Evening star., 1951-04-18

discovered
his share of stars and near-stars so it @M
was long and happy association. Then he MM
was stricken with Wish knew it @@@ @@s@@@
was only question of time Most FRANCIS sann
two years was spent in hospital but last September got
weak and wasted hopeful watching Tigers win
pennant.
They gave mighty try and Just fell short Wish said
goodby to the boys and to the friendly
sox and Yankees who helped to war Tigers
to his bed. For keeps.
RED RoLFE VISITED WISH just before leaving spring
training I'm way, sorry did," Red said my God
he looked sick. I felt depressed for days."
Egan responsible for Rolfe's being manager the
IgerS When the x-Yankee playing days Wish
found him job Detroit He worked with Egan developing
young players One day. when Briggs needed manager
he had only to look as far as his organization.
Wish properly proud when discovery made good but
he also went out of his to point out that he made mistakes
At time when the Tigers needing shortstop Wish
passed up Alvin Dark, who wanted handsome bonus The
Braves bid and Egan could have topped it.
Il liked his speed and his defensive work explained
but didn't think he'd hit enough Justify kind
money guess pulled a rock"
But Detroit wasn't shy good shortsop for long Johnny
Lpon hit his stride last year. Indeed he outbatted
captain OF the Giants by IA points with his 29s Lpon
was discovered by Egan.
WISHs INNATE INVENTIvENEss was no drawback in
signing young prospects Newhouser kid there
was rush by scouts to bonus him.
rich and they carefully weighed all offers Egan there
was chance he might lose the boy
He took of Mr.. Briggs money, bought
drove out to Newhousers carefully parking directly
front of the door Then he made final offer
which matched that of the highest bidder.
Let me know possible" Wish told the family
taking his hat Then stepped outside and began to walk
brisky down the street to the bus stop.
The Newhousers watching called out "r. Egan," they
reminded you drove out in that car"
Eyes, know Wish sad turning "Only decides to
play for the Tigers it's left the keys in the Ignition
The Newhodsers went for spin that afternoon
only 1S but after less than the minors he
to the Tigers stay four times leading the League
WISH MoDEsTLY USED TO SAY that Mr. Briggs money
He used to descend into mine shafts
boys who couldn't contracts because they
He's been known to time visit to youngsters home while
school still was in session and wipe dishes for the mother while
awaiting the boys return.
Parents often underrated people," philosophical
occasion. "I always liked em my side"
One morning the cheerful Irshman up with hang
He'd attended banquet the night before Wish
a convivial sort.
had nothing to do that day. he recalled "and normally
might have stayed indoors But needed air and went
for a walk"
Wish regretted that particular hangover While
taking his air. he paused to watch boys ball noticed
kid who struck his fancy and signed him. No bonus
nothing.
kid Barney McCosky, grew up to be lifetime
hitter with the AS now but in trading him after
useful the Tigers acquired George Ke third
baseman in the majors.
THERE WERE OTHERS HE DISCOVERED. Mike Tresh
fine catcher Roy Culenbine Cass Michaels Hoot
Evers Pat Muln Maurice Van Robays Ted Gray
-. Ray Herbert Billy Pierce Johnny Groth The list
and
EganS biggest disappointment was the failure OF Dick
Wakefield who given $4,000 bonus and while
fresh off the University of Michigan At the time
the biggest bonus record Wakefield and to lesser
extent, Egan) became famed overnight
And for while it looked as if it bargain too Dick
1943 and hit 31e Next year 1856 He spent
the Navy and when he out experts that
the Wakefield Ted Williams would
battle it out for top hitting honors
Egans boy hit above 2Ss thereafter did he
in than SO in single Last he played
in the Pacific Coast League AS of the moment he isn't playing
at ALL
Wish could understand it, but he sorry
he richly bonused the young One of EganS last
observations eff could that big strapping kid in
college uniform again, swinging with that swing I'd
a,,otLor ctecIf