The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-02-25

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~ more TO be regretted, an
other true sportsman has needed
the call-the memorable summons
as the all.powerful Umpire beck
oned.
Eddie Plank, one Of baseball's
greatest left-handers, has followed
Christy Mathewson to the land
whence there is. no returning.
Just as the present-day major
league hurlars are Numbering
their arms in the southern train
ing camps a man who thrilled the
fans of years ago quit the big
gest game Of all-Dife itself.
Plank is through forever, as
others, in the confidence of
youth, prepare for another cam
paign on the diamonds.
The former Philadelphia Ameri-
can League star died Wednesday,
following a stroke of paralysis on
Monday. He was not so old only
81, and had not been ill until sud-
denly laid low by the stroke.
The southpaw was a member OF
the famous million dollar" team
which Connie Mack broke UP in
1915. But Eddie was more than
great pitcher. He was noted for
his craftsmanship and character.
He was the exception that
proved the rule. Most left
handlers are considered just a
little "batty" by baseball fans.
Mack, Planks former manager,
had the following to say about the
former hurler: He was a perfect
gentleman and a thorough sports
man. 1t was always a, pleasure to
have him on our ball club. He
was a fine influence among the
younger players. I never have
known a finer character associated
with the game"
The old Athletics are c0nsid-
cred one of the greatest ball
clubs of all time, Their remark
able trio of pitchers included
Chief Bender, Jack Coombs and
Plank.
Bender and Copmbs are still ac-
lively engaged in the sport as
coaches. The Chief" is with the
White Sox, along with Manager
Eddie Collins, who was another
teammate of Plank. Coombs is a
college coach in the East.
Plank had retired from baseball
several years ago and was living
in Gettysburg, Pa, with his wife
op1
IT HESE sons are quite a
III trial. The Prince of
Wales specializes in fall
ing off horses. 1t is said he is
good rider, at that. and fear
less horseman. johnny Coolidge,
son Of the President, lost
college boxing bout to Matty
SlIyer1man i'll an Amherst tour
ney.
They call this SiIverman boy,
Little Benny Leonard" He Is
rated highly in New England
collegiate ranks. Johnny and
the Prince are regular fellows.
That's the main thing. They
may not be super-athletes, but
the spirit is there. That's what
counts.
An Indianapolis swimmer, John
Dithmer, has been performing in
great style for Purdue University.
He ia only a sophomore but il
rapidly being recognized as star
of the first rank in the Big Ten.
He undoubtedly will be real con-
tender for high honors in the
Western Conference swimming
meet at Michigan March - and IS.
f-7HREE games are on the
| Big Ten basketball SEIZED
49, ule for Friday night In
diana and Purdue are In action.
Both are favored to win, but both
ARE up against plenty of opposi-
ton. What team isn't in the
Western Conference race?
Purdue should beat Wisconsin
at Lafayette, but the Boilermak.
ers had better not depend too
much upon Wheeler, who
starred at Madison last week In
the defeat of the Badgers. Coach
Meanwell probably was sur
prised by the new players per-
for1nance. But it's hard to fool
doc" twice In row.
I. U. goes to Minnesota. The
Gophers seem to be Swapping
out Of It" on the home floor. The
Crimson must be prepared for a
struggle If the club would stay in
the running.
Michigan has a chance to defeat
Illinois at Urbana, but 1t Is UNI
likely. The veteran Him combi-
nation seems to have found itself
and must be rated the favorite
over the Wolverines. With a
chance for the title just ahead.
Friday evening would be poor
time for Coach Ruby's men to
slip.
Very probably there win be an
upset in at least one of the three
contests, but we cannot figure
Just where it will be. Maybe
dope will run true to form for a
change.
T3HAT a tempest is being stir
Wf red up about the State col
49, lege basketball titlel 1t will
never be decided. Anyone con-
WINGED against his will is of the
same opinion still. If the colleges
want a champion they'll have to
put on q tournament each year
like the high schools. And we
hope they don't-and they won't.
There's one argument we're go
ing to stay out Of. The royal
rooters of each contender. do