The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-29
ALKING
IT Over
BY JOE WILLIAMS,

1W 1OrSht Jdu. o. Oh are
! y told that form is a very ap-
pealing thing, whether you find it
30 A Poiret gown or derby VIM
ner. Form is the foundation upon
which many towering champion
knip steeples have been reared.
Your sports technician describes
form as the application Of certain
basic principles OF rhythm and CO.
ordination. Obviously the applica-
ton must be adapted to the pecu-
liarities of the individual. This ac-
counts for the wide variety in form
patterns, and the astonishing sue
cess Of so many champions who
appear to do everything contrary
20 the accepted standards.
The two perfect styIists Of golf were
Bobby Jones and Harry vnrdon. II is an
interesting historical fact that Jones
played his hrst round of open tourna-
ment golf paired with the great British
master. Only the most expert eye could
detect the slightest difference In their
styles that day. in spite OF the fact
that one was = mere slip Of youngster
and the other = gray haired veteran,
Who had won golf trophies long before
che southsTnrr was born.
Yet that particular championship did not
70 TO either Of the perfect shot makers. It
vent TO Ted Ray. also a BritiSher, and one
o. the most unorthodox players in the
II STILL retain mental picture
L OF the numbering Ray finishing
his tee shots well back on his heels
and looking more like a public links
course duffer than consistent
conqueror of old man par. Ray
seemed to do everything wrong.
He slashed into the ball with a
mighty lunge and lurch and so ter
rifle we're his efforts that at times
he almost fell upon his face.
But in some mysterious manner
Ray had managed to impart the
proper timing to his shots so that
Ror all the awkwardness of the pic
Cure he was hitting the ball as
well If not better than anybody
else in the field.
some Of the most signal successes
have been scored by Adventures, who
kicked form In the face and blazed their
own trails. And by the same token
many naturally gifted athletes have
been stunted in their development by
trying TO follow the exacting dictates of
form.
In this connection am always reminded
way Wilcey Moore started his pitching de-
livery. This old-timer took a look at
Moore the first day he was on the field.
enough Se prootesEed YOUTH n oaSk w f
snIiy ball games in this league pitching
MOORE listened quietly and then
Unexplained that the reason he
didn't bring his arm back any far
Their was that he couldn't. An OPP
Grafton had left the shoulder stiff
fened in some way and he was I'M
able to take full windup. But
that misfortune didn't keep Moore
from developing Immediately into
the most valuable relief pitcher on
Miller Higgins staff.
y
The most dangerous batsman in the
American League today Is Al Simmons of
the Athletics. Watching him at the
plate YOU wonder how he is ever able
TO hit ball. His right foot is always in
the water bucket--that is to say it is
closer to the duROut than the rubber.
theoretically this is the worst possible
affront to the science of hitting. 1t Is
like leading with your right In the prize
ring.
stepped into a curve ball. was struck by
the ball and became temporarily plate shy.
Ultimately this became his regular posi-
ton at the plate. That 1t has been no
serious handicap Is proved by the fact
great hitters Of the game.
u n
VTERY wisely Connie Mack did
Y not try to change his style
when he joined the Athletics HE
seems to hit the ball all right and
that is all am interested in," said
the aged manager. Whether Sim
mons would have been an even
greater hitter If he had bowed to
custom and swung after the man
ner of the Cobbs and the Terrys Is
an open question.