New Britain herald., 1927-02-11
eGoWE~ GCSlIN
(BY BILLY EVANS)

Eight outstanding stars or the majors at various positions other than that Of pitcher, first claimed attention through their ability to de- ceive opposing batsmen.
 It Is peculiar coincidence. In several instances, the players in question first won fame as big league pitchers before turning their efforts in other directions. In particular, have in mind Babe Ruth and George Sisler.
 Two of the stars of the Washing ton outfleld. Sam Rice and Goose Goslin, took whirl at pitching In the minors. Goslin finally gave 1t up, preferring the outfield. How ever, Sam Rice's clever pitching in the Virginia league caused Washing ton to purchase him.
 Without a doubt there was never a pitcher to break into the majors who was as fleet of foot as Sam Rice. Sam had good fast ball in those days, and his feet seemed to travel even faster
 Rce's pitching for Washington produced few victories, not so much because of his brand of twirl- ing, but rather due to the fact that in those days the Washington club was nothing to boast about.
 A most unusual incident closed Rice's career as a pitcher. Going into an extra inning game against Detroit. George Dauss. pitching for the Tigers, broke up the ball game with a three-base hit
 I'm through as a pitcher" said Rice as he entered the dressing room after the game. "When pitcher can hit my curve ball that far, it's time to try some other position"
 Rice took to the outfield. soon de- veloped into a star. and for 10 years has been one of the most valuable players in the American league. He's one of those chaps who does his work without any fuss and feathers, but always well.
 Charles Jamison of Cleveland first attracted the big league scouts by his pitching for Buffalo "Rube" Bressler came to Connie Mack as a southpaw extraordinary. Eddie Rousch, one of the greatest out fielders in the history of the game, did little pitching in the minors Back in 1919 the extraordinary pitching of Bib Falk for the Uni- versity of Texas had most of the big league scouts sojourning in the Lone Star state much of the summer. The Chicago White Sox finally landed him.
 Inside of 8 week after he had l joined the White Sox. it was appar- ent he could hit. Getting a chance to break into the lineup in 8 game at New York, he proceeded to jus 1 tify that belief by cracking out tive home runs and saving the game by a marvellous catch. That ended hi: | career as pitcher.
 | E When Babe Ruth was shifted from the box to the outfield 1 feared a mistake was being made Ruth at the time was the bes southpaw in the American league i not In the majors.
 It didn't seem good judgment t( erase from the lineup a pitche capable of winning 20 or nor, games per year with any kind 0 a break, just because It seemed a | If he could hit.
 Ruth soon justified the change b, ! becoming the greatest sluggcr ant drawing card in the history of tn game. His 50 home runs in 192 Is the best possible proof that coul, 1 be offered of his batting ability.
 George Sisler was in a somewha similar position to Ruth when trans ferred to first base, He soon cam to be regarded as the greatest paye
 that ever performed at the initia sack
 still they say pitchers cannot hit