Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1931-11-12
WALBERG FETED
WITH A BANQUET
Continued from Page -

and comic representations.
Walberg Talks Baseball.
AS the POSTMASTER said, "all good
things must be brought to an end"
and thereupon introduced "Rube"
Walberg who interested his audience
with many funny happenings that
come in the life of professional base
ball player, one of which was strik-
ing demonstration with Phil Silesky
as the victim, on what a pitcher and
catcher say to each other when they
meet in front of the batter during a
game. The question was asked Wal
berg by Mr.. Silesky and in answer he
was called upon the floor by the big
pitcher who told him to look over his
left shoulder to see that pretty dame
in the stands. This, intimated
"Rube," is what the pitcher and
catcher say to each other.
Mr.. Walberg. besides telling about
Babe Ruth looking the same as any
other batter to face him in a game
and about Pepper" Martin being a
good baseball player, gave a more
serious picture of the workings of the
famous Philadelphia Athletic baseball
machine. In glowing words of praise
the speaker mentioned Connie Mack
as a real man off and on the base
ball field, saying that in his eight
years as member of the team he had
never heard his manager use more
than ten unkind words.
In the course of his talk Walberg
related a story about a prospect, a
scout from the big leagues was told
about and went to see play. After
watching the prospect, strapping
fellow of over 200 pounds avoirdupois,
knock baseballs out of the park for
some time he managed to examine
of iron. He thereupon forced the
manager to make the fellow use the
regulation bat made of wood and when
the heavy hitter came to bat again
and swung with mighty vengeance
at the ball there was a crack and
the ball disappeared. The man ran
around the bases and upon again ex-
aiming the bat the scout found the
ball imbedded in the wood. This of
course would indicate the finds" that
are sometimes made in the rural dis
tricts where most big league players
are discovered.
Championship Tokens.
After the dinner friends gathered
around the big pitcher and engaged
in conversation with him on his ex-
perience. Mr.. Walberg displayed the
1929 emblem of championship in the
form of an elegant ring, but the 1880
token, beautiful gold watch, struck
the fancy of the many who saw it.
The dial contained design of white
elephant, the cognomen of the Athle-
tics, with 1880 across in the foreground
while the back of the watch bore
proudly in artistic taste the bust like
ness of its owner in uniform.
All in all Walberg bears his base
ball fame lightly and is just the big
happy country boy to his pals and the
home folks that he ever was. He
came home for only few days with
out his family and returned Tuesday
morning to his eastern home in Phila-
delphia where he maintains a resi-
dence.
SileSky a Long Time Friend.
Although the party was arranged
and sponsored by Phil Silesky of Pine
City, he occupied an inconspicuous
part in it's performance, being of a
modest nature as the POSTMASTER ex-
pressed, and not being afflicted with
the malady of after-dinner speech
making. However, his kindness in
making the occasion possible and Of
fering the homecoming young man
something to remember Pine county
more and more for, is appreciated.
Mr.. Silesky, himself, is a health
enthusiast and follower of the ma
tional sport, has made a success in
the commercial life of Pine City and
is one of the count seats respected
citizens. He has made several trips
to World series games and especially
since Rube's team has been one of
the participants, has occupied a seat
as near the Philadelphia teams dug
out as was possible for him to get.
Alfred Walberg, brother of