New Britain herald., 1928-01-20
Speaking of Sports

Y l of Sportsf ! oooooooooooooooooooooooex
 One Of the finest tributes On rsc- ord in this city to any roller hockey player. was delivered last night at the Stanley Arena before the game between New Britain and Meriden when Referee Hugh Rorty calld the players on both teams to the center of the floor and then announced the passing of great and popular play CT. James Cameron in Providence. R. I.
 He asked the spectators and fans to stand in silence for . few mo- ments in memory of the former star and the instant response of those. in the Arena. showed their deep sym pathy when acquainted with the news.
 James J. Cameron was his full name but he was known and beloved as Jimmy" Not alone was he a roller polo player but he was also q baseball player in the old New Eng land league. He died last Monday at the home Of his sister. Mrs. C. N. Reynolds at 131 Rochambeau ave- nue. Providence. at the age of 49 years.
 Jimmy played halfback on Paw tucket. Providence, Portland, Me, and numerous other Middle West and New York state roller polo teams and played an infield position on several New England league baseball clubs.
 Twenty years ago he spent some time in sports activities in Racine, Wis, and was made a life member of Racine lodge of Elks. During the war he served with the Naval Re serves at Quintet Island. For the director at the J. & P. Coats plant in Pawtucket.
 He managed the Pawtucket team that played in the league with New Britain when this city was repre- sented by the great team explained hy Fred Jean, Many present at the game last night remember him. It was touching tribute to one who helped greatly in making roller polo the great game that it is.
 Speaking of referees and sports officials. we don't know of any ln dividual who ls more pop lar at the present time than Red" Rorty. at one time the most hated official 10 enter this city. Last night as he en- tered the rink through the netting at the west end of the hall. a spon taneous handclapping that lasted several minutes. greeted him.
 There was no boisterous shouting to greet him, no quips or "wise cracks" but just friendly hand cIapping that would warm any heart. l "R led" took the tribute with the dig | nifty that has always characterized him but a. slight flush that over spread his features told plainly that he felt it and his slight stammering when announcing the death of Cam eron, showed that he was unable to entirely swallow the lump that arose in his throat at the greeting New Britain gave him last night.
 The feeling of the players towards him could be expressed in no greater way than the clean manner in which they all played. Two fouls were called last night, both of them class l ed as tricks more than the acts of soreness.
 Even in the old days at Electric | field when New Britain held murder l in its heart for Rorty. Red" could ] pull & fast one" now and then. In | a particular Fourth of July game | with Hartford. the same poisonous rival then as now. Red" furnished | comedy for the crowd.
 The right field cheering section was bowling it's displeasure at Red" as he called them behind the plate. You're blind. crazy. dizzy" shout cd the anvil chorus. Red" stood 1t for a time and then. suddenly, as the pitcher wound up. Red" stepped from behind the plate, took his mask off, rested his weight on one leg and l 1olded his arms.
 The ball sailed up and over and Red" sang out ball" The fans were on their feet demanding how he could see them from where he was. Turning directly to the right field. he sonorously announced. II can sec them from here as we'll as you can from out there" That didn't entirely quiet the crowd but 1t served to direct their remarks to other in- dividuals.
 Talking of cheering sections, none can equal that which has been or , ganizcd at the hockey games staged in this city. We have called it the East Side Association" Led by l Sammy Sablotsky the chorus on every roller hockey night keeps up a rapid fire of comment that brings smiles to everyone in the hall.
 There is Jack Lash, Rosenberg, | Gordon, Eddie New Yorker" Horo- Nitz, and many others too numerous 10 mention but lianna's armory on | East Main street never had a. natter bed of roller hockey fans than tho | East Side Association" Every Mon- day and Thursday night the Irish collect at the far end of the hall and there is noise from start to finish. We understand that New Yorker" is going to have the gang" give its