The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-07-13
Muddy Ruel Now
Nearing Thousand
Mark as Catcher
Americans Brilliant Backst0p
Has Performed Long,
Faithfully and Cleverly-
Will Take Place in Hall of
Fame Alongside Schalk,
Schang and Snyder
(BY BILLY EVANS,

New York, July 13.-"Muddy" Ruel,
brilliant backstop of the Washington
Americans. will shortly break into
the select circle of catchers who have
worked 1000 or more games in the
major leagues.
There are mighty few catchers per-
forming in the big show today who
have performed so long, faithfully
and cleverly as Rucl. As l 60 over
the list Of receivers l can recall only
three now in active service who have
officiated in more than 1000 games.
Manager Ray Schalk of the Chicago
White Sox leads by a comfortable
margin. At the close of last season
he had worked in 1897 games. He
has done little or no catching this
year, finding plenty of responsibility
in managing his ball club. At that he
is hopeful of stretching his record
to 1000 before he retires.
Schang, Snyder Ahead
The other two catchcrs to break
the high water mark Of 1000 big
league games are now performing
for the St. Louis clubs, Wally Schang
Of the Browns and Frank Snyder Of
the Cardinals.
Ever since he broke into the ma
jOrs, 10 years ago, Ruel has been
q consistently competent performer.
At the close Of last season he had
worked in 1924 ball games. That
means better than 100 games per sea-
son, which is plenty Of work for a
big league backstop t. shoulder.
BY the. Fourth of July of this
year Ruel had taken part in IS games,
bringing his mark to $50, 50 that be-
fore the close Of the month of July
he will have passed the 1000 mark in
games. one of the very few catchers
to have performed such yeoman serv-
ice.
It is a very interesting fact that
two Of the catchers have turned the
trick, Ray Schalk and Muddy Ruei,
are small in size as catchers 70. Az
a matter Of Tact. when Schalk joined
the White Sox tho thought that he
could catch the shoots Of the giant,
Ed Walsh, was regarded as ridiculous.
He did SO with case.
Prior to the coming Of Schalk to
the majors, small catcher had little
or no chance to get 50 much as
trial. He soon proved that such
theory was little more than a joke
and paved the way for the. small
catcher in the majors.
Although lacking Drawn, Ruel has
proved an "iron man" for work. In
he has keen mind, ranking
as one Of the smartest of modern
catchers. With Ruel back of the
plate = pitcher is assured Of sound
judgment In the handling Of his
repertoire Of curves and speed.
Ruth has taken part in two world
series with Washington and exper-
fenced most unique thrill. It was
almost in the nature of tragedy
in his first series against the New
York Giants.
Caught 14s in ~
During the 1924 season Ruel caught
149 games 40 the Washington club
its way to pennant. It was
a hectic struggle and the physical
and mental strain had caused Ruel
to drop from 155 pounds to, 1856.
Having gone stale, he lost his punch
at the bat.
Despite \ near 800 average on the
season, Ruel' couldn't get = ball safe
in the first six games Of the 1924
series with New York. In the final
game he got two hits for an aver
age of .O95, yet never were two more
timely hits delivered. for they decid-
ed the game and the world series.
He battled .3l6 in the following SER
les with Pittsburgh but Washington
lost.
Ruel is lawyer in the off-season
and plans to continue to practice
after his big league days are over.
A lawyer-catcher might, be considered
an ideal conhipatjen to argue with
the umpire but, qnsthe CONTRARY. Rpel
favors diplomacy. So