Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-09-10
WIN, LOSE OR
DRAW By FRANCIS s1Aun
As Old Nick Neors 30

THIS WEEK-SATURDAY TO BE SPECIFTC-Onkel Nick
Arock turns 80 and Jim Magner and Joe Holman couple
of who remember old pals going something
about the anniversary They staging blowout two
days later, September IT, at Atlas Club luncheon
Early last March, it is recalled there occasion
write piece about onke Nick who started earning his first
paychecks as shoemaker in Cincinnati Del Baker, coach
of the Red Sox reported that Atrok had suffered heart
attack in Sarasota and not in the best of shape The
ndeStructibe Nick rode it out safely
When the best Washington ball clubs operating the
Senators had two clowns the coaching lines Arock
first base and AL Schacht at third Don't say the clowns
are now on the diamond because it's already been Sad)
Anyway rok and Schacht made shrewd pair of coaches
Both ex-ptchers Arock the gifted but Schacht
possessed of rare timing when it to directing base
In 1924 and 1925 when the won pennants
and world championship Altrock and Schacht did their
parts Schacht said later that he good waving home
base runners 1t was because he watched many of
him. Altrock first base a natural for the job.
IT is ENTIRELY POSSIBLE that old Nicodemus had the
best motion in history He doesn't recall the incident
but story has it that Arock retired side major
league by picking off at first base He does
remember, however day in 1901 which was before he
became star Southpaw for Chcagos Hitess Wonders.
Il went from Toronto to Angeles" Nick says. AT
that time in California they played only games week.
With the long trip and ALL least two passed without
me having ball in my hand. When finally pitched
as Wlo as runaway morse
Il walked eight batters of 'em I caught off first
base. Some folks thought did it purpose"
One Of the big why Nick is completing his 45th
straight with the Senators and his 59th organized
baseball because of his pckof motion He could throw
hard and Nick had sweeping But many time he
saved his hide by fooling base runner
ONE STORY THE OLD GENT enjoys telling is the time
In 1902 when he making his first start for Milwaukee
"A chap named Runkel playing first base he says Five
of my throws to first base hit Runke the chest the
ribs because he thinking going to throw to the
hitter and looking toward the plate. Runke the
most confused in the ball park, but charged with
five errors"
When Atrock was good-and annually he gets Hall of
Fame votehe strictly business and sensitive to criticism
In 1904 Detroit picture with the caption THE
Human Gargoye" Nick wasn't what a gargoye was
but he didn't think it hatering He remembered with
bitterness that in 1898 Louisville paper said 1.-The
pitcher Altrock is the homeest in the National
League now that Doggy Miller, Perry Werden and Dad
Clarke no longer teams in the l2-cub circuit"
Nick in fit of pque started to take legal action but
finally settled for asking his fellow Eks to boycott the paper
AS HIS ARM RAN DOWN, like tired rubber band
Arock began to realize that his talents multiple One
he could coach Two, he truly funny man could
clown.
Il got to feeling was different amusing you might
say. One day was coaching at Yankee Stadium. guy
yelled from the boxeswat minute the Polo
because the Yankee Stadium hadn't been bult-and he
shouted:
Pin your back Nck
What for? yelled back We're in the ball game
amt we?"
Yeah he holered back but there's about 800 Of us
who can't see behind your ears!'"