Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-08-06
Ey HENRY l.. FARRELL
Omitted Press Staff Corresponding

.
NEW YORK, Aug. Cone after
noon several years ago, so the story
goes, Miller Higgins, manager of
the New York Yankees said to Pipp,
his first baseman
Wally, we re not playing tomor-
row and you can do me a big favor
by going up to Columbia and look
ing over a fellow named Gehrig
who they say can hit like hell
Pipp, being an obliging fellow,
went up to the university grounds
where the varsity was practicing
and what he saw caused him to hest
tate not a moment. Gehrig, with a
most natural style, was hitting the
ball all over the lot.
Approaching him Pipp asked if
he had ever thought about playing
professional baseball.
Yes, | have decided to give up
college (he was then sophomore)
and try the professional game
"Has anybody been after you I? y
Pipp asked.
eyes," he answered, 81 have had
several offers but Pm going with
the Yankees because | think there's
a better future with them"
THAT'S fine Pipp went on en-
Enthusiastically. "'What position do
you play7"
First base" Gchrig said
With ly-Tified expression on
lis face, Pipp took it on the run
over the hill to the subway.
Pipp's report to his chief was;
Guess I'd better start hitting
home runs if | want Il job.
Gehrig reported to the Yankees
but unlike Frank Frisch and Joie
Sewcll, he couldn t make good
without schooling and he was sent
away to the Hartford club where he
proceeded to break all the fences in
the league. lie was recalled by the
Yankees but he lad to wait around
on the bench. higgins knew he
could hit but he was aware also
that he had many fielding faults
and Pipp was Il very good first base
man.
Had to Wait
Joie Seweil fresh from the college
field, was forced into a regular posi-
tion at short for the Cleveland In
dianS after Ray Chapman was killed
and Frisch, Just down from Ford
ham was thrust on second base for
the Giants when Larry Doyle broke
his leg
But Gehrig had to sit around and
wait until Pipp faded and when he
got the regular job he WASH t a
WOW as a fielder. But he kept his
ears open, accepted advice whom
ever it was offered and by a plod-
ding study of his position he has
become fielder above the average.
Billy Evans, the American League
umpire. was the first to offer him
advice. Evans was umpiring at
first base in one Of Gehrig's early
games and he noticed a serious
fault in his fielding.
Taking a chance on being rebuk
ed Evans todd him; "Young fell
low, you re putting the wrong foot
back on the bag ON every play. .
''Thanks, Mr.. Evans, watch me
on the next play, .Gehrig said, On
the next play the young first base
man put the proper foot back but
he had to hesitate to think. The ball
PLAYERS say he still has the same
fault in minor degree, that he has
to think his play while natural ball
players of the Ruth, Lazzeri type
make the play automatically. But
they say that he will get there be-
cause he is willing and hard work
err.
Since Gchrig has become a serious
rival Of the Babe Ruth for the sea
son S home run honors, many fans
are curious as to the relations he
tween two rivals on the same club.
Rivals Friendly
The players say there is but the
friendliest feelings between them.
The Babe even has coached him.
Ruth is quite first baseman along