Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-19

A wandering ,oalIopper is Rogers
Hornsby,. sold from, club to club like a
busher, yet his bat tUon a pennant for
the Cubs last season.
Robinson put him at first base to take the
place of the fading Fourier. Oddly enough,
Babe fielded like a demon that year. In 1927,
however his bat seemed to have lost its
power-he hit only .272. Robinson asked the
other National League clubs to waive on his
services But John McGraw Of the Giants re-
fused to waive. Robbie, fortified by McGraws
desire for Babe, kept him and placed him In
the outfeld. Babe rewarded the Brooklyn boss
by batting $40, although he gave Robbie
several near fits by his quaint way OF judging
high-soaring fly ball.
Last season Herman batted for weeks well
above 400 and gave Flatbush thrill upon thrill,
and for the time being that is the story of the
much-traveled Babe.
McGRAw, who was smart enough to know
49, that Herman was good ivory, has not
always been so wise. In the last half dozen
years McGraw has made trades that did not
always bear the stamp of base ball erudition.
Thus of the most valuable pieces of ivory in
the National League last season, three were
men who might have labored for the Giants
but for McGraw's ideas. These were Rogers
Hornsby Frank O'Doul and Burleigh Grimes.
And all three are slaves who have been banded
about quite bit.
McGraw gave COB of money and ivory to
the Cardinals for the Rajah, kept him year
and then traded him mysteriously to the
Braves for Frank Hogan and Jimmy Welsh.
Hogan proved to be excellent bench ballast and
Welsh was sent on his way. From the Braves,
Hornsby was brought to Chicago by some of
the Wrigley lucre and last year he proved to
be the punch that won a National League
pennant
O'Doul also shaved for McGraw. During the
process he turned his ankle, and John sent him
to the Phils in exchange for Fred Leach.
ODoul rewarded McGraw's Judgment by
batting an even 1893 to lead the National
League last year, while Leach smote just 1885,
PITCHER GRIMES was sent to Pittsburgh in
the famous deal for Vic Aldridge. Grimes
shaved pretty well in his new job being among
the most brilliant pitchers in the league. while
Aldridge won never a game for McGraw.
besides holding out for more salary reporting
late and being sent down the river to Newark
But when Grimes first came to the big
leagues, in 1918, Ottumwa sold him to Detroit
for $500. He was turned over to Chattanooga
later that year as part payment for Coveleskie.
Chattanooga released him to Birmingham, and
Birmingham released him to Richmond option
ally, selling him later to Pittsburgh In 1918
he was traded to Brooklyn. He reached the
Giants in 1927.
Lew Fonseca of the Indians, declared last
year the most valuable piece of ivory in the
American League, has shaved here and there
under handicaps that would have made q
weaker heart give up From the time when he
broke in. eight years ago, in San Francisco. Lew
continually fought injuries sustained in the
course of his employment. Cincinnati used him
as utility man for four years. Finally he was
hustled of to the Pills. and in 1925 he played
second base and batted .319. Next year he
found himself in Newark He won revenge by
batting 1871, and Cleveland picked him up
At once injuries began to beset him. In the
first game of the 1928 season a collision put
him out of the game long enough for Carl Lind,
another rising young bit Of talent, to clnch his
job at second base. Lew decided he would like
to play first base. During the 1929 training
season First Baseman Johnny Hodapp was
injured, and Lew got his chance. He re-
warded his owners by hitting 1863 to lead the
American League. For the first time, Fonseca
doesn't have to worry about being traded away
this year.
UGOLD down the river" is q phrase familiar
~ in base ball, phrase which originated
in the older slave trade. Every year sees stars
fade, sold or traded to other teams. Two
like an elevator. finally to stay down. are Bevo
Lebourveau and Nick Cullop. 'Too good for
the minors, not quite good enough for the
mo iorc re col mai