Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-03
ROGERS FINDS FINE
FRIEND IN M'GRAW
Thinks Card Stock Matter
May Have Annoyed Other
New York Officers.
BY ROGERS HORNSBY.

FTER the announcement was
~ made that st. Louis had traded
"A me to New York, I couldn't help
4 "A recalling the days ] had played
with the Dennison Club down
in Texas, when started out IN pro-
fessional ball. At that time visioned
myself as player In New York.
I suppose nearly every youngster who
starts out In the bushes pictures in his
mind a day when he win be playing ball
In New York.
But when I realized that at last !
was to 60 to New York and be a men,
Der of the Giants, must admit that
failed to get any great kick. However,
let me say that my single year in New
York stands out as one of the pleas
ATTEST have had in the game.
Things were especially pleasing be-
cause of the close friendship which
sprang up between John McGraw and
myself. This may sound a bit strange
In view of what followed, after one year
Of service with his team, but It is true
just the same. Regardless Of what
happened, feel deep friendship today
for Mr.. McCraw, and believe him one
Of the biggest men the game ever had.
During that Summer Mrs. Hcrnsby
and myself were entertained many
times at McGraw's home. McGraw had
appointed me captain of the team and
on those visits at his home he talked
base bali matters with me and we de-
vised ways and means of getting the
best results out Of the team In the PEN
nant race, which was pretty hot, espe-
cially at the finish.
The Trouble Over His Stock.
But outside of Mr.. McC5raW no one
connected with the New York club
seemed to care lot about me- Maybe
1t was because of the way held out in
the Spring for my price in the sale of
my st. Louis base bali stock. There was
no trouble signing contract with the
Giants. We came to terms at once.
But 1t was understood that had TO get
rid Of my stock In the Cardinals.
I was perfectly willing to sell, but ]
had my price, and never felt that ]
asked more than 1t was worth. I knew
the st. Louis club had a big cash sur
plus in bank, and felt had helped to
create that surplus and that 1t had in
creased the value of my stock.
went on the training "trip with the
Giants with the deal for my stock still
hanging FIRE. I returned to New York
for the opening of the season, and still
no one had accepted my price. Then
John A. Heydler, president Of the Ma
tional League, came out with state
ment that under no conditions could
play with the Giants until ! had sold
my stock in the st. Louis club.
That really helped me, The Law
couldn't compel me to accept an un-
satisfactory offer. stuck to my price
Finally, the day before the season was
tn 0v,G uyIlffn ff1n fAovra vx,Ae yNvnn
ticing at the Polo Grounds, I was called
OF the field by an officer Of the Giants
and informed that my price had beer
accepted and everything was ready for
me to sign over the stock. This was
attended to at once, and was ready
to open the season with the Giants.
1t may be that it was necessary for
the New York club to fork over part oil
the moneJ to pay for my stock to make
me eligible to play with the team, and
that this was the cause for the III feel
ing shown toward me later on by the
owner of the Giants. But never was
informed.
Bad Start, Good Finish.
The Giants didn't get away so vel
In that 1927 race, partly because Of bad
luck through injuries In early season
and partly because some Of the players
were still lacking in experience. Along
toward the latter part Of the Summer
McGraw apparently figured there wa
no chance for the team that year, and
that 1t would be wise to get new ma.
terial and try it out before the season
was over.
While he was after such material ]
was placed in command Of the team
and 1t was just at that time that the
boys rounded into form and started 60
ing. We went on a Western trip and
cleaned UP. We were back In the thick
Of the pennant race. We had chance
to win.
Mc0raw fastened back from his
scouting expedition and Joined us
Everybody buckled down to the fight i'll
the finishing games. But the strain had
been too great and the pace too hot
and we broke down at the close. The
Pittsburgh Pirates finished with a rush
and won. st. Louis, too, was in the bat
tie to the finish. and the Chicago Cubs
were not put out of 1t until the last
week.
We didn't win, but we had put up a
great fight. The fans we're pleased
Things looked bright for the next year.
I went back to my home in st. Louis
optimistic over prospects. never think
Ing that the biggest surprise Of all was
about to break.
tCopyright, 1929, by North American News
paper Alliance.)
(Next-Tradei to Boston,)