Evening star., 1957-04-29
WIN, LOSE OR
DNAW BY FRANCIS sTANN
The SisIer Family

NOT YET ARE THE YANKEES making a runaway of the
American League and Dave Ser of the
Red sox oh, yes, this is of the immortal George
Sisters boys the big leagues
the first with Ivy League (Princeton) background
When he licked the Yankees in New York the other
day. it Dawes second complete game victory the
world champions in six days and brought his lifetime
ord Che was rookie in So to 40 against the Yanks Matter
of fact of the nine he last all except
were at the expense of first division clubs.
When Dave reported to the Red Sox in Sarasota Fla
in the wntersprng 1856 he made copy chiefly
he was Georges boy That is of his boys Not many
sons OF famous balplayers in this Hall Of Famer
make the grade Ty Cobb disappointed and
Walter Johnson because their offspring preferred other
games.
Dave like his brother Dick, who dates from the 1850
Phies apparently liked playing ball. but If it not
for his lusrious father it's likely the writing boys would
have left him pretty much alone AS pitcher he didn't
seem to have too much stuff Besides he glasses and
had an Ivy League look complete with black knit te
Dawes BROTHER DICK NOW playing in the Pacific
Coast League, big handsome collar-ad type who be-
national hero the final day of the 1850
He hit 10th inning home to beat Brooklyn and give the
Phiies the National League pennant. Dick pretty
good bapayer although not versatile and gazele like
his dad
Odd how Georges versatility rubbed of his kids
The Hall Of Fame Sser began outfeder at the
University of Michigan before he shifted to first base and
became of the atme greats Dick first baseman,
Dave pitcher George r the eldest Of the sons became
ront-offce type which also and remains Dads cup
of tea.
Sser senior was working for Branch Hickey the ivory
tower at Brooklyn in the Of 1948 when Dave tall
slender 16earod got into the act He worked that season
for the Dodger organization keeping statistics base steal
ing the farm system Every third day Dave pitched
batting practice to the Brooklyn hitters
And why was the young man not signed by Brooklyn?
There no attempt to urge me to sgn Dave replies
Both Mr.. Hickey and father said to make the best
deal could all felt however that would be awkward
all sides ifI didn't go well in organization father
connected with"
NOW Is, AND NEVER HAVING it better, Dave doesn't
his decision to to Princeton and sign contract with
the Red sox after his junior year Eight 10 clubs were
after him, as Dave recalls
II chose the Red sox because they offered $4,000
bonus-wth conditions. They knew was going into
the Army after college. If lost my the day after
signed I'd still get all the money Also knew the bonus
rule coming in and that's why gave up my last
of college eligibility in basketball and baseball didn't want
to get stuck big league bench"
Casey Stenge who is hard loser, takes nothing away
from young Sisler He looks like he won't beat himself
Casey mumbled after last Fridays 62 He weahered
a storm thought had going against him His control
is good and he's got good sdea pitch We've scored
six five home off him this but what
good will that do If he can hang on and beat you2"
**+*
THE RECORD BOOKS ELoQUENTLY stress the sser
failys ability to hang Two months after he graduated
from the University of Michigan George reported to the
ST. Louis Browns and pitcher he faced no less than
Walter Johnson, his idol In his bag he had clippings and
photos Of the wondrous Washington pitcher
Hickey who managing the Browns named the col
egiae Siser TO oppose Johnson In ST. Louis 1T like
telling earthing that he going to wrestle god,
Hickey later ntoned.
George sisler tossed in bed all night. At he
fully awake waiting for day to preak But he beat Johnson
that day, to l. Washingons unearned
BY 1915 evident that Sisters days pitcher
He is too obviously natural hitter Hickey
planned as he shifted George to first base.
Years later following Sisters astounding feats
hitter, base and fielder, Hickey also said:
"Sser the smarest hitter that ever lived He was
professional with bat in his hand menace . you
could feel the ripple of anticipation in the crowd
moved up there in the field he the picture player
the acme Of grace and fuency."