
Yankees but decided to retire,
contenting himself with pitching
now and then around his home.
What did he have as a pitcher?
He had the quintessence of con-
troll. He had fair curve and
medium speed, both of which he
delivered with crossfire, stepping
several feet toward first base as
he shot the ball toward the bats
man. 1t was this crossfire which
was simply ruinous for southpaw
hitters.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
DEATH CI AIMS
EDDIE PL A|NK

CsETTYSBURG. pa. Feb. 26.
E.ddia Plank. III his day the great
est Iefthanded pitcher In the major
leagues. il dead here as d result
81 4 paraIytie stroke. STRICKEN on
arising Monday morning, he passed
away at 2:4s o'clock YESTERDAY
3 The stroke affected his entire
left side and completely blotted out
his vocal organs. lie was unaD.e
to speak to surrounding friends
and sank into stupor just before
the end.
1875. and became wel1-known as
pitcher for Gettysburg College IN
1900. The next year no signed
with the Philadelphia Athletics and
quickly became 81 big league star
He retired from professional base
BAH in 1917 to conduct q garage
business here with his brother Ira,
but retired altogether three years
ago.
FORT MYERS, Fla, b. 25.
Connie Mack was visibiv stunned
when informed that Eddie Plank
difficult to find words to express
HAS ANttL SUI AONFe
81 feel like & father mus. feel
when he has lost q son. Mack
finally said. Amy words can
voice will not describe the siloek
that have suffered.
1T was q blow to ms wien
learned that Eddie had suffered
stroke. But had hoped that he
might recover from that He was
rugged man, young enough. was
confident, to pull through and re-
gain his health.
Plank came to me right from
college. He was with me In the
DAYS when our Amer ran League
team III Philadelphia was fighting
for its existence. Had to call on
him to work pretty hard In those
days. He never failed me; never
complained.
"The world iess fine. clean
sportsnlen when Eddie Plank did.
I am certain he did It5t have real
enemy III The world He was the
salt of the 1ssta. My heart gees
out ii sympathy to those Of his
family who survive him
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
| LAMAR To BOX
IN 5. 4. EVENT

Henry Lamar. star Of the Iri-I
versity OF Virginia boxing team,
has assured Al. A. u. officials that
he would compete in the South At
lantic ring championships on March
Is and Is.
Lamar, Washington lad. IL
present holder Of the South At.
|lantic, national Junior and national
Senior light heavyweight titles. He
won the first two crowns here last
winter and captured the senior
laurels at Boston about month
later.
Announcement was made by
Charles l.. Ornstein, chairman OF
the ring committee, that invitations
have beer sent to eight colleges,
asking them to enter teams In the
meet.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
JAKE SCHAEFER
WHIPS H0PPE:

CHICAGO, Feb. IS Jake Schaefer.
holder OF the worlds 1872 baIlxline
billiard crown, can enjoy the salts
faction today Of knowing he Is ca
pable of holding another worlds
title.
]. In the concluding block of an
1871 exhibition match played here
last night, Young Jake" stood vic
torious over Willie Hoppe, holder of
the 1871 premier laurels. From the
start OF the match several days ago,
Jake was never in trouble. This,
incidently, is In spite Of the fact
it was his first appearance in an
ISL contest The final score for
the match was: Schaefer, 1900:
Hoppe, Lis.
The 1872 champion finished the
match with a grand average of 80
for the six blocks while the best
Hoppe could muster was % 1850.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
LOOKING EN- OVER
With LonisAD ou9her
EDDIE PLANK A GREAT PITCHER

YP Gettysburg Pa lie the mortal remains of OF the
greatest pitchers known to basebas history week ago
health destined Eddie Plank
Them with terrible abrupness shock of paralysis
gone sometimes
Waddel basebas southpaw,
but not by Connie Mack who handled both Wadd and Plank
Connie Mack awards the palm Plank because of his greater
seadiness and smoothness."
In the bright heyday of his with the Philadelphia Athletics
Eddie Plank the Macks great
staff Odd for efthander, he worked hard often
the highlander In he pitched
43 Ten later be pitched He seemed trees
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Veterans Are Going

rDDIE PLANK'S assing
~ calls attention to the fact
that many veterans have
dropped out of fast company since
last fall. Without attempting to
name all of them, here are a few;
Harry Hooper, Bobby Veach, Memo
Leibold, Hank Shanks, Mike Nc
Nally, Steve O'Neill, Allan Rus
sell, Walter Hoke, Rube Benton,
Louis Fonseca, Al Walters, nlnle
johnson, Ike Boone, and Dave
Danforth. Others are close on
their heels.
Everett Scott has signed with
the White Sox as a sort of spare
infielder, but he can't last long.
The same goes for Bill Wamby,
booked to open the season at sec
ond base for the Mackmen.
Joe Harris, Jack Quinn, Walter
Johnson. Stanley Coveleskie, How
ard Ehmke, Charlie Robertson,
Sherrod Smith, Carl Mays, Grover
Alexander, Roger Peckinpaugh,
Blackie O'Rourke, George Dauss,
Eddie Collins, Cy Perkins, Bill
Lamar, Val Picinich, Jack Bentley,
Jack Scott, Babe Adams, iris
Speaker, Cuckoo Jameson, Walter
Gerber, Urban Faber, Adolfo
Luque, and Eppa Rixey are all
rapidly approaching the end of
their tethers. Some may not en-
dure the coming campaign. Others
may slip out Of fast company be-
fore another season rolls around,
1t is simply the toll required by
that bloke with the scythe.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
c. j. ON TRIP
To NORTH

Eight players and Coach Fred
erick Rice left the home grounds
of the Catholic University for q
iaunt through the chilly north.
BuckneI1 tonight. Janiata tomorrow
night and Penn State Saturday night
is the program.
The game with Penn State viii
close the season for the Brook
landers. Their sophomore team is
still intact.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
KANAWHAS AND RIALTo
WIN BASKETBALL GAMES

The Kanawhas defeated the
Temple Alumni five % to %. and
the Rialtos defeated the B'nai
games OF the Jewish Community
Center Building A crowd OF $500
was on hand to see the athletic
events that formally opened the
gym and pool.
Girls of the Capitol Athletic Club
demonstrated their ability in the
nOOl
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
ARMOUR SIGNS
FOR JOB

Members of the Congressional
Country Club greeted with much
eclat the announcement that
Tommy Armour, famous Scotch
professional. had definitely agreed
to the terms offered and would
take up his duties soon here.
Armour is one of the best known
pros in the United States. He has
a sweet personality and an ability
to play the game that is certain to
make him well liked here. No time
has been set for his coming here.
1t is expected that it will be about
the middle of March.
In announcing Armour's accept
ance of the Compassionate promo
sition. President Frank j. Mondell
said:
II am greatly pleased to be atle
to announce that a meeting OF the
board of governors held today ar
rangements were completed where
by Tommy Armour will become golf
professional at the Congressional
Country Club beginning March 16
next. In thus securing the services
of Mr.. Armour the board feels it
is not only providing the member
ship q golf instructor OF fine ability
but is bringing to the community
"a gentleman of such superior ability
as a golfer, such high character and
charming personality that there will
result great benefits not alone to
Congressional golfers, but for the
game in general throughout the
middle Atlantic territory. To the
golfers of this section Mr.. Armour
needs no introduction. During the
-
Bobby Jones in some of the most
important matches played in Flor
ida, and his splendid accomplish
ments therein speak for themsel yes.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
BERMUDA GIRL BEATS
AMERICAN TENNIS STAR

HAMILTON, Bermuda. Feb. 25.--
Mrs. Marion Zinderstein Jessup.
ranking American tennis star. to-
day was among those who have
suffered the ignominy Of elimina-
ton from the local championships
She was defeated in the semi-finaI
round yesterday by Gladys Hitch
ings, Bermuda girl, in straight sets,
ID 6-3,
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
STAG SMOKER PLANNED
FOR POTOMAC BOATERS

Members OF the Potomac Boat
Club will hold a stag smoker 1T
the club house Saturday night. ac-
cording to an announcement by
Allan Bryan, chairman OF the enter
tainment committee.
Fourteen numbers have been
arranged for the evening, and in
addition there will be free eats
and free smokes"
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
No Strife Possible

There has been some talk of the
possibility of strife between the
American and National leagues
over the rosin ball during the next
world series. That cannot happen
because the players are no longer
under the leagues jurisdiction at
that time, Commissioner Lands
being the boss.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
He STAYED on Job

Rankin johnson, former Red Sox
pitcher, now Harrisburg pilot, lived
in the Pennsylvania city all winter
to transact baseball business in
stead of going to his home in
Texas. He swung several strength
ening deals
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Clark Now a Pilot

Among the new pilots in the
Cotton States League is a veteran
pitcher, Bob Clark who spent last
season as an umpire. He will lead
VickSburg
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Woodward Wins Title

The Woodward School for Boys
won the title in the Prep school
league when its five defeated the
Dewitt Props, rs to /. Naturally,
it was the Dewitt Prep lightweights
that lost
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Two Games On Tap

Twice will they blow opening
whistles at the Washington Bar
racks Sunday. In the first instance,
the Wonders and Montrose will
clash, while in the finals, the
Washington Barracks and the Fort
Myer teams will meet. Both games
promise very much.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Insects Ready

The Aztec Insects will meet the
members of the 1926 team soon.
They have been holding meetings
all year, and a list of good players
has been compiled.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Good Game On

Gonzaga will meet the George
town University prep team in bas-
ketball on the | Street floor. IT'S
the last game of the year for the
Purple
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Big Bows to Meet

The Anacostia Eagles and the
Stantons will meet Sunday in a
game that ought to be we'll worth
everything ii costs. They will meet
in the Congress Heights auditorium
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Some More Initials

The G. A. O., Sixth floor. beat
the Delivery in the Post Office
League. SO to 16. 1t was not a
Iying-in case.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Broke a Nice Tie

Fort Washington broke tie for
the leadership of the Washington
Service League and went into first
place when it's basketeers defeated
the Fort HUMPHREYS team, 80 to rs.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
The Doctor Loses

DR.. Connolly. District three
cushion billiard champ, suffered
defeat in the Lewis and Krauss
parlors when Murray defeated him
35 to 10.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Good Old Shippe

The Merrimac sunk the Bluebird;
in a basketball game. So to II. The
Birds didn't know where to light
and that left them in the air most
AZ the time. as the score indicates.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Want Some PLAYERS

The Arlington baseball team !.
getting FESTIVE. The team Fas
issued a call at the Columbia School
tonight at 4 O'clock -...-
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
I / |: R
SAYS HE'S
DONE

TAMPA. Fla, Feb. 25.--Dutch
Ruether is definitely out of all
considerations being made by
President Griffith and Manager
Harris regarding the approaching
campaign for the American Leagne
championship of 1926. Unless
Clarence Thomas comes through
and shows an ability to face big
league batting, the champion
Griffmen will open the season
without a southpaw. Nick Altrock
is working with might and main
over Thomas, hoping to have the
tall youngster ready for the big
test, but the veteran comedian is
making no promises.
Ruether visited the clubhouse al
Plant Field yesterday to obtain
certain OF his personal belongings
stored in the Washington clubhouse
all winter.
I'm OUT of baseball, that's all,
Ruether told friends. "Griff has
refused to pay me what I think
I'm worth and I wont pitch ball
for any less. Because 1 have re-
fused to sign at his terms, he has
now notified me by telegram that
his first offer has been recalled
and that he viii make smaller
offer, il ever I care to talk salary
with him. So Dutch is going back
TO Sarasota to sell more real estate,
that's all. =
Ruether was quiet-spoken about
his troubles Apparently nothing
worried him and he spoke respect
fully Of President Griffith, adding
that his treatment last year by the
Washington club could not have
been bettered.
Manager Bucky Harris paid no
attention to Ruether and did not
have any conference with him.
Harris, undoubtedly, would like
to have tho veteran on hand
when the curtain goes up, but
salary negotiations are for Presi-
dent Griffith to arrange, not the
manager.
Chatting about his teams pros
meets. Manager Harris places heavy
emphasis upon what he believes
Ferguson and Ogden will do for
the washington club this season.
s.Covey may not do quite as well
this year as he did last, when he
won 20 victories" says Harris.
Ruether may not be with us. He
won 1s games for us last year.
Bush should make up for Zachary,
If not doing a little better. That |
leaves Ogden and Ferguson to
cover up Ruether wholly and catch
the slack left by Convey. The pros
pect isn't so bad as it might be.
Ogden shows signs OF having
completely recovered the use of his
the hacf thing nA11-
pening to us for, when Curly 10
ready, that sinker of his is a most
deadly delivery.
Ferguson is a hard worker and
will get plenty with US. That
means he will show big improve
ment.
my pitching staff may be
aged, speaking in baseball terms,
but there are several promising
YOUNGSTERS in the sauad. Take
MOrreIl and even this Hadley, IOr
example. They don't look far
sway from the real thing. ana s.I
EttIe Kelley is moving along like
winner.
Next week we shall get better
lines on the pitchers Eecause they
will hen have to get the ball some
where near the plate IN the batting
practices. That's the real test. How
ceer. most Of those kids look ready
Tor the test.
Fred Marberry and Curly Ogden
have toiled so strenuously with the
medicine bali that they are rapidly
approaching their right weight. Mar
berry is shedding pounds daily under
the blazing sun and T'ainer Martin
cracks the whip over him like Il
Simon Legree.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Lincoln Lands Keenan,

Jim keenan,, a southpaw pitcher,
who got as high as the Athletics,
has been sent to Lincoln by Kansas
City. keenan, had sore arm last
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
PhiLIies Pick Farm

Waterbury and the PhiIlies are
said to have established connections
that will mean many Of the Phil
recruits.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25

the rules, went to the plate with
fungo bat, a soft wood bat
used in batting flies to the out
fielders in the preliminary prac-
tice.
Soon Plank had two strikes on
Foster. The veteran wound up,
tried to sneak one over and FOS-
TER HIT A TWO-BAGGER TO
CENTER FIELD with that fungo
bat. Gone was the no-hit, no-run
game. It did seem tough.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Buck Ramsey Moves

Buck Ramsey, the veteran, who
managed Frederick last year, is the
pilot at Hanover, Pa, this year.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
The Saints Win

The ST. Mary's Celtics defeated
the st. Joseph's team, % to 10.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Oscar Is Ambitious

Oscar Stanage. now manager at
Evansville, intends to catch half
his clubs games this year.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
Rex Bows Again

The Moose Midgets ate UP The
Rex hoYsA x to IA
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
We Win Another

Our DeMoaI team won from the
Hagerstown five Al to 8.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25

Hair Groom" is a Cignified comb
ing cream which costs only few
cents a jar at any drug store. MIL
lions use it because it gives that
natural gloss and well-groomed eff
feet TO the hair-that final touch
to good dress both in business and
on social occasions. Even stubborn,
unruly or shampooed hair stays
combed all day in any style you
like. Hair Groom is greaseless;
also helps grow thick, heavy, lus-
trouS hair,
The Washington times., 1926-02-25

THE TINES eadeaDors e
giUe &c readers more
sports pictures than any
other nelOspdpeS
The Washington times., 1926-02-25
7 GUS A. BOUCHER

LIZ sports editor Of The
Times, Is recognized nation
ally as a sports authority.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25

Manager Buclky Harris paid no
attention TO Ruether and did not
have any conference with him.
Harris, undoubtedly. would like
to have tho veteran ON hand
when the curtain goes up, but
salary negotiations are for Presi-
dent Griffith to arrange, not the
manager.
The Washington times., 1926-02-25

my pitching staff may be
aged, speaking in baseball terms,
but there are several promising
YOUNGSTERS in the squad. Take
MOrreII and even this Hadley, Tor
example. They don't look far
sway from the real thing. And
IttIs Kelley is moving along like
a winner.