The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-03-18
BY HARRY GRAYSON Sports Editor, NEA Service


 Sports Editor, NEA Service St. Petersburg, Fla.,-A group of small boys surrounded George Alexander Selkirk as he pranced from Huggins Field here.
 That's the best way to describe Selkirk's running. He prances That's why they call him Twin- kle-Toes."
 The youngsters demanded Sel- kirk's autograph.
 What do you want mine for?'' l asked the modest young man from Rochester. II don't mean anything?" You must" replied one little urchin. "You're wearing Babes number!"
 Yes, there is was on the back of Selkirk's white shirt - the famous number "3" that adorned the broad back of the one, and only Gorge Herman Ruth.
 The enormous assignment of filling the great Ruth's large bro- gans suddenly has focused the spotlight on Selkirk after more than six comparatively obscure JSdtS HI tiS lAiiOAo.
 Selkirk, who became 26 years magnitude of his task.
 "I don't expect to equal Ruth s achievements" explains the Ca- believe any ball player ever will. I'm not silly enough to make the goal Ruth reached mine. I'm sim ply going out to make good for myself"
 "I'm prepared to take the jeers, and will be thankful for what few cheers are tossed my way"
 However, I've an idea the citi- zens of Ruthville, the right field bleachers of the Yankee Stadium. where the warmest admirers of the Bam have assembled for these many years, will like the young fellow chosen to succeed their idol.
 Has All the Earmarks
 After rather slow start, Sell kirk shapes up as quitet ball player.
 He hit 1858 in 1O5 games with Newark in 1884 before being re- called in July, when Earl Combs fractured his skull in charging in- to the cement wall in St. Louis. Selkirk had been out a few days himself with an injured elbow when he reported to the Yankees but his .313 in the remaining 4G engagements.
 A siX-foot, one-inch, 1S2-pound left-hand hitter and right-hand thrower, he swats the ball hard He expresses confidence in his ability to drive out 40 home runs Selkirk may alternate with Jesse Hill, a right-hand hitter in right field for the Yankees, but is being counted upon more than any other athletet to replace Ruth
 The rookie never has played the bang that Ruth knew so well in rigt field ata the Yankee Sta dium, but promises to practice assiduously utnil he has it down pat. He already has lined ur fungo hitters for morning work. outs when the club makes it's 1895 bow in the Bronx.
 Selkirk was 19 when Mrs. Her. man Moran, wife of the then Koch. ester scout, urged her husband t. sign him for the Internatione League club in 1927. The Moran. had seen the boy with a semi-pro. fessional game with the longes' home run eyer hit at Stromberf Field, Rochester, the ball soaring over the centert field fence, and { railroad station beyond. He caught flies on his ches then, and still appears awkward in the garden. George Alexander has a fine pair of hands, however and broke into professional base ball with a splendid stance ant a beautiful level swing. He is o good speed and throws well. Can Handle His Dukes, Too | Selkirk was born in Huntsville Ont, but his parents brought hin to Rochester as a child.
 He is handsome chap, some what resembling Long Bob Mouse in facial appearance. He wears [ heavy blue shirt around the cir cult, seldom slaves, and hi hair usually requires combing.
 He hunts and fishes. He mucl rather would talk about an eight point buck he bagged inthe Adj