,transcrib]'s ,notes ,misspell$ words h be5 correct$4 ,^! are id5tifi$ by symbols 9 ! text & are %[n imm$iately bel[ ! p>agraph 9 :i* !y appe>4 ,details & o!r notes may be f\nd at ! end ( ?is text4 ,illu/ration3 ,acme ,,george ,,h]man ,,ru? ,,babe ,,ru?',s ,own ,book ( ,baseball ,by ,,george ,,h]man ,,ru? ,a4 ,l4 ,,burt ,,company ,publi%]s ,new ,york ,publi%$ by arrangem5t ) ,g4 ,p4 ,putnam's ,sons ,pr9t$ 9 ,u4 ,s4 ,a4 ,,babe ,,ru?',s ,,own ,,book ,,( ,,baseball ,copyright1 #aibh by ,george ,h]man ,ru? ,by arrangem5t ) ,*ri/y ,wal% ,illu/ration3 ,knick]bock] ,press logo ,made 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica ,,cont5ts ,,*apt] ,i ,,page ,! ,baltimore ,riv] front--,/reet corn] baseball--,days at ,/4 ,m>y's--,! fir/ contract--,a ^w ( advice f ,bro!r ,gilb]t--,! big leagues at la/--,! climb upw>d--,aid f team-mates--,a #gj1jjj contract--,look+ back #c ,,*apt] ,,ii ,baseball l a battle--,two big divisions1 (f5se & def5se--,:at !y are--,old-fa%ion$ def5sive play--,! %ift to mod]n (f5sive baseball--,great def5sive teams ( hi/ory--,"s pit*+ m>vels--,pit*+ ! key/one ( def5sive play--,(f5sive />s ( today #ai ,,*apt] ,,iii ,pit*+ ! keynote ( def5se--,! pit*]'s job--,:y "y pit*]s fail--,control z a pit*+ factor--,h[ to obta9 control--,alex&] ! old ma/]--,%ock] gets by on 8no?+0--,%awkey gives a few words ( advice to 8rookies0--,practice c\nts mo/ #cb ,,*apt] ,,iv ,/udy+ ! batt]--,%ock] a m>vel--,8 sy/em--,p5nock's /yle ( pit*+--,8 pit*+ rule--,hoyt weighs 9 ) advice--,pit*+ to weakness & /r5g?--,play+ ! com]s--,mix+ !m up--,qu9n a bluff]--,h[ ,hoyt uses 8 fa/ "o #dd ,,*apt] ,v ,! pit*+ motion--,h[ ,zahnis] betray$ 8 curve ball--,ru?'s tongue gets him into tr\ble--,%]ry ,smi? cat*es runn]s (f fir/ base--,h9key ,ha9es' exp]i5ce--,sl[ ball pit*+--,:y x is valuable--,! type ( hitt]s :o are fool$ by sl[ /uff--,exp]i5ce c\nts--,field+ aids pit*] #eg 8,h9key ,ha9es10 replac$ ) 8,h9key ,ha9es'0 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,:at makes ! curve balls curve--,! fa/ ball--,! 8hook0--,freak deliv]ies--,! spit ball--,! screw ball--,its purpose--,! knuckle ball--,rommel & ,pipgras use x be/--,curve ball pit*]s :o h made baseball hi/ory--,fa/ balls t are tricky--,a few y>ns ( pit*+ greatness #ga ,,*apt] ,,vii ,! infield--,! greate/ play ( ! #aibg _w s]ies--,joe ,dugan pull$ x--,lazz]i spikes ,pirate guns--,great second base comb9ations--,! d\ble play--,! snap ?r[ to base--,great arms 9 baseball--,travis ,jackson gets ,jake ,daub]t's goat--,casey ,/5gel tells "o--,:at to look = 9 infield play #ib ,,*apt] ,,viii ,play+ ! outfield--,! kid idea--,/>s :o h sc9tillat$ 9 ! outfield--,great outfield]s ( all "t--,_! me?ods ( play--,:at ! outfield] ne$s--,:at he mu/ look out =--,play+ ! hitt]--,mak+ ! ?r[--,"s great outfield plays--,sam ,rice's great cat*--,h>ry ,hoop]1 ! old ma/] #ajf ,,*apt] ,,ix ,! cat*]--,8 importance 9 ! game--,direct+ ! play--,fam\s batt]ies ( o!r days--,h[ ! cat*] c make or break a pit*]--,h&l+ high f\ls ! cat*]'s t\ghe/ job--,john ,grab[ski's great play t result$ 9 a *ange ( rules--,hold+ m5 on bases--,! snap ?r[ to fir/--,signs & :at !y are--,ray ,s*alk ! ma/] #aba ,,*apt] ,x ,team play--,:at x is--,:at x means--,signs & h[ !y op]ate--,! pit*-out--,back+ up ! ?r[--,! cut-(f play--,h[ x 0 inv5t$--,! coa*es1 & _! duties--,mill] ,hugg9s puts "o ov]--,! ,mc,graw coa*+ sy/em--,a _w s]ies episode--,! old practice ( signal /eal+--,h[ x op]at$--,out-(-date n[--,dang]s ( signal /eal+ #ace ,,*apt] ,,xi ,cobb is game's greate/ natural hitt]--,is ma/] ( /yle--,a few ,cobb y>ns--,sw+ hitt]s & *oke hitt]s--,importance & weakness ( ea* /yle--,gehrig's hitt+ /yle--,:at makes him great--,willie ,keel]'s motto--,! value ( wait+--,correct+ batt+ faults #adi ,,*apt] ,,xii ,hitt+ /yle--,naturalness at ! plate--,simmons' freak batt+ /ance--,joey ,sewell has ideal /ance--,! ,ru?ian sw+--,h[ x develops p[]--,select+ ! prop] bat--,tim+ an important factor 9 hitt+--,h[ to improve tim+ & sw+ #aff ,,*apt] ,,xiii ,hits are valuable only 9 s f> z !y score runs--,levs5 pit*es two hit game & loses--,real te/ ( hitt+ is ability to smack ball :5 hits mean runs--,! dang] ( 8tight5+ up0--,hitt+ slumps & h[ to ov]come !m--,bunt+1 its value & use--,great bunt]s & h[ !y op]at$--,! bunt attack & h[ x is put ov] #ahj ,,*apt] ,,xiv ,wait+ 'em out6--,frank ,*ance puts "o ov]--,jamieson smacks ! fir/ "o--,n always easy to wait--,try+ to outguess ! pit*]--,! int5tional pass--,putt+ on ! hit & run play--,eddie ,coll9s a ma/] at x--,hugg9s expresses an op9ion #aie ,,*apt] ,,xv ,! batt+ ord]--,! kid idea--,gett+ ! mo/ out ( hitt+ /r5g?--,! lead-(f man--,combs & ,wan] are good--,no reason :y pit*]s %\ldn't be good hitt]s--,a few examples--,heavie/ hitt]s bat ?ird & f\r?--,t's ! scor+ position #bji ,,*apt] ,,xvi ,team "w c\nts--,! hit & run1 & :5 to use x--,! squeeze play--,urban ,%ock] puts x ov] great--,a bit ( advice on base runn+--,great base runn]s ! game has se5--,s*ang pulls a good l9e on ,cobb--,! slide an important feature ( base runn+--,spik+ no long] done--,! /ory ( h[ spik+ began #bbd ,,*apt] ,,xvii ,hugg9s a psy*ologi/--,h[ he put x ov] on ! ,pirates 9 ! _w s]ies--,baseball sup]/itions--,mc,graw turns "o to advantage & w9s an important s]ies--,college m5 9 baseball--,:at !y h contribut$ to ! game--,ball play]s :o make good outside ( baseball--,zane ,grey once a pr(essional--,billy ,sunday & ,gov]nor ,t5] #bdj ,,*apt] ,,xviii ,! m5 :o play--,:at !y are l (f ! field--,m]e human be+s l o!r p--,! road trips--,days 9 ! hotels--,fads & fancies--,ko5ig an exp]t piani/--,hoyt a great read]--,hugg9s a f9ancial /ud5t--,%awkey a great hunt]--,baseball1 ) !m1 n a game b a bus9ess--,! m5 :o play are bus9ess m5 #bec ,,*apt] ,,xix ,h[ ! av]age fan looks on pr(essional baseball--,x is a bus9ess b a %ort liv$ "o--,:y publicity hurts sometimes--,keep+ a physical edge--,! value ( tra9+--,:at x takes = success 9 baseball--,a few rules = ! "y play] #bgj ,,*apt] ,,xx ,"s baseball laughs--,! 8battles0 ) ! umpire--,tommy ,connolly puts ov] a fa/ "o on ,bob ,vea*--,joe ,dugan's comeback at ,jack ,scott 9 ! _w s]ies--,bozeman ,bulg]'s color$ umpire /ory--,*>ley ,o',le>y weighs 9 ) "o--,sam ,jones tops x--,a laugh on ,rube ,lutzke #bhd ,gloss>y ( baseball t]ms #bii ,,babe ,,ru?',s ,,own ,,book ,,( ,,baseball ,,*apt] ,i ,! ,baltimore ,riv] front--,/reet corn] baseball--,days at ,/4 ,m>y's--,! fir/ contract--,a ^w ( advice f ,bro!r ,gilb]t--,! big leagues at la/--,! climb upw>d--,aid f team-mates--,a #gj1jjj contract--,look+ back4 ,my e>lie/ recollections c5t] ab\t ! dirty1 traffic-cr[d$ /reets ( ,baltimore's riv] front4 ,cr[d$ /reets !y 7 too1 noisy ) ! ro> ( heavy trucks ^: driv]s curs$ & swore & aim$ bl[s ) _! driv+ :ips1 at ! legs ( kids :o made ! /reets _! playgr\nd4 ,& ! y\ng/]s1 runn+ wild1 /ruck back & e*o$ ! curses4 ,truck-driv]s 7 our enemies3 s 7 ! copp]s patroll+ _! beats1 & s too 7 ! %opkeep]s :o took bruis+ paym5t f our sk9s = ! apples & ! fruit we 8snit*$0 f _! /&s & c\nt]s4 ,a r\gh1 t\gh neighborhood1 b ,i lik$ x4 ,!re 9 ^? crook$ w9d+ /reets ,i /ag$ my fir/ fight1 & lo/ x1 ,i ?9k4 ,!re too ,i play$ my fir/ baseball4 ,!re ,i le>n$ to fe> & to hate ! copp]s4 ,p]haps x 0 !re1 too1 t ,i le>n$ to control my pit*es4 ,= toss+ ov]-ripe apples1 or ag$ eggs at a truck driv]'s head is mighty good practice--al?\gh ,i don't recomm5d x to ! boys ( today4 ,_m p ?\ght ,i 0 an orphan4 ,i wasn't4 ,my folks liv$ 9 ,baltimore & my fa!r work$ 9 ! di/rict :]e ,i 0 rais$4 ,we 7 poor4 ,v poor4 ,& !re 7 times :5 we nev] knew :]e ! next meal 0 com+ f4 ,b ,i nev] m9d$4 ,i 0 no worse (f ?an ! o!r kids ) :om ,i play$ & f\ght4 ,i don't "k h[ ,i happ5$ to be s5t to ,/4 ,m>y's s*ool4 ,z a matt] ( fact x wasn't s mu* a s*ool z x 0 a home :]e kids l me c\ld be c>$ = & tra9$ & taught z !y %\ld be4 ,all ,i rememb] is t ,i 0 a loose jo9t$1 gangl+ dirty-fac$ kid 9 knee pants play+ 9 ! /reet1 :]e "o day a r\nd-fac$ pleasant little man 9 cl]ical g>b came ov] to talk to me4 ,i ?\ght he 0 a prie/ & ,i call$ him ,fa!r1 & tipp$ my cap :5 ,i spoke to him4 8,n ,fa!r10 he said1 smil+1 8,j ,bro!r--,bro!r ,gilb]t40 ,!n he told me t ,i 0 to g ) him1 t ,i w\ld be giv5 a f9e home & taught ?+s t w\ld make me into a useful citiz54 ,i didn't want to g4 ,i lik$ ! fre$om ( ! /reet2 lik$ ! gang ( y\ng/]s ,i play$ ) & pr[l$ )4 ,b ,i w5t4 ,= a :ile ,i wasn't happy4 ,i miss$ ! cr[ds1 & ! dirt1 & ! noise ( ! /reet4 ,i miss$ ! o!r kids4 ,i ev5 miss$ ! policem5 & ! beat+s t came f ! %opkeep]s :5 we 7 un=tunate en\gh to fall into _! clut*es4 ,z ,i look back at x n[ ,i realize t ,i mu/ h be5 a real problem to ! ,bro!rs4 ,b ,bro!r ,gilb]t /uck ) me4 ,i owe him a lot4 ,m ?an ,i'll ev] be able to repay4 ,x 0 ,bro!r ,gilb]t :o f9ally /ruck ^u ! ?+ to hold my int]e/ & keep me happy4 ,x 0 baseball4 ,once ,i _h be5 introduc$ to s*ool a?letics ,i 0 satisfi$ & happy4 ,ev5 z a kid ,i 0 big = my ye>s1 & because ( my size ,i us$ to get mo/ any job ,i lik$ on ! team4 ,sometimes ,i pit*$4 ,sometimes ,i caught1 & frequ5tly ,i play$ ! outfield & infield4 ,x 0 all ! same to me4 ,all ,i want$ 0 to play4 ,i didn't c>e mu* :]e4 ,z ,i grew old]1 ,bro!r ,gilb]t enc\rag$ me m & m4 ,at sixte5 ,i _h develop$ into a pretty good cat*] & 0 beg9n+ to hit pretty well4 ,i 0 tall & sk9ny 9 ^? days1 & f "s ( ! pictures t /ill hang on ! walls ov] at s*ool ,i guess ,i mu/ h be5 ab\t z funny look+ a kid z ev] got a tr\nc+ = cutt+ classes to g fi%+4 ,!re 7 a lot ( f9e m5 connect$ ) ! s*ool 9 ^? days4 ,9 addition to ,bro!r ,gilb]t1 !re 0 ,bro!r ,ma?ias4 ,:at a fri5d he 01 z ,i f\nd out dur+ #aibd & #aibe :5 ?+s 7 break+ bad & ,i ne$$ fri5ds z ,i nev] _h ne$$ !m be=e4 ,!n !re 7 ,bro!r ,alb9 & ,bro!r ,paul--m5 :om ,i /ill see frequ5tly & :o nev] fail to s5d me lett]s ( congratulation e "t ,i d some?+ wor? :ile4 ,^! m5 are among ! v few p :o call me ,george4 ,to ! re/ ( ! _w1 & p>ticul>ly to ! baseball fans ,i'm 8,babe0 & h be5 ev] s9ce ,i broke into baseball4 ,to ! memb]s ( ! ,yankee ball ,club ,i'm 8,j$ge40 ,t's a "n t ,b5ny ,b5g\gh tack$ on me "s two or ?ree seasons ago1 & x has /uck4 ,b to ! ,bro!rs d[n at ,/4 ,m>y's ,i'm ,george1 & always w be4 ,x's a funny ?+1 incid5tally1 h[ _m times a ye> ,i get lett]s ask+ me h[ ,i got my nickname4 ,"s ( ! newspap] boys made a pretty good y>n out ( x "o "t4 ,!y said t :5 ,i 0 a little kid ,i always want$ to play ball ) bigg] boys1 & :5 !y w\ldn't let me play ,i'd cry & h[l until ,i _h ! :ole neighborhood di/urb$4 ,! big boys1 accord+ to 8 /ory1 nicknam$ me 8,baby0 because ,i cri$ s mu*1 !n %ort5$ x to ,babe1 z kids w4 ,x's a %ame to spoil a good y>n l t1 b z a matt] ( fact ! /ory is all wrong4 ,a man nam$ ,/e9am1 :o 0 coa* ( ! ,baltimore ,orioles :5 ,i jo9$ ! club 9 #aiad1 gave me ! nickname4 ,! fir/ day ,i report$ at ! clubh\se he said1 8,well1 "h's ,jack's newe/ ,babe n[40 ,& ! "n has /uck4 ,i've be5 8,babe0 ev] s9ce & ,i suppose ,i w /ill be 8,babe0 :5 ,i'm an old1 old man ) wobbly legs & long :isk]s4 ,!y tell ano!r /ory ab\t ! way ,i happ5$ to get into league baseball1 too4 ,accord+ to "s ( ! newspap] m51 ! bro!rs at s*ool tri$ me out at ev]y?+ 9 ! _w4 ,!y _h me do+ "w 9 ! g>d51 & !y tri$ me out at c>p5try4 ,!y _h me try bookkeep+ = a :ile1 & ab\t ev]y?+ else !y c\ld ?9k (4 ,b ,i c\ldn't seem to get ! hang ( any ( !m4 ,f9ally 7& don't =get ?is is a newspap] y>n & n a confession7 ,bro!r ,gilb]t s5t = ,jack ,dunn1 own] & manag] ( ! ,baltimore club4 ,dunn came ov] & accord+ to ! /ory ,bro!r ,gilb]t got him (f to "o side & said3 8,jack1 ,i've got a "y fell[ "h t ,i want y to look ov]4 ,i don't "k t he's a ball play]1 b ,i'm sure he mu/ be4 ,!y say e boy c d some?+ well & ,i've tri$ ?is y\ng/] at ev]y?+ else4 ,x mu/ be he's a ball play]40 ,true or n1 y've got to admit x's a good /ory4 ,z a matt] ( fact ,bro!r ,gilb]t 0 responsible = me gett+ a *ance4 ,he us$ to coa* our baseball team1 & he lik$ ! way ,i did ?+s4 ,lots ( times he w\ld po9t me out z an example to ! o!r boys1 z a baseball play] y und]/&1 & f9ally1 :5 ,i 0 eighte5 he wrote a lett] to ,jack ,dunn tell+ him ab\t me & ask+ ,jack to come ar\nd & see = himself4 ,n[ baseball manag]s don't usually look = prospective play]s on s*oolboy teams4 ,& ,i imag9e if ,/4 ,m>y's hadn't be5 conv5i5t & h&y ,jack w\ldn't h paid any att5tion to ! lett]4 ,b x 0 only a few /eps f 8 (fice to ! s*ool & he _h no?+ else to d s he came ov]4 ,i'll nev] =get ! day ,bro!r ,gilb]t call$ me ov] & introduc$ me to ,jack4 ,i 0 flabb]ga/$4 ,i hadn't kn[n ab\t ! lett] & ! idea ( %ak+ h&s ) a real pr(essional baseball man 0 almo/ too mu*4 ,jack 0 mighty good to me & talk$ = q a :ile ab\t baseball4 ,f9ally he got me into a uni=m & out 9 ! y>d4 ,he _h me pit* to him = a half h\r ,i guess1 talk+ to me all ! "t1 & tell+ me n to /ra9 & n to try too h>d4 ,i 0 a pretty fair pit*] 9 ^? days if ,i d say s myself1 & at ! end ( a half h\r ,dunn call$ a halt & w5t into ! (fice ) ,bro!r ,gilb]t4 ,9 ab\t a half h\r !y call$ me 9 & ,bro!r ,gilb]t expla9$ t ,mr4 ,dunn ?\ght ,i w\ld make a ball play] & want$ me to sign a contract ) ! ,baltimore ,orioles4 ,s9ce ,i wasn't yet ( age1 ,bro!r ,gilb]t expla9$1 ,mr4 ,dunn w\ld take out pap]s z my gu>dian & w\ld be responsible = me :5 ,i 0 away f ! s*ool4 8,h[ ab\t x "y man10 ,dunn ask$ me1 8d y want to play baseball80 ,i guess ,i mu/ h come ne> fall+ ov] 9 my excitem5t4 ,did ,i want to play baseball8 ,does a fi% l to swim or a squirrel climb trees8 ,i didn't ev5 pause to ask que/ions4 8,sure10 ,i said1 8,i'll play4 ,:5 d ,i />t80 ,b ,bro!r ,gilb]t /opp$ me4 8,wait a m9ute1 ,george10 he said1 8?is is a s]i\s bus9ess4 ,boys play baseball = fun1 b y're a man n[ & y're tak+ a man's job4 ,y "k play+ pr(essional baseball isn't l play+ on ! s&lots4 ,y'll f9d ! m5 on ! ,baltimore team "k a lot m baseball ?an y d4 ,& x won't be easy4 ,besides10 he add$1 8,i want y to und]/& all ! arrangem5ts4 ,mr4 ,dunn has agre$ to pay y #fjj = ! six-mon?s season4 ,t's approximately #be a week4 ,w y be satisfi$ ) t80 ,look+ back n[ ( c\rse1 six hundr$ doll>s doesn't look l mu* money4 ,b t day1 !re 9 ! s*ool (fice1 x s\nd$ l a =tune4 ,& tw5ty-five doll>s a week6 ,:y ,i'd be z ri* z ,rockefell]1 ,i ?\ght4 ,& = play+ baseball6 ,i nev] ev5 hesitat$4 ,if ,bro!r ,gilb]t expect$ me to d any s]i\s ?9k+ he c]ta9ly got a disappo9tm5t t day4 8,sure1 ,i'd l x10 ,i said1 & said x fa/ too1 = fe> ,dunn might *ange 8 m9d4 ,& s x 0 arrang$4 ,a contract 0 drawn up1 & ,i sign$ x4 ,!n ,i beat x out ( doors to tell ! re/ ( ! boys4 ,9 ! ye>s t h gone by ,i've _h a lot ( ?rills4 ,i got "o :5 ,i pit*$ my fir/ _w s]ies game4 ,i get "o e "t ,i hit a ball ov] ! f5ce & ,i got a big "o t day la/ fall :5 ,i hit my sixtie? home run & broke my old record4 ,b none ( ^! c\ld comp>e to ! ?rill t came ! day ,i p>ad$ out to ! playgr\nd & told ! re/ ( ! boys t ,i 0 sign$ to a contract--a real1 hone/-to-goodness pr(essional baseball play]6 ,less ?an two ye>s ago ,i sat 9 ,colonel ,rupp]t's private (fice 9 ,new ,york & sign$ my "n aga9--?is "t to a ?ree ye> contract call+ = #gj1jjj a ye>4 ,! newspap] boys 7 on h&1 & ! photograph]s1 & ! :ole baseball _w made a great ado ab\t ?is sign+4 ,b hone/ly1 t new contract = ! l>ge/ sal>y ev] paid a ball play] didn't give me half ! kick ,i got t aft]noon back 9 #aiad :5 ,i sign$ ) ,jack ,dunn to play ball ) ! ,baltimore ,orioles at #be a week4 ,speak+ ( t la/ contract sign+1 rem9ds me ( a good laugh ,i _h at ! exp5se ( ! newspap] boys4 ,!re 7 a c\ple ( doz5 ( !m /ick+ ar\nd :5 ,i sign$1 "s ( !m fell[s :o _h be5 travel+ ) ! ,yankees = sev]al seasons2 fell[s :om ,i "k intimately & well4 ,yet 9 _! /ories1 e "o ( !m wrote ab\t me sign+ t contract ) my left h& & "s ( ! pap]s ev5 ran pictures %[+ me sign+ left-h&$6 ,h[ !y manag$ x ,i don't "k--= z a matt] ( fact ,i write ) my "r h& n[1 & ,i always h4 ,i'm left-h&$ 9 ev]y?+ else ,i d1 b :5 x comes to writ+ ,i'm j z "r-h&$ z any "r-h&] y ev] saw4 ,x j goes to %[ t p take a lot ( ?+s = grant$4 ,!y don't obs]ve ?+s closely1 p>ticul>ly ?+s ab\t :i* !y feel confid5t4 ,mo/ ( ! re/ ( my /ory ev]yone kn[s4 ,i w5t ) ! ,orioles & 0 =tunate en\gh to make good4 ,9 fact ,i nev] = a mom5t ?\ght t ,i w\ldn't4 ,i don't believe ,i 0 cocky & ,i don't believe ,i 0 any fre%] ?an ! av]age rookie :o gets a *ance to sign a contract--b ,i 0 confid5t4 ,i play$ = ,jack ,dunn = a mon? & at ! end ( t "t he rais$ my contract six hundr$ doll>s m1 j d\bl+ ! orig9al am\nt4 ,at ! end ( ! second mon? he add$ ano!r six hundr$4 ,& "r "h let me say "o ?+4 ,i've he>d a lot ( talk & read a lot ( /uff 9 ! newspap]s ab\t club own]s be+ tightwads & all t sort ( ?+4 ,if !y are ,i h nev] discov]$ x4 ,9 my baseball exp]i5ce ,i've f\nd !m fair at all times1 always will+ to pay a man :at !y consid]$ he 0 wor?4 ,nev] 9 my life h ,i ev] be5 a s]i\s hold-out1 & nev] h ,i _h any v bitt] sal>y argum5ts ) my own]s4 ,( c\rse ,colonel ,rupp]t may be an exception4 ,_m p tell me he is4 ,& he is ! only man ,i've _h to d bus9ess ) s9ce ,i've be5 9 ! big-money class4 ,b he c]ta9ly has be5 fair & squ>e always1 9 all 8 deal+s ) me4 ,! tip-(f on t is ! fact t x took u less ?an tw5ty m9utes to agree to t]ms 9 #aibg1 :5 ,i sign$ my la/ contract4 ,9 #aiad ,jack ,dunn sold me to ! ,bo/on ,r$ ,sox4 ,i 0 9 ! big leagues sure en\gh4 ,i've nev] be5 back to ! m9ors s9ce4 ,9 #aiad1 aft] ,i report$ to ! ,r$ ,sox ,i got into f\r ball games4 ,n _m1 b a />t1 at lea/4 ,! next ye> ,i 0 9 =ty-two4 ,s9ce !n ,i've nev] be5 9 less4 ,go+ to ! ,r$ ,sox 0 a great break4 ,9 ^? days ! ,r$ ,sox 7 z mu* k+s ( ! baseball walk z ! ,yankees are today4 ,!n ,i 0 on ! same club ) ,bill ,c>rigan1 "o ( ! f9e/ *aps ,i ev] knew1 & "o ( ! be/ coa*es ( "y pit*]s !re is 9 ! game4 ,) ! ,r$ ,sox ,i really began to le>n a little baseball4 ,we _h a great pit*+ /aff 9 ^? days4 ,joe ,wood1 ,dut* ,leon>d1 ,ernie ,%ore1 ,hugh ,b$i5t1 ,george ,fo/]--:at an array t 06 ,& *aps1 all ( !m1 :o n only "k h[ to pit* !mselves1 b fell[s :o c\ld tea* o!rs z well4 ,joe ,wood 0 s good z an in/ructor1 9 fact1 t he's /ill at x--coa*+ baseball up at ,yale :]e ,i see him q (t54 ,a "y fell[ c\ldn't h be5 ) a bett] outfit to le>n ! game4 ,:ile ,i didn't realize x at ! "t1 ,i 0 le>n+ "s real baseball f two o!r fell[s on ! club1 too2 le>n+ lessons t 7 to help me a :ole lot lat] on4 ,^! two 7 ,h>ry ,hoop] & ,tris ,speak]4 ,i've always ma9ta9$1 & ,i /ill believe1 t ,h>ry ,hoop] 0 "o ( ! greate/ outfield]s :o ev] liv$4 ,z a def5sive play] ,i believe he rat$ ev5 high] ?an ,tris ,speak]1 & t's go+-"s4 ,x 0 f ^! two t ,i le>n$ a lot ab\t play+ ! outfield1 & x 0 _! coa*+ & _! example :i* made x easy = me to swit* to ! outfield lat] on :5 ,i jo9$ ! ,new ,york club4 ,9 ! ,r$ ,sox days ,i didn't ?9k mu* ( becom+ a slugg]4 ,i lik$ to hit4 ,all fell[s d4 ,!re isn't a man 9 baseball today :o isn't happie/ :5 he's up !re at ! plate ) a /ick 9 8 h&4 ,b x 0 pit*+ :i* took my "t 9 ,bo/on4 ,& "o ( ! pr\de/ records ,i hold to ?is day is t ( hav+ pit*$ ! mo/ consecutive scoreless inn+s 9 _w s]ies play4 ,& ano!r accompli%m5t ( ^? ,bo/on pit*+ days :i* /ill makes me gr9 e "t ,i ?9k ( x1 occurr$ 9 a game ,i pit*$ 9 ,detroit4 ,9 t game1 9 ! n9? inn+ ) nobody out & ! ,r$ ,sox hold+ a "o-run lead1 ,i /ruck out ,bob ,vea*1 ,ty ,cobb & ,sam ,craw=d 9 a r[4 ,no home run 9 ! _w ev] br\ght a great] kick ?an t4 ,z to my home run hitt+--well1 ,i suppose ,i get a hundr$ lett]s a season ask+ me ab\t my fir/ home run4 ,to tell ! hone/ tru? ,i don't rememb] exactly :5 ,i made x1 or :o 0 pit*+ at ! "t4 ,i suppose x's all writt5 d[n 9 ! records some:]e1 b ,i'm hone/ :5 ,i say ,i don't rememb]4 ,i "k x 0 sometime 9 #aiae4 ,dur+ my play+ days 9 ,bo/on ,i made a lot ( fri5ds & lik$ ! place a lot4 ,:5 ,i 0 sold to ,new ,york ,i left ) a great deal ( real regret4 ,ev5 n[ :5 ,i g back to ,bo/on = a s]ies x's j l go+ home4 ,i don't believe ,i h any m real fri5ds any :]e1 or any m boo/]s1 ?an ,i h up !re at ,f5way ,p>k :]e ,i />t$ my big league c>e]4 ,i w5t to ,new ,york 9 #aibj & ,i've be5 !re ev] s9ce4 ,i hope ,i c rema9 !re & f9i% my big league c>e] ) ! ,yankees4 ,new ,york has be5 mighty good to me4 ,l all "y fell[s1 ,i've made mi/akes4 ,sev]al times ,i've got away on ! wrong foot4 ,once or twice ,i've be5 9 bad ) ! baseball au?orities4 ,i've figur$ 9 r[s ) ! umpires & fights ) fans4 ,b ^? days are ov]4 ,i "k bett] n[4 ,tommy ,connolly1 ! umpire1 & ,i hold "o jo9t record4 ,! la/ "t ,tommy 0 =c$ to kick a play] out ( ! ball game 0 back 9 #aibb4 ,i 0 ! play]4 ,tommy has _h a clean record s9ce t day4 ,s h ,i4 ,t's ! la/ "t ,i h _h a s]i\s run-9 ) an umpire4 ,dur+ ! ye>s t ,i've be5 9 ! big leagues1 /ories h be5 pr9t$ ab\t me t 7 complim5t>y--& a lot ( ?+s h be5 said :i* w]5't exactly complim5ts4 ,i've _h my ups & my d[ns1 & !re h be5 times :5 x look$ z ?\gh my baseball c>e] 0 ov] & f9i%$4 ,9 #aibe :5 ,i collaps$ 9 ,a%eville1 dur+ ! spr+ tra9+ trip1 a lot ( p figur$ ,i'd nev] put on a uni=m aga94 ,t sickness taught me a lesson4 ,x 0 my own fault4 ,i took life easy all w9t]1 put on a lot ( fat & ov]weight1 !n tri$ to boil & fa/ myself into %ape 9 a c\ple ( weeks4 ,x c't be done4 ,all ?r\gh ! ye>s ?\gh1 f fir/ to la/1 ,i've _h "o lot ( fri5ds :o h /uck by me4 ,t's ! kids4 ,i'm pr\d ( my record 9 baseball1 & ,i'd be ungrateful to say o!rwise4 ,e "t ,i drive 9 a run1 e "t ,i hit a ball ov] ! f5ce or he> ! *e]s ( ! blea*] fans r++ 9 my e>s ,i get a great kick4 ,i suppose ,i always w4 ,! fir/ ye> ,i broke into baseball ,i got "o fan lett]--& t "o 0 f ,bro!r ,gilb]t4 ,la/ ye> !re 7 #bj1jjj lett]s 9 my mail1 f e "p ( ! globe & e /ate 9 ! ,union4 ,i _h a lett] f a ,brahman prie/ 9 ,india1 & ,i _h a lett] f a condemn$ man 9 a ,cuban jail4 ,i _h a lett] f an eight ye> old boy 9 ,g]many & ano!r f a college pr(essor 9 ,japan4 ,to answ] !m all w\ld be impossible4 ,b ,i l to get !m4 ,seems to me z ?\gh !y're "p ( my pay4 ,b ,i'm n kidd+ myself4 ,! 8razz-b]ries0 are j z easy to collect z ! *e]s4 ,! p :o *e] me f ! /&s or write me lett]s ar5't int]e/$ s mu* 9 ,babe ,ru? z !y are 9 some?+ else4 ,!y're int]e/$ 9 baseball4 ,all ball play]s realize t soon] or lat]4 ,:at a game x is6 ,no wond] a fell[ gets a kick out ( be+ 9 x & "p ( x4 ,no wond] we're pr\d1 all ( u1 to be ball play]s6 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,baseball l a battle--,two big divisions1 (f5se & def5se--,:at !y are--,old-fa%ion$ def5sive play--,! %ift to mod]n (f5sive baseball--,great def5sive teams ( hi/ory--,"s pit*+ m>vels--,pit*+ ! key/one ( def5sive play--,(f5sive />s ( today4 ,y "k a game ( baseball is l a battle4 ,"o outfit digs 9 beh9d ! b>b wire ( good pit*+ & great field+ & ! o!r side tries to %ell !m loose ) a b>rage ( base hits4 ,j l w>1 x's a battle ( def5se aga9/ (f5se & ! be/ organization w9s4 ,if y happ5 to be a baseball fan :o reads ! newspap]s y've probably notic$ t be=e a _w s]ies or any o!r big s]ies ! writ]s always pr9t long /ories ( comp>isons betwe5 individual play]s4 ,!y po9t out t ,l\ ,gehrig1 = in/ance1 w hit a ball fur!r & h>d] ?an ,joe ,h>ris1 b t ,pie ,traynor c g f>!r to 8 left ?an ,joe ,dugan4 ,t's int]e/+--b s f> z dop+ out ! w9n] ( ! s]ies is conc]n$1 its bunk4 ,& x always gives ! ball play]s a laugh4 ,= ball play]s "k t x isn't individuals :o c\nt4 ,x's ! way a team plays z a :ole1 t det]m9es its (f5sive p[] or its def5sive /r5g?4 ,sm>t ball play]s & sm>t manag]s consid] (f5se & def5se z units kn[+ t x takes n9e m5 to d ! field+ & n9e hitt]s to make up a batt+ ord] t w score runs4 ,t's :]e ,mill] ,hugg9s is a sm>t guy4 ,hug doesn't worry ab\t ! o!r fell[1 & he won't let 8 play]s worry4 ,be=e we w5t into ! _w s]ies la/ fall ! boys 7 sitt+ ar\nd ! clubh\se pun*+ ! bag & 8b>b]+0 a little ab\t :at we might expect 9 ! s]ies4 ,%awkey & ,%ock] & ,p5nock _h be5 discuss+ ! ,pirate hitt]s & h[ to pit* to !m :5 ,m>k ,ko5ig broke into ! conv]sation4 ,m>k is a n]v\s1 high /rung fell[ :o takes 8 baseball mighty s]i\sly4 8,i guess ?is ,wright is q a :iz10 he rem>k$4 8,!y tell me he c g a lot fur!r aft] a ball ?an ,i c4 ,& ,traynor is gett+ a lot ( play too at ?ird4 ,i wond] if ,joe & ,i w be able to hold our own ) !m40 ,hug ov]he>d him4 8,li/510 ,hug said1 & x 0 "o ( ! sm>te/ rem>ks ,i ev] he>d4 8,y fell[s don't ne$ to worry ab\t ! ,pirates4 ,9 baseball all a fell[ has to d to w9 is to drive 9 a few runs & !n field well en\gh to keep ! o!r fell[ f scor+ z _m4 ,i'm n a d>n bit int]e/$ 9 :e!r ,wright is a bett] %ort/op ?an y are1 ,m>k1 or :e!r ,l\ or ,tony are bett] m5 ?an !y h4 ,we've got j n9e m5 to play ! n9e positions4 ,good or bad1 !y're ! ones :o h to d ! job & all ! worry ab\t ! o!r fell[ don't help a bit4 ,our job is to make ! mo/ ( :at we h & ! ,pirates be durn$40 ,n[1 if y "k a bett] philosophy = baseball ?an t1 g to x6 ,i don't4 ,! ideal baseball team1 ( c\rse1 w\ld be "o t 0 equally good on def5se & (f5se & p]fect 9 bo? dep>tm5ts4 ,b teams l t don't exi/4 ,& my exp]i5ce has be5 t ! team :i* is p>ticul>ly /rong (f5sively is apt to be a little weak on def5se & vice v]sa4 ,x's up to ! manag] or ! ,capta9 to make ! mo/ ( :at he has 9 ! way ( mat]ial1 & he naturally builds up ! dep>tm5t 9 :i* he is /ronge/ ev5 if he has to weak5 ! o!r dep>tm5t a bit to d x4 ,baseball has *ang$ a lot 9 ! la/ t5 or fifte5 ye>s4 ,i hav5't be5 /ick+ ar\nd ! big leagues z long z ,ty ,cobb & ,eddie ,coll9s & "s ( ^? fell[s1 b ,i've be5 ar\nd long en\gh to notice ! *ange4 ,& x hasn't be5 9 "o club or two clubs ei!r1 b 9 ! :ole game4 ,:5 ,i fir/ broke 9 baseball 0 a def5sive game4 ,! pit*]s & field]s _h all ! be/ ( ! argum5t1 & a two run lead c\ld be ca%$ 9 mo/ any "t4 ,:at an array ( pit*]s !re 0 9 ^? days6 ,walt] ,johnson 0 9 8 prime !n1 & ,alex&]1 & ,rube ,m>qu>d & ,eddie ,plank4 ,& ^? boys c\ld pit*1 believe me4 ,!y _h ev]y?+ x takes to make a great pit*]1 & 9 addition !y 7 p]mitt$ to r\gh ! ball1 use trick deliv]ies & d any?+ else !y c\ld ?9k ( to make a hitt]'s life mis]able4 ,& besides t ! ball !y us$ 9 ^? days 0 dead into ! b>ga94 ,i guess t p]iod is :at y w\ld call baseball's def5sive age4 ,& naturally ) ! big leagues play+ def5sive ball ! s& lott]s & ! amateurs took x up too4 ,kids 9 ^? days dream$ ( becom+ great pit*]s & hitt+ 0 j a matt] ( c\rse4 ,ev5 hitt]s l ,wagn] & ,lajoie _h to play second fiddle to ! ,mattys & ! ,br[ns1 & ?\gh a fell[ l ,cobb might be a m>vel1 folks kept _! eyes on ! pit*]s4 ,ev5 n[ be=e a _w s]ies y f9d a lot ( ! exp]ts pr$ict+ t 8pit*+ w w9 ! s]ies40 ,&1 all o!r ?+s be+ equal x w4 ,b ! fact is t ! /atem5t is a ?r[ back to ! old def5sive age :5 pit*+ 0 ! big ?+ 9 baseball & ev]y?+ else c\ld run = ,swe5ey4 ,! *ange f def5sive to (f5sive play came gradually4 ,john ,mc,graw 0 "o ( ! m5 :o 0 mo/ responsible4 ,!re's "o cagey hombre1 t ,mc,graw4 ,he's always j a c\ple ( jumps ahead ( ! o!r fell[ :5 x comes to ?9k+1 & he's always look+ = some?+ new & unusual to pull4 ,i've _h my run-ins ) ,john & once or twice :5 we 7 play+ ! ,giants 9 ! _w s]ies ,i've want$ to sock him 9 ! nose1 b he's a baseball wiz>d j ! same4 ,& :ile all ! o!r manag]s 7 go+ nutty ov] def5sive play & mak+ !mselves bald try+ to dope out ways to develop & aid _! pit*]s1 ,john took c\nsel ) himself & decid$ t :at baseball ne$$ 0 m action4 ,s he w5t 9 = hitt+ & base-/eal+1 & ! fir/ ?+ ! re/ ( ! manag]s knew ,john 0 /eal+ a p5nant "r out ( _! laps4 ,:ile o!r fell[s 7 cont5t to /r+ along ) ! old fa%ion$ sacrifice ) a man on base1 ,john took a gambl+ *ance ) ! hit & run1 & ! /eal4 ,in/ead ( s5d+ hitt]s up to ! plate ) ord]s to 8,wait 'em out10 ,john w\ld pat a fell[ on ! back & say3 8,g up !re & lay on t onion4 ,knock x a mile4 ,y're bett] ?an he is40 ,& h[ ! fans lik$ x6 ,!y _h be5 wat*+ pit*+ p]fection = s long t !y crav$ a *ange1 & giv5 a ta/e1 !y began to yell = m hitt+ & m action4 ,o!r manag]s began to copy ,mc,graw's /yle1 too1 & x wasn't long be=e !y pass$ rules limit+ pit*]s on trick /uff4 ,!y did away ) ! spit ball & ! em]y ball & ! o!r freaks4 ,!y built a little m life into ! ball & !y ord]$ umpires to use new & clean balls z mu* z possible4 ,! boys began smack+ ! f5ces ) long drives1 outfield]s began play+ ) _! backs to ! wall & infield]s _h to move back on ! grass or h _! legs torn (f ) hot drives4 ,& t's ! /ory ( h[ baseball's era ( def5sive play pass$ into hi/ory & (f5sive play became ! ma9 factor 9 ! game4 ,at lea/ t's ! way x seems to me--& mo/ ( ! *anges h tak5 place s9ce ,i fir/ put on a big league uni=m4 ,"r "h1 too1 let me say t ,i've be5 a pretty lucky fell[ 9 t respect4 ,9 ! old days :5 def5se 0 ! big ?+1 ,i 0 a pit*] & a pretty good "o if ,i d say x myself4 ,& :5 ?+s swit*$ ov] & hitt+ became ! rage ,ed ,b>r[1 !n manag+ ! ,r$ ,sox1 turn$ me into an outfield] & gave me a *ance to 8take my cut0 ) ! re/ ( ! slugg]s4 ,s ,i got a break go+ & com+4 ,y c't beat t6 ,a lot ( folks1 & p>ticul>ly ! old] fans1 /ill ?9k t ! old /yle 0 be/1 & !y sit ar\nd & p9e = ! good old days :5 8,pit*]s 7 pit*]s in/ead ( ?r[]s10 & teams _h to fight = "o run in/ead ( 8gett+ 'em 9 clu/]s40 ,maybe !y're "r ,i'm n argu+ ! matt] "o way or ano!r4 ,i'm j try+ to po9t out t baseball1 z a game1 c be divid$ into two big dep>tm5ts4 ,"o is def5sive play4 ,t's ! bus9ess ( /opp+ ! o!r fell[1 & x includes pit*+1 field+1 ?r[+ & ! inside /rategy t makes two put\ts :]e "o grew be=e4 ,! o!r is (f5sive play & t's simply ! matt] ( y\r own attack--hitt+1 base-runn+1 /eal+1 etc4--! bus9ess ( scor+ runs4 ,bo? dep>tm5ts are necess>y4 ,& baseball /rategy1 :5 y come d[n to x1 is simply mak+ ! mo/ ( y\r /r5g? 9 ^! two dep>tm5ts4 ,"r n[ ! fans dem& emphasis on (f5sive play4 ,& :at ! fans want !y get4 ,!y l pl5ty ( hitt+--s mod]n baseball is built ar\nd ! slugg]4 ,"s day p]haps public s5tim5t w swit* back ! o!r way1 back aga9 to ! old days ( pit*+ battles & l[ scores4 ,if x does y'll see a return to ! old /yle 9 a hurry & !re w be new ,ma!wsons & new ,br[ns spr++ up to take ! place ( ! ,speak]s1 ! ,cobbs1 ! ,gehrigs & ! ,hornsbys ( ! pres5t slugg+ era4 ,z conc]ns ! f9e po9ts ( ! two /yles1 !re's pl5ty ( room = argum5t4 ,manag]s build _! ball clubs f ! mat]ial !y h available4 ,if !y h too mu* def5sive /r5g?1 !n !y h to make def5se _! specialty4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 !y h pl5ty ( (f5sive p[]1 !n !y mu/ build su* a club & make _! def5se a second>y ?+4 ,b to get back once m to cases in/ead ( g5]alities4 ,take ! "t to g ov] ! baseball records & y'll f9d ! great teams ( hi/ory excell$ 9 "o dep>tm5t or ! o!r4 ,!y c be classifi$ ei!r z def5sive teams or (f5sive teams4 ,! greate/ def5sive team ( all "t1 ,i guess1 0 ! ,*icago ,:ite ,sox ( #aijf4 ,^? boys hit s little t :5ev] a play] got a two-bagg] he wrote home ab\t x1 & if !y got m ?an f\r hits 9 a game ,commy ?rew a banquet 9 _! honor4 ,b j ! same !y won a p5nant & a _w s]ies1 & ! reason !y won 0 t !y 7 s good def5sively t !y manag$ to hold ! o!r fell[s to ev5 few] runs ?an !y got4 ,!y _h great pit*+4 ,i nev] saw !m1 b ! old boys are /ill talk+ ab\t ,ed ,wal%1 ,frank ,smi?1 ,doc ,:ite1 ,nick ,altrock & ! re/ ( t fam\s outfit4 ,& along ) _! pit*+ !y _h wond]ful field+ /r5g? plus baseball bra9s4 ,& bra9s is "o ( ! bigge/ assets 9 def5sive play4 ,a fell[ c /& up !re at ! plate & take 8 cut )\t any deep ?9k+1 b to play ! field prop]ly a fell[ has to h some?+ besides curly hair above 8 %\ld]s4 ,he's got to "k 8 onions4 ,! old ,a?letics 7 ano!r great def5sive team1 too4 ,i've play$ aga9/ !m & ,i "k4 ,b com+ z !y did1 at ! "t :5 baseball 0 *ang+--!y _h real (f5sive /r5g? too4 ,j ! same x 0 ! f9e pit*+ ( fell[s l ,combs & ,b5d] & ,plank1 plus ! high class "w ( t million-doll> infield t made !m "o ( ! greate/ teams ( all "t4 ,despite ! swatt+ p[] ( ,bak]1 ,mc,innis1 ,coll9s & ! re/ ,i /ill figure t !y class z a def5sive r ?an an (f5sive team4 ,among mod]n teams1 ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators ( #aibd rate z "o ( ! be/ def5sive teams1 comb9+ f9e pit*+ ) "s cork+ "w 9 ! infield & outfield4 ,y'll g f> & look pl5ty be=e y'll f9d a bett] infield comb9ation ?an ,bucky ,h>ris & ,rog] ,peck9paugh put up t ye>1 = in/ance4 ,:5 x comes to great (f5sive teams ,i'm j cocky en\gh to believe t ! ,yankees ( #aibg 7 ! be/ ev]4 ,believe me t outfit ( ours c\ld hit & score runs4 ,! records tell ! /ory--& !re are mighty few hitt+ records t we didn't %att] to bits4 ,incid5tally !re's ano!r place :]e ,i've _h to argue ) my good fri5d ,john ,mc,graw4 ,john ma9ta9s t ! old ,baltimore ,orioles 7 "o ( ! great (f5sive clubs4 ,& he r has me !re4 ,john saw bo? ! ,orioles & ! #aibg ,yankees :ile ,i wasn't tak+ mu* int]e/ 9 baseball at ! "t ! ,orioles 7 good4 ,"u ! circum/ances ,i'll h to take 8 ^w = x--b ,i'll nev] admit t ! ,orioles pack$ a great] wallop ?an ! ,yankees la/ ye>4 ,i don't ?9k x's possible4 ,! ,detroit ,tig]s1 w9n]s ( ! ,am]ican ,league p5nant 9 #aijg1 #aijh & #aiji1 7 a great (f5sive club4 ,!y _h ,cobb & ,craw=d & ,mc,intyre & ,jones & big ,s*midt--all ( !m hitt]s4 ,& z an (f5sive club !y /ood out 9 an age :5 def5sive play 0 consid]$ q ! ?+4 ,real hitt]s ^? fell[s1 & !y h prov$ x dur+ ! ye>s t h foll[$1 ) ! n[-bald ,tyrus /ill able to /& up !re at ! plate & hit ) ! be/ ( !m1 despite ! weight ( m ?an #bb ye>s ( baseball activity4 ,discussion ( great (f5sive teams w\ld n be complete )\t "s m5tion ( ! #aiab-aiac ,giants--! team t 0 responsible = ! gradual sw+ f def5sive to (f5sive play4 ,!re 0 a team t 0 great (f5sively1 n s mu* on acc\nt ( its hitt+ p[]1 b because ( its clev]ness 9 base-runn+4 ,old-tim]s /ill ma9ta9 t ! ,giants team ( t era lit]ally 8/ole0 ! p5nant4 ,!y 7 ma/]s at base runn+ 9 an age :5 base runn+ 0 a real art4 ,p]haps ,i've rambl$ a bit ?r\gh ^! pages4 ,! po9t ,i want to make & leave /rong is simply ?is4 ,baseball1 z a game1 is divid$ into two great divisions4 ,"o is (f5se1 ! o!r is def5se4 ,!y are equally important1 b 9 build+ up a ball club x is v seldom1 inde$1 t y c f9d m5 equally pr(ici5t 9 ea* dep>tm5t4 ,consequ5tly mo/ manag]s det]m9e 9 :i* dep>tm5t !y are be/1 & !y make _! play+ plans along t l9e--weak5+ "o dep>tm5t a little p]haps1 9 ord] to /r5g!n ! o!r4 ,& at ! pres5t "t baseball is go+ ?r\gh an (f5sive era ) hitt]s hold+ ! edge & ! sci5ce ( /eal & sacrifice play+ second fiddle to brawn & p[] & wallop4 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,pit*+ ! keynote ( def5se--,! pit*]'s job--,:y "y pit*]s fail--,control z a pit*+ factor--,h[ to obta9 control--,alex&] ! old ma/]--,%ock] gets by on 8no?+0--,%awkey gives a few words ( advice to 8rookies0--,practice c\nts mo/4 ,pit*+ is ! mo/ important s+le item 9 ! def5sive play ( any ball club4 ,b ,i mean real pit*+1 n j ?r[+4 ,i guess !re isn't a kid 9 ! c\ntry b at "s "t or ano!r dreams ( be+ a great pit*]4 ,& "h's ! fir/ ?+ = him to rememb]4 ,pit*]s--real pit*]s--le>n e>ly t _! job isn't s mu* to keep oppos+ batsm5 f hitt+ z x is to make !m hit at someone4 ,! tr\ble ) mo/ kid pit*]s is t !y =get !re are eight o!r m5 on ! team to help !m4 ,!y j blund] ahead1 putt+ ev]y?+ !y h on e pit*1 & try+ to c>ry ! weight ( ! :ole game on _! %\ld]s4 ,! result is t !y tire out & g bad along 9 ! middle ( ! game1 & !n ! wise old heads h to hurry out & rescue !m4 ,i've se5 a lot ( "y fell[s come up1 & !y all _h ! same tr\ble4 ,take ,lefty ,grove ov] at ,philadelphia1 = in/ance4 ,!re isn't a pit*] 9 ! league :o has m spe$ or m /uff ?an ,lefty4 ,he c d ?+s ) a baseball t make y dizzy4 ,b :5 he fir/ came into ! league he seem$ to ?9k t he _h to /rike e batt] out z he came up4 ,! result 0 t he'd g along great = five or six inn+s1 & !n bl[4 ,& he's j n[ le>n+ to cons]ve 8 /r5g?4 ,9 o!r words1 he's le>n+ t a little ex]cise ( ! noodle w save a lot ( we> & te> on 8 arm4 ,ow5 ,c>roll1 ! ,holy ,cross />1 :o w5t to ! ,tig]s1 is ano!r ( ! same type4 ,ownie 0 a :iz 9 college1 b :5 he got up into ! big %[ he f\nd out t !re 0 some?+ m to pit*+ ?an j breez+ t fa/ "o pa/4 ,x took him a :ole season to get wise1 & he is j n[ beg9n+ to develop z a real pit*]4 ,he's gett+ sm>t4 ,y see :5 a kid pit*] />ts out he tries to c>ry ! game himself4 ,!n :5 he f9ds out t he's be+ hit a little he tries to be> d[n h>d] & h>d]4 ,& ! m he be>s d[n ! worse he gets4 ,i broke 9 z a pit*] & ,i 0 l all ! re/ ( ! beg9n]s4 ,& ,i c\ldn't und]/& :y t fa/ ball didn't fool ! big league hitt]s l x _h ! kids back at s*ool4 ,i _h ano!r bad fault1 too4 ,i w\ldn't accept advice & h[ ,i manag$ to blund] along is m ?an ,i c und]/&4 ,! boys are /ill tell+ a /ory ab\t me t always gets a laugh ev5 if x isn't v complim5t>y4 ,9 ! #aiah _w s]ies we 7! ,bo/on ,r$ ,sox7 7 play+ ! ,*icago ,cubs1 & !y _h ,leslie ,mann & ,max ,flack alt]nat+ 9 ! outfield4 ,i 0 slat$ to pit* "o game & ! fir/ "t up ,mann sock$ me = a base hit4 ,:5 ,i w5t back to ! b5* ,bill ,c>rigan1 our manag]1 call$ me ov] to give me "s advice4 8,t fell[ ,mann is a t\gh hitt] aga9/ left h&$ pit*+10 ,bill said4 8,! only ?+ to d is loos5 him up a bit4 ,! next "t he comes up to hit du/ him (f6 ,drop him 9 ! dirt6 ,maybe t w /op him60 ,i promis$ ,bill ,i w\ld d x1 & w5t on ab\t my bus9ess4 ,meantime ! ,cubs _h s5t ,flack 9 to replace ,mann1 & :5 ,max came up to hit ,i promptly turn$ loose a fa/ "o t flatt5$ him4 ,:5 ,i w5t back to ! b5* ,i 0 feel+ pretty pr\d ( myself4 8,well10 ,i said1 8,i guess ,i %[$ t guy ,mann a ?+ or two1 didn't ,i80 ,i ?\ght ,c>rigan w\ld explode4 ,he cuss$ me up "o side & d[n ! o!r4 ,& ,i don't blame him4 ,c y imag9e a pit*] n ev5 kn[+ ! diff]5ce betwe5 hitt]s & hitt+ ,max ,flack 9 ! ribs ?9k+ all ! "t t he 0 mak+ ,leslie ,mann a victim8 ,b x j goes to %[ h[ c>eless "y pit*]s c be1 & x's typical too ( ! ?\s& & "o ?+s :i* inexp]i5c$ pit*]s w d to get 9 bad4 ,! fir/ ?+ any pit*] has got to develop--! bigge/ s+le item 9 8 :ole /ock ( trade--is control6 ,don't let anyone kid y ab\t x4 ,! curve & ! fa/ "o are important2 ! *ange ( pace & ! o!r trick deliv]ies are great--b !y're n wor? a plugg$ nickle unless y h control to g ) !m4 ,& by control ,i don't mean ! ability to put ! ball ov] ! plate some:]e betwe5 ! %\ld]s & ! knees1 ei!r4 ,i mean ! ability to hit a ?ree in* t>get n9e ?r[s out ( t54 ,i mean ! sort ( control t lets y put t ball 9 ! exact spot y want x1 & to play a corn] to ! split fraction ( an in*4 ,i've se5 a lot ( good pit*]s 9 my day4 ,t gang ,i broke 9 ) up 9 ,bo/on 0 a pretty fair outfit4 ,& !re wasn't a man 9 ! lot :o didn't sp5d h\rs on end gett+ control4 ,ernie ,%ore c\ld j ab\t drive a nail at sixty feet & ,dut* ,leon>d 0 j z good4 ,:5 !y pit*$ !y didn't guess :]e t ball 0 go+4 ,!y knew4 ,9 ! #aibf _w s]ies :5 ,alex&] /ruck out ,tony ,lazz]i 9 t crucial inn+ & won a *ampion%ip a lot ( fell[s rav$ ab\t ,alex's great curves4 ,let me tell y a little secret4 ,alex ?rew ,tony j "o curve ball 9 all ^? pit*es4 ,& ! ball t ,tony fann$ on wasn't a curve at all4 ,x wasn't ev5 a fa/ "o4 ,x 0 a half-spe$ ball t cut ! corn] ( ! plate )9 a half in* ( ! spot ,bob ,o',f>rell call$ =4 ,no sir1 ! ?+ t fann$ ,tony ,lazz]i t day & ! ?+ t co/ ! ,yankees a _w *ampion%ip 0 ,grov] ,alex&]'s uncanny control4 ,he 0 putt+ t ball "r :]e he want$ x1 on e pit*4 ,& ! fell[ :o 0 up !re at ! plate ) a bat on 8 %\ld] felt l a suck]4 ,= he knew t ! balls 7 s bad he c\ldn't hit !m squ>ely1 yet !y 7 good en\gh t !y 7 sure to be call$ /rikes if he let !m g4 ,i "k4 ,i /ood up !re4 ,& ,i felt l a suck] along ) ! re/ ( ! boys4 ,( c\rse !re ar5't _m pit*]s :o h ! control t ,alex has4 ,alex is a tall1 loose-jo9t$ easy-go+ *ap :o refuses to become excit$4 ,j to see ,old ,pete out !re on ! m\nd ) t cocky little1 und]siz$ cap pull$ d[n ov] "o e>1 *ew+ away at 8 tobacco & pit*+ baseballs z easy z pit*+ hay1 is en\gh to take ! he>t out ( a fell[4 ,i've got a hun* t if ,alex sudd5ly f\nd himself on ! moon1 he'd j gr91 pull 8 cap ov] 8 e>1 & keep on *ew+4 ,he's t k9d ( a *ap4 ,no?+ rattles him4 ,urban ,%ock] is ano!r "o :o makes good control take ! place ( a lot ( o!r ?+s4 ,%ock] is a mighty sm>t hombre out !re on ! m\nd1 believe me4 ,"t 0 :5 he us$ to h a good assortm5t ( 8/uff0 too--b n[1 z he gets old]1 he's los+ a lot ( ! 8swift40 ,& 8 8hook0 doesn't break any m1 x j b5ds a little4 ,b ,%ock] has got two ?+s t mo/ amateur pit*]s lack4 ,he has control--& he's got a lot ( k up !re "u t old baseball cap ( 84 ,& ! two get him ov] _m a r\gh1 t\gh spot1 believe me4 ,z ,i said1 ! fir/ ?+ any pit*] has to get to become some?+ besides a 8?r[]0 is control4 ,& !re's j "o way to get x--t's by con/ant practice4 ,"s day :5 y're out at ! ball p>k dur+ field+ practice1 wat* ! pit*]s w>m+ up4 ,y'll see !m all out !re play+ toss1 old tim]s & y\ng/]s alike4 ,b if y wat* closely y'll see "o big diff]5ce4 ,! "y fell[s are j ?r[+--loos5+ up _! arms & gett+ ! k9ks out ( _! muscles4 ,b ! old fell[s6 ,!y're pit*+ to a t>get ) e ball !y ?r[6 ,wat* ! fell[ :o is w>m+ !m up4 ,y'll see him hold 8 glove up z a t>get on e pit* ,sometimes he holds x ov] "o corn] ( ! plate1 sometimes ov] ! o!r4 ,sometimes he holds x l[ & sometimes high4 ,b always ! pit*] is 9 !re try+ to hit ! m>k--& if he happ5s to be on =m he'll d x tw5ty-n9e pit*es out ( ?irty4 ,if he c't1 !n he's /ill a long way f a pit*]4 ,i've se5 ,%awkey pit* to a t>get = an h\r at a "t1 p]fect+ 8 control4 ,he doesn't pit* h>d1 & he doesn't /ra9 8 arm ) a lot ( 8/uff40 ,he j pit*es away at t old m>k4 ,& o!r play]s on ! club d ! same ?+4 ,our fell[s1 mo/ ( !m1 are vet]ans4 ,!y've be5 ar\nd4 ,!y "k :at x's all ab\t4 ,& !y "k j h[ important control is4 ,walt] ,johnson is ano!r pit*] :o 0 great on control4 ,he _h to be4 ,if ,walt] _h be5 wild ) t fa/ ball ( 81 a hitt] w\ldn't h d>$ to /& up !re4 ,x w\ld h be5 murd]4 ,b y nev] he>d fell[s compla9 ab\t hitt+ aga9/ ,walt]4 ,y might n be able to see !m1 & he might make y look l a suck] :5 he s5t t fa/ ball :izz+ pa/ y\r %\ld]s l a bullet4 ,b always y c\ld dig 9 !re at ! plate kn[+ deep 9 y\r gizz>d t :atev] else happ5$1 he w\ldn't 8bean0 y4 ,= e "t he pit*$ he knew "r :]e t ball 0 go+4 ,he _h to4 ,if he _h be5 incl9$ to wildness ) all t spe$1 !re isn't a cat*] 9 ! bus9ess c\ld h caught him4 ,believe me ! cat*]s are ! fell[s :o suff] :5 a pit*] is wild4 ,9 "o game d[n ,s\? la/ ye>1 :5 ,hug 0 try+ out 8 "y pit*]s1 ,johnny ,grab[ski 0 s bruis$ & batt]$ t he _h to take a f\r day re/4 ,^? kids _h him div+ 9 ! dirt & jump+ 9 ! air4 ,!y _h him runn+ to ! "r & hopp+ to left & :5 ! game 0 f9i%$ he _h big blue bruises up & d[n bo? %9s1 on 8 arms & 9 ab\t e o!r spot on 8 anatomy t didn't happ5 to be cov]$ ) pads4 ,believe me1 ,johnny is "o boy :o kn[s ! importance ( control all "r4 ,yet "s o!r pit*]s1 l ,matty or ,coombs1 or ,h]b ,p5nock--fell[s :o h a lot m 8/uff0 on ! ball ?an any y\ng/]--are :at ! cat*]s call 8rock+ *air pit*]s40 ,:i* means t _! control is s good t y c\ld sit 9 a rock+ *air & cat* !m4 ,to be a good pit*] y've got to h a lot ( ?+s4 ,y've got to h a fa/ ball ) a 8hop40 ,y've got to h a good curve to mix 9 ) ! fa/ "o to make x effective4 ,y've got to h a *ange ( pace--= x takes a *ange ( pace to ?r[ a batt] (f balance & keep him f pepp]+ t curve or fa/ "o aga9/ ! wall4 ,!n y've got to h pit*+ k--! sort ( k t comes f exp]i5ce1 & /udy & h>d "w4 ,x takes m ?an a /urdy pair ( %\ld]s to get by 9 ! big leagues ^! days4 ,b fir/ y've got to h control1 = t's ! ,a1 ,b1 & ,c 9 ! pit*]'s alphabet4 ,! greate/ curve ball 9 ! _w isn't wor? a ?9 dime if y don't "k :at to d ) x4 ,! 8swift0 ( ,walt] ,johnson w\ld be wor?less to a *ap :o c\ldn't get ! ball ov] ! plate4 ,control1 t's ! sy/em4 ,& control isn't a gift t is born to a man4 ,x's ! result ( h>d1 h>d "w & long h\rs ( practice4 ,& 9 /riv+ = control !re are ^! ?+s to rememb]4 ,fir/ ( all y've got to develop a smoo?1 easy1 pit*+ motion4 ,ov]h&1 side arm or und]h& x doesn't make any diff]5ce4 ,! be/ "o is ! "o t is easie/ & mo/ natural4 ,& y c't af=d to /ra94 ,! mom5t a pit*] />ts to /ra9--8be>+ d[n0 we call x 9 baseball--he becomes wild4 ,! fir/ rule ( golf :i* says 8make y\r sw+ easy & natural1 & don't press10 c\ld well be nam$ z ! fir/ rule 9 pit*+1 too4 ,aft] t "o's ma/]$ !re's "t en\gh to />t "w on ! o!r details ( curve & fa/ "o4 ,aft] all1 ! :ole ?+ c be summ$ up 9 a little /ory ( an incid5t t happ5$ 9 tra9+ camp two ye>s ago4 ,hug _h a lot ( "y pit*]s 9 camp t ye> & he appo9t$ ,bob ,%awkey z a sort ( advisory coa*4 ,! kids 7 all anxi\s to make good & ! m9ute ,bob w\ld %[ up !y'd />t call+ him to wat* _! curves or take a look at _! trick /uff4 ,bob /ood x a:ile )\t comm5t4 ,f9ally he call$ ! gang toge!r4 8,n[ li/51 y fell[s10 he said1 8,i've look$ at curv$ balls until ,i'm cockey$ & ,i've wat*$ fa/ ones until my eyeballs a*e4 ,n[ y fell[s l9e up !re & try ?r[+ at t back/op4 ,aft] y've le>n$ to hit t we'll put up a b>rel & maybe 9 a week or two "s ( y w get good en\gh to ?r[ a ball ov] ! plate4 8,:5 y get t good1 !n ,i'll be glad to talk to y ab\t pit*+4 ,until !n ,i'm too busy to be bo!r$40 ,:i* may s\nd a little h>d boil$1 b if y 7 a baseball man y'd und]/&4 ,%awkey wasn't talk+ ?r\gh 8 hat at all4 ,he j knew 8 onions1 t's all4 ,,*apt] ,,iv ,/udy+ ! batt]--,%ock] a m>vel--,8 sy/em--,p5nock's /yle ( pit*+--,8 pit*+ rule--,hoyt weighs 9 ) advice--,pit*+ to weakness & /r5g?--,play+ ! com]s--,mix+ !m up--,qu9n a bluff]--,h[ ,hoyt uses 8 fa/ "o4 ,"o day la/ summ] ,i happ5$ to be /&+ by ! news /& 9 ! hotel lobby 9 ,detroit :5 ,urban ,%ock] came along4 ,he /opp$ to kid ) me a bit1 !n turn$ to ! att5dant4 8,got any ,*icago pap]s80 he ask$4 ,! att5dant h&$ him two pap]s4 8,t all y got80 ,%ock p]si/$4 ,! att5dant pull$ out ?ree or f\r m & f9ally furni%$ a complete set ( all ! morn+ & ev5+ %eets = ! day4 ,%ock] took !m1 !n ask$ = ,clevel& pap]s z well4 ,he got ^! too1 b\ght a cig>1 & walk$ t[>d ! elevator ) a /ack ( pap]s "u 8 arm t w\ld *oke a horse4 ,! news /& man wat*$ him curi\sly1 & turn$ to me :5 ,%ock] f9ally _h disappe>$4 8,!re's a funny guy10 he comm5t$4 8,e day t egg is 9 t[n he comes ov] & buys newspap]s f o!r t[ns4 ,& he doesn't want j "o--he wants 'em all4 ,wond] :at he does ) 'em80 8,maybe he's sav+ !m to pap] 8 g>age10 ,i sugge/$1 & ! news /& man laugh$ & =got4 ,z a matt] ( fact ,i knew all ! "t :at ,%ock _h want$ ( ! pap]s4 ,s did ! o!r fell[s on ! club4 ,fell[s :o travel ar\nd toge!r on a ball club ye> aft] ye> get to und]/& ea* o!r pretty well4 ,y "k ea* o!r's little peculi>ities too1 & aft] a :ile y le>n to "k j ab\t :at a *ap ?9ks or does or believes4 ,ev] s9ce ,%ock] jo9$ ! ,yankees he has be5 kn[n z a 8newspap] h\nd10 & he's gradually gett+ ! o!r pit*]s ! same way4 ,= ,%ock] want$ ^? newspap]s = a def9ite reason4 ,he b\ght !m = a purpose1 & ?is is x4 ,e "o ( ^? pap]s h sports pages :i* ,%ock /udies c>efully4 ,9 ,detroit he b\ght ,*icago & ,clevel& pap]s because ^! 7 ! t[ns :]e we 7 to play next1 & ! box scores ( ! teams 9 ^? t[ns told him a /ory4 ,day aft] day he pores ov] ! box scores & newspap] acc\nts l a s*ool kid ov] a lesson4 ,he notices :i* m5 on ! oppos+ l9eup are hitt+ & :i* ones are 9 a slump4 ,he notes h[ !y g aga9/ oppos+ pit*]s--& be+ a vet]an & well acqua9t$ ) ! /yles & types ( ! v>i\s pit*]s1 he c !n get a pretty good l9e on :at sort ( pit*+ !y are hitt+4 ,"h's ! way he works4 ,suppose we're play+ ,clevel& 9 a day or two4 ,n[ ev]yone kn[s t ord9>ily ,george ,burns & ,joey ,sewell are dang]\s hitt]s1 & t ,rube ,lutzke & "s ( ! o!r boys are n s hot ) ! /ick4 ,b ,%ock]1 /udy+ ! box scores day aft] day1 comes ar\nd ! clubh\se ) a diff]5t report4 8,well10 he'll say1 8,i notice t ,burns w5t hitless aga9/ ,za*>y ! o!r day4 ,up ?ree times = a horse-coll>4 ,guess ,george is hav+ a t\gh "t ) sl[ balls ^! days4 7,za*>y1 we all "k1 is a sl[ ball pit*]47 ,qu9n beat him too a week ago4 ,maybe we bett] try ,george out on sl[ ones ?is trip40 ,or p]haps he'll call att5tion to ! fact t ,rube ,lutzke1 normally a weak hitt]1 is hav+ a spurt & is gett+ a lot ( basehits4 ,p]haps he'll come up ) in=mation t ,luke ,sewell 7usually a cork+ ?r[]7 has be5 a bit wild on 8 ?r[s to second base = a few days or x may be "s o!r trick in=mation t he glean$ f ! box scores4 ,b x's all mighty valuable 9 ! daily bus9ess ( w9n+ ball games4 ,! po9t ( c\rse is t to become a good pit*] a man mu/ make a close /udy ( oppos+ batsm5--& ,%ock] is "o ( ! close/ /ud5ts y'll f9d 9 ! game today4 ,pit*+ aft] all1 is ab\t "o-?ird arm "w & two-?irds head "w & ! fell[s :o /ick ar\nd longe/ are ! pit*]s :o let _! head take ov] ! burd5 z mu* z possible4 ,ye> aft] ye> y see pit*]s l ,alex & ,jess ,ha9es & ,george ,uhle & ,dut* ,rue!r & ,%ock] out !re w9n+ ball games4 ,y don't ?9k !y /ill h ! fa/ break+ curve & ! hop on _! fa/ "o t !y once _h1 d y8 ,no sir6 ,!y're gett+ by on k1 mak+ _! exp]i5ce & _! obs]vation pay divid5ds4 ,good pit*]s realize t e hitt] :o /eps up !re at ! plate has a 8groove40 ,t's a p>ticul> spot :]e he likes to see ! ball come4 ,& ! pit*] :o pit*es d[n ! groove--8,d[n 8 alley0 ! boys say sometimes--is invit+ tr\ble4 ,b e batt] up !re at ! plate1 no matt] :o he may be1 has a weakness too4 ,x may be a fa/ ball inside or a curve ball l[ & outside4 ,x may be anyone ( a doz5 diff]5t ?+s1 b ! po9t is t some:]e !re's a weak spot1 & ! good pit*] is always look+ = x4 ,h]b ,p5nock is ano!r sm>t pit*] & "o day1 rid+ along on ! tra91 ,i he>d him expla9 8 pit*+ !ory to a lot ( "y fell[s4 ,x 0 %ort & simple1 b x 0 #ajj p]c5t correct4 8,get t fir/ "o ov] ! plate10 ,h]b advis$4 8,!n aft] t1 make ! hitt] sw+ at 8 weakness & y\r own /r5g?60 ,:at ,h]b meant 0 simply ?is4 ,e pit*] has "o p>ticul> ball t he c pit* a little bett] ?an any?+ else 9 8 assortm5t4 ,h]b's be/ ball1 = in/ance1 is an ov]h& curve t swi%es up to ! plate & breaks d[n & out4 ,hoyt's be/ pit*1 on ! o!r h& is a fa/ ball4 ,if y "k any?+ ab\t fa/ balls y "k t !y hop z !y rea* ! batt]4 ,hoyt's fa/ "o is a little diff]5t4 ,x doesn't hop1 x jumps--t is x rises1 & z a result is p>ticul>ly effective4 ,n[ ! po9t is ?is4 ,y wat* ,hoyt & ,h]b :5 !y're pit*+ & get a batt] 9 ! hole :]e he has to hit4 ,suppose he has two /rikes & "o ball = in/ance3 or a ?ree & two c\nt4 ,or suppose ! hit & run is on & ! pit*] kn[s t ! batt] is go+ to hit ! next "o4 ,"r !re y'll see ,h]b com+ 9 ) t ov]h& curve or ,waite ) 8 fa/ "o4 ,9 o!r words z long z ! hitt] is go+ to sw+1 & !y "k x1 !y'll see to x t he's sw++ at ! be/ !y h & n at a cripple4 ,t's good pit*+ judgm5t4 ,& by reason ( good control !y s5d t 8be/ bet0 zipp+ along to ! batt]'s weakness--inside1 outside1 high or l[ z ! case may be4 ,( c\rse !re are a few hitt]s l ,cobb & ,hornsby :o h no real weakness4 ,!y hit any?+1 any:]e4 ,"o ( ! be/ laughs ev] enjoy$ 9 baseball 0 br\ght ab\t by ! "y pit*] :o walk$ into ! clubh\se "o day & ann\nc$ v s]i\sly t he _h be5 /udy+ ! situation & at la/ _h discov]$ ,ty ,cobb's weakness4 8,boy1 if y h y're a wond]10 "o ( ! vet]ans said4 8,:at d y ?9k x is80 8,well10 ! rookie repli$1 8s ne> z ,i c figure x out he has only "o real weakness--t's a base on balls60 ,:5 a pit*] faces a hitt] ( t type1 !re's only "o ?+ to d4 ,give him ! be/ y've got1 & don't make !m too good4 ,if y c make him hit at a bad ball ! *ances are he won't hit x squ>ely4 ,& if he refuses to hit & gets a base on balls x's well to rememb] ,:itey ,witt's old wise crack & laugh x (f4 ,:itey walk$ ov] to an oppos+ pit*] "o day aft] ,i _h walk$ f\r times 9 a r[3 8,t's ! way to pit*10 he agre$4 8,bett] f\r balls = "o base ?an "o ball = f\r bases anytime60 ,! sm>t pit*] is always try+ to make ! hitt] sw+ at a bad ball4 ,fell[s l ,%ock] & ,p5nock & ,alex c play ^? corn]s to ! wid? ( a gnat's eyebr[4 ,9 all ! inn+s ,alex pit*$ aga9/ ! ,yankees 9 ! _w s]ies ,i don't believe he ?rew two balls 8d[n ! middle40 ,& :5 he did ! batt] 0 s surpris$ t he c\ldn't sw+4 ,& don't ?9k t ^? corn] pit*]s don't get on a hitt]'s n]ves aft] a :ile4 ,!y d4 ,i guess ,i've look$ ov] z _m bad ones z any man 9 ! bus9ess 9 my day & ,i "k4 ,!re's no?+ m annoy+ 9 ! _w ?an to /ep up !re at ! plate & wat* a pit* come float+ up big z a balloon b too close or too f> out to hit4 ,y c see t x's go+ to cut ! corn]1 b y "k t if y sw+ ! *ances are #ge out ( #ajj t y'll f\l x (f1 or pop x up or roll "o to ! infield4 ,& if y let x g y "k durn well x w be call$ a /rike4 ,aft] wat*+ pit*+ ( t sort ?r\gh sev5 or eight inn+s y rea* ! /ate :]e y'll sw+ at any?+--:i*1 ( c\rse1 is j :at ! pit*] wants y to d4 ,"o ( ! h>de/ ?+s = ! inexp]i5c$ pit*] to le>n is :5 to take ?+s easy & :5 to be> d[n4 ,! greate/ success ( su* pit*]s z ,matty & ,?ree ,f+] ,br[n 0 _! ability to judge pace--to take ?+s easy :5 !y _h a *ance1 & !n h pl5ty left to be> d[n :5 !y _h to4 ,y "k "o /rike out ) ! bases full & two d[n is j z valuable z ?ree /rike\ts 9 a r[ ) nobody on & a lot easi]4 ,fans & pit*]s new to ! game are apt to judge pit*+ effectiv5ess by ! numb] ( /rike\ts & ! sc>city ( hits 9 ! box score4 ,b ! sm>t pit*] doesn't pay any att5tion to ^! ?+s4 ,he takes ! slant t x's runs :i* w9 ball games & 8 idea to keep ! hits f com+ 9 ! p9*es4 ,9 my exp]i5ce ,i've se5 pit*]s t\*$ = t5 or twelve hits & /ill pit* %ut\ts4 ,& ,i saw little ,emil ,levs5 ( ,clevel& hold ! ,yankees to two hits1 & lose 8 game #b to #j4 ,( c\rse ! fans ?9k ! twelve hit pit*] is lucky1 :ile !y moan ab\t ,levs5's bad luck4 ,b ! facts ( ! matt] are t "o pit*] _h some?+ :5 he ne$$ x1 & ! o!r fell[ fail$ aft] "s great pit*+1 simply because he didn't h ! /r5g? left to pull out ( a p9*4 ,& aft] y see ?+s l t happ5 a doz5 times a season y come to ! conclusion t good pit*+ is pit*+ t prev5ts runs1 reg>dless ( base hits4 ,ano!r common fault ) "y pit*]s is t !y ov]work a c]ta9 deliv]y4 ,p]haps !y h a curve ball t's p>ticul>ly good1 or a fa/ "o4 ,! t5d5cy is to keep us+ t pit* all ! "t4 ,& take x f me1 if y keep us+ ! same ?+ long en\gh ! hitt]s w get wise1 no matt] h[ deceptive ! deliv]y may be4 ,waite ,hoyt has a !ory t he advances 9 all ! ,yankee confabs4 8,let 'em see t good "o once 9 a :ile j s !y w "k y h x1 !n put x back 9 ! case until y ne$ x0 is ,waite's idea4 ,hoyt1 z ,i said be=e is a fa/ ball pit*]4 ,yet ,i've se5 him g ?r\gh a :ole game & pit* only eight or t5 fa/ ones 9 ! entire n9e inn+s4 ,he simply uses t fa/ "o = bait4 ,he %[s x to ! hitt] n[ & !n to let him "k t ! fa/ "o is /ill !re1 !n he goes ahead ) 8 curve & half-spe$ /uff4 ,! hitt] gets set = a fa/ "o t nev] comes1 & pops out on half-spe$]s t cat* him (f balance4 ,( c\rse1 ,waite has to use ! fa/ "o e n[ & !n to keep !m guess+1 b x's ! o!r /uff t really does ! bus9ess4 ,aft] all1 successful pit*+ is pretty mu* a matt] ( keep+ ! hitt] (f balance4 ,z long z ! man at ! plate c't get set1 he'll nev] te> ! cov] (f a ball or break any f5ces 9 ! outfield4 ,t's ! reason a sl[ ball is s effective4 ,!re's no?+ ab\t a sl[ ball to fool any "o4 ,mo/ ( !m don't curve1 & a lot ( !m don't ev5 wobble4 ,b !y d ?r[ a hitt] (f /ride4 ,:5 ,joe ,bu% 0 9 =m1 he 0 "o ( ! great *ange ( pace pit*]s4 ,joe ?rew ) f\r di/9ct spe$s4 ,he _h a fa/ "o1 a half-spe$]1 & a c\ple ( v>ieties ( sl[ pit*es4 ,& all ?r[n ) ! same motion4 ,:5 y'd get set = 8 fa/ "o he'd cross y up ) a sl[ "o2 or if y 7 look+ = ! sl[ "o ! *ances are ! half-spe$] or fa/ ball w\ld be on y be=e y c\ld get y\r bat ar\nd4 ,i've se5 a lot ( curves & a lot ( fa/ ones2 ,i've look$ ov] a lot ( trick deliv]ies ( "o sort & ano!r & ,i've hit aga9/ pit*]s :o 7 suppos$ to h a lot ( /uff4 ,b aft] all ^? ye>s ,i've ab\t decid$ t control & a *ange ( pace are ! bigge/ assets a pit*] c h1 & curve balls be durn$6 ,& ,i d "k ?is4 ,a curve ball may bo!r an ord9>y hitt]1 b if a man is a really good hitt] x's ! old *ange ( pace t causes him m tr\ble ?an all ! freak deliv]ies 9 ! _w4 ,! :ole secret ( a successful *ange ( pace is motion4 ,good pit*]s ?r[ _! fa/ ones & _! sl[ ones ) absolutely ! same motion4 ,!y h to--= hitt]s & coa*es are con/antly on ! look\t = "s little move t w betray ! pit* be=e x comes4 ,( all ! pit*]s 9 ! leagues ,i don't "k "o :o has a smoo!r1 easi] motion ?an ,sam ,jones1 n[ ) ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators4 ,sam is :at we us$ to call 8a motion picture pit*]40 ,8 deliv]y is smoo?1 easy & graceful & he doesn't v>y a bit 9 any?+ he ?r[s4 ,old ,jack ,qu9n ( ! ,a?letics is ano!r man :o has a deliv]y t's a pipp94 ,jack isn't s easy to wat* z ,sam4 ,he pit*es ) m j]k & m ef=t4 ,b z a bluff] he is 9 a class by himself4 ,jack is "o ( ! few rema9+ spit-ball pit*]s4 ,& he bluffs t spitt] on e pit*4 ,yet he doesn't actually ?r[ x once 9 six times4 ,simply goes ?r\gh ! motions & !n crosses up ! hitt] ) some?+ entirely diff]5t4 ,b to consid] ! :ole ?+ briefly4 ,aft] y've le>n$ control y've tak5 ! fir/ /ep t[>d pit*+4 ,n[ all y've got to d is develop a curve ball1 a fa/ "o1 & a *ange ( pace4 ,le>n to mix !m up to keep ! hitt] (f balance4 ,p]fect a motion t's smoo? & easy & deceptive4 ,/udy batt]s1 until y "k _! hitt+ /yle1 _! little peculi>ities & _! weakness & /r5g?4 ,!n1 aft] all t1 y're ready to />t 9 on ! bus9ess ( pit*+4 ,,*apt] ,v ,! pit*+ motion--,h[ ,zahnis] betray$ 8 curve ball--,ru?'s tongue gets him into tr\ble--,%]ry ,smi? cat*es runn]s (f fir/ base--,h9key ,ha9es' exp]i5ce--,sl[ ball pit*+--,:y x is valuable--,! type ( hitt]s :o are fool$ by sl[ /uff--,exp]i5ce c\nts--,field+ aids pit*]4 ,:5 ,i he> ! boys talk+ ab\t pit*+ motions ,i always ?9k ( ,paul ,zahnis]1 :o us$ to pit* = ,wa%+ton & ! ,r$ ,sox4 ,all ! "t ,paul 0 9 ! big leagues he 0 a 8c\s90 ( m9e4 ,t's :at we call pit*]s :o are easy to hit4 ,e "t he pit*$ aga9/ u ,i knew ,i w\ld get two or ?ree hits--& s did he4 ,b he nev] knew :y4 ,n[ t he's back 9 ! m9or leagues aga9 ,i c tell ! secret4 ,i got hits (f ,paul because ,i always knew j :at he 0 go+ to pit*4 ,zahnis] _h a ,walt] ,johnson motion4 ,t is he lift$ 8 arms above 8 head be=e he deliv]$ ! ball4 ,& aft] ,i fac$ him once or twice ,i notic$ t on 8 fa/ ball he rais$ 8 h&s f> above 8 head4 ,:5 he 0 pit*+ 8 curve ball 8 h&s w5t only z high z 8 eyes4 ,naturally ,i knew :at 0 com+ be=e he ev] ?rew--& ,i 0 all set4 ,mo/ pit*]s h "s little habit 9 pit*+ t gives !m away4 ,& sometimes x takes a long "t be=e !y discov] :at x is1 & correct x4 ,a lot ( !m nev] d4 ,take ,h]b ,p5nock's ov]h& curve ball = in/ance4 ,oppos+ hitt]s c always tell f ,h]b's motion j :5 t ov]h& curve is com+4 ,=tunately = ,h]b t p>ticul> curve is su* a good "o t !y c't hit x ev5 :5 he 8telegraphs0 x4 ,i _h a habit ( my own l t 9 my pit*+ days4 ,& ,i nev] knew x until ,i _h /opp$ pit*+ & _h />t$ play+ ! outfield4 ,!n "s ( ! boys tipp$ me (f4 ,x all happ5$ "o day :5 we 7 rid+ along ?r\gh ,indiana on a ,we/]n trip4 ,! boys _h be5 play+ c>ds all morn+ & along ab\t noon int]e/ 9 ! game began to lag & !y />t$ talk+ baseball4 ,%]ry ,smi? _h beat u ! day be=e1 & !re's a baby :o has a real pit*+ motion4 ,naturally ! boys talk$ ab\t ,%]ry & 9 ! c\rse ( ! conv]sation ,i />t$ 9 to kid "s ( our pit*]s4 8,:y don't y guys get a motion l ,%]ry's80 ,i ask$ ,p5nock1 8!n y'd be real pit*]s4 ,!re's "o fell[ :o doesn't telegraph ev]y?+ he ?r[s40 ,wallie ,pipp laugh$4 8,li/5 ,big ,boy10 he said1 8let me tell y some?+4 ,y try to kid ^! o!r fell[s & y did m telegraph+ 9 y\r pit*+ days ?an any ( !m4 ,t curve ball ( y\rs 0 a breeze60 ,& !n ,wallie proce$$ to tell me t :5ev] ,i pit*$ a curve ball ,i /uck my tongue out ( ! corn] ( my m\?--a dead give away4 ,& ev]ybody 9 ! league knew x except me6 ,imag9e t--a pit*] = f\r or five seasons1 & /ill telegraph+ a curve ball e "t ,i ?rew "o4 ,x j goes to %[ t a pit*] c nev] be sure ( himself4 ,& ,i "k ,wallie told me ! tru? t day--= s9ce ,i've /opp$ pit*+ ,i've _h a doz5 diff]5t play]s tell me ! same ?+4 ,& "o day j = fun ,i tri$ x out4 ,i did a little pit*+ be=e ! game & sure en\gh1 e "t ,i w5t to pit* a curve ball1 t tongue came /ick+ out6 ,naturally no "o tipp$ me (f until aft] my pit*+ days 7 ov]4 ,ano!r place :]e a pit*] ne$s a good motion is 9 hold+ a runn] on fir/ base4 ,& !re aga91 is a ?+ t comes only f practice4 ,"s fell[s nev] get x4 ,i've se5 ,c>l ,mays "w = a half h\r at a "t practic+ ?r[s to fir/ base1 & try+ to p]fect a ?r[ t />t$ ! same z 8 regul> pit*+ motion4 ,ed ,wal% 0 a wond] at pick+ m5 (f4 ,& all left h&$ pit*]s c develop a move pretty easily4 ,t's because z !y /& on ! rubb] !y face naturally t[>d fir/ & c get ! ball ov] ) a flip4 ,! be/ man ,i ev] saw at pick+ a man (f fir/ base 0 ,%]rod ,smi?1 ! old left h&] ) ,brooklyn & ,clevel&4 ,!re 0 "o *ap x wasn't safe to take a five foot lead on4 ,he'd pick y (f almo/ be=e y knew :at happ5$4 ,:i* rem9ds me ( ,h9key ,ha9es & a ?+ t happ5$ to him4 ,:5 ,h9key came to ! ,yankees f ,p5n ,/ate ,college he _h a reputation = spe$ on ! bases4 ,& he des]v$ x too4 ,he 0 z fa/ z any man 9 ! league4 ,s "o day 9 ,clevel& :5 ,%]ry 0 work+ aga9/ u & ! game 0 tight1 ,h9key 0 s5t 9 to run = ,s*ang4 ,h9key trott$ d[n to fir/ base4 ,*>ley ,o',le>y 0 coa*+ & be=e play />t$ ,*>ley walk$ ov] & w>n$ ,h9key3 8,n[ wat* t guy10 he said1 8,he's t\gh4 ,he'll pick y (f if y take any lead4 ,don't g m ?an ?ree feet (f ! bag40 ,h9key nodd$ t he und]/ood & ,*>ley walk$ back to ! coa*'s box4 ,x's n m ?an two /eps f ! bag1 b be=e ,*>ley rea*$ !re he he>d a yell4 ,betwe5 ! "t he _h f9i%$ w>n+ ,ha9es & _h walk$ back to ! coa*]'s box1 ,%]ry _h nipp$ ,ha9es4 ,& caught him flat foot$ too4 ,t play co/ u a ball game--b we all _h a laugh on ! b5* j ! same4 ,= !re wasn't a man on ! club :o at "s "t or ano!r hadn't be5 a victim ( ! same play4 ,:at a motion old ,%]ry has4 ,!re isn't ano!r pit*] 9 ! league :o c ev5 come close to x4 ,aft] a man has be5 pit*+ = a "t he j naturally picks up c]ta9 tricks ( ! trade--little ?+s t h no?+ to d ) ! physical side ( pit*+ b h a lot to d ) mak+ a man a f9i%$ p]=m]4 ,= in/ance1 suppose y\r club is "o run ahead or ti$ t[>d ! end ( ! game4 ,! fir/ man up s+les4 ,! next fell[ comes to ! plate & y "k he is go+ to sacrifice4 ,:at d y d8 ,x's a "q t has _m an amateur pit*] guess+--b ! old-tim] doesn't ev5 hesitate4 ,no matt] :o ! hitt] is1 or :at type hitt] he may be1 ! wise pit*] pit*es high & fa/4 ,& "h's :y4 ,:5 a man is bunt+ he uses a /iff arm motion1 & pu%es ! ball4 ,) a motion ( ?is sort x's h>d = him to rea* a ball %\ld] high effectively1 & /ill keep control ( bat & ball4 ,y c prove t 9 a m9ute4 ,pick up a bat1 ) h&s well sep>at$ z if to bunt1 & !n try & hit an imag9>y ball t's on l9e ) y\r %\ld] & j ov] ! inside corn] ( ! plate4 ,see h[ awkw>d y feel & h[ h>d x is to rea* ! giv5 spot effectively4 ,) a pit* ( t sort ! hitt] sev5 times out ( t5 w f\l (f ! pit*1 or w pop up a little fly t c be ga!r$ 9 by ! pit*] or cat*]4 ,bett] /ill !re's a fifty-fifty *ance t he w miss ! ball entirely4 ,z ,i said be=e t's a little trick ( pit*+ t becomes a habit ) ! old tim] pit*]4 ,x's "o ( ! little ?+s t a man le>ns by exp]i5ce4 ,!re are o!rs too4 ,= in/ance ! pit*] mu/ always "w 9 conjunction ) 8 infield & outfield4 ,a hitt] is up--say a left h& hitt] :o naturally hits to "r field4 ,! infield & outfield "k ?is & !y naturally %ift _! position to h&le a ball hit 9 t direction4 ,once %ift$1 !n x's up to ! pit*] to see t he makes ! hitt] s5d ! ball to ! "r side ( ! diamond4 ,& n9e times out ( t5 ! me?od is id5tical4 ,!y pit* inside to a left h& hitt] & outside to a "r h& hitt]4 ,if !y want to make sure ! hitt] hits to left field1 ! sy/em is rev]s$4 ,naturally !re are exceptions--b ^! are individual cases4 ,& individual hitt]s are classifi$ by pit*]s aft] a few turns ar\nd ! league4 ,9 late ye>s sl[ ball pit*+ has come to be p>ticul>ly effective4 ,t's because !re are s _m free-sw++ hitt]s1 & m5 ( ?is type are apt to be ?r[n (f balance by sl[ /uff4 ,b j ! same ! sm>t exp]i5c$ pit*] kn[s t a c]ta9 type ( hitt]s _c be fool$ on sl[ /uff4 ,p]haps ,i c %[ be/ :at ,i mean by an actual illu/ration4 ,e>l ,combs1 ! ,yankees' c5t] field] is a t\gh man on a sl[ ball4 ,! pit*]s "k x4 ,& "h's :y4 ,e>l1 ?\gh a left h&$ hitt]1 hits naturally to left field4 ,:i* means t he sw+s late on ! ball4 ,t is1 in/ead ( hitt+ out 9 front ( ! plate he hits at ! back4 ,naturally if he has a ball prop]ly tim$ x w g to left field4 ,n[ suppose y ?r[ him a sl[ "o4 ,:at happ5s8 ,p]haps he's expect+ a fa/ "o & sw+s = su* a pit*4 ,in/ead ( hitt+ to left field1 ! lack ( spe$ on ! ball p]mits 8 bat to come fur!r ?r\gh & he hits to "r4 ,b ! po9t is t he isn't fool$ by ! sl[ /uff4 ,he hits x anyway4 ,:5 ,e>l fir/ came into ! league a lot ( ! boys tri$ pit*+ sl[ balls to him4 ,b !y h quit x n[4 ,x's too dang]\s4 ,sev5 times out ( t5 ,e>l hits t sl[ "o "r on a l9e ?r\gh ! box & a pit*] has to duck quick or get 8 head torn (f4 ,back 9 #aibe :5 ,e>ly 0 break+ into ! league1 he s5t ?ree pit*]s to ! hospital 9 less ?an a week4 ,he broke ,paul ,zahnis]'s ankle1 he crack$ ,joe ,bu%'s knee & he smack$ ,tom ,za*>y on ! wri/4 ,& ea* "t x 0 a sl[ ball he hit4 ,s f> z a hitt] ( ! ,combs type is conc]n$ a pit*] c use sl[ /uff = only "o ?+4 ,t is to make him hit to "r field4 ,b y c't expect to fool him4 ,) a hitt] ( my type = in/ance1 x's q diff]5t4 ,i am a free hitt] & ,i 8pull0 ! ball4 ,9 o!r words ,i sw+ fa/1 ) a full1 free motion & hit ! ball out front4 ,unless ,i "k a sl[ ball is com+ & "t my sw+ accord+ly1 ,i miss ! sl[ "o simply because my sw+ is tim$ to meet ! ball out front & ,i complete my sw+ at a sl[ "o be=e ! ball ev] rea*es me4 ,all ( :i*1 aga91 is j "o ( ! tricks ( ! trade t a pit*] le>ns by exp]i5ce4 ,& !re are hundr$s ( o!r little /unts t are "p ( ! pit*+ pr(ession--/unts t c't be taught or expla9$4 ,!y're j little inside po9t]s t a man mu/ pick up = himself4 ,b !y're ! ?+s t m>k ! diff]5ce betwe5 a good pit*] & an av]age "o2 betwe5 a vet]an & a rookie4 ,p]haps y've notic$ t our really great pit*]s are fell[s :o h be5 /ick+ ar\nd = sev]al seasons4 ,a kid may come "r up f ! /icks & make good z an infield] or an outfield]4 ,a lot ( !m h done x4 ,eddie ,coll9s did4 ,s did ,frankie ,fris*1 & ,george ,sisl]1 & ,tony ,lazz]i & a half hundr$ o!rs t y c\ld m5tion4 ,b x's v seldom inde$ t a pit*] c d x4 ,ev5 ! ,mattys & ! ,br[ns1 ! ,p5nocks & ! ,vances & ! ,alex&]s _h to /ick ar\nd = sev]al seasons be=e !y f9ally came ?r\gh4 ,& x wasn't because !y didn't h pl5ty ( /uff1 ei!r4 ,x 0 simply because half ( pit*+ is le>n+ & practic+ ^! little tricks ( ! bus9ess2 simply because fifty p]c5t ( pit*+ success is due to pit*+ k & ^! ?+s are le>n$ only ?r\gh long weeks & mon?s ( exp]i5ce4 ,x's j z ,joe ,wood us$ to say :5 he 0 9 8 prime1 8,! be/ curve ball 9 ! _w isn't wor? a plugg$ nickle until y le>n :at to d ) x--& mo/ fell[s nev] d le>n4 ,t's :y !re ar5't v _m good pit*]s ar\nd loose ^! days40 ,ano!r ?+ t ! av]age kid pit*] ov]looks is field+4 ,& field+ is a mighty important "p ( a pit*]'s bus9ess4 ,a pit*] :o c't field bunts & sl[ roll+ balls d[n ! base l9e won't la/ a season 9 ! big leagues4 ,allan ,so?oron is an example ( t4 ,:5 ,allan came into ! ,am]ican ,league he _h z mu* /uff z any pit*] ,i ev] look$ at ,& = a few weeks he w5t great4 ,!n "o day "s sm>t play] tri$ to bunt on him1 & ,allan kick$ ! ball all ar\nd ! infield try+ to pick x up4 ,x wasn't ?ree days until e club 9 ! league knew ab\t 8 weakness1 & !y proce$$ to bunt him "r back to ! m9ors4 ,he c\ldn't field--& ?ree times out ( five :5 a hitt] laid "o d[n t ,allan _h to h&le he w\ld ei!r kick ! ball ar\nd until ! runn] rea*$ fir/ base1 or else 9 8 hurry he'd ?r[ to ! /&s4 ,b ,i'll say ?is = ,so?oron4 ,he knew 8 weakness z well z anyone4 ,he w5t back to ! m9ors & ! night he left he came ar\nd to say goodbye to 8 buddies4 8,li/5 y eggs10 ,allan said1 8,i'll be back "h 9 a ye> or two4 ,& :5 ,i d ,i'll be able to field a ball40 ,he made good too4 ,once he w5t back to ! m9ors he />t$ to "w on field+4 ,he w\ld get out & h&le bunts = h\rs at a "t1 & he ev5 *ang$ 8 :ole pit*+ motion4 ,& a c\ple ( ye>s ago he came back aga94 ,8 fir/ "t out ! gang tri$ ! old bunt /uff & ,allan h&l$ sev5 /raight bunts )\t a bobble4 ,aft] !n ! fell[s knew t _! little trick 0 all up4 ,allan ,so?oron _h got wise4 ,he _h le>n$ to field4 ,! be/ field+ pit*] ,i ev] saw1 ,i ?9k 0 ,george ,fo/] ( ! old ,r$ ,sox4 ,george 0 sure dea? on any ball hit to 8 t]ritory4 ,9 ?ree seasons ,i don't believe ,i saw him make a s+le error4 ,he c\ld grab !m along ! ?ird base l9e1 & he c\ld g ov] & dig !m out at fir/4 ,m important ?an t he _h a quick und]h& ?r[ l an infield]4 ,urban ,%ock] is "o ( ! be/ field+ pit*]s ( ! pres5t day4 ,eddie ,rommell ( ! ,a?letics is a f9e field] to4 ,eddie's field+ ability comes natural4 ,he loves to play ball & :5 he's n pit*+ he likes to get out & "w ar\nd ! infield4 ,he does a good job ( x too4 8,rommell0 replac$ ) 8,rommel0 ,pit*]s :o are bad field]s usually c correct _! fault by a %ift 9 pit*+ /yle4 ,n9e times out ( t5 !y are bad field]s simply because !y are (f balance :5 !y f9i% ! pit*1 & !y c't %ift to g aft] a ball4 ,! important ?+ to rememb] is t ! body mu/ foll[ ! ?r[ :5 pit*+4 ,o!rwise ! pit*] isn't able to move out ( ! way ( ! ball :5 x's hit back at him4 ,n[ & !n ( c\rse1 a ball is hit back s fa/ t ! pit*] hasn't "t to move4 ,b n9e times out ( t5 x's ! pit*]'s own fault if he is hit by a batt$ ball4 ,he simply isn't %ift+ 8 feet "r4 ,if y wat* a pit*] l ,h]b ,p5nock y'll see t at ! f9i% ( 8 pit* he is balanc$ =w>d on 8 toes1 ) 8 weight ev5ly di/ribut$ on bo? feet4 ,! same motion ( 8 arm t s5ds ! pit* w++ across ! plate1 pulls 8 body into field+ position )\t ef=t4 ,! m9ute ! ball leaves 8 f+]s he is set to field any?+ t comes 8 way4 ,& ! result is t :5 ,h]b is pit*+ we h n9e field]s out !re to /op a batt+ attack4 ,no "o else has to d ,p5nock's "w4 ,he does x himself4 ,t's ano!r reason :y he's a great pit*]4 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,:at makes ! curve balls curve--,! fa/ ball--,! 8hook0--,freak deliv]ies--,! spit ball--,! screw ball--,its purpose--,! knuckle ball--,rommel & ,pipgras use x be/--,curve ball pit*]s :o h made baseball hi/ory--,fa/ balls t are tricky--,a few y>ns ( pit*+ greatness4 ,:5 amateurs get toge!r to talk ab\t pit*+ !re's always a lot ( conv]sation ab\t curve balls4 ,mo/ ( x is bunk4 ,9 ! old days :5 pit*]s 7 all[$ to use res91 to r\gh ! ball & to pit* dirty1 black batt]$ balls ! curve meant some?+4 ,= 9 ^? days ! sm>t pit*]1 tak+ advantage ( all conditions1 c\ld produce "s fe>ful & wond]ful 8hops0 on e pit*4 ,giv5 ! opportunity1 mod]n pit*]s c\ld d ! same ?+4 ,give a fell[ l ,hoyt or ,lyons or ,alex&] a ball t has be5 r\gh$ a little4 ,!y'll %[ y pl5ty4 ,& x's easy en\gh to und]/&4 ,air friction on ! surface ( ! revolv+ ball is ! cause ( a curve4 ,& x doesn't take any ma/] m9d to "k t a r\gh surface creates m friction ?an a smoo? h>d surface4 ,:5 ,i broke into ! big leagues mo/ pit*]s 7 *eat+ a little4 ,i don't say t z a knock at ! pit*]s4 ,p]haps x w\ld be bett] to say t !y took advantage ( e opportunity--& !re 7 pl5ty ( opportunities4 ,"o ( ! pet /unts 9 ^? days 0 to load ! seams ( a ball ) dirt to give x add$ weight on "o side4 ,ano!r popul> /unt us$ to be to "w ! seams ei!r ) f+] nails or ) "s =eign sub/ance l res9 or wax4 ,t w\ld t5d to raise ! seams ( ! ball a little1 !reby giv+ a bett] grip at t p>ticul> spot4 ,b ! bigge/ advantage ! pit*] _h 0 ! fact t umpires p]mitt$ !m to pit* dirty1 batt]$ balls4 ,aft] a ball has be5 batt]$ into ! dirt a few times1 or bett] /ill1 has be5 f\l$ (f aga9/ a concrete /&1 !re w be r\gh spots on ! surface4 ,& ^! r\gh spots are a pit*]'s magic4 ,!y n only give him a pur*ase at ! />t ( 8 pit*1 b !y (f] resi/ance to ! w9d z ! ball travels to ! plate z well4 ,aft] all1 ! !ory ( curve ball pit*+ is simply to apply add$ friction to ! ball on ! side to :i* y want x to curve4 ,on a curve t breaks d[n1 ! friction is appli$ f und]nea? at ! "t ! ball leaves ! pit*]'s h&4 ,an outcurve f9ds ! friction 7! wri/ snap7 appli$ on ! outside1 a fa/ ball on ! inside1 etc4 ,a pit*] ought to be able to ?r[ a ball t w\ld break up to ! batt]4 ,a fa/ ball deliv]$ /raight ov]h& ) an upw>d rotation1 w\ld d t4 ,!re's "o curve ?\gh t doesn't "w out1 simply because ! law ( gravity ov]comes ! friction4 ,! result is t a ball deliv]$ ov]h& ) friction f ! top comes z ne> be+ a /raight ball z any a man c ?r[4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 !re is no su* ?+ z an absolutely /raight ball4 ,e ball t is ?r[n ve]s a little bit (f its c\rse1 ei!r f friction or f ! =ce ( gravity4 ,n[ & !n a pit*] w come along :o has en\gh spe$ & en\gh ( a grip to give a fa/ ball an 8upw>d0 hop4 ,waite ,hoyt's fa/ "o is t k9d4 ,& t's :y ,waite's fa/ ball is p>ticul>ly effective4 ,b x isn't an upw>d curve4 ,j a slight rise at ! end t ball play]s call a 8,hop40 ,ev] s9ce baseball became a popul> game ! newspap] boys h writt5 /ories ab\t freak curves develop$ by ?is or t pit*]4 ,y /ill he> ab\t ,matty's 8fadeaway10 ab\t ,joe ,bu%'s 8=k ball10 ab\t ! 8screw ball0 & ! 8knuckle0 ball & a doz5 o!r freaks ( pit*+4 ,z a matt] ( fact !re isn't a :ole lot ( diff]5ce betwe5 ^! s-call$ freaks & ! ord9>y curves ( ! ord9>y pit*]4 ,except p]haps t !y break a little m quickly or a little wid]4 ,mo/ ( !m break d[n4 ,t's natural en\gh & easy to und]/&4 ,= ! pit*] :o pit*es ov]h& or side-arm1 ! 8drop curve0 is ! natural curve4 ,= 9 pit*+ t "o he gets assi/ance f nature4 ,he has ! law ( gravity on 8 side to />t )4 ,naturally friction aid$ by gravity w produce a bigg]1 wid] curve ?an friction t is work+ aga9/ ! law ( gravity4 ,mo/ ( ! 8freak0 deliv]ies h be5 develop$ because ( "s hun* on ! "p ( ! pit*]4 ,= in/ance1 9 my pit*+ days1 ! balls we us$ _h pr9t$ on !m ! trade m>k & ! "n ( ! league presid5t4 ,x 0 my hun* t ?is ink on ! side ( ! ball gave j an add$ atom ( weight to ! pr9t$ side4 ,consequ5tly 9 pit*+ a curve ball ,i 0 c>eful to hold ! ink$ side ( ! ball on ! side t ,i want$ ! curve to break4 ,a fooli% notion1 p]haps1 b "o t ,i always foll[$4 ,9 ! c\rse ( a season ,i get a c\ple ( hundr$ lett]s f kids1 ,i guess1 ask+ me to expla9 ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! v>i\s trick curves4 ,t's a t\gh assignm5t--=1 z a matt] ( fact1 !y're all ( !m pretty mu* alike4 ,take ,matty's 8fadeaway10 ,bu%'s 8=k ball10 ! screw ball1 ! spitt] & ,wilcy ,moore's fam\s 8s9k]40 ,!y all break d[n4 ,!y all look mu* alike z !y come zipp+ up to ! plate1 & ab\t ! only diff]5ce is ! spe$ ) :i* !y come up4 ,! !ory ( ! spitt] is simple en\gh4 ,! ball is wet on "o side4 ,naturally t makes a slipp]y spot :i* r$uces friction & gives add$ spe$ to ! opposite side :]e friction is appli$4 ,all spit balls break d[n1 b by turn+ ! wet spot "o way or ! o!r ! pit*] c make ! ball break 9 or out z he desires4 ,a curve ball f a "r h& pit*]1 breaks out to a "r h& batt] usually4 ,matty's fadeaway 0 a pit* :i* broke 9 & d[n to a "r h& hitt]4 ,9 o!r words x _h ! same break z a spit ball1 b 0 a 8dry0 pit*4 ,! *ief diff]5ce betwe5 ! s-call$ 8screw ball0 & ! spitt]1 z ,i see x is t ! screw ball c be ?r[n only ov]h&1 :ile ! spitt] c be ?r[n ov]h& or side>m4 ,nei!r pit* c be us$ by an und]h& pit*]4 ,! side-arm spitt] is by f> ! m difficult to h&le4 ,allan ,russel1 ! old "t ,yankee pit*] :o 0 lat] ) ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators1 0 ! mo/ successful side-arm spit ball pit*] ,i ev] knew4 ,allan c\ld break t spitt] :]e he want$ x & s9ce he ?rew x ) ! same sweep+ side-arm motion ) :i* he deliv]$ 8 fa/ ball1 x 0 d\bly h>d to gauge4 ,mo/ ( ! pit*]s 9 ! league today h a screw ball ( "s sort or ano!r4 ,george ,pipgras1 ! y\ng/] :o made good ) ! ,yankees la/ ye>1 has z good a "o z any--?\gh ,george's knuckle ball is ev5 m effective ?an 8 screw ball4 ,! screw ball l mo/ o!r pit*es1 0 develop$ by necessity4 ,aft] ,*esbro & ,ed ,wal% made ! spit ball fam\s1 all ! pit*]s 9 ! /icks began work+ to duplicate x4 ,spit ball pit*+ 0 ! rage = sev]al seasons4 ,b !re 7 lots ( compla9ts4 ,cat*]s compla9$ because !y said mo/ pit*]s c\ldn't control _! spitt] & x 0 !re=e a h>d ball to cat*4 ,& ! infield]s kick$ because a sloppy wet ball 0 h>d to h&le & frequ5tly caus$ wild ?r[s4 ,he9e ,muell]1 "o-"t ,giant & ,c>d9al outfield] c te/ify to t ,i guess4 ,a spit ball co/ ,he9e 8 job ) ! ,giants & s5t him back to ! m9ors4 ,x happ5$ la/ summ] :5 ,he9e 0 play+ ! outfield 9 a game :i* ,burleigh ,grimes 0 pit*+4 ,grimes is an old-fa%ion$ spit ball pit*]1 & he wets ! ball pl5ty4 ,! hitt] got hold ( "o ( ,burleigh's spitt]s & s5t x on a l9e to ,he9e's sector 9 c5t] field4 ,he9ie _h be5 w>n$ ab\t t sloppy ball & he wasn't tak+ any *ance4 ,he grabb$ ! ball & delib]ately wip$ x dry on 8 %irt :ile a runn] scor$ f ?ird base4 ,& n[ ,he9e is back d[n 9 ! m9ors1 /ill try+ to figure out :at to d ) t sloppy ball :5 he gets hold ( x4 ,anyh[1 ! kick+ aga9/ ! 8spitt]0 became s l\d & /rong t ! commission f9ally rul$ x out4 ,!y decid$ t spit-ball pit*]s already 9 ! league w\ld be p]mitt$ to g ahead & use x b t new fell[s com+ 9 w\ld h x b>r$4 ,naturally ! newcom] began look+ ar\nd = some?+ to take its place & z a result ! screw ball 0 develop$4 ,i don't "k :o 0 ! fir/ to use x4 ,a lot ( pit*]s claim ! cr$it--b reg>dless ( :o happ5$ to be ! fa!r1 mo/ ( ! boys h tak5 x = _! own n[4 ,! spit ball1 ( c\rse1 is be+ us$ less & less4 ,!re are n m ?an a half doz5 spit ball pit*]s left 9 ! two leagues4 ,urban ,fab]1 ,urban ,%ock]1 & ,jack ,qu9n /ill use x 9 our league4 ,burleigh ,grimes is ! lead+ expon5t ( ! 8spitt]0 rema9+ 9 ! ,national ,league4 ,& ^! fell[s are com+ along to ! end ( _! /r+4 ,ano!r ?ree or f\r seasons & !re probably won't be a spit ball pit*] left 9 ! majors4 ,! knuckle ball is ano!r s call$ 8trick0 deliv]y t s\nds a lot m dang]\s ?an x really is4 ,! knuckle ball is a sl[ ball1 t comes float+ up to ! plate )\t rotat+4 ,& lack+ t rotation to keep x on a l9e1 x wobbles f side to side4 ,n f> ( c\rse1 b j en\gh to ?r[ ! hitt] (f 8 /ride4 ,x isn't ! sort ( ball t w fool a hitt] en\gh to /rike him out--b x's a devili%1 tantaliz+ sort ( pit* t y're apt to pop up into ! air1 or drive into ! gr\nd = an easy infield out4 ,eddie ,rommel 0 ! fir/ man ,i "k to develop a knuckle ball to ! po9t :]e he really us$ x z 8 8ace40 ,eddie us$ to toss 8knuckl]s0 until he _h ! hitt]s blue 9 ! face & he soon got a reputation z ! k+ ( ! knuckle ball pit*]s4 ,b l ! re/ ( ! legitimate pit*es1 x 0 soon grabb$ by ! o!r pit*]s & knuckle balls are common ?+s ar\nd ! league today4 ,& good z ,eddie is1 ,i ?9k ,george ,pipgras ( ! ,yankees has ! be/ knuckle ball 9 ! bus9ess4 ,george's knuckl] is p>ticul>ly good too because he has some?+ t ,eddie nev] _h4 ,george has a good fa/ "o to mix up ) x--& aft] all1 ! real success ( any pit*+ dep5ds ^u ! pit*]'s ability to mix up some?+ else ) x4 ,! ?+ t fools a hitt] is n ! knuckle ball or ! screw ball 9 itself s mu* z x is hav+ x come float+ up !re :5 he expects a fa/ "o or a curve4 ,at times l t x's really t\gh6 ,( c\rse1 :5 all is said & done1 bo? ! knuckle ball & ! screw ball are =ms ( sl[ ball pit*es4 ,take ,h]b ,p5nock = in/ance4 ,h]b has develop$ a screw ball 9 ! la/ few ye>s & he uses x entirely z a *ange ( pace pit*4 ,x has only be5 9 ! la/ t5 or twelve ye>s t ! sl[ ball has come into real prom95ce4 ,pit*]s ?rew !m be=e t4 ,matty _h a good "o & s did a lot ( ! old "t pit*]s4 ,b 9 ^? days :5 hitt]s 7 ( ! *oke type & free sw+]s 7 uncommon1 ! sl[ /uff didn't g ov] s big4 ,anyh[1 9 ^? days1 all ! trick /uff 0 p]mitt$ & ! sl[ ball wasn't s badly ne$$4 ,b 9 ?is day & age a sl[ ball--8*ange ( pace0 ! boys call x--is a mighty big factor ) mo/ great pit*]s4 ,i don't "k :o 0 ! fir/ pit*] to develop a sl[ ball4 ,!y 7 ?r[+ !m :5 ,i came into ! league & long be=e t1 ,i guess4 ,b ! be/ sl[ ball ,i've ev] look$ at 0 ! "o ?r[n by ,ray ,coll9s1 a big1 burly left h&] :o us$ to pit* = ! ,r$ ,sox4 ,ray ?rew 8 sl[ "o ) ! same id5tical motion t he ?rew 8 fa/ "o & x w\ld come float+ up !re to ! plate )\t s mu* z a s+le revolution4 ,no kidd+1 a fell[ c\ld almo/ c\nt ! /it*es on ! ball z x came up4 ,& control6 ,say t ,coll9s _h bett] control ( 8 sl[ "o ?an mo/ fell[s h ( _! fa/ ones4 ,he c\ld put t ball "r :]e he want$ x always4 ,i saw him /rike ,ty ,cobb out ?ree times 9 "o game ) x1 & :5 a pit*] fans ,ty on a sl[ ball he has to be good4 ,ord9>ily ,ty w knock a sl[ ball "r d[n "s infield]'s ?roat4 ,coll9s _h a funny way ( ?r[+ "o too4 ,he w\ld hold ! ball ) 8 ?umb & little f+]1 leav+ ! ?ree middle f+]s /ick+ /raight out 9 ! air & n t\*+ ! ball at all4 ,tell+ ab\t x makes x s\nd z ?\gh x w\ld be easy to tell j :5 ! sl[ "o 0 com+1 b x wasn't4 ,= ,ray w\ldn't lift ^? ?ree middle f+]s until ! v in/ant he let ! ball g4 ,waite ,hoyt is ! only pit*] t ,i "k ( 9 baseball today :o ?r[s 8 sl[ /uff ! same z ,coll9s did4 ,mo/ ( ! boys ?r[ knuckl]s--t is1 !y d\ble _! f+]s "u & get a grip on ! ball ) _! knuckles4 ,b ,waite uses ,coll9s' old sy/em ( gripp+ ! ball ) ! ?umb & little f+] & leav+ ! ?ree middle f+]s ext5d$4 ,l ,coll9s1 too1 he conceals 8 pit* well & unless he wants y to see !m1 y nev] get a glimpse ( ^? ?ree f+]s until ! ball is on ! way4 ,waite goes ,coll9s "o bett] ?\gh1 sometimes4 ,= frequ5tly :5 he is pit*+ he'll let ^? ?ree f+]s %[ z ?\gh he _h made a mi/ake4 ,! batt] see+ !m1 ?9ks a sl[ "o is com+1 & gets set = x4 ,!n1 j z he is ab\t to release ! pit* ,waite tight5s up 8 grip & s5ds a fa/ "o zipp+ ?r\gh1 cat*+ ! hitt] (f balance & mak+ him look mighty fooli%4 ,i've se5 him d x a lot ( times4 ,& :5 he's hav+ a p>ticul>ly good day1 ) all 8 /uff1 he's apt to pull ! /unt a doz5 times 9 a s+le ball game4 ,& get away ) x too4 ,goose ,gosl9 is "o ( 8 pet victims = t sort ( pit*+4 ,! greate/ tr\ble ) a sl[ ball = ! av]age pit*] is t x is mighty h>d to control4 ,x is pit*$ ) practically no grip on ! ball1 & anytime y try to ?r[ a ball )\t gripp+ x y're 9 = tr\ble4 ,a lot ( pit*]s1 & good ones too1 h _h to "w on a sl[ ball = ye>s & ye>s be=e !y f9ally got :at !y want$--& ev5 !n !y're a little bit afraid to use x 9 a p9* because !y don't always "k :]e x is go+4 ,( c\rse ! :ole secret ( a sl[ ball is 9 ! fact t x doesn't sp9 or rotate4 ,x's t failure to sp9 :i* makes x travel sl[ly & wobble on its way to ! plate4 ,& x's t ?+1 too1 :i* makes x t\gh to hit4 ,= a ball t doesn't sp9 w nev] take ! 8,engli%0 f ! bat4 ,hitt+ a real sl[ ball is l hitt+ at a bean bag1 or a sack ( mu% or some?+ l t4 ,pit*]s1 = ! mo/ "p1 c be classifi$ into ?ree divisions4 ,!re are fa/ ball pit*]s4 ,^! are ! pit*]s :o dep5d = ! mo/ "p on a fa/ ball to c>ry !m ?r\gh4 ,!n !re are 8curve ball pit*]s0 or pit*]s :o use curves to get pa/ ! r\gh spots4 ,& f9ally !re are :at ! boys call 8mix-up pit*]s40 ,^! are fell[s :o mix up a curve ) a fa/ "o4 8,*ange ( pace0 pit*]s ,i guess y might call !m4 ,f my exp]i5ce 9 baseball ,i w\ld say t !re 7 m fa/ ball pit*]s ?an any o!r k9d4 ,walt] ,johnson1 :5 he 0 9 8 prime1 0 ! be/ example ( a fa/ ball pit*] y c\ld f9d4 ,walt] didn't fool ar\nd ) curves & he didn't g 9 = sl[ /uff4 ,he simply zipp$ !m pa/ s fa/ t a batt] c\ldn't get 8 bat ar\nd4 ,lefty ,grove ( ! ,a?letics & ,rube ,walburg & ,dazzy ,vance are f9e examples ( fa/ ball pit*]s4 ,s is ,*>ley ,root ( ! ,cubs1 :o made su* a great record z an 8iron man0 la/ season4 ,( c\rse ^! fell[s h curve balls too4 ,& good ones4 ,grove & ,walburg bo? h curve balls t break fa/ & wide1 & !y h ! add$ advantage ( gett+ almo/ z mu* spe$ on _! curve balls z !y d on _! fa/ ones4 ,b j ! same !y look on _! fa/ ball z _! be/ bet--& always come ?r\gh ) x :5 !y're 9 a hole4 ,a lot ( exp]ts ma9ta9 t a 8fa/ ball pit*]0 w la/ long] ?an a curve ball pit*]4 ,!y po9t out t ?r[+ a fa/ ball isn't z mu* /ra9 on ! arm z a curve4 ,:i* is probably true4 ,/ill a lot ( fell[s :o 7 fa/ ball pit*]s orig9ally1 h develop$ into curve ball pit*]s once ! hop on _! fa/ "o began to leave !m4 ,walt] ,johnson is a f9e illu/ration ( t4 ,9 ! la/ few ye>s ,walt] has be5 dep5d+ on curve balls & a *ange ( pace m & m--& its only occasionally t he s5ds t old 8spe$]0 zipp+ ?r\gh !re ! way he us$ to4 ,h]b ,p5nock is an example ( a good curve ball pit*]4 ,h]b has pl5ty ( o!r /uff1 too1 b 8 curve ball is 8 "o big bet4 ,x's ! ace up 8 sleeve4 ,jess ,ha9es ( ! ,c>d9als is ano!r *ap :o dep5ds ^u 8 curve ball to get him out ( tr\ble4 ,s does ,johnny ,morrison :o us$ to be an ace ) ! ,pirates4 ,! m]e fact t a *ap has a good curve ball1 h[ev]1 doesn't make him a great pit*]4 ,! be/ curve ball ,i ev] saw 0 ?r[n by a fell[ :o c\ldn't ev5 make ! big league grade1 & p]haps nev] w4 ,t 0 ,walt] ,beall1 :o came up to ! ,yankees a few ye>s ago1 b is back 9 ! m9ors aga9 n[4 ,beall c\ld make a baseball sit up & s+ bass1 no kidd+4 ,8 curve broke d[n1 & ,i'll swe> he c\ld break x ?ree or f\r in*es4 ,b he nev] knew :e!r x 0 go+ ov] ! plate or d[n ! left field f\l l9e--& a curve ball isn't wor? a nickle unless ! pit*] has control4 ,maybe "s day ,walt] ,beall w get control4 ,:5 he does1 look out = him4 ,he'll be a wiz>d4 ,bob ,%awkey is ano!r "o :o 0 almo/ /rictly a curve ball pit*]4 ,bob _h t curve ( 8 fool+ batt]s = a good _m ye>s be=e old ,dad ,"t f9ally got him4 ,maybe ?r[+ curves is h>d on ! arm1 b x nev] seem$ to bo!r ,bob mu*4 ,8 c>e] 0 a pretty long & active "o1 be=e he f9ally came to ! end ( ! trail4 ,! 8mix-up pit*]s0 include su* play]s z ,t$ ,lyons ( ! ,:ite ,sox1 ,george ,uhle ( ! ,clevel& ,indians1 ,waite ,hoyt ( ! ,yankees & ,grov] ,alex&] ( ! ,c>d9als4 ,^! are fell[s :o mix up fa/ ones ) sl[ ones4 8,*ange ( pace pit*]s0 ,i guess w\ld be ano!r "n = !m4 ,hoyt & ,lyons c ?r[ curves ( c\rse4 ,if !y c\ldn't !y w\ldn't be 9 ! league4 ,b !y don't use !m (t5--& usually :5 !y d come up ) a curve !y keep x outside or inside1 :]e x c't be damag$4 ,= real effectiv5ess !y dep5d ^u a *ange ( pace4 ,to be a good mix-up pit*]1 y've got to h a cork+ fa/ ball z well z ! sl[ /uff4 ,urban ,%ock]1 9 ! days :5 he 0 ) ! ,/4 ,l\is ,br[ns1 0 a pit*] ( t sort4 ,& :at a t\gh baby he 0 too4 ,b ( late ye>s ,%ock has lo/ 8 fa/ "o & n[ he's gett+ by on 8 k1 plus pit*+ /uff t includes sl[1 sl[] & sl[e/4 ,tom ,za*>y ( ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators falls into ab\t ! same class4 ,b don't ?9k t ?is classification is absolute4 ,j rememb] t ! fa/ ball pit*]s all h a curve if !y ne$ x & ! curve ball boys are apt to cross y up ) a fa/ "o anytime4 ,^! ,i h outl9$ are ! pit*es mo/ commonly us$ by big league pit*]s4 ,s f> ,i h made no m5tion ( ! trick or freak pit*es t come & g ) ! individual4 ,9 ?is li/ come ,eddie ,cicotte's fam\s 8%9e0 ball2 ! em]y ball develop$ & us$ by ,russell ,=d1 ! fam\s old-"t ,yankee pit*]1 & all ! o!r specialties ( c]ta9 pit*]s4 ,! less ! av]age pit*] kn[s ab\t ^!1 ! bett] (f he is4 ,= !y are b>r$ n[ & an attempt to use !m w only get a fell[ into tr\ble4 ,!re's no trick 9 pit*+ an em]y ball4 ,once ! em]y is appli$ & ! ball r\gh5$ ! gre5e/ pit*] c make ! ball d all sorts ( que] /unts4 ,& ) a little practice he c le>n to control & use su* curves4 ,b don't d x4 ,x doesn't pay4 ,z = ! o!rs4 ,well !re's ,wilcy ,moore's 8s9k]10 = in/ance4 ,t is a fa/ ball t falls away f ! plate4 ,cy c't tell y himself h[ he pit*es x4 ,x's j natural ) him & s f> z ,i "k !re's no "o else 9 baseball :o pit*es a ball q l x4 ,its effectiv5ess ( c\rse is due to ! fact t x s9ks away z ! hitt] sw+s ) ! result t he tops ! ball & drives x into ! gr\nd4 ,if y wat* ,cy pit* sometime y'll notice t !re are always a great _m infield put\ts 9 8 games4 ,t's ! result ( ! s9k] & a mighty puzzl+ ?+ x is ! fir/ "t y face him1 too4 ,v frequ5tly a pit*] w make a ball 8sail0 :5 he pit*es x4 ,t usually is due to "s unobs]v$ r\ghness on ! cov] & is j z apt to be h>mful z x is helpful4 ,n[ & !n h[ev] a pit*] w come along ) a natural 8sail]40 ,he doesn't "k himself :]e he gets x or h[4 ,x j happ5s4 ,9 my pit*+ days ,i _h little hop on my fa/ "o1 despite ! fact t ,i 0 a fa/ ball pit*]4 ,b ,i did h a natural sail]4 ,z ,i said be=e ,i us$ to ?9k t ?is 0 9 "p due to ! add$ weight giv5 ! ball by ! tradem>k /amp1 & 9 pit*+ ,i 0 always c>eful to turn ! ink 9 ! direction ,i want$ ! ball to break4 ,*ances are1 ?\gh1 t ?is didn't h any?+ to d ) x at all4 ,i'm incl9$ to ?9k n[ t x may h be5 because ,i gripp$ ! ball v loosely ev5 :5 pit*+ my fa/ "o4 ,a lot ( fell[s w argue t ! success ( a fa/ ball dep5ds on ! grip & t ! fell[s ) ! be/ fa/ ones1 grip ! ball tight4 ,maybe t's "r1 b ,i _h a pretty fair fa/ "o1 & ,i us$ a loose grip always4 ,i always manag$ to get a little 8sail0 on ! fa/ "o b !re 7 times :5 ,i got m ?an o!rs4 ,i'll nev] =get a game ,i pit*$ 9 ,detroit "o day4 ,my fa/ "o 0 go+ great t day & ,i _h ! ,tig]s sw++ bl9d4 ,f9ally ,cobb came up4 ,billy ,evans 0 umpir+ & on my fir/ pit* ,billy call$ = ! ball & ?rew x out4 8,t "o sail$ a foot60 he said4 ,! next pit* 0 a /rike & ,cobb call$ = ! ball t "t4 8,he's doctor+ t ball10 ,ty compla9$4 8,t "o sail$ eighte5 in*es40 ,billy ?rew t "o out4 ,i pit*$ a ?ird ball & !y bo? squawk$1 & t "o 0 toss$ out too4 ,all told ,i pit*$ six balls to ,ty on t "o turn at bat4 ,& aft] ea* pit* ,billy toss$ ! ball out ( ! game4 ,on ! six? pit* ,ty /ruck out4 ,boy1 maybe y ?9k he wasn't sore4 ,he walk$ out pa/ me :5 ! inn+ 0 ov]4 8,y're *eat+ out !re y big bum10 he said4 8,no "o c make a ball sail l t unless he's doctor+ x4 ,b ,i'll f9d out ab\t x & :5 ,i d ,i'll run y "r out ( ! league40 ,z a matt] ( fact ,i wasn't *eat+4 ,i 0 j z puzzl$ z ,ty4 ,& to ?is day ,i don't "k :at made ^? balls sail4 ,!y broke s wide t ,bill ,c>rigan :o 0 cat*+1 _h to hop all ov] ! plate to get !m4 ,& ,i nev] _h s mu* 8sail0 be=e or s9ce4 ,x 0 j "o ( ^? ?+s4 ,i don't "k :y or h[ ,i did x4 ,x j happ5$4 ,baseball is l t & ! long] y play ! game ! m y realize x4 ,,*apt] ,,vii ,! infield--,! greate/ play ( ! #aibg _w s]ies--,joe ,dugan pull$ x--,lazz]i spikes ,pirates' guns--,great second base comb9ations--,! d\ble play--,! snap ?r[ to base--,great arms 9 baseball--,travis ,jackson gets ,jake ,daub]t's goat--,casey ,/5gel tells "o--,:at to look = 9 infield play4 ,9 ! #aibg _w s]ies !re 7 a lot ( plays t /ood out4 ,"o ( ! prettie/ plays ,i ev] saw 0 ,joe ,dugan's field+ & ?r[ ( a sl[ bunt d[n ! ?ird base l9e 9 t f9al game4 ,b by t "t mo/ ( ! fight _h be5 tak5 out ( ! ,pirates anyh[1 & ,joe's contribution 0 j "o m to a long li/ ( brea?-tak]s4 ,"o ( ! mo/ important plays ( ! s]ies s f> z its aft] effect 0 conc]n$1 came 9 ! fir/ game1 & ,tony ,lazz]i 0 ! boy :o pull$ x4 ,! details1 z ,i rememb] !m1 7 ab\t l ?is4 ,george ,gran?am1 a sweet ball play] & a mighty fa/ man on ! bases1 0 fir/ up to op5 ! inn+4 ,he work$ ,hoyt = a base on balls & ! /age 0 set = a %>p ,pirate attack4 ,joe ,h>ris1 "o ( ! be/ ( ! ,pirate hitt]s1 foll[$ ,gran?am at ! plate & he signall$ ,gran?am = ! hit & run4 ,j z ,hoyt drew back to pit* ,gran?am leap$ = second & ,joe ,h>ris smack$ ! ball squ>ely on ! nose4 ,lazz]i _h lean$ t[>d second ) ! pit* & 0 />t+ z if to cov]1 b caught himself 9 "t4 ,) p]fect tim+ he scoop$ up ! ball & tagg$ ,gran?am out z he tore = second4 ,!n ) ! same motion he %ot ! ball to ,gehrig & ,h>ris 0 d\bl$ at fir/ base4 ,s f> z actual play 0 conc]n$ ! play 0 good & snappy1 b n spectacul>4 ,b x 0 a dea? bl[ to ! ,pirates j ! same4 ,= :5 t play 0 pull$ x %[$ !m t we _h an infield t c\ld click "u pressure1 & a second baseman :o knew :at to d 9 ! face ( a hit & run attack4 ,"r (f ! bat x made ! ,pirates d\btful ab\t _! be/ attack+ me?od1 & :5 a bit lat] ,tony pull$ ! same play !y 7 ?or\ghly conv9c$4 ,! po9t is t second base is ! pivot ( all infield play4 ,give any ball club a second baseman & a %ort-/op :o c "w toge!r 9 p]fect h>mony ) ea* kn[+ ! o!r's /yle & me?ods & y've solv$ f\r-fif?s ( ! infield tr\bles "r !re4 ,by t ,i don't mean t ! second baseman & ! %ort/op mu/ be />s4 ,!re are mighty few real />s !re1 or else:]e4 ,b !re are "s mighty sweet ball play]s--& ! m9ute y get two :o c "w toge!r y've got a r>e comb9ation4 ,z a matt] ( fact ! be/ pair ,i ev] saw ar\nd second base w]5't 9 ! big leagues at all4 ,!y 7 ,neil ,ball & ,clyde ,d]rick1 & !y 7 play+ ) ! ,baltimore ,orioles :5 ,i broke 94 ,ball _h be5 a /> at "o "t1 b :5 ,i knew him 8 c>e] 0 ab\t clos$4 ,old "t fans w rememb] him4 ,he's "o ( ! few big league play]s :o ev] made a triple play unassi/$4 ,z = ,d]rick1 ,i don't ?9k he ev] ga9$ any great fame4 ,j ! same ?\gh1 play+ toge!r1 !y 7 a great comb9ation4 ,"o seem$ to "k1 always1 j :at ! o!r w\ld d--& ,i've se5 !m field & ?r[ balls )\t ev5 look+1 !y 7 s confid5t t ! o!r w\ld be !re to make ! play4 ,_! be/ /unt 0 go+ ov] back ( second base to field balls t look$ l sure base hits1 & no matt] :i* "o w5t aft] ! ball1 ! o!r 0 "r on h& to keep x w++ on its way4 ,j h[ important t second base comb9ation is1 c be %[n by ! fact t #ii p]c5t ( ! teams t w9 p5nants are /rong 9 t dep>tm5t4 ,!y may be weak else:]e3 !y may h only fair pit*+ or poor outfield+1 or maybe a weakness at fir/ or ?ird or beh9d ! bat--b almo/ always y f9d !m ) a great comb9ation at second & %ort4 ,f :at ! old-tim]s tell me1 ,joe ,t9k] & ,johnny ,ev]s mu/ h be5 ab\t z great z any ( !m4 ,i nev] saw !m work+ toge!r1 b !y _h to h some?+ to be rememb]$ ?r\gh all ^! ye>s4 ,( ! big league comb9ations ,i h se51 !re are ?ree or f\r t /ick out 9 my m9d4 ,b>ry & ,coll9s ( ! old ,a?letics 7 "o pair4 ,eddie 0 ! ma/] m9d ( t outfit1 & he cont9u$ to %9e z a second baseman long aft] ,jack ,b>ry 0 ?r\gh4 ,eddie left ! ,a?letics to g ) ! ,:ite ,sox1 & !re he pair$ up ) ,risb]g & ,buck ,weav]4 ,!re 0 ano!r great comb9ation4 ,probably no o!r two m5 on ! club _h m to d ) ! ,wa%+ton victory 9 #aibd & #aibe ?an ,bucky ,h>ris & ,rog] ,peck9paugh4 ,peck1 incid5tally1 is ! be/ %ort/op ,i ev] knew1 ,i ?9k4 ,9 8 prime he c\ld d ev]y?+ t anyone w\ld ask--& 9 addition he knew 8 baseball f front to back4 ,he 0 sm>t1 & "o ( ! be/ po9ts he _h 0 an uncanny ability to size up a play4 ,"o ( ! pet tricks ( "s sm>t hitt]s--fell[s l ,cobb & ,coll9s & hitt]s ( t type--is to fake a sw+ to draw ! %ort/op out ( position1 & !n hit "o ?r\gh him4 ,9 all ! "t ,i h be5 9 ! league ,i've nev] se5 ,peck fool$ on t play1 & ,i've se5 fell[s try x a lot4 ,9 fact ,i've tri$ x myself1 & ne>ly twi/$ my neck out ( jo9t try+ to snap ! ball to left field4 ,naturally ,i don't "k s mu* ab\t ! ,national ,league4 ,i see ^? play]s only 9 _w s]ies games & occasionally dur+ ! summ] :5 we h an (f day1 b ,i did see en\gh ( ! ,giants to "k t ,bancr(t & ,fris* made a great pair ar\nd second4 ,l ,peck9paugh ) ,h>ris1 ,bancr(t 0 ! boy :o suppli$ ! quick ?9k+ & ,frankie came ?r\gh ) ! sm>t me*anical /uff4 ,"s ( ! plays t pair pull$ aga9/ u 9 ! #aibc _w s]ies 7 pla9 & simple murd]4 ,i've nev] ask$ ,john ,mc,graw po9t blank1 b ,i've got a hun* t if y ask$ him to "n ! two m5 on 8 club mo/ responsible = ! ,giant p5nants 9 #aibb & #aibc1 ,banny & ,frank are ! play]s he w\ld "n4 ,aside f ! m]e ability to dig balls out ( ! dirt1 ! mo/ important requirem5t = a good second baseman or %ort/op1 z ,i see x1 is ! ability to ?r[ f any position1 & to snap ! ball ) bo? spe$ & control4 ,t's because ( ! d\ble play4 ,& don't mi/ake ! importance ( t two-ply kill+4 ,x's ! greate/ s+le item 9 a team's def5se4 ,up 9 ! big leagues we always sort ( take x = grant$ t a gr\nd ball to ! infield w be "o out4 ,b x's ! fell[s :o are 9 !re gett+ two at a "t :o really take rank z />s4 ,& d\ble plays ar5't easy4 ,! place :]e mo/ infield]s fall d[n on a d\ble play is 9 pivot+ = ! ?r[4 ,t's :]e ,bucky ,h>ris ( ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators is a pa/ ma/]4 ,bucky makes 8 pivot1 tags 8 man if necess>y1 & gets ! ball away to fir/ all ) ! same motion4 ,& on a play ( t sort ! split "p ( a second means ! diff]5ce betwe5 a runn] be+ out or safe4 ,9 ?r[+1 ! weight1 at ! "t ! ball is deliv]$1 is on ! left foot4 7,t is = "r h& ?r[]s & all infield]s except fir/ basem5 are usually "r h&$47 ,naturally 9 mak+ a d\ble play1 if y c t\* second ) y\r left foot & ?r[ at ! mom5t y\r foot t\*es ! bag y c make ! play m quickly ?an if y tag up ) y\r "r foot & !n h to take a /ep =w>d = ! ?r[4 ,wat* ,bucky sometime & y'll see t n9e times out ( t5 he tags up ) 8 left foot & goes "r on ?r\gh ) 8 motion4 ,sometimes ( c\rse t is impossible1 & !n he resorts to a quick1 und]h& snap ?r[4 ,b ! o!r is be/1 & he uses x mo/ ( ! "t4 ,! %ort/op %\ld h an arm t is ne>ly p]fect4 ,8 ?r[s are long] ?an ^? ( ! second baseman1 & usually mu/ be deliv]$ ) m spe$ because he makes 8 plays deep] & ! batt] gets a long] />t on balls hit to %ort4 ,ev]ett ,scott1 ! old ,yankee & ,r$ ,sox 8iron man0 0 "o ( ! mo/ accurate ?r[]s ,i ev] saw 9 ! %ortfield4 ,scotty 8trolley wir$0 8 ?r[s z ! boys say4 ,9 o!r words1 he s5t !m on ! same /raight l9e e "t1 z ?\gh ! ball 0 travel+ on "s invisible wire4 ,"o ( ! be/ ?r[+ arms 9 ! league today is possess$ by "y ,reeves1 a rookie br\ght up by ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators la/ ye>4 ,t kid ?r[s l a bullet & "r to ! m>k4 ,he isn't mu* ( a hitt] & ,i'm n sure he's good en\gh 9 ! field to make ! grade1 b he c]ta9ly c toss t onion4 ,travis ,jackson ( ! ,giants is ano!r great ?r[]4 ,! boys tell a /ory ( a play ,travis made 9 ,c9c9nati ! ye> he broke 94 ,poor old ,jake ,daub]t 0 play+ ) ! ,r$s !n & he hit a hot gr\nd ball ?r\gh ! box & j inside second base4 ,jake took "o look & />t$ jogg+ to fir/ base4 ,t hit _h base hit label$ all ov] x4 ,b ,jackson w5t across fa/1 grabb$ ! ball out ( ! dirt1 ) "o h&1 !n /raight5$ up & s5t ! ball :izz+ l a bullet to ,kelly4 ,daub]t 0 out by half a /ride & w5t back to ! b5* cuss+ to himself4 8,:at a play10 "s ( ! boys on ! b5* rem>k$4 8,!re isn't ano!r %ort/op 9 ! league c\ld h made x60 8,yeh & nobody b t "y fool out !re w\ld ev5 h tri$ x10 0 ,jake's reply4 ,"o ( ! t\ghe/ plays t ei!r a %ort/op or second baseman is call$ ^u to make1 is to g back into ! %ort outfield = high pop flies4 ,tak+ a ball 9 front ( y is "o ?+1 b runn+ back to take a fly ball ov] y\r %\ld] is some?+ else aga94 ,"s ( ! boys nev] d get ! knack ( x4 ,rog]s ,hornsby is "o ( ! fell[s :o f9d ?is a t\gh job4 ,rog is a great second baseman--"o ( ! greate/ ( all "t--b he c't g aft] pop flies z he %\ld4 ,he has tri$ & tri$1 & d[n ,s\? !y tell me he practices by ! h\r1 b someh[ he c't seem to get ! hang ( x4 ,frankie ,fris* & ,tony ,lazz]i1 on ! o!r h&1 are wiz>ds at ?is p>ticul> /unt4 ,i've se5 ,fris* g way ov] to ! "r field f\l l9e & come up ) ! ball4 ,& "o ( ! greate/ plays ,i've ev] se5 9 my :ole c>e] 0 pull$ by ,frankie ,fris* 9 ! #aibc _w s]ies :5 he w5t into c5t] field back ( second base1 leap$ 9 ! air & caught ,w>d's pop fly ov] 8 %\ld] ) "o h&1 & !n :irl$ & ?rew to ! plate 9 "t to cat* ,dugan scor+ f ?ird4 ,( all ! difficult plays ,i've ev] se51 t "o /ill /&s out 9 my m9d z ! greate/4 ,p h ask$ me :y x is ! second baseman & %ort/op g into "r or left = pop flies in/ead ( ! fir/ or ?ird baseman4 ,! answ] is easy4 ,!y're 9 bett] position to see ! ball & ! play4 ,if a fir/ baseman goes into "r field = a pop fly he has to turn 8 back4 ,! same ) a ?ird baseman on a pop fly to left4 ,b ! second baseman or %ort/op c run at an angle & /ill keep _! eye on ! ball ?r\gh\t its flight4 ,x's ! old1 old /ory t a man c make m spe$ runn+ =w>d ?an he c backw>d1 & y've got a bett] *ance ( cat*+ a ball t y c see 9 flight ?an y h ( tak+ "o bl9d1 ov] y\r %\ld]4 ,?is aga9 is a play t c be p]fect$ only by con/ant practice4 ,m>k ,ko5ig is a f9e example ( t4 ,m>k is "o ( ^? n]v\s1 high /rung fell[s :o w und]go real agony :ile /&+ "u a pop fly wait+ = x to come d[n4 ,! fir/ ye> ,m>k 0 ) ! ,yankees he kick$ pop flies all ar\nd ! place4 ,he 0 s bad t once he 0 hit 9 ! face by a fall+ ball1 & two or ?ree times he got hit on ! *e/ & arms4 ,b he kept try+--& la/ season he _h s improv$ himself t he w5t ?r\gh ! entire season )\t dropp+ a s+le pop fly t he 0 able to get 8 h&s on4 ,! fir/ requirem5t ( good play at second & %ort is complete und]/&+ & coop]ation4 ,y've got to h a set ( signals--we always call !m 8signs0 9 baseball--t are quickly & easily und]/ood s !re w be no mi/ak+ z to :o is to cov] ! bag or take ! ?r[4 ,sometimes ( c\rse signs are n necess>y4 ,) a man on fir/ base & a natural "r field hitt] up1 ! second baseman naturally plays ov] & ! %ort/op cov]s up4 ,on a left field hitt] ! play is exactly opposite4 ,^? are :at we call 8naturals40 ,b !re are a lot ( o!r situations t arise :5 x is absolutely necess>y = ! %ort/op & second baseman to h signs4 ,& x's a lot bett] if ! pit*]1 cat*]1 & o!r infield]s "k :at is happ5+ too4 ,!n !re's v little *ance = a mix-up4 ,ano!r confus+ play = ! beg9n] at second base is ! h&l+ ( a drag bunt or sl[ roll] betwe5 fir/ & ! pit*]'s box4 ,!re's no rule = su* a play4 ,x's j a matt] ( practice & und]/&+ betwe5 ! fir/ & second baseman4 ,if ! ball is )9 rea* ( ! fir/ baseman1 !n x's up to ! second baseman to cov] fir/ & take ! ?r[4 ,o!rwise ! fir/ baseman holds 8 bag & ! second baseman fields ! ball4 ,speak+ ( drag bunts1 t is "o ( ! greate/ weaknesses 9 ! ,yankees' infield play4 ,tony ,lazz]i & ,l\ ,gehrig h play$ tiddle-w9ks on m drag bunts & sl[ roll]s ?an any pair ,i ev] knew4 ,l\ someh[ j c't get ! knack ( judg+ balls l t & at times he drives ,tony nutty4 ,b he's improv+--& 9 ano!r season or two he'll h ! ?+ d[n pat4 ,b ev5 ! ability to d all ! ?+s ,i've outl9$ above--& d !m well--doesn't mean t a man w be a great infield]4 ,!re's /ill t bus9ess ( 8tagg+ ! runn]0 to look out = & t isn't easy at all4 ,tagg+ a man prop]ly is an art4 ,i've se5 "s great look+ kids come up to ! big leagues1 kids :o seem$ to h ev]y?+4 ,b !y didn't /ick1 because !y c\ldn't 8put ! ball on ! runn]40 ,eddie ,coll9s is a ma/] 9 ?is specialty4 ,eddie always manages to get squ>ely betwe5 ! runn] & ! bag1 & let ! runn] slide into ! ball4 ,a lot ( play]s are spike %y4 ,t is1 !y're j a little bit afraid ( ! spikes z a runn] comes slid+ into ! bag4 ,a spike %y play] w nev] make an infield]4 ,x c't be done4 ,i nev] knew ,john ,ev]s 9 8 prime1 b ,i guess ,john mu/ h be5 a ma/] at putt+ ! ball on a runn]4 ,"o ( ! be/ y>ns ,i ev] he>d ,casey ,/5gel tell 0 ab\t 8 exp]i5ces :5 he broke 94 ,8 fir/ "t up he got a hit & a mom5t lat] w5t slid+ into second base pa/ ,ev]s4 ,casey 0 a fre% rookie & always _h some?+ to say4 ,he said x ?is "t4 8,i ?\ght y 7 su* a :iz ar\nd t second bag10 ,casey said to ,ev]s4 8,b ,i 0 a little too smoo? = y1 eh8 ,are y ! be/ !y h 9 ?is league80 8,li/51 ,rookie0 ,johnny repli$1 8! next "t y come d[n "h y'd bett] we> a t9 helmet4 ,i'm go+ to slam t ball "r d[n y\r ?roat60 8,&10 says ,casey1 8he did x too60 ,9 ! old days base runn]s us$ to g into ! bag ) _! spikes high int5tionally4 ,basem5 7 consid]$ fair game at all times1 & if ! base runn] c\ld cut ! legs or h&s or arms ( ! basem5 he did x4 ,by ! same rule ! baseman felt free to tag ! runn] out ) a sw+ to ! jaw or any o!r t5d] portion ( 8 body4 ,basem51 too1 9 ! old days _h a little trick ( jump+ 9 ! air & com+ d[n on ! h&s & legs ( ! runn] z he slid4 ,^? days are pretty mu* pa/ n[4 ,delib]ate spik+ isn't p]mitt$ any m1 & :5 su* ?+s occur 9 ^! days x's a hundr$ to "o t x 0 an accid5t pure & simple4 ,none ! less !re's always dang] s long z m5 slide--& always w be4 ,& ! good baseman is on 8 gu>d4 ,! ability to tag fa/ & get away has sav$ _m a pair ( %9s4 ,x's "p ( ! art ( infield play4 ,,*apt] ,,viii ,play+ ! outfield--,! kid idea--,/>s :o h sc9tillat$ 9 ! outfield--,great outfield]s ( all "t--,_! me?ods ( play--,:at ! outfield] ne$s--,:at he mu/ look out =--,play+ ! hitt]--,mak+ ! ?r[--,"s great outfield plays--,sam ,rice's great cat*--,h>ry ,hoop]1 ! old ma/]4 ,i c rememb] z a kid t an outfield]'s job 0 look$ ^u z a sort ( necess>y evil4 ,nobody want$ to be a field]1 & ! poore/1 sl[e/1 little/ fell[s 9 ! game 7 ! ones :o 7 *as$ out to ! 8g>d5s40 ,r+ ,l>dn] or "o ( ! baseball humori/s once wrote a wise crack ab\t t same ?+4 8,!y call x left field10 he wrote1 8because !y fill all ! o!r places fir/ & !n if !re's any "o left !y s5d him out !re40 ,kids h funny ideas4 ,back 9 my kid days ! fell[ :o 0 lucky en\gh to own a ball or a bat naturally became capta9 ( ! team4 ,& ! capta9 always appo9t$ himself pit*]4 ,if we _h "s /ocky1 fat kid 9 ! gang we made him a %ort/op on ! hun* t balls hit to %ort 7 always fa/ & h>d & x took a /ocky kid to field !m4 ,little fell[s 7 always made into second basem54 ,maybe t 0 because ,john ,ev]s ( ! ,cubs & ,mill] ,hugg9s ( ! ,c9c9nati ,r$s 7 9 _! prime !n1 & !y 7 small m54 ,& ( c\rse play+ ! outfield 0 ! cr[n+ insult4 ,nobody want$ to g out !re--& _m a kid fight develop$ ov] :o _h to 8*ase flies0 9 ! out] g>d5s4 ,z a matt] ( fact ! outfield is a mighty important po/ 9 baseball1 & "s ( ! greate/ />s ! game has kn[n h be5 outfield]s4 ,m5 l ,h>ry ,hoop]1 ,tris ,speak]1 ,ty ,cobb1 ,eddie ,r\%1 ,paul ,wan]1 ,goose ,gosl91 ,frank ,s*ulte & fell[s ( t type h play$ a big "p 9 ! developm5t ( baseball4 ,& outfield]s today1 h got to h a lot ( ability1 if !y expect to hold _! jobs4 ,!y've got to h spe$ & be able to get und]way quickly4 ,m ?an any o!r play]s on ! club1 !y mu/ h ! ability to judge ! flight ( a h>d-hit ball & d x in/antly4 ,!y mu/ be able to ?r[ f> & accurately1 & above all else !y mu/ be able to /& up !re at ! plate & hit ! ball4 ,manag]s ( ! big league ball clubs today1 frequ5tly w c>ry a second baseman or a %ort /op on 8 field+ ability4 ,!y're will+ to sacrifice a little hitt+ ability = ! sake ( smoo? infield def5se4 ,b an outfield] is expect$ to be a hitt]--& if he c't hit he won't la/ long4 ,s f> z actual "w is conc]n$ ! outfield] has "o ( ! easie/ jobs on ! ball club4 ,ev5 on a busy day he isn't call$ ^u to h&le m ?an six or eight *ances1 & !re are scores ( games dur+ ! c\rse ( ! season :5 he nev] h&les a s+le ball4 ,nor is he call$ ^u to make ! quick />ts & /ops1 ! snap ?r[s or ! hurri$ plays t are requir$ ( an infield]4 ,! /ra9 isn't s great on 8 arms & 8 legs4 ,! result is t ! play+ life ( an outfield] is usually long] ?an t ( an infield]4 ,baseball hi/ory proves ! /atem5t4 ,eddie ,coll9s is ! only infield] 9 ei!r league "r n[1 :o has be5 9 ! game = fifte5 ye>s4 ,!re h be5 sev]al outfield]s ^: c>e]s cov]$ t long or long]4 ,ty ,cobb1 ,tris ,speak]1 ,za* ,:eat1 ,max ,c>ey--all ( !m w5t well pa/ ! fifte5 ye> m>k4 ,s did ,willie ,keel]1 ,jimmy ,%eck>d1 ,k+ ,kelly & a lot ( ! old-tim]s4 ,outfield play has *ang$ a lot 9 ! la/ few ye>s4 ,fifte5 ye>s ago1 be=e ! rabbit ball came into exi/5ce1 & 9 ! era :5 hitt]s *ok$ _! hits & tri$ = direction m ?an di/ance1 ! outfield]s rang$ close 94 ,!y took m *ances on a ball go+ ov] _! heads1 ?an !y d n[4 ,& !y 7 call$ ^u to d a lot m ?r[+4 ,a /rong ?r[+ arm 0 absolutely necess>y to an outfield] t5 ye>s ago--& _m a run 0 cut d[n at ! plate by a good ?r[4 ,n[1 h[ev]1 s9ce ! rabbit ball has come into be+ & hitt]s are aim+ at ! f5ces1 ! outfield]s play f> out & ! ?r[+ end ( ! game is n z important z x once 04 ,! di/ances are s great t a ?r[ home f mo/ outfield positions is almo/ impossible4 ,& c5t] field]s 9 p>ticul> h little or no *ance to nail _! man on a long fly4 ,& by ! way1 t expla9s :y manag]s arrange _! outfield]s to put ! weak ?r[] 9 c5t] field1 if possible4 ,don't get me wrong4 ,a great ?r[+ arm is /ill a mighty helpful ?+ to an outfield]4 ,b n s necess>y z x us$ to be4 ,a fell[ ) a weak arm c hold a job ^! days4 ,fifte5 ye>s ago he w\ld h be5 turn$ loose4 ,!re are "s mighty sweet ?r[+ arms among ! big league outfield]s today4 ,bob ,meusel ( ! ,yankees1 has "o ( ! greate/ arms 9 ! bus9ess4 ,i've se5 ,bob make a runn+ cat* 9 left field & !n ?r[ to fir/ base = a d\ble play4 ,t's real ?r[+4 ,& ) ,bob play+ left field1 !re are mighty few runn]s w score f ?ird base on a %ort fly to left4 ,he's caught s _m ( !m t !y're all sc>$ n[4 ,!y don't ev5 try to take a base on him4 ,h>ry ,rice1 ! little outfield] :o us$ to be ) ! ,br[ns & is n[ ) ! ,tig]s1 is ano!r boy :o c :ip t ball ar\nd4 ,s c ! ,wan] bro!rs ( ! ,pittsburgh ,pirates4 8,pittsburg0 replac$ ) 8,pittsburgh0 ,?is subject br+s up a r int]e/+ po9t4 ,a lot ( folks figure t my pit*+ exp]i5ce has help$ me 9 mak+ ?r[s f ! outfield4 ,p]sonally ,i don't ?9k s4 ,! pit*+ ?r[ is entirely diff]5t f ! outfield ?r[4 ,! pit*] uses a snap motion to give ! ball a 8hop40 ,! outfield ?r[ is long & smoo? & easy4 ,x has m ( ! full arm & less ( ! wri/ ?an a pit*+ ?r[4 ,"o ( ! fell[s :o has manag$ to get by 9 big league baseball despite a weak arm is ,eddie ,br[n ( ! ,bo/on ,braves4 ,i'm told ,eddie c't ?r[ a lick--& oppos+ teams all "k x4 ,b play+ 9 c5t] field he f9ds little occasion = real ?r[+1 & he always has ! aid ( 8 infield 9 mak+ a relay4 ,& :at he lacks 9 ?r[+ p[] he m ?an makes up 9 8 ability to 8g get 'em0 & to slam t ball on ! nose4 ,john ,mc,graw tri$ an int]e/+ exp]im5t a few ye>s ago :5 he _h ,george ,kelly at fir/ base & "s indiff]5t ?r[]s 9 ! outfield4 ,on fly balls t requir$ a play at ! plate ,john w\ld s5d ,kelly scamp]+ into ! outfield to relay ! ?r[4 ,i've se5 him g *as+ all ! way f fir/ base to deep %ort to help ,iri% ,meusel get ! ball back1 & x wasn't at all unusual to see him /epp+ out to %ort c5t] to grab a ?r[ f ,jimmy ,o',connell4 ,kelly _h & /ill has "o ( ! greate/ ?r[+ arms 9 ! bus9ess4 ,! ,yankees "k x & h[6 ,"o ( ! greate/ plays ev] pull$ 9 a _w s]ies 0 pull$ by ?is same ,kelly 9 #aibc4 ,joe ,dugan 0 on ?ird base & ,i 0 at bat4 ,i got hold ( a fa/ ball & s5t x d[n ! fir/ base l9e a mile a m9ute4 ,x look$ l a two bagg] sure4 ,b someh[ ,kelly manag$ to get ov] to ! ball & knock$ x d[n ) 8 glov$ h&4 ,t ball roll$ ab\t ?ree feet away b he 0 aft] x l a fla%1 & !n )\t ev5 /raight5+ up he %ot ! ball to ,frank ,snyd] at ! plate 9 "t to get ,dugan try+ to score f ?ird base4 ,nobody b ,kelly c\ld h made t play4 ,t 0 "o in/ance :]e a great ?r[+ arm meant a ball game--= t s+le play beat u out4 ,! boys 7 :ipp$ ! m9ute x 0 pull$4 ,i've se5 a lot ( great outfield]s come & g s9ce ,i've be5 9 ! big leagues4 ,i saw ,ty ,cobb :5 he 0 9 8 prime--?\gh ,ty nev] 0 z great a def5sive play] z he 0 a hitt]4 ,he's "o /> :o 0 hamp]$ by a r weak arm1 & he _h a weakness on gr\nd balls too4 ,tris ,speak] 0 "r at ! top ( 8 game :5 ,i broke 9 too--& ,tris at 8 be/ came mighty ne> be+ ! daddy ( all fly-*as]s4 ,b ,i ?9k !re's "o man 9 my exp]i5ce :o 0 ev5 bett] ?an ,cobb & ,speak]4 ,he comes ab\t z ne> be+ ! p]fect outfield] z any man ,i ev] saw4 ,& t 0 ,h>ry ,hoop]1 ! great ,r$ ,sox outfield] :o f9ally end$ 8 c>e] ) ! ,*icago ,:ite ,sox4 ,h>ry ,hoop] _h ev]y?+4 ,he c\ld hit1 he c\ld field & he c\ld ?r[4 ,i nev] saw a man :o c\ld g back on a ball z well z ,h>ry4 ,mo/ outfield]s1 :5 a ball is hit ov] _! head1 run sideways 9 an ef=t to keep _! eye on ! ball all ! "t4 ,b n ,h>ry4 ,he w\ld take "o squ9t1 !n turn 8 back & run to ! place :]e ! ball 0 head$4 ,& 9 all 8 c>e] ,i don't believe he misjudg$ a half doz5 balls4 ,few outfield]s c d t4 ,foll[+ a fly ball 9 flight & cat*+ x is "o ?+4 ,b turn+ y\r back at ! crack ( ! bat & runn+ at top spe$1 !n turn+ 9 "t to grab ! ball out ( ! air is some?+ else aga94 ,h>ry c\ld come 9 on a ball too1 ) ! be/ ( !m4 ,com+ 9 to take a ball at ! %oe /r+s1 ( c\rse1 0 ,tris ,speak]'s be/ /unt4 ,!re 0 no "o q 9 8 class1 b ,h>ry came pretty close4 ,& if ,speak] 0 a little heavi] hitt]--he c]ta9ly 0 no bett] ?an ,hoop] 9 a p9*4 ,hoop] & ,speak] 7 play+ toge!r 9 ,bo/on :5 ,i broke 91 & ) !m 0 ,duffy ,lewis4 ,:at an outfield6 ,p]haps n ! be/ ( all "t1 b "o ( ! be/4 ,duffy rat$ "r along ) ! o!r two4 ,a funny fell[ 0 ,duffy ,lewis4 ,"o ( ! pleasante/1 squ>e/1 fri5dlie/ fell[s 9 baseball1 he _h m fri5ds ?an any play] ,i ev] knew4 ,he _h a fad = dress too--& he c]ta9ly 0 ! clo!s horse ( ! league4 ,8 neckties us$ to be ! envy ( ev]yone on ! circuit1 & ,i nev] saw him :5 he didn't look z ?\gh he _h j /epp$ out ( a tailor %op4 ,!re are a lot ( well-dress$ m5 9 baseball4 ,waite ,hoyt is a regul> tailor's model & ,cl>5ce ,r[l& & ,billy ,evans1 ! umpires1 7 ! 8glass ( fa%ion0 & ! 8m\ld ( =m10 z ! /yle exp]ts call x4 ,bill ,veeck ( ! ,cubs is ano!r neat dress]1 & ,bob ,meusel always looks l ! adv]tisem5ts ( :at ! well-dress$ man w we>4 ,b none ( !m _h any?+ on ,duffy ,lewis4 ,he 0 old ,kid ,fa%ion himself4 ,speak]1 ,lewis & ,hoop] taught me ab\t ev]y?+ ,i "k ab\t play+ ! outfield4 ,!y 7 /ud5ts ( ! game always1 & mighty few tricks ( ! outfield+ trade ev] got by !m4 ,i've he>d !m1 sitt+ ar\nd ! clubh\se 9 ,bo/on1 g "r d[n ! li/ ( ,am]ican league hitt]s & tell :]e ea* "o hit1 & :y4 ,!y w]5't cont5t to "k t ,joe ,judge1 = in/ance1 0 usually a "r field hitt]4 ,!y want$ to "k :]e ,joe hit a fa/ "o & a sl[ "o1 :at he did ) a high ball outside or a l[ "o inside1 & !y always insi/$ on kn[+ j :at ! pit*] 0 go+ to d ) ea* ball he pit*$4 ,t's ! mo/ important "p ( an outfield]'s bus9ess4 ,too _m amateurs figure t all an outfield] has to d is g out !re & *ase flies4 ,b ! real outfield] /udies ! hitt]s z closely z does ! pit*]4 ,!y %ift ) e man :o comes to ! plate1 mov+ 9 & back & to & fro l a lot ( policem5 look+ = a riot4 ,"o ( ! be/ m5 9 ! bus9ess today at judg+ a hitt] is ,max ,c>ey1 ! old ,pirate capta91 n[ ) ! ,brooklyn ,rob9s4 ,max has lo/ a lot ( 8 spe$1 & ! old ?r[+ arm isn't :at x us$ to be1 b he c /ill judge a ball be=e x is hit ) ! be/ ( !m4 ,& x keeps him out !re play+ regul>ly :ile a lot ( o!r fell[s1 fa/] & bett] me*anically1 are pick+ up spl9t]s on ! b5*4 ,( c\rse !re are a few g5]al rules4 ,a left h& hitt] = in/ance is apt to be a "r field hitt]1 :ile a "r h& hitt] is m apt to hit to left or c5t] field4 ,) a fa/ ball pit*] work+1 outfield]s z a rule1 play a little fur!r back ?an :5 a sl[ ball pit*] is work+4 ,b ^! rules are n iron-b\nd1 & ! good outfield] nev] /icks too close to su* rules4 ,he views ! hitt] z an individual & /udies 8 individual /yle1 kn[+ t two m5 :o hit 9 mu* ! same fa%ion may /ill hit to opposite fields4 ,"o ( ! be/ all ar\nd outfield]s 9 ! bus9ess today is ,al ,simmons ( ! ,a?letics4 ,he has a peculi> field+ /yle4 ,simmons takes a long lop+ /ride :5 runn+1 & f ! /&s x doesn't appe> z ?\gh he cov]$ mu* gr\nd4 ,b :5 y've hit a few out 8 direction & se5 him gallop across aft] !m1 y realize y\r dope is all wrong4 ,al is squatt] & heavi] ?an ! av]age outfield] too4 ,if y pay p>ticul> att5tion y'll f9d t mo/ outfield]s are ( ! greyh\nd type--slim1 ) long legs1 & incl9$ to 8sk9nyness40 ,bob ,meusel & ,e>l ,combs ( ! ,yankees are ( ?is type4 ,ty ,cobb us$ to be1 ?\gh 9 rec5t ye>s he is fill+ out & putt+ on weight4 ,sam ,rice ( ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators--a :ale ( an outfield] 9 8 prime1 ,k5ny ,williams ( ! ,bo/on ,r$ ,sox1 ,eddie ,r\% ( ! ,giants1 ,max ,c>ey ( ! ,brooklyn club all are ( t g5]al type4 ,?\gh ( c\rse !re are exceptions4 ,= in/ance ,i've be5 play+ ! outfield = "s ye>s1 & no "o c say ,i h a boyi% =m4 ,& !n !re's ,al ,simmons1 m5tion$ be=e1 & ,hack ,wilson ( ! ,cubs & ,bob ,fo!rgill ( ! ,tig]s4 ,r\nd1 tubby fell[s all ( !m4 ,b !y get _! spe$ 9 spite ( _! weight1 n because ( x4 ,"o ( ! greate/ outfield]s ! game has kn[n 9 rec5t ye>s is ,johnny ,mo/il ( ! ,:ite ,sox4 ,johnny is "o ( ! fa/e/ m5 aft] a fly ball ,i ev] saw4 ,he made a cat* (f me 9 ,:ite ,sox p>k a c\ple ( seasons ago t 0 a he>t-break]4 ,! ball 0 hit f> ov] 8 head to ! c5t] field wall4 ,he turn$ 8 back ) ! crack ( ! bat & sp$ at full tilt to ! wall1 !n turn$ & took ! ball ) a leap4 ,naturally he cra%$ into ! concrete & h[ he held x is m ?an ,i c figure4 ,b he did--= "o ( ! greate/ outfield plays ,i ev] saw1 & "o t robb$ me ( a home run4 ,two o!r great outfield plays /& out 9 my m9d1 ( all ,i h se54 ,"o 0 made by ,bib ,falk ( ! ,:ite ,sox4 ,he 0 play+ left field at ! ,/adium & ) ,joe ,bu% up z a p9* hitt]4 ,bib play$ well back & ov] t[>d c5t]4 ,joe hit a l9e drive ov] ?ird base & d[n ! f\l l9e4 ,bib came 9 fa/1 made a la/ dive = ! ball & caught x z he 0 slid+ along on 8 /oma*4 ,he took ! ball ) ! glov$ h&1 n m ?an two in*es (f ! gr\nd1 & !n turn$ a complete flip-flop across ! c9d] pa?4 ,8 face & bo? arms 7 cut ) ! c9d]s & :5 he came to ! b5* he 0 cov]$ ) blood4 ,b he held ! ball4 ,! o!r out/&+ cat* ,i rememb] 0 ,sam ,rice's play on ,e>l ,smi?'s long l9] 9 ! #aibe _w s]ies--a play :i* won ! game = ! ,s5ators & came ne> />t+ a baseball w>4 ,y probably rememb] h[ x all happ5$4 ,! ,pirates 7 a run beh9d ) two out & two on :5 ,e>l hit ?is "o4 ,x _h home run label$ all ov] x & 0 head$ squ>ely = ! tempor>y blea*]s 9 c5t] field4 ,b ,sam came te>+ across1 made a dive & took ! ball j z he tumbl$ ov] ! l[ rail+ & into ! cr[d4 ,!re's /ill a lot ( argum5t z to :e!r or n he held ! ball4 ,b ! umpires said he did & ,i'm will+ to take _! ^w = x4 ,anyh[ x 0 a great p]=mance4 ,hitt]s1 ( c\rse1 are always try+ to cross up outfield]s4 ,n[ & !n !y get away ) x4 ,"o ( ! be/ laughs ,i ev] _h 9 my life 0 at ! exp5se ( ,*>ley ,jamieson1 ! ,clevel& left field]1 & a good "o too4 ,ov] 9 ,clevel& ! outfield plays me entirely to "r4 ,! "r field] moves back to ! wall1 close to ! f\l l9e4 ,! c5t] field] goes ov] to ! "r field wall 9 "r c5t] & ! left field] sw+s ar\nd to deep c5t]4 ,t leaves left field wide op54 ,?is p>ticul> day ,i saw ,jamieson way ov] 9 c5t] & decid$ to try & pu% ! ball to left4 ,uhle 0 pit*+ & :e!r he 0 attempt+ to cross me up or simply made a mi/ake ,i don't "k4 ,anyh[ he pit*$ inside & ,i got a p]fect drive d[n ! ?ird base l9e4 ,x look$ l a ?ree bagg] sure1 b ! sight ( ,jamieson te>+ across t field on 8 little %ort legs z if somebody 0 *as+ him got to me4 ,i 0 laugh+ z ,i left ! plate & ,i 0 laugh+ z ,i turn$ fir/ base4 ,s 7 ! fans & ! re/ ( ! ,clevel& club4 ,x 0 a lot funni] to see ?an x 0 to tell ab\t1 & ,i got laugh+ s h>d t in/ead ( rea*+ ?ird base ,i only got to second4 ,i've se5 outfield]s cross$ up a lot 9 my day1 b ,i nev] saw "o z completely fool$ z ,jamie 0 t "t--& h[ he ran1 try+ to get back into left field & grab t ball6 ,:i* is j ab\t ! /ory ( outfield+ except ?is4 ,cat*+ fly balls1 judg+ !m = height1 di/ance & direction is simply a matt] ( practice4 ,ev5 ! be/ outfield]s aft] a w9t]'s lay (f1 look fooli% on fly balls :5 !y />t to "w 9 ! spr+4 ,y've got to *ase !m1 & *ase !m1 & !n *ase !m "s m4 ,practice & practice alone w d x6 ,& if a man isn't will+ to practice h>d & long he bett] /ick out ( ! outfield4 ,o!rwise he's apt to get "o 9 ! head "s day & be c>t$ to ! hospital4 ,,*apt] ,,ix ,! cat*]--,8 importance 9 ! game--,direct+ ! play--,fam\s batt]ies ( o!r days--,h[ ! cat*] c make or break a pit*]--,h&l+ high f\ls ! cat*]'s t\ghe/ job--,john ,grab[ski's great play t result$ 9 a *ange ( rules--,hold+ m5 on bases--,! snap ?r[ to fir/--,signs & :at !y are--,ray ,s*alk ! ma/]4 ,! mo/ important play] 9 ! ball game1 s f> z keep+ ! team work+ toge!r & direct+ def5sive play is conc]n$1 is ! fell[ ) ! mask & ! protector back ( ! plate4 ,y don't he> a lot ab\t ! cat*]4 ,mo/ly ! *e]s are = ! o!r fell[s4 ,by ! v nature ( 8 job he c't be s5sational4 ,j a h>d-work+1 plugg+ ball play]4 ,b )\t a good cat*] x is mighty t\gh go+1 believe me4 ,two ?+s 9 p>ticul> make ! cat*] a man to look out =4 ,9 ! fir/ place he's ! "o :o directs ! pit*+1 giv+ signals to ! pit*] z :at to pit* & :51 & :]e4 ,( c\rse ) an old1 exp]i5c$ pit*] ?is isn't s important4 ,= ! old-tim]1 hav+ _h a *ance to /udy ! hitt]s1 kn[s z mu* ab\t !m z ! cat*] himself4 ,& frequ5tly ! pit*] w 8%ake (f0 ! cat*]'s signal4 ,t is1 he w *ange ! cat*]'s signal = "o ( 8 own4 ,b ) kid pit*]s ! cat*] is ! works4 ,he c make !m or break !m4 ,cat*]s l ,johnny ,kl+ ( ! old ,cubs1 ,rog] ,bresnahan ( ! ,giants1 ,muddy ,ruel ( ! ,s5ators & ,ray ,s*alk ( ! ,:ite ,sox des]ve z mu* cr$it z ! pit*] himself = a well pit*$ game4 ,fell[s l t d m ?an simply cat* ! balls t are ?r[n by ! pit*]4 ,!y pit* "r along ) him1 /eady+ him :5 he ne$s /eady+1 boo/+ him up :5 enc\ragem5t is ne$$1 & mak+ 8 way easy z possible always4 ,t's real cat*+ :5 a man does t4 ,( c\rse !re are "s ball clubs :]e ! "w ( ! cat*] is entirely me*anical4 ,! ,giants are an example ( t4 ,john ,mc,graw has long held t he w\ld d ! ?9k+ = 8 ball club4 ,he gives ! signs & calls = ! pit*4 ,8 cat*]s d :at !y're told1 & call = ! pit* z ,mc,graw himself signals4 ,sometimes x works out well & sometimes n s well4 ,b ,mac is p]fectly frank ab\t x4 8,y d z ,i tell y1 & ,i'll take ! blame = :atev] happ5s10 he says4 ,& he does x1 too6 ,9 ! _w s]ies betwe5 ! ,yankees & ! ,giants ,snyd]1 ,g[dy & ,smi?1 :o did ! ,giant cat*+1 us$ to turn t[>d ! b5* = _! signal on e pit*4 ,we us$ to kid !m ab\t x a lot--b ,mac nev] let up4 ,?\gh x did seem to me he gave ,g[dy a little m leeway ?an he did ! o!r two4 ,n[ & !n ,hank w\ld be p]mitt$ to d 8 own ?9k+4 ,b !n ,g[dy 0 an old1 exp]i5c$ man :o knew ! ,mc,graw sy/em f top to bottom4 ,ord9>ily ?\gh1 ! cat*] is giv5 free re9 & is responsible = ! signs & ! pit*es4 ,on our club = in/ance1 ,hug n[ & !n 9 a tight place w give ! cat*] in/ructions--b = ! mo/ "p he lets !m play _! own game4 ,! second important job ( ! cat*] outside 8 me*anical "w is to boss ! def5sive play4 ,a lot ( p h nev] realiz$ x1 b if y take a good look at ! diamond y'll realize a peculi> ?+4 ,t is ?is4 ,! cat*] is ! only man on ! club s plac$ t e s+le play occurs be=e 8 eyes4 ,! pit*] has five m5 work+ beh9d 8 back4 ,! second baseman c't see ! outfield4 ,! fir/ baseman c't see "r & c5t] field & he has only a p>tial view ( left field & ?ird base4 ,b ! cat*]1 by reason ( 8 position fac+ ! play1 sees !m all--& is 9 a position to direct ! play ( ! o!rs4 8me*ancal0 replac$ ) 8me*anical0 ,on an infield fly x is ! cat*] :o calls ! man to take ! ball2 on an attempt$ /eal x is ! cat*] :o is 9 position to w>n ! o!rs4 ,he has to h 8 eyes op5 all ! "t1 & a team t has poor cat*+ is h&icapp$ f ! />t4 ,s f> z a pit*] is conc]n$1 good cat*+ means ev]y?+ to him & poor cat*+ means 8 ru9ation4 ,t's true ev5 ( vet]an pit*]s4 ,no matt] h[ mu* natural /uff a pit*] may h he c't pit* well unless he has absolute confid5ce 9 8 cat*]4 ,& c]ta9 pit*]s & cat*]s "w toge!r s long t ! pit*] is lo/ pit*+ to any o!r man4 ,ma!wson & ,my]s 7 su* a team4 ,matty always pit*$ to ,my]s & despite ! fact t ,bresnahan 0 a great cat*]1 he & ,matty nev] 7 able to team up successfully4 ,rog] on ! o!r h& c\ld h&le ,bugs ,raymond l a :iz1 :ile ,my]s 0 lo/ ) ,bugs' pit*+4 ,baseball hi/ory is full ( fam\s batt]ies4 ,br[n & ,kl+ ( ! old ,cubs 7 a great pair4 ,s 7 ,wal% & ,sullivan ( ! fam\s old ,hitless ,wond] ,:ite ,sox4 ,l\ ,crig] & ,cy ,"y work$ toge!r p]fectly = a good _m ye>s1 & ,johnson & ,/reet rode to fame toge!r ) ,walt]'s fa/ "o4 ,aft] ,gabby left ! big leagues ,eddie ,a9smi? took up ! burd5 & = a long "t x 0 ,johnson & ,a9smi? :o figur$ 9 ! ann\ncem5t ( ! batt]ies4 ,i almo/ call$ x ! umpire's ann\ncem5t4 ,x's a funny ?+ h[ p accept a false /atem5t z fact1 simply because ( long repetition4 ,ev5 ! newspap] boys tell 9 _! y>ns ab\t ! umpire ann\nc+ ! batt]y4 ,z a matt] ( fact ! umpire doesn't ann\nce ! batt]ies at all4 ,a long "t ago ! umpires 7 ! ann\nc]s1 b 9 ! la/ fifte5 ye>s ! v>i\s clubs h employ$ pr(essional ann\nc]s to d ?is "w4 ,anyway1 ! fans /ill talk ab\t ! umpires ann\nc+ ! batt]ies & ,i suppose !y always w4 ,once !y get an idea !y cl+ to x4 ,= in/ance :5 ,walt] ,johnson broke into ! big leagues he 0 a fa/ ball pit*] & ev5 to ?is day ,walt]'s fa/ "o is ! subject ( _m a baseball p[w[4 ,z matt] ( fact1 ,walt]'s fa/ "o has be5 sl[$ up = a long "t & 9 its place he has develop$ a curve ball t's a pea*4 ,b !y /ill talk ab\t t fa/ "o & ! curve is seldom m5tion$1 except by ! play]s !mselves4 ,believe me1 we "k ! diff]5ce4 ,frank ,snyd]1 ! old ,giant & ,c>d9al cat*]1 n[ manag] ( ! ,h\/on club1 0 ! victim ( j su* publicity4 ,:5 ,frank broke into ! league he 0 call$ a 8suck]0 on pop f\ls4 ,c\ldn't seem to cat* !m to save 8 s\l4 ,naturally ! ^w w5t out t he 0 weak on f\ls4 ,snyd] ov]came t weakness long1 long ago4 ,"r n[ !re isn't a bett] man on f\l flies 9 ei!r league ?an ,snyd]4 ,b ! idea got out1 & 9 ! m9ds ( ! fans he's /ill z mu* a suck] z ! day he broke 94 ,speak+ ( f\l flies--!re's "o ( ! t\ghe/ ?+s a cat*] is call$ ^u to h&le4 ,cat*+ a high fly directly ov] y\r head is nev] easy1 & :5 y're hamp]$ by a mask & protector 9 addition1 x's twice z t\gh4 ,9 cat*+ a f\l fly ! cat*] mu/ fir/ locate ! ball1 !n he has to disc>d 8 mask & />t mov+4 ,& always1 y mu/ rememb]1 he's h&icapp$ by ! clos5ess ( ! back/op & /&s1 & ! fact t he's )9 v]bal range ( ! fans & ! rival b5* z well4 ,l cat*+ flies 9 ! outfield1 cat*+ f\ls back ( ! plate is entirely a matt] ( practice4 ,b !re's ?is diff]5ce4 ,! outfield]1 fac+ ! play1 c see ! ball f ! m9ute x leaves ! bat4 ,! cat*] doesn't see x at all4 ,he he>s x nick ! bat & s5ses t x's some:]e 9 ! air ov] 8 head4 ,! pit*] usually yells to him z to its direction & :e!r or n he c get x4 ,s d ! fell[s on 8 own b5*4 ,b _! voices v likely are dr[n$ out by ! fake advice t comes f ! rival b5*4 ,x's up to him to locate t ball quickly1 & if y ?9k t's an easy job1 j try x4 ,i m5tion$ ,frank ,snyd] & 8 f\l fly weakness be=e4 ,frank ov]came x wond]fully--& did x by practice4 ,he us$ to g out to ! p>k aft] ! o!r fell[s _h gone & get someone to hit high flies = a half h\r at a "t4 ,gradually he develop$ 8 s5se ( direction & !n he />t$ to improve4 ,today he's almo/ p]fect 9 t dep>tm5t4 ,! greate/ bit ( f\l fly cat*+ ,i ev] saw happ5$ 9 ,philadelphia la/ season4 ,johnny ,grab[ski made ! cat*1 & wond]ful z x 01 x came ne> co/+ u a ball game4 ,we 7 engag$ 9 "o ( ^? nip & tuck ?rill]s ) ! ,a's4 ,eddie ,coll9s 0 on ?ird base & ,ty ,cobb on fir/ :5 ,al ,simmons rais$ a f\l t 0 head$ = ! ,a's dug\t4 ,john ran ov]1 ?r[+ 8 mask aside z he ran4 ,he bump$ into ! rail alongside ! dug\t1 b /uck out 8 glove = ! ball4 ,! impact ( ! ball c>ri$ him "r on ov] ! rail & he tumbl$ head ov] heels d[n ! incl9e to ! concrete runway "s f\r feet bel[4 ,ev]yone ?\ght he 0 kill$--& all ! ,a's ru%$ d[n to help him1 ! doctor among o!rs4 ,:5 ,john />t$ to get up ! ,doc held him d[n say+3 8,take x easy1 old man1 take x easy4 ,y're all "r60 ,meantime :ile ,john 0 fight+ to get to 8 feet ,coll9s trott$ home aft] ! cat* & ,cobb tore all ! way to ! plate f fir/ base4 ,^? two runs w\ld h :ipp$ u1 & ( c\rse we all squawk$4 ,x 0 a play t wasn't cov]$ by ! rules1 & aft] a conf]5ce ) ! o!r umpires1 ,tommy ,connolly rul$ t ,coll9s' score %\ld be all[$1 b t ! o!r runn] w\ld h to g back to ?ird base4 ,grab[ski1 he rul$1 _h made ! cat* outside ! play+ field & _h be5 ! victim ( un9t5tional int]f]5ce into ! b>ga94 ,b :at a cat* x 06 ,cy ,p]k9s1 ! ,a?letic cat*]1 made "o almo/ z good a season or two previ\sly :5 he tumbl$ into a field box at ! ,yankee /adium4 ,he skidd$ ar\nd on 8 e> consid]ably1 & lo/ a lot ( sk91 b he held ! ball = a ?ird out t retir$ ! side & ev5tually won ! ball game4 ,"o ( ! prettie/ def5sive plays a cat*] c make is ! snap ?r[ to fir/ base to cat* a runn]4 ,i ?9k a base runn] nev] feels s fooli% z :5 he is pick$ (f fir/ base by ! cat*]4 ,& "s ( ! boys are exp]ts at x4 ,! be/ man ,i ev] saw at ?is p>ticul> play 0 ,sam ,agnew1 ! old cat*] ( ! ,/4 ,l\is ,br[ns4 ,i don't "k :e!r ,sam inv5t$ ! play or n1 p]haps he did4 ,b he c]ta9ly 0 an exp]t4 ,he c\ld snap t ball d[n !re l nobody's bus9ess1 & x 0 a pretty clev] & d>+ runn] :o got m ?an two y>ds away :5 ,sam 0 beh9d ! plate4 ,! advantage ( su* a play1 ( c\rse1 is t x saves ! pit*] & enables him to conc5trate m on 8 pit*+ & less on ! base runn]4 ,luke ,sewell ( ! ,clevel& ,indians is "o ( ! be/ pres5t day cat*]s at snapp+ a ?r[ to fir/ base4 ,9 ! c\rse ( ! season ,luke picks (f tw5ty-five or ?irty runn]s 9 t way1 & m important ?an t1 he holds ! o!rs s close to ! bag t /eal+ is cut to a m9imum4 ,9 hold+ m5 on bases y "k1 or 9 runn+ bases1 ! jump f fir/ base to second is ! important "o4 ,z ! ball play]s figure x1 a man on fir/ base isn't s dang]\s4 ,x g5]ally takes two s+les to score him f !re4 ,b once he gets on second base he's 9 scor+ position4 ,t's :y pit*]s & cat*]s make s mu* m ef=t to /op a man f /eal+ second ?an !y d f /eal+ ?ird4 ,& t1 too1 is :y a cat*] :o is an exp]t on ! snap ?r[ is a mighty valuable man4 ,b5ny ,b5g\gh ( ! ,yankees is ano!r cat*] :o has ! snap ?r[ d[n pretty well1 ?\gh ,i don't ?9k ,b5ny is z clev] at x z ,luke ,sewell4 ,! "o ?+ a good cat*] mu/ h is n]ve6 ,he1 m ?an any o!r man on ! team1 mu/ block ! runn]--& block+ a runn] :5 he's com+ 9 full tilt ) spikes ?reat5+ takes a lot ( real n]ve4 ,! old idea us$ to be t a cat*] _h to be a big1 /rong ov]siz$ fell[ 9 ord] to /& ! gaff ( hold+ up a pit*] & block+ runn]s4 ,t's bunk4 ,"s ( ! greate/ cat*]s 9 ! bus9ess are fairly small m54 ,muddy ,ruel ( ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators is a little fell[4 ,yet !re are few bett] cat*]s 9 ! league ?an ,muddy4 ,i ?9k he's ! mo/ accurate ?r[] ,i've se5 s9ce ,i've be5 9 baseball1 & he has ! trick ( block+ a runn]1 too4 ,:5 y come slid+ into ,muddy at ! plate y're lucky if y c get ev5 a corn] to t\*--& if ! ?r[ is accurate ,muddy w nail y n9e times out ( t54 ,b5ny ,b5g\gh & ,ray ,s*alk are little fell[s1 too4 ,s is ,gordon ,co*rane ( ! ,a?letics4 ,cy ,p]k9s isn't v big ei!r1 & ,mike ,gonzales1 :ile he's tall & rangy1 is built a good deal l a bean pole4 ,he hasn't mu* weight4 ,yet !y're all mighty good p]=m]s1 & disprove ! idea t cat*]s h to be big1 bruis+ fell[s to hold _! jobs4 ,"o ( ! ?+s a "y cat*] has to look out = is gett+ out ( position4 ,! cat*] if he's on 8 toes w back up plays at fir/ base1 s long z !re's nobody 9 scor+ position4 ,b a lot ( ! boys c>ry ! ?+ a little too f>1 & g /ray+ d[n ! ?ird base l9e to back up plays !re4 ,:5 !y d t !y're 9 tr\ble4 ,he9e ,zimm]man1 ! old ,giant & ,cub ?ird baseman1 w g d[n into hi/ory z hav+ pull$ "o ( ! greate/ bon]s ( all "t 9 ! #aiag _w s]ies :5 ! ,giants play$ ! ,:ite ,sox4 ,he9e1 y may rememb]1 9 ! f9al game *as$ ,eddie ,coll9s across ! plate ) ! run t won ! game & ! s]ies = ! ,:ite ,sox4 ,( c\rse x 0 a funny ?+ to see4 ,! big1 lumb]+ ,zimm]man try+ to cat* ,coll9s1 :o 0 z fa/ a runn] z y'll f9d 9 baseball4 ,& ,eddie made x bett] by laugh+ ov] 8 %\ld] z ,zim made a wild dive to put ! ball on him4 ,& ,he9e ,zimm]man ?r\gh all ! ye>s has be5 ! goat on a play t wasn't 8 fault at all4 ,! real goat on t play 0 ! ,giant cat*]1 :o1 in/ead ( cov]+ ! plate1 came rambl+ d[n ! ?ird base l9e1 leav+ ! pa? to ! plate alone & unprotect$4 ,once ,eddie 0 away1 ,zim _h no "o to ?r[ to4 ,! cat*] 0 out ( position & he c\ld d no?+ b take up ! *ase t 0 hopeless4 ,! moral ( c\rse is pla9 en\gh4 ,:5 !re's a possible scor+ play on1 x's up to ! cat*] to /ick to t plate l glue4 ,x's 8 job to protect x--& ! m9ute he />ts rambl+ ar\nd ! lot he's mak+ a mug ( himself & 8 :ole ball club4 ,i've se5 a lot ( good cat*]s 9 my day4 ,bill ,c>rigan ( ! old ,r$ ,sox1 :o 0 cat*+ :5 ,i broke into ! league & ! man :o caught ! fir/ big league game ,i ev] pit*$1 0 a great "o4 ,s 0 ,eddie ,a9smi?4 ,s 0 ,/eve ,o',neill1 :o us$ to be at ,clevel&1 & is n[ ) ! ,/4 ,l\is ,br[ns4 ,/eve _h real baseball in/9ct4 ,he 0 :at ! boys call a 8sm>t cat*]10 & 9 8 prime he 0 fa/1 too4 ,9 rec5t ye>s he has put on weight & ! old legs h begun to buckle a bit4 ,he has lo/ a lot ( 8 /uff4 ,b he /ill c ?9k ) ! be/ ( !m1 & he's a mighty good man to h back !re :5 a "y pit*] is 9 ! box4 ,i ?9k ! be/ cat*] ,i ev] saw1 ?\gh1 0 little ,ray ,s*alk ( ! ,:ite ,sox4 ,ray _h ev]y?+4 ,!y tell a /ory to ! effect t :5 ,ray fir/ jo9$ ! ,:ite ,sox1 ,commy w\ldn't give him a *ance4 8,:y y're too little10 ,comiskey said4 8,^? big fell[s out !re w break y into small pieces40 8,t1 ,mr4 ,comiskey10 ,ray repli$1 8is my worry60 ,& once 9 ! game he prov$ t a little fell[ is z good z anybody if he kn[s 8 /uff4 ,s*alk _h ev]y?+ x takes to make a great cat*]4 ,he _h spe$1 & judgm5t & n]ve4 ,he has a great ?r[+ arm1 & he nev] gets n]v\s or rattl$4 ,& he c hit pretty well too--:i* is always a good ?+4 ,be=e ! old ,:ite ,sox got mix$ up 9 t sc&al !y 7 "o ( ! greate/ ball clubs ,i ev] saw on ! field1 & ,ray 0 z good z any ( !m4 ,,*apt] ,x ,team play--,:at x is--,:at x means--,signs & h[ !y op]ate--,! pit*-out--,back+ up ! ?r[--,! cut-(f play--,h[ x 0 inv5t$--,! coa*es1 & _! duties--,mill] ,hugg9s puts "o ov]--,! ,mc,graw coa*+ sy/em--,a _w s]ies episode--,! old practice ( signal /eal+--,h[ x op]at$--,out-(-date n[--,dang]s ( signal /eal+4 ,baseball always has be5 & always w be a game dem&+ team play4 ,y c h ! n9e greate/ individual ball play]s 9 ! _w1 b if !y don't play toge!r ! club won't be wor? a dime4 ,two ?+s make = real team play4 ,! fir/ is play]s' k ( ea* o!r t comes f con/ant play+ toge!r4 ,x's ?is k :i* is lack+ on all "y teams4 ,t's :y old-tim]s %ake _! heads :5 anyone talks ( p5nant w9n+ ) a team t is made up ( "y ball play]s4 ,! second means ( :ipp+ play into teamwork is by means ( signals--8signs0 we call !m 9 ! big leagues4 ,ev]yone :o ev] play$ baseball kn[s ab\t signs--b !re are mighty few amateur clubs t "k h[ to use !m4 ,ei!r !y g along1 hit-or-miss ) no signs at all1 or else !y sw+ to ! o!r extreme & get s _m signs t no "o c rememb] !m all4 ,lot ( folks ?9k t big league ball play]s h signals = ev]y?+ !y d4 ,t's bunk4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 a big league ball club has v few signs--b ! ones !y h !y use4 ,take = in/ance ! signal betwe5 ! cat*] & pit*]4 ,i c rememb] z a kid cat*] at s*ool1 us+ s _m signs t we didn't h f+]s en\gh to g ar\nd4 ,we _h e curve label$4 ,"o f+]1 = in/ance1 w\ld be an in%oot2 two f+]s1 an outcurve2 ?ree an outdrop2 f\r1 a drop2 five1 a fa/ ball--& aft] t we'd />t 9 on ! o!r h& & h signals = t "o1 too4 ,9 big league baseball ! cat*] & pit*] usually h ?ree signs4 ,"o = a fa/ ball2 "o = a curve2 & "o = a pit*-out4 ,on a curve ball sign ! pit*] may ?r[ a 8hook0 or he may ?r[ a sl[ "o or screw ball4 ,!re's no diff]5ce made betwe5 curves 9 ! big leagues4 ,ev5 a freak deliv]y l ,wilcy ,moore's 8s9k]0 is ?r[n on a fa/ ball signal4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ,wilcy's fa/ "o is always a s9k]4 ,x's a 8natural10 z ! boys say4 ,! pit*-out sign is an important "o4 ,! cat*] :o is on 8 toes is always wat*+ ! oppon5t's b5* & ! coa*es = possible signs4 ,if he ?9ks ! oppon5ts are putt+ on a hit & run or a /eal1 he calls = a pit*-out1 :i* simply means t ! pit*] tosses a ball wide ( ! plate1 :]e x is impossible to hit4 ,if he has caught ! signal "r & ! play actually is on1 ! base runn] naturally is caught flat foot$ & ?r[n out4 ,:5 a cat*] kn[s t ! pit*] has great control & c 8come 9 !re0 ) ! ball :5ev] necess>y1 he uses ! pit*-out a great deal4 8,wa/+ "o10 we say4 ,! greate/ dang] ( ! pit*-out is t ! pit*] w get himself 9 a hole & possibly walk ! hitt] z a result4 ,) a pit*] :o is incl9$ to be wild anyh[ a pit*-out is a mighty dang]\s ?+4 ,t's some?+ ! cat*] w h to figure out z he goes along4 ,v frequ5tly fans1 wat*+ a ball game1 w see a base runn] />t ) ! pit*4 ,! batt] /&s ) ! bat on 8 %\ld] & ! runn] is ?r[n out by a city block4 8,oh :at a bum60 ! fans say4 8,:at a bum60 & !y boo & je] ! runn] all ! way back to ! dug\t4 ,sometimes ( c\rse a runn] is caught flat-foot$ l t :5 x's 8 own fault1 & he des]ves ! boos4 ,b n9e times out ( t5 on a play l t1 y c m>k x d[n t ! cat*] caught a hit-&-run signal & ord]$ a pit*-out4 ,be+ caught wasn't ! base runn]'s fault at all4 ,he 0 j out-sm>t$ by ! cat*]4 ,! pit*] & fir/ baseman h a set ( 8signs0 = ?r[s to fir/ base 9 an ef=t to cat* a runn]4 ,! importance ( su* a sign is two-fold4 ,9 ! fir/ place ! fir/ baseman is 9 a bett] position to judge ! lead a runn] takes4 ,& 9 ! second place ea* kn[s :at ! o!r is do+ & has 8 head up all ! "t4 ,!re's less *ance = ?r[s gett+ away or go+ wild & lett+ ! runn] advance4 ,"o ( ! prettie/ plays 9 baseball is to see a pit*] cat* a runn] (f second4 ,x isn't work$ z mu* z x us$ to be1 b y /ill see x occasionally4 ,t is done by means ( signals betwe5 ! pit*] & %ort/op or second baseman4 ,t "o usually is a ^w signal1 s9ce ! infield]s are beh9d ! pit*] :o c't1 ord9>ily1 turn ar\nd to get a glove signal4 ,! infield]s wat* ! lead ! runn] is tak+ & if he ?9ks !re is a *ance to nab him1 he works ! ^w signal into 8 l9e ( *att]4 ,!n he />ts = ! bag on ! sign4 ,! pit*]1 /&+ ) 8 back to ! play1 gets ! signal & />ts c\nt+ to himself3 8"o-two-?ree60 ,on ! c\nt ?ree he :irls & ?r[s direct to ! bag1 & by ! tim+ ( ! c\nt ! man cov]+ arrives ) ! ball set to make ! play4 ,x's a play t requires a lot ( practice to p]fect1 & ! c\nt ( c\rse has to be v>i$ = diff]5t m54 ,! %ort/op might be especially fa/ 9 gett+ ov]1 & 9 t case ! pit*] probably w\ld ?r[ on a 8two0 c\nt4 ,or p]haps he's sl[ 9 cov]+ 9 :i* case ! c\nt might be ext5d$ to 8f\r40 ,! fir/ few times x's tri$ y're apt to see a few balls g roll+ into c5t] field1 b aft] practice a team c get x d[n pat & make x "o ( ! /ronge/ plays 9 _! :ole def5sive li/4 ,s f> z ! pit*] is conc]n$ 8 "p consi/s simply 9 ?is4 8,be sure & get ! c\nt "r & 9 turn+ to ?r[1 make ! ?r[ direct to ! bag--don't pay any att5tion to ! infield]4 ,he's suppos$ to be !re40 ,x's important too1 9 build+ team play to h ! infield]s "k :at ! pit*] is ?r[+ on ea* pit*4 ,b y don't ne$ signals = ?is4 ,ei!r ! second baseman or %ort/op is 9 position to see ! cat*]'s sign1 & he 9 turn c tip ! re/ ( ! play]s (f to x4 ,urban ,s*ock] is a wiz>d on t second base play1 & ,bob ,%awkey is ano!r pit*] :o us$ to pick m5 (f second )\t miss+ (t54 ,wa%+ton uses ! play a lot--& !y 7 p>ticul>ly good at x 9 ! days :5 ,bucky ,h>ris & ,rog] ,peck9paugh 7 ! second base comb9ation4 ,^! two play]s h a great s5se ( tim+1 & always seem$ able to />t = ! bag at j ! prop] mom5t to make ! play1 yet n too soon to tip ! base runn] (f to _! int5tions4 8,urban ,s*ock]0 replac$ ) 8,urban ,%ock]0 ,a ?+ t c make a team look ei!r great or rott51 is ! way !y back up plays on balls hit to ! outfield4 ,! idea is to get z _m m5 into ea* play z possible1 9 ord] to prev5t a ?r[ f gett+ away1 & if a club is prop]ly coa*$ !re w be f\r m5 l9$ up to protect ! ?r[-9 on e hit to ! outfield4 ,! %ift ( ! v>i\s play]s1 ( c\rse1 dep5ds on :]e ! ball is hit & :]e base-runn]s may be at ! "t4 ,! be/ way ,i "k ( to %[ h[ %ifts are made on ?r[s is by a s]ies ( *>ts4 ,my art "w isn't s good1 b :at x attempts to %[ is ,okay4 ,) a s+le to "r = in/ance1 ) nobody on1 y w note t ! second baseman moves ov] & out t[>d ! ball1 ! %ort/op comes 9 to cov] second1 ! ?ird baseman %ifts a little to ! "r ( ! bag & ! pit*] goes ov] back ( ?ird base4 ,on a ball hit to left field :]e ! play is at second ! %ort/op goes out t[>d left = a possible relay1 ! second baseman cov]s ! bag1 ! fir/ baseman moves ov] t[>d second & ! cat*] moves d[n ! fir/ base l9e4 ,ea* play has its own %ift1 b ! important ?+ is t :5ev] possible !re be f\r m5 always 9 l9e ) ! ?r[1 ) ! cut-(f man always ready to cut ! ?r[ & div]t x to ano!r base if he sees ! opportunity4 ,= in/ance !re's a man on second & a man on fir/ & ! hitt] s+les to "r field4 ,naturally ! runn] on second w try to score on ! play1 & ! "r field]'s fir/ ?\ght :5 he gets ! ball1 w be to ?r[ to ! plate & try & cut (f ! run4 ,! m9ute ! ball is hit ! second baseman cuts out to %ort "r1 ! fir/ baseman digs 9 to a spot ab\t t5 feet 9 front ( ! cat*] on a l9e ) ! ?r[-91 & ! pit*] goes ar\nd beh9d ! plate to back up ! cat*] 9 case ! ball goes ?r\gh4 ,9 t case ! fir/ baseman is ! 8cut-(f0 man4 ,he wat*es ! spe$+ runn]s1 & he wat*es ! ball4 ,z ! ?r[ comes 9 he s5ses t x's j a split-second late to nail ! man at ! plate1 b he sees t !re is a *ance to get ! runn] go+ to ?ird base if he makes ! play prop]ly4 ,s1 in/ead ( p]mitt+ ! ?r[ to g on to ! cat*] he takes x or 8cuts x (f0 z we say1 & :irls to ?r[ to ! ?ird baseman & nail ! o!r runn] go+ to ?ird4 ,t's ! s-call$ 8cut-(f0 play1 & x c be work$ on any sort ( hit1 ?\gh ! cut-(f man may be ei!r ! %ort/op1 ! second baseman or ! fir/ baseman dep5d+ on ! play4 ,t p>ticul> play1 incid5tally1 0 inv5t$ by ,john ,mc,graw & ! late ,hughey ,j5n+s :5 !y 7 play+ ) ! old ,baltimore ,orioles1 & x came ne> revolutioniz+ baseball4 ,! ,orioles work$ x a hundr$ times 9 ! c\rse ( a season1 be=e ! o!r clubs got wise4 ,& 9 ! #aibb _w s]ies ,fris* & ,bancr(t made ! ,yankees look l suck]s on x no less ?an ?ree times4 ,! :ole success or failure ( ! ?+ ( c\rse1 dep5ds on ! good judgm5t ( ! 8cut-(f0 m5 :o mu/ decide 9 an in/ant :e!r to 8cut-(f0 ! ?r[ or let x g on ?r\gh to ! plate or ! base4 ,9 ! developm5t ( team play ! mo/ important man 9 ! bus9ess is ! coa* :o wat*es ! scrap f ! b5* on def5se1 & occupies ! base l9e coa*+ boxes :5 ! team is at bat4 ,x's a funny ?+ ab\t coa*es4 ,:5 ball clubs fir/ began to s5d m5 d[n ! basel9es1 !re 0 no idea 9 m9d ( us+ him = giv+ signs or direct+ play4 ,he 0 out !re to rag & annoy ! oppos+ play]s1 & p>ticul>ly ! pit*]4 8,jockey+0 we call x n[--or tak+ ! o!r fell[s = a 8ride40 ,"s ( ! ?+s ! old-"t coa*es us$ to say1 & "s ( ! names !y us$ to call _! oppon5ts 7 t]rible4 ,!y'd beg9 ) 8,bum0 & 8cut-?roat0 & 8,robb]0 & g /eadily up f !re4 ,& if !y c\ld get _! victim to talk+ back to !m !y 7 m ?an pleas$4 ,= ! m9ute a play] beg9s talk+ to an oppos+ coa* he's lo/4 ,t takes 8 m9d f ! game & he's ripe = a kill+4 ,! coa*es1 out !re on ! l9es1 are ! fell[s :o are 9 be/ position to grab an oppos+ team's signals & tip !m (f4 ,!n !y c see ! flight ( a ball1 & are 9 a position to guide & direct ! base runn]4 ,a lot ( sm>t /unts h be5 pull$ on ! coa*+ l9es4 ,"o ( ! be/ y>ns ,i ev] he>d1 0 a /unt pull$ by ,mill] ,hugg9s :5 he 0 manag] ( ! ,c>d9als4 ,! ,c>ds 7 mix$ up 9 a t\gh1 t\gh game1 & oppos+ !m 0 a "y pit*]1 :o = t day at lea/1 seem$ to h ev]y?+4 ,inn+ aft] inn+ he w5t along1 sett+ ! ,c>ds d[n 9 ord]1 until ,hug 0 almo/ lick$4 ,f9ally along 9 ! sev5? inn+ ! ,c>ds got a runn] to ?ird ) two m5 out4 ,a weak hitt] 0 up & ,hugg9s1 coa*+ along ! ?ird base l9e1 knew v well t he c\ldn't hit4 ,hug 0 ?9k+ fa/1 & z ! kid pit*] w\nd up & />t$ to pit*1 he yell$ f ! coa*es' box3 8,hey y1 let me see t ball60 ,)\t ?9k+1 ! kid turn$ & toss$ ! ball ov] to ,hug1 :o promptly /epp$ aside & let x roll to ! b5*4 ,! runn] on ?ird scor$ /&+ up1 & ! ball game 0 won4 ,"r !re 0 "o kid pit*] :o le>n$ a lesson4 ,f t day on he surr5d]$ ! ball to nobody b ! umpire1 & !n only aft] /rong urg+4 ,john ,mc,graw1 ( c\rse1 is "o ( ! greate/ coa*es 9 ! bus9ess4 ,john directs n only ! important moves ( a game1 b all ! details4 ,he pull$ "o on me 9 ! #aibc _w s]ies t ,i won't =get = a long "t4 ,x 0 9 t wild eigh? inn+ ( ! f9al game 9 :i* we won ! s]ies4 ,art ,nehf _h be5 go+ great guns = sev5 inn+s b 9 ! eigh? y may rememb]1 he develop$ wildness4 ,he walk$ ?ree m5 9 a r[ & f9ally 0 tak5 out & ,rosy ,ryan put 94 ,to make a long /ory %ort ,i came to bat ) runn]s on second & ?ird1 "o out1 & a run ne$$ to tie or two to w94 ,:at a spot to be a h]o4 ,b x wasn't my h]o day4 ,ryan 0 curv+ e ball & aft] 8:ittl+10 he c>ri$ ! c\nt d[n to ?ree & two4 ,i ?\ght he 0 go+ to walk me sure1 & ,i 0 r>9' to sock x4 ,if ,i ev] want$ to hit a ball 9 my life t 0 ! "t4 ,mc,graw /opp$ ! game & came to ! edge ( ! dug\t & call$ ,hank ,g[dy ! ,giant cat*] ov] to him4 8,g out !re & tell ,ryan to ?r[ ?is "o into ! dirt10 he ord]$4 8,ru? is s anxi\s to hit he'll sw+ at any?+40 ,& ,ryan did j t6 ,! ball hit ! dirt 9 front ( ! plate & ,i swung = a ?ird /rike4 ,aft]w>d :5 ,i f\nd out :at ,mc,graw _h ord]$ & h[ he _h cross$ me up1 ,i 0 fit to be ti$4 ,b luckily = u1 ,bob ,meusel smack$ "o = a s+le & we won ! game & ! s]ies anyh[4 ,if we hadn't ,i'm afraid !re w\ld h be5 murd] done ar\nd ! ,polo ,gr\nds4 ,9 ! old days coa*es us$ to sp5d a lot ( "t try+ to /eal ! cat*]'s signals & tip (f ! hitt]s4 ,old ,*ief ,b5d]1 ! ,indian pit*] :o us$ to be ) ! ,a?letics1 0 "o ( ! be/ signal /eal]s 9 ! bus9ess4 ,s 0 ,h>ry ,davis4 ,& _m a "t !y bo? help$ ! ,a's w9 a ball game by grabb+ ! o!r boys' signals & tipp+ _! own hitt]s (f z to :e!r x w\ld be a 8hook0 or a fa/ "o4 ,b t has gone out 9 rec5t ye>s4 ,9 ! fir/ place x's dang]\s bus9ess4 ,if a batt] is tipp$ (f t a curve ball is com+ & he gets set = x1 & !n ! pit*] s5ds up a fa/ "o1 ! hitt] is apt to get 8 *9 torn loose f 8 und]%irt4 ,m ?an "o play] has be5 hit 9 ! head because ! coa*] ?\ght he _h ! pit*]'s signs & !n f\nd out he 0 wrong4 ,9 ! pres5t age ! *ief signal /eal+ t is tri$1 is ! ef=t to discov] ! batt+ team's hit & run1 & sacrifice & base /eal+ signals4 ,^? ( c\rse1 are valuable ?+s to "k1 & if y c grab !m successfully y've got two /rikes on ! o!r fell[ be=e he ev] /eps up !re to ! plate4 ,b ! boys are pretty cagey1 & x isn't easy to /eal 'em1 anymore4 ,usually a club has five or six diff]5t sets ( signals1 & !y're apt to swit* five or six times 9 ! c\rse ( a game if !y ?9k _! oppon5ts are gett+ wise4 ,& !n1 if y ?9k y h ! signs & hav5't y're 9 an awful fix4 ,,*apt] ,,xi ,cobb is game's greate/ natural hitt]--,is ma/] ( /yle--,a few ,cobb y>ns--,sw+ hitt]s & *oke hitt]s--,importance & weakness ( ea* /yle--,gehrig's hitt+ /yle--,:at makes him great--,willie ,keel]'s motto--,! value ( wait+--,correct+ batt+ faults4 ,! greate/ natural hitt] ,i ev] saw is ,ty ,cobb4 ,!re may be fell[s :o c hit ! ball fur!r1 & !re are o!r *aps p]haps :o may excel him 9 "s p>ticul> dep>tm5t ( hitt+4 ,b = all ar\nd class up !re at ! plate ,cobb /&s alone4 ,i nev] saw ,hans ,wagn] nor ,napoleon ,lajoie or ! o!r old-tim]s :o loom$ great z hitt]s4 ,p]haps !y 7 z good z ,ty4 ,"s fell[s claim !y 74 ,b p]sonally ,i don't believe x4 ,i don't believe !re ev] 0 ano!r "o l ,cobb1 or ev] w be4 ,to "y fell[s1 anxi\s to le>n h[ to hit1 ! be/ advice ,i c give is simply ?is3 8,wat* ,cobb4 ,/udy 8 /ance1 8 sw+1 8 tim+ & 8 foll[-?r\gh4 ,imitate him4 ,copy 8 mann]4 ,he comes z ne> be+ p]fection z any batt] 9 ! _w40 ,ty & ,i h _h our little battles4 ,!re h be5 times :5 only ! int]f]5ce ( o!r play]s kept u f com+ to bl[s4 ,once 9 ,detroit1 a c\ple ( ye>s ago1 we 7 prime mov]s 9 a play+-field r[ t lead to a ne>-riot & result$ 9 a ball game be+ call$ 9 ! eigh? inn+ because ! police c\ldn't cle> ! cr[d f ! field4 ,we 7 rivals & play+-field enemies ev5 9 my pit*+ days4 ,& ,i pick ,cobb z ! greate/ natural hitt] ,i ev] saw1 despite ! fact t p]sonally ,i f\nd him easy to pit* to4 ,a pit*]1 ov] ! c\rse ( 8 c>e]1 runs across c]ta9 play]s :o are easy victims1 & o!rs :o hit ev]y?+ he (f]s reg>dless4 ,despite ! fact t ,cobb 0 & is a great hitt]1 ,i always f\nd him easy to pit* to4 ,i c "n a doz5 m5 9 ! league :o gave me a lot m tr\ble ?an ,ty up !re at ! bat4 ,joe ,jackson 0 "o4 ,sam ,rice 0 ano!r4 ,eddie ,coll9s 0 /ill ano!r4 ,b despite t ,i /ill consid] ,cobb ! k+ ( !m all :5 x comes to hitt]s4 ,i'm paid to hit home runs4 ,9 a way t's a h&icap4 ,to hit home runs ,i've got to sw+ f my heels ) all ! p[] 9 my body4 ,:i* isn't good batt+ /yle4 ,& ! greate/ tribute ,i c pay to ,ty ,cobb is simply ?is4 ,if ,i wasn't expect$ to drive ! ball out ( ! lot e "t ,i come up !re to ! plate ,i'd *ange my batt+ =m tomorr[4 ,i'd copy ,cobb's /yle 9 e s+le ?+ he does4 ,& ,i'll wag] "r n[ t if ,i c\ld d t ,i'd increase my batt+ av]age #ajj po9ts ov] ! season4 ,e man 9 ! big leagues has 8 own individual batt+ /yle4 ,b 9 a g5]al way y c classify batt]s into two divisions4 ,"o is ! 8sw+ hitt]s40 ,^? are ! fell[s :o grasp _! bats at ! end1 take a toe hold at ! plate & take a full sw+ at ! ball ) all ! p[] !y c mu/]4 ,!y're ! *aps :o bu/ ! f5ces & s5d ! outfield]s back to ! wall4 ,!y're ! fell[s :o d mo/ ( ! /rik+ out too4 ,! o!r division is ! 8*oke hitt]s40 ,^! are ! m5 we call 8sm>t hitt]s40 ,!y *oke _! bats1 /& flatfoot$ & take a half sw+4 ,!y poke ! ball1 r ?an hit x--& :ile !y don't get z mu* di/ance z ! sw+ hitt]s1 !y are mu* h>d] to fool4 ,! *oke hitt] may n hit _m home runs1 b he doesn't /rike out mu* ei!r4 ,:5 ,i broke 9 to ! league 8*oke hitt]s0 7 9 ! majority4 ,cobb 0 9 8 prime !n4 ,s 0 ,coll9s4 ,new play]s copi$ _! batt+ /yles z mu* z possible4 ,!n1 too1 pit*]s 9 ^? days 7 p]mitt$ to doctor ! ball & use all sorts ( freak /uff4 ,a fell[ _h to *oke 8 bat1 take a %ort sw+ & be prep>$ = any?+1 or else he 8:iff$40 ,9 ^! days 8*oke hitt]s0 are giv+ way to 8sw+ hitt]s40 ,*ange 9 pit*+ rules1 c\pl$ ) ! fans' dem&s = long & heavy hitt+ has br\ght ab\t ! *ange4 ,"s folks say ,i 0 responsible = ! developm5t ( 8sw+ hitt+40 ,maybe !y're "r4 ,! m9ute ,i />t$ hitt+ home runs ) any frequ5cy ! newspap]s took x up4 ,! fans lik$ to see ! ball g sail+ out ( ! p>k4 ,aft] ! old "t pit*+ battle1 hitt+ ( t sort 0 some?+ ( a novelty & a relief4 ,o!r fell[s1 p>ticul>ly ! big1 burly1 p[]ful *aps1 began tak+ _! bat at ! end & 8sw++ f ! heels0 z ! boys say4 ,& 8sw+ hitt+0 came into prom95ce4 ,und]/& ,i'm n say+ t 8sw+ hitt+0 is a good ?+4 ,i don't ?9k x is4 ,! av]age kid or man1 try+ to improve 8 hitt+1 w d well to =get home runs & adopt ! 8*oke /yle40 ,b j ! same sw+ hitt+ is q ! rage 9 ! major leagues today4 8hat0 replac$ ) 8t0 ,among ! fell[s :o are 8sw+ hitt]s0 w be f\nd mo/ ( ! slugg]s4 ,i'm a sw+ hitt]4 ,s is ,l\ ,gehrig4 ,s are ,h>ry ,heilmann1 ,goose ,gosl91 ,pie ,traynor1 ,bill ,t]ry1 ,cy ,williams1 ,tony ,lazz]i1 ,bob ,fo!rgill1 ,bob ,meusel1 ,rog]s ,hornsby1 & a score ( o!r long di/ance slugg]s :om ,i might m5tion4 ,n all ( u h ! same /yle h[ev]4 ,:5 ,l\ ,gehrig & ,i 7 9 ! mid/ ( our race = home run honors ,i _h a lot ( p ask me :i* ( u hit ! ball ! h>d]4 ,i don't imag9e !re's a lot ( diff]5ce 9 ! =ce ) :i* we hit ! ball4 ,! po9t is t we hit diff]5tly4 ,we're bo? 8sw+ hitt]s0 b !re ! resemblance ends4 ,i use a golf+ sw+--loose & easy ) a slight upw>d motion4 ,l\ hits /iff-arm$4 ,l\ /&s ) 8 feet f>!r ap>t1 & takes a comp>atively %ort /ride ) 8 sw+4 ,i /& ) my feet fairly close toge!r1 ! "r foot a little fur!r 9 ?an ! left1 & take a long /ride ) ! sw+4 ,l\ hits ) 8 %\ld]s4 ,i hit ) my entire body com+ ar\nd on ! sw+4 ,naturally1 ) my :ole body on a pivot ,i get a long] foll[-?r\gh ?an does ,l\1 ^: foll[-?r\gh is limit$ by ! rea* ( 8 rigid arms4 ,sw++ /iff-arm1 too1 ,l\ usually hits a ball on a l9e4 ,! h>de/ balls he hits are ^? :i* travel say tw5ty or tw5ty-five feet above ! gr\nd & on a l9e to ! outfield4 ,any "t he lifts a ball into ! air 7a fly ball7 he loses "s ( ! p[]4 ,! balls ,i hit mo/ squ>ely & ) mo/ p[] are apt to g high into ! air4 ,my home runs1 = ! mo/ "p1 are usually high flies t simply c>ry out ( ! p>k4 ,t's because ,i take a loose sw+ ) a slight upw>d angle4 ,incid5tally t ability to hit a high1 h>d fly has e>n$ me a lot ( home runs 9 my c>e]4 ,p>ticul>ly 9 ,wa%+ton & ,clevel& :]e ! "r field wall is fairly %ort b m>k$ by a f5ce t's p]haps sixty feet high4 ,:5 ,i hit a ball h>d x cle>s ! f5ce4 ,:5 ,l\ really smacks "o1 ! ball takes su* a l[ tang5t t x usually b\nces back (f ! f5ce & is held to a s+le or a d\ble4 ,yet he may h hit ! ball e bit z h>d & z squ>ely z ,i did4 ,y c prove t by ! records4 ,look up ,l\'s record & y'll see t he has _h v few home runs 9 ei!r ,clevel& or ,wa%+ton4 ,x isn't t he doesn't hit 9 ^? p>ks4 ,simply t he's :at we call a 8l9e hitt]10 & a good high f5ce is t\gh = him4 ,h>ry ,heilmann has a /iff arm sw+ mu* l ,gehrig's1 :ile ,goose ,gosl9 takes a long free sw+ ) pl5ty ( foll[-?r\gh l m9e4 ,h>ry1 ?\gh a "r h& hitt]1 hits to "r field a lot4 ,t's because he sw+s 8late40 ,& by sw++ late he ov]comes1 9 a great measure1 ! h&icap ( be+ a 8sw+ hitt]40 ,h>ry is h>d] to fool ?an ! av]age 8sw+ hitt]40 ,simply because he sw+s late1 he's n s mu* a 8goat0 = *ange ( pace /uff4 ,! 8*oke hitt]s0 include su* m5 z ,cobb1 ,joe ,sewell1 ,muddy ,ruel1 ,joe ,dugan1 ,e>l ,combs1 ,m>k ,ko5ig1 ! ,wan] boys1 ,paul & ,lloyd1 & ,sam ,rice ( ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators4 ,mighty cagey boys !y are too--/rik+ out seldom & usually rat+ "r up to ! top 9 ! matt] ( total base hits = ! season4 ,m5 l ,joey ,sewell & ,e>l ,combs rate among ! be/ /ickm5 9 ! bus9ess4 ,combs doesn't get a lot ( cr$it = 8 hitt+--p]haps because he happ5$ to be on ! same club ) ,gehrig & myself1 :o get drives s mu* long]4 ,b he's "o ( ! be/ hitt]s 9 ! game j ! same4 ,& "o ( ! mo/ dang]\s m5 9 a p9*1 t a pit*] is ev] call$ ^u to face4 ,l ,heilmann1 ,combs is a 8late0 sw+]--& be+ a left h&$ hitt]1 he usually hits to left field or c5t]4 ,combs is sm>t1 h[ev]1 & c 8cross up0 a pit*] by "s pretty nifty place hitt+4 ,& ! ability to place hits is ! real m>k ( batt+ pr[ess4 ,willie ,keel]1 "o ( ! greate/ & mo/ sci5tific little hitt]s :o ev] liv$ put 8 f+] on ! :ole ?+ "o day :5 someone ask$ him ! secret ( hitt+3 8,hit 'em :]e !y a9't10 ,willie repli$4 ,t s\nds simple en\gh b x isn't s easy4 ,to und]/& :at is meant by place hitt+ y mu/ und]/& fir/ t pit*]s are always /riv+ to make a man hit 9 a c]ta9 direction4 ,! place hitt] is ! *ap :o c take a ball :i*1 ord9>ily he w\ld hit to "r1 & hit x to left1 or vice v]sa4 ,! greate/ example ( place hitt+ ,i ev] saw 0 put on by ,ty ,cobb "o aft]noon at ! ,yankee ,/adium a c\ple ( seasons ago4 ,ty 0 tak+ batt+ practice & "s ( ! boys on our b5* 7 kidd+ him4 ,%ock]1 9 p>ticul>1 0 8on0 him4 8,hey1 ,ty0 ,%ock yell$4 8,y're suppos$ to be good4 ,let's see y hit "o d[n ! "r field f\l l9e40 ,ty took a half sw+ & plant$ ! ball )9 ?ree feet ( ! spot ,%ock] call$ =4 8,n[ hit "o to left10 ,%ock] comm&$4 ,ty sock$ "o a mile a m9ute ov] ?ird base4 8,c5t] field1 n[10 ,%ock] ord]$4 ,ty dropp$ ! ball ov] second base4 8,well1 ,i'm a son-(-gun60 ,%ock] explod$4 8,let's see y f\l "o back ( ! cat*]40 ,ty did x1 too4 8,y w910 ,%ock] said1 8,i'm :ipp$40 ,ty gr9n$4 8,t's no?+10 he %\t$ to ! ,yankee b5* 8y ?9k y're q a guy--suppose y cat* ?is "o40 ,& ,ty drove a f\l "r into our dug\t1 s close t ,%ock] c\ld almo/ h rea*$ out & caught ! ball4 ,t's real place hitt+4 ,b x 0 no accid5t4 ,a lot ( times1 :5 ! boys got on him a bit dur+ batt+ practice1 ,i've se5 ,ty /& up !re at ! plate & drive a ball "r into ! dug\t s5d+ all ! fell[s scurry+ = cov]4 ,( c\rse1 hitt+ l t 9 batt+ practice1 & do+ x 9 a game are two diff]5t ?+s4 ,j ! same ,mr4 ,cobb comes ab\t z ne> be+ ! p]fect place hitt] z anyone we h /ick+ ar\nd ! league today4 ,eddie ,coll9s is ano!r *ap :o hits :]e he wants to hit1 r ?an 9 ! direction ! pit*] wants him to4 ,"o ( ! pet hitt+ /unts ( ^! two is to fake a sw+ & f9d out :e!r ! second baseman or %ort/op is go+ to cov]4 ,!n1 :5 !y've f\nd out1 !y lay "o d[n "r ?r\gh ! position t's vacat$ z ! man goes ov] to cov] second4 ,t's putt+ on ! hit & run ) a v5geance4 ,p]sonally ,i'm n a place hitt]4 ,no 8sw+ hitt]s0 are4 ,i'm big & /rong & get a lot ( drive back ( ! ball4 ,ev]yone kn[s t n9e times out ( t5 ,i'll hit to "r field4 ,b if ,i really get hold ( "o x doesn't make any diff]5ce :e!r ! field]s "k :]e x's com+ or n4 ,x j goes out ( ! p>k4 ,j ! same1 ,i l to try a bit ( place hitt+ once 9 a :ile & 9 ! pa/ two or ?ree seasons ,i've got s ,i c hit to left pretty well by *ok+ my bat & tak+ an extra /ep =w>d ) my sw+4 ,naturally :5 ,i *oke my bat ! oppos+ field]s c see :at ,i'm go+ to d--b ,i get away f t by n *ok+ until ! m9ute ,i />t my sw+4 ,!n !y don't h "t to come ov] = me4 ,i don't believe x's possible to make a hitt]4 ,a fell[ ei!r c hit ! ball1 or he c't--& t's t4 ,b x is possible = a natural hitt] to improve1 & x's possible to ov]come a hitt+ weakness4 ,! batt+ eye1 & ! s5se ( tim+ are born 9 a man4 ,if he hasn't got !m1 !re's no way ( giv+ !m to him4 ,b me*anical ?+s c be ov]come by practice4 ,! sw+1 ! /ance1 ! /ride--^! are ?+s t c be *ang$ & improv$4 ,e batt] :o comes into ! big leagues has 8 8groove40 ,t's ! place :]e he likes a ball be/4 ,) "s fell[s ! 8groove0 is a ball ?r\gh ! middle4 ,) o!rs x may be a high ball outside1 or a l[ ball inside1 or vice v]sa4 ,giv5 a pit* 9 t p>ticul> spot he c :ale ! t> out ( x4 ,by ! same argum5t e play] has a hitt+ weakness4 ,p]haps x's a curve ball4 ,p]haps x's a *ange ( pace4 ,p]haps x's a l[ "o inside4 ,! pit*] is try+ con/antly to pit* to t weakness & keep away f ! 8groove40 ,! hitt]1 ( c\rse1 is try+ to hide 8 weakness & get ! pit*] to pit* to 8 /r5g?4 ,a hitt+ weakness is "o ?+ t c be ov]come by con/ant practice & h>d "w4 ,:5 ,i fir/ broke into ! game ,i _h a t\gh "t hitt+ *ange ( pace pit*+--p>ticul>ly ! real sl[ /uff4 ,i swung too fa/1 & ei!r f\l$ ! ball (f into ! /&s or miss$ x entirely4 ,today ,i believe ,i c hit ! sl[ /uff ab\t z well z any 8sw+ hitt]0 9 ! bus9ess4 ,& all because ,i work$ h>d at x4 ,i us$ to g up to ! batt+ cage dur+ spr+ practice & h ! pit*]s give me sl[ ball aft] sl[ ball4 ,i'd sw+ & sw+ until ,i 0 arm-sore4 ,b ,i got my tim+ d[n s ,i c\ld hit ! sl[ ones--& t 0 ! ?+ ,i 0 aft]4 ,ano!r ?+ t us$ to bo!r me 0 ov]-anxiety to hit4 ,mo/ fell[s suff] f t at "o "t or ano!r4 ,y're s anxi\s to hit t y sw+ at bad balls4 ,! t\ghe/ ?+ anybody has to le>n is to keep t old bat on ! %\ld] on ! 8close ones40 ,! sm>t pit*] is always work+ ! com]s1 keep+ ! ball j an in* or two outside or inside1 a mite too high or a bit too l[4 ,! ov]-anxi\s hitt] is duck-s\p = t sort ( pit*+4 ,mo/ fell[s g up !re to ! plate ) ! wrong idea4 ,!y see a ball com+ up on ! corn] & !y ?9k to !mselves3 8,?is "o looks pretty good4 ,i'd bett] sw+ at x or maybe ! umpire w call x a /rike1 anyh[40 ,:at !y ought to ?9k is3 8,t "o's n good en\gh4 ,if ,i let x g *ances are x w be call$ a ball40 ,y may get cross$ up & h a /rike call$ n[ & !n1 b y'd be surpris$ h[ (t5 x really is a ball4 ,& once a pit*] sees t y're n to be fool$ on ^? 8almo/ /rikes0 he'll come 9 !re ) x & give y some?+ a little bett] to hit at4 8bet]0 replac$ ) 8bett]0 ,i le>n$ my lesson 9 t #aibc _w s]ies4 ,i've already told y ab\t x4 ,x 0 pla9 ov]-anxiety to hit t made me sw+ at a ball 9 ! gr\nd = t ?ird /rike t ,ryan ?rew4 ,s9ce !n ,i've be5 a little m c>eful4 ,( c\rse !re's dang] ! o!r way too4 ,z ,umpire ,bill ,byron us$ to say1 8,y c't get a hit ) ! bat on y\r %\ld]40 ,t's true en\gh4 ,b nei!r c y get a hit if y keep sw++ at bad balls all ! "t4 ,z ,i />t$ out to say1 x's possible = a fell[ to improve 8 hitt+1 & correct 8 hitt+ weaknesses4 ,! answ] is practice1 h>d "w1 & confid5ce4 ,:5 ,l\ ,gehrig fir/ came into ! league he c\ldn't hit a l[ ball inside4 ,l\ did two ?+s4 ,fir/ he *ang$ 8 /ride4 ,he _h be5 /epp+ well into ! ball4 ,n[ he /epp$ j a little /raight]4 ,!n he practic$1 & practic$4 ,today n _m pit*]s h ! n]ve to pit* 'em l[ & inside to ,l\ anymore4 ,he has ov]come 8 weakness4 ,rog]s ,hornsby1 "o ( ! greate/ "r h& hitt]s ! game has ev] kn[n1 is ano!r *ap :o _h to "w h>d :5 he came into ! league4 ,/range z x may seem ,rog 0 no b>ga9 ) ! /ick :5 he fir/ came into ! league4 ,b he _h ! natural hitt+ eye1 & ,mill] ,hugg9s1 :o 0 !n manag] ( ! ,c>d9als1 set him to "w4 ,fir/ (f he *ang$ 8 /ance1 took a little ( ! /iffness out ( 8 legs & taught him to /ride ) ! sw+4 ,!n he got him to loos5 8 %\ld]s a bit--& ! fir/ ?+ anyone knew ,rog] 0 te>+ ! h&s (f infield]s :o got 9 front ( 8 drives4 ,i guess !re's no bett] curve ball hitt] 9 ! big leagues today ?an ,joe ,h>ris1 :o />r$ ) ,wa%+ton & lat] ) ,pirates4 ,joe socks t old curve ball = sleep] jumps "r regul>ly4 ,yet :5 he came into ! league ,joe c\ldn't hit a curve ball4 ,he simply /udi$ ! ?+ out1 discov]$ :at 0 wrong & correct$ x4 ,x takes a long "t1 sometimes1 b x c be done4 ,nobody c put d[n a set ( rules = correct+ batt+4 ,9 ! fir/ place no two m5 hit alike4 ,:5 ,i 0 a kid 9 ,baltimore1 play+ on a kid team1 we _h a "y fell[ on our club :o ?\ght he knew a lot ab\t baseball4 ,he />t$ out to make u all into hitt]s1 & 8 !ory 0 t ! mo/ important ?+ 0 sw++ on a /raight l9e4 ,s he took two bo>ds & nail$ !m on a po/1 leav+ j space en\gh betwe5 !m = a bat to pass easily4 ,!n = fifte5 or tw5ty m9utes at a "t we'd /& up !re & sw+ at t op5+1 ! idea be+ to develop a sw+ t w\ld keep ! bat mov+ 9 a /raight l9e4 ,x s\nd$ f9e b x didn't "w out4 ,! fir/ ?+ we knew we 7 all sw++ p]fectly /iff4 ,if a ball happ5$ to come ?r\gh ! middle ( ! plate1 wai/ high1 we w\ld murd] x4 ,b if x 0 high or l[ we 7 sunk4 ,"h are "s g5]al rules t might be wor? foll[+3 ,if y\r weakness is a fa/ ball1 don't hold y\r bat q s f> back on y\r %\ld]4 ,%ort5 y\r back sw+ & %ort5 y\r /ride4 ,9 o!r words spe$ up a little4 ,if y\r weakness is a curve ball1 *ange y\r /ride to /ep into ! ball a little m4 ,mo/ fell[s :o c't hit curve balls are *aps :o /ride out ( l9e or 8pull away0 f ! ball4 ,if y h tr\ble ) ! sl[ /uff *oke up y\r bat & />t y\r sw+ a bit lat]4 ,mo/ batt]s :o h tr\ble ) sl[ ball pit*+ are 8pull0 hitt]s4 ,t is1 !y are meet+ ! ball 8out front40 ,& :e!r y\r difficulty is a sl[ "o or a fa/ "o a curve or a *ange ( pace2 :e!r y're tr\ble is a high "o or a l[ "o1 inside or outside1 ! mo/ important ?+ ( all to rememb] is simply ?is4 8,don't hit at ! bad ones4 ,make 'em be 9 !re40 ,9 a pok] game ! wise guy always rememb]s ! old say+3 8,y don't h to look40 ,9 baseball1 up !re at ! plate1 x's well to rememb] always3 8,y don't h to sw+60 ,,*apt] ,,xii ,hitt+ /yle--,naturalness at ! plate--,simmons' freak batt+ /ance--,joey ,sewell has ideal /ance--,! ,ru?ian sw+--,h[ x develops p[]--,select+ ! prop] bat--,tim+ an important factor 9 hitt+--,h[ to improve tim+ & sw+4 ,:5 ,al ,simmons fir/ broke into ! ,am]ican ,league a lot ( ! wise boys pr$ict$ t he w\ldn't la/ out 8 fir/ season4 8,he /eps 9 ! bucket0 !y said--mean+ t :5 he takes 8 /ride 8 left foot 7,al is a "r h& hitt]7 pulls away f ! plate4 8,a suck] = a curve ball0 ! pit*]s told ea* o!r4 ,& !n tri$ him out4 ,al promptly knock$ _! curves to all corn]s ( ! lot--& he's /ill do+ x4 ,& /epp+ 9 ! bucket1 j ! same4 ,:i* j goes to %[ t !re's no rule gov]n+ ! good hitt]4 ,i don't ?9k !re's ano!r man 9 ei!r league :o c\ld /& at ! plate ! way ,al does1 & /ill hit ! size ( 8 hat4 ,b /epp+ 9 ! bucket is ,al's natural hitt+ =m--& :at is natural is g5]ally be/ 9 baseball4 ,al ov]comes t back /ep by us+ an exceptionally long bat--! longe/ 9 ! league ,i ?9k1 & j z long z ! baseball law w all[4 ,! result is t he c rea* ! outside corn] = a curve if he has to1 & at ! same "t he's f> en\gh away t ! inside /uff doesn't bo!r him4 ,und]/& ,i'm n recomm5d+ t all hitt]s 8/ep 9 ! bucket40 ,& ,i'm n hold+ ,al's hitt+ =m up z an example4 ,i'm j illu/rat+ ! po9t t !re's no rule gov]n+ ! good hitt]s4 ,!re's no "o m (f =m1 ?an ,al1 & mighty few bett] hitt]s4 ,x all goes back to ! same ?+4 ,! mo/ important ?+ ab\t hitt+ is to be natural1 & be easy4 ,george ,burns1 ! ,clevel& fir/ baseman1 is ano!r hitt] ^: /ance at ! plate is entirely (f =m4 ,george /&s p]fectly /raight1 ) 8 feet "r toge!r4 ,!re's no o!r man 9 ei!r league :o /&s t way4 ,ev5 if !y tri$ x ! *ances are !y w\ld be a complete bu/4 ,yet ,george hits--& hits well4 ,& :at is m he hits mo/ any sort ( pit*+4 ,joey ,sewell has always appeal$ to me z ab\t ! ideal type ( left h&$ hitt]4 ,sewell /&s up !re flat foot$1 feet fairly f> ap>t & firm set 9 ! box4 ,he takes 8 sw+ f ! %\ld]1 putt+ 8 body into ! pivot only at ! la/ m9ute4 ,! result is t he's a h>d man to fool4 ,! /rike\t records prove t4 ,= ! pa/ ?ree or f\r seasons ,joey has /ruck out less ?an any man 9 ! league4 ,"o season he w5t ?r\gh #aed ball games & /ruck out only ?ree times4 ,a fell[ l t is a real hitt]4 ,sewell hits a ball h>d & f> too4 ,he doesn't get 8 body into ! sw+ l ! 8sw+ hitt]s0 d1 b he does get a lot ( wri/ snap4 ,if y've ev] tak5 any golf lessons y "k h[ ! golf pro coa*es y to use y\r wri/s4 ,hitt]s ( ! ,sewell type use ! same sort ( wri/ snap :5 !y hit a baseball4 ,tony ,lazz]i is ano!r *ap :o gets mo/ ( 8 drive f 8 wri/4 ,tony us$ to be a boil] mak]1 & con/ant use ( ! heavy boil]-mak] tools plus ! arm ex]cise has develop$ 8 =e>m & wri/ muscles to ! limit4 ,tony really is built slight & to look at 8 h&s y'd nev] dream ( _! p[]4 ,8 f+]s are long & tap]+1 8 palms are n>r[ & almo/ girl-l4 ,b he has a wri/ & =e>m l /eel4 ,t's :at gives him 8 driv+ p[] at ! bat & 8 snap ?r[ f second4 ,no ball play] ev] made good ei!r z a hitt] or a field] unless he _h well develop$ wri/ & =e>m muscles4 ,!re are a lot ( ex]cises t c be us$ to get t developm5t4 ,"o ( ! common me?ods us$ by ball play]s to /r5g!n ! wri/ & =e>m is to buy a five or t5 c5t rubb] ball1 & c>ry x ar\nd1 gripp+ & relax+ x all ! "t4 ,if y d t = fifte5 or tw5ty m9utes a day y c /r5g!n ! =e>m a lot--& if y don't ?9k ^? muscles get a real work\t by gripp+1 j try x4 ,! fir/ fifte5 m9utes ( t ex]cise w make y\r arm a*e cle> to ! elb[4 ,e>l ,combs uses ?is me?od4 ,e>l _h a bad ?r[+ arm :5 he came into ! league1 b gripp+ ex]cises h /r5g!n$ 8 wri/s & 8 ?r[+ has improv$ a lot4 ,i nev] _h any tr\ble t way myself4 ,my arms & wri/s & %\ld]s h always be5 well develop$4 ,if any?+ ,i'm a little 8top heavy10 & ! ?+ ,i h to wat* mo/ is my legs4 ,i've le>n$ a lot ( ?+s 9 ! pa/ two or ?ree ye>s1 among o!rs ! value ( prop] ex]cise4 ,= ! la/ ?ree w9t]s ,i've work$ out regul>ly 9 a gymnasium1 & !re ,i've sp5t mo/ ( ! "t on ex]cises t w\ld develop my legs & keep my wai/ l9e d[n at ! same "t4 ,"o ( ! common faults ( kid hitt]s p>ticul>ly1 is t !y don't use ! prop] bat4 ,mo/ ( !m try to sw+ bats t are too heavy1 figur+ ( c\rse t ! heavi] ! bat1 ! m di/ance !y c get4 ,t's wrong4 ,any "t a play] uses a bat t feels heavy 9 8 h&s1 he's mak+ a mi/ake4 ,! ideal bat is "o t balances p]fectly1 "o t c be swung ) ! same easy1 smoo? motion ) :i* y sw+ y\r arms4 ,a too heavy bat requires a j]k to />t on x's way1 & once und]way x requires additional ef=t to direct x's c\rse4 ,naturally t makes a j]ky1 *oppy sw+4 ,n s good4 ,! av]age weight ( bats us$ by big leagu]s is #cf ounces4 ,! bat ,i use is mu* heavi]1 b y mu/ rememb] t ,i'm a pretty big boy4 ,& ,i'm cutt+ d[n on bat weight z ! ye>s g by4 ,a few seasons ago ,i us$ a #ed ounce bat1 long & ) ! weight well at ! end4 ,n[ ,i'm us+ a #df ounce club--& ea* season :5 ,i h a new set ( bats made1 ,i h an additional ounce tak5 (f4 ,! longe/ bat 9 ! big leagues is swung by ,al ,simmons4 ,i've already told ab\t t4 ,! %orte/ bat ,i ev] saw 9 my day 0 us$ by ,:itey ,witt--a /ubby club ) a ?ick h&le4 ,! reason = t 01 t z a lead (f man ,:itey's bus9ess 0 to get on base4 ,he bunt$ a lot1 & a ?ick h&l$ bat gave him a *ance to get hold ( balls ?r[n inside4 ,i don't "k :o uses ! lighte/ bat today1 b ,wally ,s*ang1 ! old ,yankee cat*]1 uses "o ( ! lighte/4 ,alongside my bat1 ,s*ang's looks l a too?pick4 ,e>l ,combs uses a light bat1 too4 ,rog]s ,hornsby is ano!r *ap :o uses a fairly light model4 ,s does ,sam ,rice ( ! ,s5ators4 ,n[ & !n "s play] w come along ) a freak bat ( "s sort4 ,l ! old bottle bat t ,he9e ,groh us$ to use4 ,s f> z ,i c see !re's no?+ to t sort ( ?+--except p]haps 9 ! m9d ( ! man us+ ! bat4 ,if "s freak /ick w give him confid5ce1 :y x's a good ?+4 ,aft] all confid5ce is "o ( ! bigge/ ?+s 9 hitt+4 ,all big leagu]s h _! favorite bats4 ,= ye>s ,i us$ a big black model t ! boys call$ 8,black ,betsy40 ,i _h ! same id5tical ?+ 9 sev]al o!r 8/icks0 b someh[ t black "o _h a little m appeal4 ,& ,i us$ x = ! bett] "p ( ?ree seasons be=e x f9ally broke on me4 ,play]s (t5 trade bat models1 b !y gu>d _! pet bats z if !y 7 solid gold4 ,e>l ,combs is "o ( ! easie/ go+1 mo/ pleasant ev5-temp]$ *aps ,i ev] saw4 ,b once la/ summ] ,i saw him :5 ,i ?9k he w\ld gladly h committ$ murd]--all ov] a bat4 ,e>l _h a pet /ick t he _h be5 us+ all season long4 ,he protect$ x l a *ild1 & he w\ldn't ev5 use x 9 hitt+ practice4 8,t bat is full ( basehits10 he w\ld say1 8& !re's no ne$ wa/+ !m on hitt+ practice40 ,"o aft]noon ,hug s5t ,mike ,gazella up to hit j z batt+ practice end$4 ,mike didn't look ar\nd to select a bat1 j took ! fir/ "o t came h&y4 ,x happ5$ to be ,combs' pet club4 ,on ! second pit* ,mike swung ) ev]y?+ he _h & broke ! bat squ>e 9 two4 ,i ?\ght ,e>l w\ld cr[n him4 ,i nev] saw a man get any m angry = a few m9utes ?an ,combs 0--& = two weeks aft] t he c\ldn't speak to ,mike )\t mak+ "s crack ab\t t bat4 ,a few ye>s ago ,sam ,craw=d1 ! old ,detroit outfield] & slugg]1 s5t me a sample bat f ! coa/4 ,x 0 "o ( ^? trick ?+s made out ( f\r sep>ate sections1 pa/$ & fitt$ toge!r4 ,sam want$ me to try x out & see h[ x work$4 ,! fir/ "t up ,i hit ! ball ov] ! f5ce = a home run & dur+ ! entire game ,i got myself two d\bles & a s+le 9 addition to ! home run4 ,naturally ,i 0 tickl$ p9k4 ,9 ! clubh\se t night ,i _h ,woodie s5d ,sam an ord] = six ( ! bats4 ,!y came along a few days lat]1 & ,colonel ,rupp]t happ5$ to be 9 ! clubh\se :5 !y arriv$4 ,he took a peek at ! bill & ?rew 8 h&s 9 ! air4 ,^? bats 7 li/$ at six doll>s ea*4 8,well1 ,ru?10 ! ,colonel comm5t$1 8,i guess we keep ^! bats 9 ! safe1 eh1 ) ! mortgages & family jewels40 ,! funny "p ( x all is1 t a few days lat] "s manag] prote/$ t ! bats 7 illegal--s9ce !y 7 made ( f\r sep>ate pieces ( wood4 ,z a result ! umpires rul$ !m out1 & s f> z ,i "k ! good ,colonel /ill has ^? six bats /or$ away 89 ! safe ) ! mortgages & ! family jewels40 ,h>ry ,heilmann gave me a bat a week or s be=e ! season end$ la/ ye>4 ,x 0 "o t he _h be5 hitt+ )1 & he lik$ x4 8,try ?is out 9 ! _w s]ies10 he told me1 8x's full ( base hits4 ,!re's only "o provision ?\gh10 he add$4 8,y're n to use x aga9/ ! ,detroit club40 ,ball play]s are always trad+ bats4 ,goose ,gosl9 nev] comes to ,new ,york t he doesn't come ov] to our dug\t & look ov] all ! bats4 ,wallie ,s*ang is ano!r "o :o is always look+ = 8good wood40 ,& v frequ5tly a c\ple ( play]s w get toge!r & trade bats l little kids swap /amps = ! collection albums4 ,! be/ woods = bats is ei!r a% or hickory4 ,bo? are t\gh h>d woods ) pl5ty ( 8spr+0 7ela/icity74 ,! hickory is a little heavi] ?an ! a%4 ,= myself ,i usually use hickory1 b mo/ ( ! boys pref] a%4 ,9 buy+ a bat1 ! *ief ?+ to look = is a smoo? ev5 gra94 ,joe ,dugan = ye>s has us$ a black bat ( ,cuban wood--a s(t light weight wood4 ,joe likes a light bat & he figures t ! ,cuban makes up 9 8spr+0 :at x may lack 9 weight4 ,& he c]ta9ly c drive a ball ) x1 y h to h& him t4 ,b :5 all is said & done1 confid5ce is ! bigge/ ?+ 9 hitt+4 ,fell[s :o g up !re to ! plate ) a lot ( confid5ce are pretty apt to hit4 ,fell[s get que] notions 9 hitt+4 ,!y h sup]/itions ab\t _! bats3 !y h sup]/itions ab\t c]ta9 pit*]s4 ,hitt]s w tell y 9 all s]i\sness t c]ta9 pit*]s h _! numb]1 or t c]ta9 o!r pit*]s are always easy4 ,late la/ season ,i />t$ a /unt :i* gave ! boys q a laugh = a "t4 ,i />t$ 8not*+0 my bat = home runs1 l ! old gun-m5 us$ to not* _! guns :5 !y kill$ a man4 ,e "t ,i w\ld hit a home run ,i w\ld cut a not* 9 ! bat h&le ( ! club ,i _h us$4 ,at fir/ ! boys began laugh+1 b z ,septemb] came ar\nd & ,i />t$ hitt+ all sorts ( pit*+ = home runs !y *ang$ _! tune4 ,i h "o bat 9 ! club h\se t has sev5 not*es 9 ! h&le1 & ano!r "o t has elev54 ,elev5 is ab\t z _m z a bat w hold = ! m9ute y />t not*+ ! hitt+ surface ! umpires w ?r[ ! bat out4 ,! :ole ?+ />t$ z a sort ( 8kid10 & z a matt] ( fact ,i wasn't sup]/iti\s ab\t ^? not*es at all4 ,b mo/ ( ! gang ?\ght ,i 04 ,& ,i did accompli% "o ?+4 ,by putt+ ^? not*es 9 ! bat ,i id5tifi$ my own clubs & ! o!r fell[s w\ld leave my bats /rictly alone4 ,speak+ ( funny cu/oms !re's ! old1 old habit ( 8bon+0 bats4 ,fell[s 7 do+ x :5 ,i came into ! league1 & ,i suppose !y'll /ill be do+ x fifty ye>s f n[4 8,bon+0 a bat consi/s 9 rubb+ x ) a bottle or a bone or "s h>d smoo? sub/ance ( t nature4 ,! idea is t su* con/ant rubb+ smoo?s ! surface1 fills 9 & contracts ! wood pores on ! surface & prev5ts break+4 ,i've se5 fell[s sit = h\rs at a "t bon+ away at _! favorite bats4 ,"s ( !m /a9 ! wood z well4 ,frankie ,fris* nev] *ews tobacco1 b he us$ to use tobacco to rub 8 bat )--work+ x into ! gra9 until ! bat look$ z ?\gh x _h be5 /uck 9 "s tobacco vat4 ,! umpires don't p]mit t any m--b 8bon+0 comes )9 ! law1 & ev]yone does x4 ,"o o!r ?+ :ile we're on ! subject ( hitt+4 ,all hitt]s h diff]5t /yles4 ,"s sw+ flat foot$1 o!rs take a long /ride4 ,"s *oke & "s sw+4 ,b !re are c]ta9 features 9 :i* all hitt]s--if !y're good ones--act alike4 ,!y h to h p]fect balance1 p]fect tim+ & a good eye4 ,balance & tim+ are mu* ! same4 ,x is tim+ :i* enables a man to meet ! ball at ! exact in/ant :5 all 8 body is ?r[n into ! sw+4 ,x's tim+ :i* enables a man to hit fa/ & sl[ balls ) equal ease4 ,x is tim+ :i*1 m ?an any "o ?+1 is ! secret ( real hitt+4 ,& ! un=tunate ?+ ab\t x is t tim+ is "o ?+ :i* y c't tea*4 ,x's born into a man4 ,y ei!r h x or y hav5't4 ,little kids1 />t+ to g to s++ s*ool1 are ! same way4 ,ei!r !y h a musical s5se or !y hav5't--& if !y hav5't !y nev] acquire x4 ,all =ms ( a?letics dep5d on tim+4 ,x's ! secret ( golf & h&ball & t5nis4 ,x's ! secret ( box+1 & x's ! secret ( football (f5se4 ,a few ye>s ago ,i saw ,r$ ,grange run = ?ree t\*d[ns aga9/ ! ,univ]sity ( ,p5nsylvania elev54 ,& ! ?+ t impress$ me mo/ 0 n 8 spe$1 or 8 p[]4 ,x 0 8 tim+4 ,x 0 s p]fect t he c\ld avoid tackles by ! split "p ( an in*4 ,8 tim+ 0 s p]fect t 9 go+ ?r\gh ! l9e he always manag$ to rea* 8 hole at ! v in/ant :5 x 0 op5 wide/4 ,& t is tim+ develop$ to ! la/ degree4 ,g out to ! ball game "s day & wat* ! really great hitt]s4 ,y'll notice t !y don't seem to sw+ any h>d]1 or ) any long] arc ?an ! poor] hitt]s4 ,b !y h p]fect tim+ s5se4 ,t's ! mo/ important ?+ 9 batt+4 ,z ,i said be=e1 a man ei!r has a s5se ( tim+ or he hasn't4 ,b y c improve y're tim+4 ,lots ( times ,i g into slumps1 z d all o!r hitt]s4 ,! fir/ ?+ ,i look to is my tim+4 ,i try sw++ a bit lat]1 or a bit e>li]4 ,i %ort5 or l5g!n my /ride4 ,i exp]im5t ) e angle ( tim+4 ,& usually ,i c correct my fault1 ev5 ?\gh ,i may n "k exactly :at x is4 ,,*apt] ,,xiii ,hits are valuable only 9 s f> z !y score runs--,levs5 pit*es two hit game & loses--,real te/ ( hitt+ is ability to smack ball :5 hits mean runs--,! dang] ( 8tight5+ up0--,hitt+ slumps & h[ to ov]come !m--,bunt+1 its value & use--,great bunt]s & h[ !y op]at$--,! bunt attack & h[ x is put ov]4 ,base hits look f9e 9 ! batt+ av]ages1 b !y pay (f on runs scor$4 ,all ! base hits 9 ! _w are wa/$ if ! hitt] doesn't complete 8 j\rney & *eck 9 at ! home plate ) a run4 ,funny ?+s happ5 9 baseball1 prov+ t hits are j z valuable z y make !m4 ,back 9 #aibf 9 a game aga9/ ! ,clevel& club ! ,yankees got j two hits (f ,emil ,levs51 ! ,clevel& pit*]4 ,only two m5 got to fir/ base--b bo? ( !m scor$1 & we won ! game #b to #a4 ,a little lat] 9 ! season1 ) ,tom ,za*>y ( ! ,br[ns pit*+ aga9/ u1 we accumulat$ ! heal?y total ( #aa hits toge!r ) five bases on balls4 ,yet we didn't score a s+le run & 7 %ut out = ! fir/ "t t season4 ,e "o ( ^? m5 7 left on base4 ,look at ! left-on-bases figures & y c get a pretty good l9e on ! (f5sive /r5g? ( a club4 ,= m5 left on bases are ! tip (f on poor batt+4 ,e man left on base is an opportunity lo/ & anytime a club has eight or t5 or m m5 left x's a pretty sure sign t some?+'s wrong ) ! team's attack+ p[]4 ,! real te/ ( hitt+ greatness is ! ability to /ep up !re & hit :5 a hit w mean runs4 8,hitt+ 9 ! p9*es0 we call x--& x's ! mo/ important "p ( ! batt+ game4 ,l\ ,gehrig1 dur+ ! #aibg season1 drove 9 #age runs = a new record4 ,9 o!r words ,l\ came ?r\gh :5 !re 7 m5 on bases4 ,he did 8 be/ hitt+ :5 we _h runn]s 9 scor+ position4 ,i've he>d a lot ( pit*]s say1 & !y've told me to my face1 t !y'd r pit* to me 9 a p9* ?an to ,gehrig4 8,y ei!r knock ! cov] (f ! ball or /rike out10 !y say4 8,we've got a fifty-fifty *ance ) y4 ,b ?is ,gehrig is dang]\s :5 !re are runn]s on ! bases40 ,tony ,lazz]i is ano!r "o :o c p\nd t ball1 :5 hits c\nt4 ,tony _h an odd record dur+ ! #aibf season4 ,he hit only 4#bhj = ! ye>1 & he /ruck out m times ?an any o!r play] 9 ! league4 ,yet he drove 9 #adg runs t ye> & rat$ second 9 ! league 9 t dep>tm5t4 ,9 o!r words1 he did ?is hitt+ :5 hits c\nt$4 ,he 0 a mu* bett] & m dang]\s hitt] ?an 8 batt+ av]age %[$4 ,"o ( ! *aps ,i'll rememb] longe/ is ,eddie ,fo/]1 ! old ,wa%+ton ?ird baseman4 ,eddie nev] rat$ z a real />1 & !re 7 scores ( o!r play]s 9 ! league :o 7 consid]$ m dang]\s & bett] m5 ) ! /ick4 ,b ,eddie c]ta9ly 0 my p]sonal poison4 ,he hit ev]y?+ ,i ev] pit*$--& hit x pl5ty4 ,& :5 x came to a p9*1 ) runn]s on bases & a ball game hang+ 9 ! balance1 ,i w\ld r pit* to ,cobb1 ,speak] & ,craw=d 9 a r[ ?an ?r[ to ,eddie4 ,he ru9$ _m a ball game = me ov] ! p]iod ( ?ree or f\r seasons4 ,i don't "k :y x is1 b x's an e/abli%$ fact t "s fell[s are at _! be/ 9 a p9*1 :ile o!rs seem to g to pieces at su* a "t4 ,take ,joe ,dugan = in/ance4 ,joe isn't :at y'd call a heavy hitt]4 ,he seldom hits = extra bases & ,i suppose mo/ clubs look on him z "o ( ! weak] m5 9 ! ,yankee batt+ ord]4 ,b put ,joe 9 a crucial s]ies1 or turn him loose 9 a _w s]ies & he's deadly poison4 ,joe has play$ 9 ?ree _w s]ies ) ! ,yankees & he has nev] yet fail$ to /> out 9 ! field & at bat4 ,he's j a natural born 8money play]0 z ! boys say--& plays 8 be/ :5 ! go+ is t\ghe/4 ,joe ,judge is ano!r hitt] ( t type4 ,goose ,gosl9 w ou?it ,joe 9 ! av]ages by #bj to #ej po9ts4 ,b ) runn]s on bases & a hit ne$$ to w9 ! ball game mo/ pit*]s w\ld r pit* to ,goose a doz5 times ov]4 ,e>l ,combs is a good hitt] 9 a p9*4 ,rog]s ,hornsby is a cork]4 ,joey ,sewell is ano!r mighty t\gh "o4 ,!oretically hitt+ 9 a p9* is no diff]5t ?an go+ up !re ) nobody on & two out4 ,actually !re's a lot ( diff]5ce4 ,) nobody on ! base1 ! hitt] has a cle> & easy m9d4 ,he doesn't h to worry ab\t protect+ ! runn]4 ,he doesn't h to keep 8 eye peel$ = signs & signals4 ,& m important ?an t1 he doesn't h anybody to worry ab\t b himself4 ,he c give 8 :ole & undivid$ att5tion to hitt+4 ,) runn]s 9 scor+ position x's v diff]5t4 ,!re are a doz5 ?+s to wat*--b m important ?an all ^! is ! s5se ( responsibility4 ,! av]age hitt] 8tight5s up10 he /&s /iff at ! plate1 8 muscles tight5 & 8 :ole motion is j]ky4 ,:5 he does t he's gone4 ,! batt] :o /iff5s up & loses 8 easy1 free sw+ is an easy victim = a pit*]4 ,! same ?+ happ5s :5 a hitt] goes into a batt+ slump4 ,& e hitt] has !m4 ,no matt] h[ great a hitt] he may be !re w come times :51 to use a common baseball expression1 8he c't hit a b>n door ) a bull fiddle40 ,& ability to get out ( a slump is ano!r te/ ( ! real hitt]4 ,"s fell[s claim t a slump doesn't bo!r !m4 ,t !y take x z a matt] ( c\rse1 kn[+ t !y w "w out ( x soon] or lat]4 ,t's bunk4 ,!re nev] 0 a ball play] liv$ :o c\ld g ?r\gh a batt+ slump )\t worry+4 ,x's simply a "q ( h[ mu* y worry1 & :e!r or n y\r worry is ab\t ! slump or ov] me?ods ( ov]com+ x4 ,! wor/ "p ( a batt+ slump is t x affects a man's play to ! field too4 ,z long z ! basehits are com+ regul>ly ! av]age ball play] is sitt+ on top ( ! _w4 ,he has pepp] & en?usiasm4 ,ev]y?+ is f9e4 ,b :5 ! old slump comes along ev]y?+ is upside d[n4 ,sm>t manag]s realize t4 ,"o ( ! be/ l9es ,i ev] he>d pull$ came f ,mill] ,hugg9s a c\ple ( ye>s ago4 ,we _h a kid infield] 9 camp :o look$ z ?\gh he w\ld burn up ! league4 ,he 0 p\nd+ ! cov] (f ! ball--& digg+ ev]y?+ out ( ! dirt t came 8 way4 ,all ! newspap] writ]s 7 en?usia/ic & wrote r$ hot /ories ab\t ?is late/ f9d :o w\ld %[ up any infield] 9 ! league4 8,t kid is ! be/ ,i ev] saw10 "o ( !m said to ,hugg9s "o day1 8:y y're all set n[4 ,y don't h to worry any m40 ,hug gr9n$1 t sl[1 funny little gr9 t he has4 8,maybe s10 he said4 8,i hope y're "r4 ,b be=e ,i commit myself ,i want to see h[ he acts aft] he has gone ?r\gh sev5 or eight games )\t a base hit40 ,! kid :o 0 go+ to burn up ! league1 is back 9 ! m9ors n[4 ,no "o ev] he>s any?+ ab\t him4 ,! slump t ,hugg9s spoke ab\t came1 & he w5t all to pieces4 ,he 0 "o ( ^? n]v\s sort ( fell[s :o j worri$ himself out ( ! league ov] base hits t didn't g safe4 ,! wor/ "p ( a hitt+ slump is t a fell[ w hit ! ball all "r--b always at somebody4 ,:5 y're 9 a hitt+ /reak x seems t ev]y?+ y hit falls safe4 ,:5 y're 9 a slump no?+ goes "r4 ,y hit 'em on ! nose & ! ball goes "r into "s outfield]'s h&s4 ,y lay d[n a gr\nd] t n9e times out ( t5 w\ld be a basehit1 & "s infield] does a ,h\d9i & comes up ) ! ball = a put\t4 ,i get _m lett]s f amateur play]s ea* ye>1 ask+ :at to d to get out ( a batt+ slump4 ,t's a problem4 ,i guess no two fell[s use ! same me?ods4 ,p]sonally ,i *ange my batt+ /yle4 ,i exp]im5t4 ,i *ange my sw+ & my /ance4 ,i try /epp+ =w>d a bit 9 ! batt+ box4 ,i *ange to bats ( diff]5t weight4 ,) me1 ,i've f\nd t ! be/ me?od ( ov]com+ a slump is to *oke my bat & />t 8*oke hitt+0 = a :ile4 ,i r$uce my /ride to a m9imum & /& z flatfoot$ z possible4 ,naturally t %ort5s my /ride1 & ,i 8pu%0 in/ead ( 8pull0 ! ball4 ,& mo/ ( all1 ,i try to worry z little z possible ab\t x4 ,sometimes :5 ,i'm 9 a slump ,i'll cat* myself tight5+ up ) ! pit*4 ,:5 ,i d t ,i simply call = "t1 & /ep out ( ! box1 until ,i c get squ>$ ar\nd & loos5$ up aga94 ,"h's ano!r ?+ y've got to wat* :5 y're 9 a hitt+ slump4 ,! long] y g )\t a basehit ! m anxi\s y are to get "o4 ,z a result ( ! anxiety y're m ?an apt to sw+ at bad balls1 simply because y're too anxi\s to hit4 ,:5 ,i'm 9 a batt+ slump "o ( ! fir/ ?+s ,i d1 is />t tak+ t fir/ "o4 ,x isn't always easy4 ,:5 a *ap wants a base hit badly x's t\gh to /& up !re & wat* "o g %oot+ across ! corn] & n sw+4 ,b x's a wise move--= x curbs t ov]-anxiety & keeps y f hitt+ at bad ones4 ,once a fell[ />ts sw++ wild he's sunk--& 8 slump w come to an end some:]e 9 ,o%ko% or ,c$> ,falls4 ,! bus9ess ( gett+ runn]s ar\nd ! bases is "o ( ! mo/ sci5tific dep>tm5ts ( ! game4 ,& !re's no set rule = attack4 ,:5 ,i fir/ broke into baseball mo/ ( ! clubs 7 us+ ! old-fa%ion$ sacrifice & /eal game4 ,9 rec5t ye>s play has swit*$1 & ! /eal has m or less disappe>$4 ,clubs today dep5d m on ! hit-&-run4 ,b z ,i said be=e !re's no set rule y c foll[4 ,x dep5ds on ! sort ( club y h4 ,mill] ,hugg9s = in/ance has always favor$ :at he likes to call 8sm>t baseball40 ,he likes ! sacrifice attack4 ,he likes ! /eal4 ,b he doesn't use x because he kn[s su* an attack w\ldn't "w s well ) a club l ! ,yankees4 ,we're slugg]s = ! mo/ "p--& h to score our runs by hitt+ p[]4 ,we hav5't any great base runn]s4 ,meusel & ,combs c /eal ) ! be/ 9 ! bus9ess b !y're only two4 ,we h few fell[s on our club1 too1 :o c h&le ! sacrifice prop]ly4 ,! ,yankees1 = ! mo/ "p1 are 8sw+ hitt]s0 & hitt]s ( t type nev] w %9e at ! sacrifice game4 ,kn[+ ^! ?+s ,hugg9s =gets 8 8sm>t baseball0 ideas & makes ! mo/ ( ! type hitt]s he has4 ,:i* is good baseball4 ,george ,mori>ity1 ov] 9 ,detroit1 on ! o!r h&1 uses ! /eal a lot4 ,he has a bun* ( fa/1 spe$y1 y\ng/]s :o "k h[ to run bases & ! /eal ) !m is ! be/ =m ( attack4 ,! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators are long on ! sacrifice4 ,mo/ ( ! m5 on _! club c 8lay !m d[n0 to p]fection1 & d x4 ,john ,mc,graw has always favor$ ! 8hit & run0 z a means ( advanc+ 8 runn]s & br++ 9 scores4 ,b j ! same t didn't keep ,john f *ang+ 8 tactics to a base-/eal+ game :5 he _h t team ( spe$ boys back 9 #aiab to #aiaf4 ,ev5 yet !y talk ( ! way ! ,giants 8/ole ! p5nant0 dur+ ^? ye>s4 ,aft] all x comes back to ! same proposition4 ,! me?od ( attack dep5ds on ! club--& ! sm>t manag] uses ! =m t is be/ = 8 individual gr\p ( play]s4 ,!re's no play 9 baseball any pretti] ?an ! bunt :5 x's prop]ly execut$4 ,b n all ball play]s c d x4 ,wat*+ f ! /&s x looks easy4 ,b x isn't4 ,9 ! fir/ place sm>t pit*]s h all ! good bunt]s c>d catalogu$4 ,& n9e times out ( t5 :5 a fell[ />ts to bunt he f9ds ! pit*es com+ ?r\gh high1 fa/ & inside1 :i* is ! t\ghe/ spot 9 ! _w = a bunt]4 8pit*+s0 replac$ ) 8pit*es0 ,to be a bunt] a fell[ has to h a ke5 eye4 ,he has to h spe$ 9 gett+ to fir/1 9 ord] t he may beat ! ball4 ,& m important ?an t he n only has to hit ! ball1 b he has to hit x to c]ta9 limit$ places4 ,! bunt$ ball t goes direct to ! pit*] is worse ?an a /rike\t4 ,! bunt t is hit too h>d & rolls fa/ d[n ! l9e to an infield]2 or ! "o t is hit too easily & l&s 9 front ( ! plate = ! cat*] to grab--^! too are worse ?an no bunt at all4 ,if y c't put ! ball :]e y want to1 say eight times out ( t51 !n y'd bett] n try any s]i\s bunt+ :]e !re's a ball game hang+ 9 ! balance4 ,"o ( ! be/ bunt]s ,i've ev] se5 0 ,:itey ,witt4 ,:itey _h a wond]ful way ( lay+ t ball "r d[n ! ?ird base l9e1 & be+ fa/ gett+ d[n to fir/1 he c\ld beat !m out4 ,:itey us$ to get f tw5ty-five to ?irty-five base hits a ye> on bunts4 ,i rememb] a l9e ,:itey pull$ 9 ! clubh\se "o aft]noon t[>d ! end ( ! #aibc season4 ,:itey _h ab\t #cb hits on bunts to 8 cr$it1 & "s ( ! newspap] m5 7 talk+ to him ab\t x4 8,yet10 he said1 8,i'm cons]vative4 ,i believe 9 sav+ di/ance4 ,^? ?irty-two hits1 laid end to end1 w\ld j ab\t equal "o ( ,babe's %orte/ home runs4 ,yet he got only f\r bases on ! di/ance & ,i got ?irty-two4 ,sci5ce pays1 my boy1 sci5ce pays60 ,poor old ,:itey is out ( baseball n[ & rais+ tomatoes d[n on 8 f>m 9 ,j]sey4 ,we see him e n[ & !n & occasionally he puts on a uni=m & works out ) ! boys :5 we're home4 ,& he c /ill 8,lay 'em d[n10 ev5 ?\gh 8 legs h gone back & he c't run mu* any m4 ,i guess x's a knack1 t once acquir$1 nev] leaves a fell[4 ,f :at old tim]s tell me ,willie ,keel] mu/ h be5 ab\t ! k+ ( ! bunt]s4 ,i nev] saw him--b ,i've he>d pl5ty ( /ories ab\t 8 ability to lay !m d[n 9 any direction4 ,mill] ,hugg9s1 ! manag] ( ! ,yankees1 is ano!r *ap :o 0 a wiz>d at ! bunt game dur+ 8 play+ days4 ,seems z ?\gh little fell[s always make ! be/ bunt]s4 ,usually !y're pretty fa/ :i* is a big asset4 ,& ! fact t !y're s small makes !m h>d to pit* to4 ,pit*]s c't "w on !m z c>efully z !y d on a bigg] fell[4 ,9 baseball we divide bunts into two classes4 ,!re's ! ord9>y roll] d[n ! ?ird base l9e :i* is j a 8bunt40 ,balls pu%$ t[>d fir/ base we call 8drag bunts40 ,& :5 y c cat* ! infield play+ back ! drag bunt is a mighty good weapon = a left h& hitt]4 ,prop]ly plac$ x pulls ! fir/ baseman (f ! bag1 & is out ( rea* ( ! pit*]4 ,someh[ !re doesn't seem to be s _m good drag bunt]s n[ z !re us$ to be4 ,"o ( ! be/ ( ! lot 0 ,ross ,"y1 ! old ,giant "r field] :o di$ rec5tly 9 ,san ,antonio4 ,ross _h t drag bunt d[n to p]fection1 & c\ld drive a fir/ baseman nutty ) x4 ,he us$ x aga9/ u 9 ! _w s]ies a lot--& ev5 su* a vet]an z ,wallie ,pipp _h tr\ble mak+ a play on x4 8hunt]s0 replac$ ) 8bunt]s0 ,*>ley ,jamieson1 ( ! ,clevel& ,indians1 & ,e>l ,combs ( ! ,yankees are ab\t ! be/ drag bunt]s 9 ! bus9ess today4 ,combs ,i ?9k is ev5 bett] ?an ,jamey1 because he's fa/]4 ,& spe$ is a mighty big item 9 a drag bunt play4 ,sam ,rice1 ! spe$y ,wa%+ton outfield]1 is ano!r batt] :o c drag ! ball d[n ! fir/ base l9e pl5ty4 ,b ,sam doesn't use ! play z mu* n[ z he did a few ye>s ago1 :5 he 0 batt+ 9 lead(f or second position 9 ! batt+ ord]4 ,( c\rse y've got to pick y\r spots = a bunt attack4 ,a poor field+ pit*] is always a suck] = su* a play4 ,i've already told h[ ,alan ,so?oron 0 bunt$ "r out ( ! league4 ,manag]s are also quick to use ! bunt :5 !y've got a new ?ird baseman work+ aga9/ !m4 ,unless a ?ird baseman c come 9 & h&le bunts he's n mu* use--& 9 ! big leagues we're quick to te/ out a man on t p>ticul> job4 ,h&l+ bunts is "o ( ! places :]e ,joe ,dugan us$ to %9e brighte/4 ,joe is ! be/ ?ird baseman ,i ev] saw at com+ 9 & scoop+ ! ball ) "o h&1 !n ?r[+ to fir/ :ile /ill (f balance4 ,fell[s ar\nd ! league us$ to say ( ,joe t he c\ld ?r[ bett] & m accurately :5 he _h bo? feet (f ! gr\nd ?an he c\ld :5 he 0 all set = a peg4 ,& t's ab\t "r4 ,joe makes bad ?r[s occasionally1 b n9e times out ( t5 !y come :5 he has pl5ty ( "t & gets all set4 ,he v1 v seldom ?r[s wild1 on "o ( ^? quick 8scoop & ?r[0 plays4 ,! bunt has two purposes4 ,fir/1 x's to upset ! infield & get ! hitt] safely to fir/4 ,second1 x's us$ z a sacrifice1 9 :i* case ! object is to advance a runn] ev5 at ! co/ ( sacrific+ ! hitt]4 ,! two plays are entirely diff]5t4 ,! fact t a man is a good bunt]1 doesn't always mean t he is a good sacrific]4 ,on ! sacrifice ! idea isn't s mu* to avoid a play z x is to s place ! ball t a play is possible only at fir/ base4 ,if ! runn] to be advanc$ is on second1 !n ! bunt mu/ be s plac$ t ! ?ird baseman w h to come 9 & h&le x4 ,if ! runn] is on fir/1 ! be/ place = ! sacrifice bunt is midway d[n ! ?ird base l9e s ! pit*] has to h&le ! play4 ,or1 9 ! case ( ! left h&$ hitt]1 a drag bunt t pulls ! second baseman 9 to cov] fir/ base1 is always good4 ,,*apt] ,,xiv ,wait+ 'em out6--,frank ,*ance puts "o ov]--,jamieson smacks ! fir/ "o--,n always easy to wait--,try+ to outguess ! pit*]--,! int5tional pass--,putt+ on ! hit & run play--,eddie ,coll9s a ma/] at x--,hugg9s expresses an op9ion4 ,h[ (t51 :5 y g out to ! ball game1 y he> ! voices ( ! coa*es e*o+ above all ! noise & *e]+4 8,wait him out60 8,make him pit*6 ,make x be 9 !re60 ,^? are sort ( /ock phrases 9 baseball1 phases t ! coa*]s use con/antly4 ,& !y conta9 pretty good advice1 too4 8phases0 replac$ ) 8phrases0 ,a wait+ attack has be5 ! d[nfall ( _m a pit*]--& x's p>ticul>ly effective aga9/ a pit*] :o is inexp]i5c$ or "o :o is incl9$ to wildness4 ,( c\rse y h to pick y\r spots4 ,play+ a wait+ game aga9/ a fell[ l ,alex&]1 = in/ance1 is "r 9 8 groove4 ,8 control is s p]fect t ! m9ute a team />ts to wait him out !y're putt+ !mselves 9 a hole4 ,! wait+ attack1 ( c\rse1 is v simple4 ,x consi/s m]ely 9 n sw++ until =c$ to4 ,batt]s1 play+ t sort ( a game1 w take two /rikes )\t mov+ ! bat f _! %\ld]s4 ,& its purpose is two-fold4 ,! fir/ purpose is to make ! pit*] "w z h>d z possible4 ,fell[s :o sw+ at ! fir/ ball are giv+ ! pit*] all ! be/ ( x4 ,9 t sort ( an attack a pit*] c get ?r\gh an inn+ ) pit*+ only ?ree or f\r balls4 ,aga9/ a wait+ attack he has to pit* at lea/ n9e ev5 if e ?+ he pit*es is a /rike4 ,! second purpose ( a wait+ attack is to take advantage ( a pit*]'s wildness4 ,) a lot ( pit*]s1 if ! hitt] has pati5ce en\gh to wait & wait1 he ev5tually w draw a base on balls--& a base on balls is j z good z a basehit bo? 9 gett+ m5 to fir/ base & 9 advanc+ runn]s4 ,9 ?is day ( slugg+ ! old wait+ game isn't play$ z mu* z x us$ to be4 ,bill ,c>rigan us$ to tell a /ory ( ,frank ,*ance :5 he 0 manag+ ! fam\s old ,cubs4 ,*ance1 ,c>rigan said1 won a crucial game 9 a p5nant s]ies by wait+ tactics4 ,at ! />t ( ! game he in/ruct$ e man on 8 club to wait4 8,don't sw+ at all10 ,*ance w>n$4 8,j g up !re & /&4 ,if y're call$ out on /rikes x's all "r40 ,& = six inn+s ! ,cubs did t v ?+4 ,= six inn+s ! oppos+ pit*]1 pit*$ hitless ball--= n a s+le ,cub hitt] took 8 bat f 8 %\ld]4 ,b 9 t "t ! pit*] av]ag$ twelve to fifte5 pit*es an inn+4 ,f9ally 9 ! sev5? inn+1 ,*ance sudd5ly swit*$ 8 tactics4 8,g up !re & smack t fir/ ball10 he in/ruct$4 ,! ,cubs did j t4 ,a c\ple ( base hits came 9 a r[4 ,! pit*] upset by ! sudd5 swit*1 lo/ 8 /uff4 ,he grew wild4 ,& 9 "o inn+ ! ,cubs put ov] f\r runs & won ! ball game4 ,t's c>ry+ ! wait+ attack to ! la/ degree--& su* me?ods ar5't favor$ mu* ^! days4 ,b ! wait+ game is /ill mighty important 9 baseball4 ,to "s hitt]s1 wait+ comes natural4 ,o!rs c't seem to )/& ! temptation to sw+ at t fir/ "o if x's 89 !re40 ,pit*]s soon catalogue hitt]s & pit* accord+ly4 ,mike ,gazella & ,pat ,coll9s ( ! ,yankees = in/ance1 are wait]s4 ,i've se5 bo? ,pat & ,mike take two /rikes "t aft] "t )\t s mu* z (f]+ to sw+ at ! ball4 ,*>ley ,jamieson ( ! ,clevel& ,indians1 on ! o!r h& is a fir/ ball hitt]4 ,a pit*] c put t fir/ "o ov] ) safety to ei!r ,pat or ,mike1 b putt+ ! fir/ "o ov] to ,jamieson is murd]4 ,he'll sock x = a city block4 ,9 mod]n baseball teams are apt to *ange _! attack two or ?ree times 9 a s+le game4 ,p]haps = an inn+ or two !y w wait ! pit*] out4 ,!n !y may sudd5ly %ift to a fir/ ball hitt+ attack4 ,midway ( ! game !y may %ift /ill ano!r "t4 ,! idea is to keep ! pit*] guess+4 ,aft] all baseball is a game ( guess+ & out-guess+4 ,a lot ( hitt]s c>ry ! idea too f>4 ,!y try to out-guess ! pit*] on e pit*4 ,p]sonally ,i'm oppos$ to guess hitt+4 8,h[ d y "k :5 to expect a curve ball & :5 a fa/ "o80 ,i guess ,i'm ask$ t "q a hundr$ times a ye>4 ,! answ] is t ,i don't4 ,! m9ute a fell[ />ts 9 try+ to guess ! pit* he's j wi%+ tr\ble on himself4 ,= !re's no?+ 9 ?is _w m upsett+ ?an be+ set = a fa/ ball & !n h a curve come loop+ up4 ,& !re's no bett] way 9 ! _w to get a trip to ! hospital ) a crack$ head1 ?an gett+ set = a curve & !n h a fa/ "o come sw++ 9 at y\r *94 ,aft] all !re's only "o answ] to be made to ! "y fell[ :o is ask+ con/antly = advice z to h[ to hit4 ,! answ] is3 8,pick out a good "o & sock x60 ,i've talk$ to a lot ( pretty good hitt]s 9 ! pa/ t5 ye>s & ,i've wat*$ !m "w4 ,g ov] ! li/ f top to bottom--,hornsby1 ,gosl91 ,heilmann1 ,gehrig1 ,traynor1 ,cobb1 ,judge1 ,bottomley1 ,r\%--!re's n a 8guess0 hitt] 9 ! lot4 ,!y all tell y ! same ?+4 8,i nev] ?9k ab\t :e!r x's a curve or a fa/ "o t's com+4 ,i simply get set--& if ! ball looks good1 ,i sock x40 ,z a matt] ( fact half ( ! "t :5 a fell[ gets hold ( "o he doesn't really "k :e!r x 0 a curve or a fa/ "o he hit4 ,a sl[ ball1 naturally1 he c recognize--b ! o!rs he c't4 ,! crack ( ! bat j naturally drives all "q ( curve or fa/ "o out ( y\r m9d4 ,_m times ,i've crack$ out a hom]1 & :5 ,i got back to ! b5* ,i've _h "s ( ! boys ask me :at x 0 ,i hit4 ,& ,i c\ldn't tell !m4 ,all ,i knew 0 x 0 ov]--,i lik$ x--& ,i swung j "r4 ,t day 9 #aibg t ,i got my sixtie? home run (f ,tom ,za*>y1 ! left h&] ) ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators4 ,naturally !re 0 a lot ( int]e/ 9 x1 & ! newspap]s next day c>ri$ /ories z to ! sort ( ball ,i hit4 ,"s ( ! writ]s said x 0 a fa/ ball inside2 "s ( !m said x 0 a curve ball4 ,"s ( !m ?\ght x 0 high outside1 & o!rs ?\ght x 0 l[ inside4 ,a few said x 0 a fa/ ball "r d[n ! middle4 ,x wasn't any ( ^!4 ,! ball ,i hit = my sixtie? hom] 0 a screw ball--a sl[ ball t comes up ) little or no rotation & broke 9 & d[n1 be+ ?r[n by a left h&]4 ,z a matt] ( fact ,i didn't "k at ! "t :e!r ! ball 0 inside or outside4 ,9 fact ,manag] ,hugg9s & ,i agre$ lat] t x 0 on ! outside corn]4 ,za*>y1 h[ev]1 insi/s t ! ball 0 slightly l[] ?an wai/ high1 & on ! inside4 ,tom %\ld "k4 ,all ,i c say = c]ta9 is t x 0 a screw ball1 & t x look$ good to hit6 ,i always get a great kick out ( newspap] /ories 9 :i* ! boys try to tell ! sort ( pit* t batt]s hit = base hits4 ,x c't be done4 ,f ! press box or ! /&s x's mighty h>d to see a curve ball any "t1 ev5 :5 ! batt] has 8 bat on 8 %\ld]4 ,once he />ts to sw+ & ! bat comes betwe5 ! obs]v]'s eye & ! ball1 x's twice z h>d if n impossible4 ,:5 y consid] t a lot ( curve balls are hit be=e !y />t to break1 or at ! v mom5t !y />t to break1 y c appreciate j h[ h>d x is = ! man 9 ! /&s to tell :at sort ( ball is pit*$4 ,! tip (f on t1 ,i ?9k1 is ! fact t a c]ta9 ,national ,league manag]1 wat*+ ,pipgras pit* 9 ! second game ( ! #aibg _w s]ies1 comm5t$ at "s l5g? on ,pipgras' 8excell5t curve t _h ! ,pirates guess+40 ,z a matt] ( fact ,george pit*$ fa/ balls almo/ exclusively t day4 ,i don't ?9k he ?rew a doz5 curves dur+ ! entire game4 ,n[ ,i ask1 if a vet]an manag]1 tra9$ to wat*1 & sitt+ 9 ! /&s c't be sure :at is be+ pit*$--:at *ance has a casual obs]v] to call ! turn4 ,x simply c't be done4 ,x's l fans along ! ?ird base l9e try+ to judge balls & /rikes z !y g zipp+ across ! plate4 ,& t's next to impossible4 ,b ,i />t$ out to talk ab\t ! wait+ policy4 ,z ,i said y f9d c]ta9 hitt]s :o are natural born wait]s4 ,!y're fell[s :o h su* ke5 eyes & judgm5t t !y c judge a ball to ! fraction ( an in*4 8,h>d to fool0 ! pit*]s say4 ,su* play]s are mighty valuable fell[s to h ar\nd4 ,v frequ5tly1 9 baseball1 a c\ple ( bases on balls may be ! ent]+ w$ge = a batt+ rally4 ,9 a game 9 :i* ! pit*] has be5 breez+ along1 ! boys on ! b5* are z pleas$ to see him give a base on balls z !y are to see a base hit4 ,= a base on balls frequ5tly is ! fir/ tip-(f t comes on a pit*] weak5+4 ,once a pit*] %[s signs ( weak5+ is ! mom5t to br+ ! old wait+ game into play4 ,! ,yankees la/ ye> beat ,lefty ,grove ( ! ,a?letics f\r /raight games simply by wait+ him out4 ,lefty is a great pit*]--b he's incl9$ to wildness & aft] he's s5t t fa/ curve 9 !re a few times )\t ! hitt]s (f]+ at x1 he beg9s to get n]v\s4 ,or ,i %\ld say did--= ,lefty is old] & m exp]i5c$ n[ & ! ?+s t upset him :5 he broke 9 don't bo!r him any m4 ,i guess !re is no?+ 9 baseball t has caus$ m discussion 9 rec5t ye>s ?an ! int5tional pass4 ,fans h h[l$ & wail$ ab\t x1 & !y've dem&$ "s sort ( p5alty = an int5tional pass--b no?+ has be5 done4 ,probably no?+ w be ei!r1 = ! int5tional pass has a place 9 baseball4 ,i've be5 ! victim ( ! int5tional pass z mu* z anyone 9 ei!r league ,i guess1 & ,i've h[l$ & compla9$ ) ! re/ ( !m4 ,b all ! same ,i c get ! pit*]'s viewpo9t1 & x's a good "o4 ,he isn't out !re to please ! cr[d4 ,he's out to w9 ball games--& if pass+ "o hitt] to get at ano!r w w91 :y he's )9 8 rights 9 do+ x4 ,y w notice t la/ season ,i wasn't pass$ ne>ly z (t5 z 9 ! seasons be=e4 ,! reason is1 t ) ,gehrig com+ up1 x wasn't good baseball to d x4 ,giv+ a man an int5tional pass is j l h&+ ! enemy a scor+ *ance--& t's p5alty en\gh = ! pit*]4 ,!n too !re are c]ta9 situations arise :i* make ! int5tional pass good baseball1 reg>dless4 ,suppose !re is a runn] on second base1 "o out1 & ! score ti$4 ,a fairly good hitt] is com+ up1 foll[$ by ano!r "o equally good4 ,9 a spot l t an int5tional pass might be a wise move4 ,= by pass+ a man to fir/ y 8block ! bases10 t is y make a =ce play possible at bo? second & ?ird & pave ! way = a d\ble play :i* w\ld retire ! side )\t scor+4 ,) a runn] only on second a d\ble play is virtually impossible4 ,! int5tional pass is n p>ticul>ly co/ly 9 a case l t4 ,! man on second w score on a s+le anyh[1 & ! fell[ :o is pass$ to fir/ c't possibly g all ! way r\nd on a "o-base hit4 ,int5tionally pass+ a good hitt] to get at a weak hitt] also is good baseball1 despite ! wails ( ! fans :o want to see base hits4 ,i've se5 pit*]s pit* to a h>d hitt+ cat*] & h him break up a ball game1 in/ead ( pass+ him to get at ! weak hitt+ pit*]4 ,& fans up 9 ! /&s are apt to say 8,well he _h n]ve anyh[4 ,he pit*$4 ,y've got to h& him t40 ,h& him no?+6 ,all ,i h& him is t he 0 too /ubborn to d ! ?+ he %\ld4 ,he gets no cr$it 9 my book at all--& rememb] t ,i h suff]$ mu* f ?is int5tional pass bus9ess4 ,:at ,i'm try+ to po9t out is t baseball is a game ( /rategy1 & a lot ( ?+s :i* may n please ! folks 9 ! /&s are mighty good baseball j ! same4 ,"o ( ! greate/ (f5sive plays 9 use today is ! 8,hit & run40 ,t's j :at ! "n implies4 ,! runn] />ts ) ! pit* & ! batt] hits ! ball1 on ! gr\nd & beh9d ! runn] if possible4 ,suppose !re is a man on fir/ base & nobody out4 ,! hit & run signal is fla%$4 ,z ! pit*] />ts 8 motion ! runn] da%es t[>d second4 ,! hitt] sw+s1 /riv+ if possible to hit ! ball betwe5 fir/ & second base1 back ( ! fleet+ runn]4 ,! advantage ( c\rse is t by pre>rang$ signal :i* tells ! runn] j :at ! hitt] w d1 ! runn] is enabl$ to get a long lead & c advance an extra base4 ,or1 by hav+ t long />t1 he avoids ! possibility ( a d\ble play & rea*es second base safely ev5 ?\gh ! runn] may be ?r[n out4 ,! fact t a man is a good hitt] doesn't mean t he w be a good man on ! 8hit & run40 ,"h aga9 hitt+ /yle ent]s into x4 ,! *oke hitt] is always ! be/ hit & run man--& ! 8sw+ hitt]0 v seldom is able to put on ! play successfully4 ,t's because ! *oke hitt] is bett] able to place ! ball :]e he wants x4 8,call+ 8 %ots0 ! boys say4 ,) ! hit & run play on ! man at ! bat usually %ort5s 8 /ride & eases up on 8 sw+4 ,t's because he's got to make sure ( hitt+ ! ball4 ,failure to hit ! ball1 on a hit & run play1 means almo/ c]ta9 dea? to ! runn]--& hitt+ ! ball1 unless x happ5s to be a h>d l9] direct into an infield]'s h&s1 is practically a gu>antee t ! runn] w rea* 8 base safely4 ,eddie ,fo/]1 ! old ,wa%+ton ?ird baseman1 0 "o ( ! be/ hit & run m5 ,i ev] saw4 ,eddie c\ld come z ne> lay+ t ball midway betwe5 second & fir/ z any man 9 ! bus9ess4 ,! only *ance ( break+ up ! hit & run play ) ,eddie up1 0 to 8wa/e0 "o--& pit*]s don't d t unless !y are pretty sure !y h ! o!r fell['s sign4 ,a lot ( m5 9 ! league n[ are good on ! hit & run4 ,eddie ,coll9s is a wond] at x4 ,ty ,cobb 0 a great "o4 ,sewell ( ! ,clevel& ,indians is a wiz>d on ! play4 ,hitt]s :o seldom /rike out always make ! be/ hit & run m5--reg>dless ( :e!r !y hit ! ball f> or n4 ,joe ,dugan is z good on ! play z anyone we h on ! ,yankees4 ,& ,bob ,meusel c put x on well1 despite ! fact t he is bo? a "r h& hitt] & a sw+ hitt]4 ,! hit & run play usually dem&s t ! hitt] s5d ! ball to "r field4 ,fell[s l ,cobb & ,coll9s frequ5tly play x ! o!r way4 ,) a man 9 position = ! hit & run !y w fe9t a /rike to see :o cov]s second4 ,!n if ! %ort/op makes ! move to cov]1 !y w hit ?r\gh ! %ort/op position1 s5d+ ! ball ?r\gh ! space he vacat$ to g ov] to ! bag4 ,t's a good play = a fell[ :o c place hit4 ,b x's a bad gamble = ! amateur4 ,= if any?+ goes wrong1 a d\ble play is almo/ c]ta9--& !re's no?+ upsets a batt+ attack l a d\ble play4 ,! success or failure ( a hit & run dep5ds a lot on ! type ( pit*] :o is work+ too4 ,pit*]s :o pit* fa/ & high are ! easie/ victims ( ?is attack4 ,a pit*] ( ! ,wilcy ,moore type :o pit*es a l[ 8s9k]0 is t\gh4 ,wilcy makes oppos+ pit*]s hit into ! gr\nd1 & hitt+ into ! gr\nd on a hit & run is v likely to give an infield] an easy *ance = a d\ble play4 ,:e!r to use ! hit & run1 or ! sacrifice to advance runn]s is a matt] = ! manag] to decide4 ,x all dep5ds on ! play]s4 ,"s clubs are be/ at "o play "s are bett] at ! o!r4 ,c]ta9 o!r clubs1 spe$y & fa/ & %ifty1 may disc>d bo? 9 favor ( ! /eal4 ,mill] ,hugg9s1 sm>t manag] t he is1 cov]s ! subject 9 ?is way3 8,i'm n int]e/$ 9 baseball !ories10 he says4 8,baseball is "o game t c't be run by rule4 ,! team t w9s ball games is ! team t makes ! mo/ ( its own me*anical abilities & to ?und] ) ! o!r team's /rategy4 ,"s o!r manag] does ?+s diff]5tly p]haps--b he's got a diff]5t ball club to d x )60 ,,*apt] ,,xv ,! batt+ ord]--,! kid idea--,gett+ ! mo/ out ( hitt+ /r5g?--,! lead-(f man--,combs & ,wan] are good--,no reason :y pit*]s %\ldn't be good hitt]s--,a few examples--,heavie/ hitt]s bat ?ird & f\r?--,t's ! scor+ position4 ,:5 ,i 0 a kid play+ ar\nd ,baltimore1 we held to two g5]al rules 9 fix+ our batt+ ord]4 ,!re 0 ! old sy/em ( />t+ ) ! fir/ baseman & batt+ ar\nd to ! "r field]1 clos+ ) ! cat*] & pit*]4 ,!re wasn't any?+ v sci5tific 9 t s*eme1 b x _h its advantages4 ,x 0 easy to "k :o 0 up & didn't (f] mu* *ance = argum5t4 ,z a kid ,i saw m fights />t$ ov] ^: turn x 0 to hit1 ?an = any o!r s+le reason ,i c rememb]4 ,! o!r me?od ( arrang+ ! batt+ ord] consi/$ 9 />t+ ) a good hitt]1 !n a weak "o1 & alt]nat+ "r ?r\gh4 ,! idea ( t 0 t !re w\ld be a good hitt] com+ up 9 e inn+ to />t some?+4 ,t !re w\ld also be a weak "o to ru9 any?+ t 0 />t$1 didn't come 9 = mu* consid]ation4 ,( c\rse arrang+ a batt+ ord] 9 a kid game is a matt] t requires pl5ty ( /rategy4 ,j z ! boy :o owns a glove & ball is g5]ally pit*]1 s is ! kid :o owns a bat1 pretty apt to be fir/ hitt]--baseball /rategy be durn$4 ,at lea/ t 0 true :5 ,i 0 a y\ng/]1 & f :at ,i've se5 boys hav5't *ang$ mu* s9ce4 ,b s]i\sly ! batt+ ord] is a mighty important ?+--& manag]s consid] x v c>efully4 ,j z w9n+ a ball game dep5ds on ! runs scor$ s are ! runs scor$ dep5d5t on ! batt+ ord]4 ,a manag] mu/ figure always on gett+ ! mo/ f 8 hitt+ /r5g?1 & at ! same "t cov]+ up z mu* z possible 8 hitt+ weaknesses4 ,& e ball club1 no matt] h[ /rong1 is sure to h hitt+ weakness some:]e4 ,if !re are no o!rs1 !re's ! weakness ( ! pit*] z a hitt]4 ,mo/ pit*]s are weak hitt]s4 ,p]sonally ,i've nev] be5 able to figure out j :y4 ,i believe t pit*]s z a class1 %\ld be able to hit j z well z infield]s or outfield]s or cat*]s4 ,! tr\ble is t mo/ baseball m5 take ! attitude3 8,oh well1 y c't expect ! pit*] to hit0 & let x g at t4 ,j ! same !re are a lot ( pit*]s :o c hit well4 8,dut*0 ,rue!r 0 always a good hitt]4 ,george ,uhle ( ! ,clevel& ,indians is ab\t z t\gh a man up !re at ! plate z y'll f9d any:]e4 ,walt] ,johnson always hit well--& ,h]b ,p5nock usually comes up ) 8 %>e ( basehits4 ,z a pit*]1 ,i always manag$ to smack t ball fairly well1 &1 consid]+ ! little ,i play$1 ,i hit j z well :5 ,i 0 pit*+ z :5 play+ ! outfield4 ,!re are a numb] ( pit*]s :o1 ?r\gh z pit*]s1 h made good 9 ! outfield4 ,reb ,russell ! old ,:ite ,sox left h&]1 is "o ( !m4 ,joe ,wood1 ! old ,r$ ,sox fa/ ball pit*]1 w5t into ! outfield & play$ sev]al seasons aft] 8 pit*+ days 7 ov]4 8,lefty0 ,o',d\l1 :o comes to ! ,giants ?is ye> z an outfield]1 ) a reputation = real slugg+1 once wore a ,yankee uni=m z a pit*]4 ,joe ,bu%1 ! old ,yankee pit*]1 always c\ld hit--& is frequ5tly us$ z a p9* hitt]4 ,^! pit*]s are only a few ( _m :o c hit ) ! be/ batt]s 9 ! bus9ess4 ,x only goes to %[ t ! old idea ab\t pit*]s n be+ hitt]s1 is all wrong4 ,! big tr\ble is t ! pit*]s don't want to hit4 ,!y take ! attitude t !y're c>ry+ ! burd5 ( ! def5sive "w1 & t any /r5u\s ef=t at ! plate or on ! bases w\ld injure _! pit*+ effectiv5ess4 ,t idea />t$ _m1 _m ye>s ago--:5 a club c>ri$ only "o or two pit*]s4 ,9 ^? days :5 pit*]s 7 ov]work$1 x's true t !y c\ldn't af=d to exp5d any m en]gy ?an possible at ! plate or on ! bases4 ,b n[ a days ?+s are diff]5t4 ,) ball clubs c>ry+ eight or t5 pit*]s1 & pit*]s call$ ^u to "w only e f\r? or fif? day1 !re's no reason 9 ! _w :y ! pit*] %\ldn't c>ry j z mu* ( ! def5sive load z any man on ! club4 ,z ,i see x !re are ?ree reasons :y a pit*] rates z a poor hitt]4 ,9 ! fir/ place he believes x himself4 ,he has li/5$ to ! old h[l = s long t he j accepts x z fact4 ,! second reason is t pit*]s1 be+ pit*]s1 are m int]e/$ 9 ! oppos+ pit*]s' bus9ess ?an 9 _! own4 ,9 o!r words1 :5 !y're up !re at ! plate !y're always try+ to 8guess0 :at ! o!r fell[ is do+4 ,in/ead ( gett+ a good firm /ance & sw++ at ! good ones1 !y're ?9k+ ab\t :e!r x's to be a 8curve0 or a fa/ "o1 a l[ "o or a high "o4 ,no 8guess0 hitt] ev] makes a good hitt]4 ,! ?ird reason :y pit*]s c't hit1 z ,i see x1 is a lack ( practice4 ,hitt+ requires con/ant practice4 ,y've got to keep 9 !re sw++4 ,pit*]s on a big league club1 get batt+ practice only on ! days :5 !y are s*$ul$ to "w--& only a c\ple ( r\nds !n4 ,! be/ hitt] 9 ! _w c't be at 8 be/ :5 he h&les a bat = p]haps t5 m9utes twice a week4 ,b giv5 daily practice & ! idea t !y c hit1 !re's no reason :y pit*]s %\ldn't smack t ball j z h>d z any o!r type ( ball play]4 ,& :at a great ?+ x is = a club to h n9e real hitt]s up !re tak+ _! sw+1 in/ead ( eight batsm5 & a pit*]4 ,b ,i />t$ out to talk ab\t ! batt+ ord]4 ,mo/ big league manag]s foll[ ! same g5]al s*eme 9 mak+ up _! batt+ ord]4 ,naturally ! m good hitt]s !y h1 ! easi] is ! job1 & ! less att5tion !y h to give to plac+ _! m54 ,! ideal batt+ ord] w\ld be "o ( n9e m5--all ( !m ,cobbs or ,hornsbys4 ,b t doesn't happ54 ,manag]s1 if !y're sm>t1 pay a lot ( att5tion to ! selection ( _! fir/ hitt]4 8,! lead-(f man0 he is call$4 ,"h mu/ be a man ( good & quick judgm5t1 a play] :o c hit well1 & "o :o is incl9$ to be a 8wait]40 ,8 job is to get on base4 ,x doesn't make any diff]5ce :e!r he gets !re by a hit1 by walk+1 or by be+ sock$ 9 ! ribs--s long z he gets !re4 ,! m]e fact t a man is a good hitt]1 doesn't make him a good lead-(f man4 ,he has to h spe$ 9 addition--b mo/ important ( all is t good judgm5t ( pit*$ balls :i* enables him to =ce ! pit*] to 8come 9 !re40 ,z ,i said be=e 8 job is to ,,get ,,on ,,base--& to ,,make ,,t ,,pit*] ,,"w ,,on ,,him4 ,few lead-(f m51 if y w notice1 are fir/ ball hitt]s4 ,9 n9e ball games out ( t51 y'll see t fir/ man up 8take0 ! fir/ "o )\t sw++--:e!r x's outside or "r ?r\gh ! middle4 ,! be/ lead-(f man ,i've se5 s9ce ,i've be5 9 baseball is ,e>l ,combs ( ! ,yankees4 ,probably ,i'll get a lot ( argum5t on t /atem5t1 b x /&s4 ,!re are o!r m5 9 ! league :o c bunt bett] ?an ,e>l2 !re are o!r fell[s 9 ! league :o get m bases on balls4 ,!re are o!r lead-(f m51 ?\gh n _m1 :o may h bett] hitt+ av]ages4 ,b !re's "o ?+ at :i* ,e>l has no equal--& ! mo/ important ?+ ( all4 ,he gets to fir/ base safely4 ,la/ season = in/ance1 ,combs rea*$ fir/ base safely sev5 times out ( e ?irte5 times he came to bat4 ,?9k ( t6 ,= e two times he comes to ! plate he rea*es fir/ once4 ,& t's n c\nt+ ! times he 0 safe by reason ( hav+ =c$ "s o!r runn] at second6 ,i'm n up on records1 b ,i d\bt if t record ( ,combs la/ season has ev] be5 equall$ by anyone4 ,& t's :y ,i say he's ! be/ lead-(f man ,i ev] saw4 ,he gets on base ! mo/6 ,& once on base1 he kn[s h[ to get ! re/ ( ! way 'r\nd4 ,! ,yankees h be5 v =tunate 9 _! lead-(f m5 9 ! pa/ few ye>s4 ,be=e ,e>l ,combs came along ,:itey ,witt held ! job1 & ,:itey 0 a wiz>d too4 ,be+ little & %ort he 0 a t\gh man to pit* too--& he us$ to draw a good _m passes 9 ! c\rse ( a season4 ,b ,:itey _h "o weakness4 ,he c\ld g d[n to fir/ base l a fla%4 ,!re 7 few m5 9 ! league :o c\ld g fa/]4 ,b once he rea*$ fir/ he 0 actually sl[4 ,someh[ he didn't seem to h ! knack ( bas]unn+4 ,lloyd ,wan]1 ! s5sational little outfield] ( ! ,pirates1 is ano!r f9e lead-(f man4 ,wan] n only is a ke5 judge ( a pit*$ ball1 b 8 size is 9 8 favor4 ,little fell[s are always t\gh to pit* too4 ,a lot ( manag]s figure t ! lead-(f man %\ld be a small fell[--! smalle/ on ! club4 ,i nev] c\ld see t size made a lot ( diff]5ce except t little fell[s usually are fa/1 & !y pres5t a small t>get = ! pit*]4 ,x's ! ke5 eye t c\nts mo/ h[ev]4 ,e>l ,combs isn't small4 ,nei!r is ,sam ,rice ( ,wa%+ton4 ,johnny ,mo/il ( ! ,:ite ,sox is pretty sizeable1 too4 ,yet !y all h be5 mighty useful lead-(f m54 ,on ! o!r h& !re are "s little fell[s :o h rat$ z />s4 ,jimmy ,%eck>d ( ! old ,cubs is "o4 ,& ,jimmy des]ves to be rat$ among ! really great outfield]s ( ! game4 ,mill] ,hugg9s 0 small1 & a great lead-(f man--?\gh ,hugg9s 0 j ab\t z good batt+ 9 second place or ! 8sacrifice0 position4 ,donie ,bu%1 =m] %ort/op ( ! ,detroit ,tig]s & n[ manag] ( ! ,pittsburgh ,pirates1 l$ (f = ! ,tig]s ?r\gh _m a long season & _m a t\gh campaign4 ,& ,willie ,keel]1 ! "o man :om all critics agree 0 ! daddy ( sci5tific hitt]s1 0 a lead-(f man ?r\gh a life "t ( baseball seasons4 ,!re's "o important1 ?+ to rememb] 9 select+ a lead-(f man4 ,don't wa/e a real slugg] on ! job--= ! lead-(f man gets little opportunity to drive 9 runs1 z comp>$ to o!r po/s 9 ! batt+ ord]4 ,! reason = t is simple en\gh4 ,! tail end ( ! batt+ ord] br+s up ! cat*] & pit*]1 & ^! two1 by actual record1 get to fir/ base less ?an any o!r two hitt]s on ! club4 ,take ! case ( ,e>l ,combs = in/ance4 ,9 #aibg ,e>l got well ov] #bjj hits dur+ ! season2 m ?an any o!r man on ! club4 ,yet he rat$ fif? or six? 9 ! matt] ( runs driv5 94 ,x wasn't because he 0 a bad hitt] ) m5 on bases1 ei!r4 ,j ! opposite he's "o ( ! be/ boys 9 a p9* y'll f9d any:]e4 ,b usually :5 he comes up !re is nobody on4 ,8 bus9ess wasn't to advance o!r runn]s = ! mo/ "p4 ,x 0 to get on base himself4 ,second place 9 ! batt+ ord] is look$ ^u z ! 8sacrifice0 position4 ,! lead-(f man is suppos$ to get on fir/4 ,!n x's up to ! second man to sacrifice him to second :]e he w be 9 scor+ position4 ,b ! practice doesn't "w out z well z ! !ory1 p>ticul>ly 9 ^! days ( pla9 & fancy slugg+4 ,nev]!less x's a wise move to h a good hitt] batt+ 9 second place--& "o :o c put on ei!r ! hit & run1 or ! sacrifice z occasion may dem&4 ,sm>t manag]s are c>eful to use a 8*oke0 hitt] 9 second place if !y h "o on ! club4 ,t's because ! second place hitt] is (t5 call$ ^u to put on ! hit-&-run & t's a play t is next to impossible = a sw+ hitt] to put ov] "r4 ,9 ?ird & f\r? place 9 ! batt+ ord] y usually f9d ! slugg]s4 ,^! are ! fell[s :o are c\nt$ on to drive 9 ! runs--! siege guns ( ! attack z ! sport writ]s call !m4 ,!y may n h z high a batt+ av]age z ! fell[s :o bat second & fir/1 b !y're ! babies :o c be c\nt$ on to drive ! ball = long di/ances :5 !y d connect4 ,if !y don't get a base hit !y've always got ! *ance ( driv+ out long flies t w score runs1 anyh[4 ,manag]s ( big league ball clubs h diff]5ces ( op9ion on a lot ( subjects b !y all agree on ! value ( c5traliz+ _! 8slugg+0 p[] 9 ?ird1 f\r? & fif? place 9 ! batt+ ord]4 ,y h only to look at ! old box score to prove ! /atem5t4 ,9 ! fir/ _w s]ies--! "o betwe5 ,bo/on & ,pittsburgh 9 #aijc--y f9d ,lea* & ,wagn] batt+ ?ird & f\r? = ! ,pirates & ,/ahl & ,freeman = ! ,bo/on club4 ,^! 7 ! slugg]s do+ _! /uff !n z !y d n[4 ,& x's be5 ! same all ?r\gh baseball hi/ory4 ,!re 7 ,s*ulte1 ,*ance & ,/e9feldt ( ! old ,cubs1 ,cobb1 ,craw=d & ,vea* ( ! sma%+ ,detroit ,tig]s ( tw5ty ye>s ago4 ,coll9s & ,bak] batt$ ?ird & f\r? = ! fam\s old ,a?letics1 & !y 7 ! slugg]s ( ! outfit4 ,speak] & ,lewis 7 ! clean-up pair = ! *ampion%ip ,r$ ,sox2 ,coll9s & ,jackson = ! ,:ite ,sox ( #aiag2 ,fris* ,"y & ,kelly = ! ,giant *ampions ( a few ye>s ago4 ,) ! ,c>d9als ( #aibf ,hornsby & ,bottomley drew ! slugg+ po/s ( honor & ! ,pirates ( #aibg _h ,wan] & ,h>ris on ! job4 ,x all tells ! same /ory4 ,?ird & f\r? place 9 ! batt+ ord] is ! spot = slugg+ /r5g?1 & if y h any left ov] y c s5d !m into fif? & six? place z well4 ,p]sonally ,i'd r bat 9 ?ird place ?an any o!r spot on ! l9eup4 ,t's probably because ,i'm us$ to x4 ,& !n too1 ,i "k t ,i'm be+ foll[$ by ano!r man :o has a good *ance ( com+ ?r\gh if ,i fail4 ,i don't g up to ! bat feel+ l "s sort ( a la/ *ance or z ?\gh ! :ole weight ( ! game 0 on my %\ld]s4 ,i want to say ?is "r "h & n[ too4 ,i feel t a lot ( my success 9 hitt+ home runs has be5 due to ! fact t ,i've always _h fell[s foll[+ me 9 ! batt+ ord] :o 7 j z dang]\s z ,i 04 ,9 #aibj :5 ,i got #ed home runs & aga9 9 #aiba :5 ,i hit #ei1 ,i 0 foll[$ 9 ! batt+ ord] by ,wallie ,pipp & ,bob ,meusel4 ,bo? ( !m _h p>ticul>ly good seasons1 & !re wasn't mu* p]c5tage 9 pass+ me to get at fell[s l t4 ,!n la/ ye> ,i _h ,l\ ,gehrig com+ up aft] me--& ! pit*] :o pass$ me to get at ,l\ 0 tak+ a mighty big *ance1 believe me4 ,consequ5tly !y pit*$ to me4 ,!y _h to4 ,"h's a funny ?+ ab\t a batt+ ord] t mo/ folks don't realize4 ,next to ! lead-(f man1 ! fell[ :o is call$ ^u mo/ (t5 to />t ! inn+ at bat is ! *ap 9 six? place4 ,& next to ! man batt+ 9 ?ird place ! fell[ :o bats six? comes up mo/ (t5 ) m5 on bases4 ,i don't "k :y t is4 ,i only "k x's true6 ,a c\ple ( seasons ago "s ( ! newspap] m5 travel+ ) ! ,yankees got 9 an argum5t ov] x1 & "o ( !m w5t ov] ! scores = a :ole season ( play to *eck ! ?+ up4 ,! scores book %[$ ! tru? ( ! claim4 ,! answ]1 ( c\rse1 is t six? place is a mighty important spot1 & requires a man second only to ! lead-(f man 9 8 ability to get on base4 ,y "k 9 baseball !re's no?+ s important z gett+ ! jump on ! o!r fell[4 ,& ! mo/ important way ( gett+ ! jump is = ! fir/ man up 9 an inn+ to get on fir/ base4 ,if a team is =tunate to h two m5 :o are good at ! bus9ess ( rea*+ fir/ base ! problem is easy4 ,put "o ( !m 9 to lead (f & bat ! o!r 9 six? place 9 ! batt+ ord]4 ,( ! two1 take ! "o t is ! be/ slugg] = six? place4 ,! reason = t is t he is m apt to be foll[$ by weak hitt]s & x's !re=t necess>y t he be able to hit = extra bases z mu* z possible s9ce he c't expect s mu* help f ! fell[s :o foll[ him4 8!re=t0 replac$ ) 8!re=e0 ,:i* br+s u d[n to ! tail end ( ! batt+ ord]1 & unless a team is mighty =tunate 9 hav+ unusual hitt+ /r5g? t's apt to be ! dump+ gr\nd4 ,"s manag]s believe 9 putt+ a little ( _! hitt+ /r5g? at ! bottom1 b p]sonally ,i'd r see x bun*$4 ,( c\rse if y've got a top-heavy batt+ ord]1 !re w be times ab\t e o!r inn+ :5 y\r team won't ?reat54 ,b j ! same ,i've got a hun* t x's a good idea to h all y\r dynamite ready = explosion at once1 ev5 if y c get ar\nd to x only e second or ?ird inn+4 ,unless ! cat*] happ5s to be a v /rong hitt] & "s o!r play] is unusually weak mo/ manag]s pref] to bat _! cat*] eigh? & ! pit*] n9?4 ,x's a sort ( cu/om n[--b x has a basis ( judgm5t too4 ,x's simply ?is4 ,! pit*] & cat*] are n 9 ! game regul>ly1 & putt+ !m at ! bottom ( ! batt+ ord] breaks up team play ! lea/ ( any place y c\ld h !m4 ,! o!r six m51 batt+ 9 regul> position le>n to "k ea* o!r's /yle ( play & c make ! mo/ ( _! base hits4 ,& anyh[ ! tail end ( ! ord] is always ! weake/ & c /& %ift+ )\t h>m1 bett] ?an any o!r place y c "n4 ,,*apt] ,,xvi ,team "w c\nts--,! hit & run1 & :5 to use x-- ,! squeeze play--,urban ,%ock] puts x ov] great--,a bit ( advice on base runn+--,great base runn]s ! game has se5--,s*ang pulls a good l9e on ,cobb--,! slide an important feature ( base runn+--,spik+ no long] done--,! /ory ( h[ spik+ began4 ,i've se5 a lot ( ball games 9 all ^! ye>s1 & ,i've _h a lot ( 8kicks0 f ! game4 ,!re's ! kick t comes f mak+ a good cat* or a good ?r[4 ,& ! kick t comes1 too1 f hitt+ a ball & wat* x go+ sail+ up & out1 until x disappe>s ov] ! f5ce & y he> ! *e]s & ! applause z y g trott+ ar\nd ! bases4 ,b ^? ?rills are all p]sonal4 ,!re's ano!r sort ( ?rill t ball play]s "k--! ?rill ( see+ a p]fect play1 p]fectly execut$4 ,& n[1 aft] a lot ( ye>s ( big league competition1 ,i've ab\t decid$ t ! two mo/ beautiful plays ! game holds are ! p]fect /eal & ! p]fectly execut$ 8squeeze0 play t br+s ! runn] slid+ home 9 a cl\d ( du/ ) ! w9n+ run4 ,someh[ !re's some?+ ab\t ^! two t ar5't duplicat$ any:]e else 9 baseball4 ,maybe x's because !y require s mu* coord9ation3 because !y mu/ be p]fect to be work$ at all1 & !re's always a ?rill 9 do+ a ?+ exactly "r4 ,i'm sorry nei!r ! squeeze play nor ! /eal are us$ z mu* n[ z !y 7 a few ye>s ago4 ,slugg+1 driv+ baseball has made !m unnecess>y4 ,"o run means v little 9 mod]n baseball4 ,mo/ manag]s play = ?ree or f\r1 & ! squeeze seldom is call$ into use unless x be 9 ! f9al inn+ or two ( an occasional tight game4 ,! /eal too has be5 m or less pass$ up = ! same reason4 ,y seldom see a runn] /eal ?ird base any m1 & a /eal ( home is practically unhe>d ( except 9 ! s-call$ 8d\ble /eal40 ,! !ory ( ! squeeze play is simple4 ,x is us$ only :5 !re is a runn] on ?ird base & "o run ne$$ to tie or w94 ,suppose1 = example1 t x is ! n9? inn+1 ! score is ti$ & ! team at bat has a runn] on ?ird base & "o out4 ,! /age is all set = ! 8squeeze40 ,! signal is fla%$4 ,) ! motion ( ! pit*]'s arm ! runn] on ?ird breaks loose = ! plate z fa/ z he c g4 ,he doesn't pay any att5tion to ! pit*] or ! hitt]--j runs z h>d z he c & ?r[s himself at ! plate4 ,meantime ! batt] bunts ! ball d[n ! ?ird base l9e1 a sl[ twi/+ bunt t's a little too f> out = ! cat*]1 & too f> t[>d ! ?ird base l9e = ! pit*]4 ,) ! prop] sort ( a bunt ! play c't fail to score a run4 ,s9ce ! runn] gets su* a long />t !re's no play] 9 ! _w c h&le ! ball quickly en\gh to retire him4 ,b ! bunt mu/ be p]fect & !re's ! cat* ( x4 ,bunt+ today is pretty mu* a lo/ art4 ,! hitt] might miss ! ball2 he might pop x into ! air2 he might drop x dead 9 front ( ! plate4 ,& any ( ^! ?+s are fatal4 ,= ! runn] once he has />t$ c't turn back4 ,he j keeps com+4 ,x's a great play1 & a beautiful play4 ,& ) exp]i5c$ m5 work+ x1 x's ab\t z sure a way ( scor+ z y c f9d 9 ! book4 ,b !re's dang] 9 x too--z 9 all types ( baseball /rategy & besides x scores only "o run4 ,& z ,i said be=e "o run 9 mod]n base ball doesn't mean mu*4 ,a few ye>s ago ! pit*] :o 0 lucky en\gh to get a two or ?ree run m>g9 consid]$ ! game j z good z won4 ,today a m>g9 ( ?ree or f\r runs means v little4 ,"o bad inn+ c ov]come all t & !n "s4 ,s ! squeeze has ab\t gone out4 ,! be/ 8squeeze play man0 ,i "k ( today 9 baseball is ,urban ,%ock]1 ! ,yankee pit*]4 ,%ock nev] rat$ z a great hitt] or any?+ l t1 b he c]ta9ly c lay t ball d[n4 ,x's a matt] ( record t he drove 9 #aa runs = ! ,yankees la/ season4 ,& six ( !m 7 scor$ on squeeze plays1 ?ree ( :i* won ball games4 ,ray ,s*alk1 ! pepp]y little cat*] & manag] ( ! ,:ite ,sox1 is ano!r *ap :o is a wiz>d at x4 ,naturally1 :5 ! squeeze play looks probable ! infield plays 94 ,! ?ird baseman comes well 9 on ! l9e & ! fir/ baseman moves 9 on ! grass half way to ! plate4 ,all ( :i* makes x t mu* m difficult--b j ! same1 prop]ly execut$1 ! 8squeeze0 w "w eight times out ( t54 ,its success or failure1 naturally1 dep5ds on ! hitt]4 ,if he lays ! ball d[n prop]ly ! runn] f ?ird c score /&+ up--p>ticul>ly if he's a quick />t] & gets a good lead1 plus a />t ) ! pit*]'s arm4 ,b ! hitt] has to hit--& he has to hit on ! gr\nd4 ,o!rwise--well1 x's j too bad4 ,! 8/eal0 l ! 8squeeze play0 is us$ mu* less ?an x 0 a few ye>s ago4 ,a lot ( good baseball m5 say t /eal+ is a lo/ art4 ,i don't believe t4 ,!re are j z _m clev] base runn]s1 & j z _m fa/ m5 9 ! league n[ z !re ev] h be54 ,b ! fact is t ! /eal isn't z necess>y4 ,!re's no ne$ 9 a man tak+ a *ance on be+ ?r[n out on a /eal :5 any batt] t /eps up !re is apt to plunk ! ball ov] ! f5ce = a home run s he c score /&+ up4 ,b j ! same we h "s mighty f9e base runn]s today1 z always4 ,& we h "s clubs too t don't h ! hitt+ p[] & g 9 = ! /eal z a real "p ( _! scor+ attack4 ,george ,mori>ity1 ! old ?ird baseman :o took ov] ! managem5t ( ! ,detroit ,tig]s aft] ye>s ( umpir+1 w5t 9 pretty /rong = ! /eal 9 8 season z manag]1 & got away ) x4 ,! ,tig]s z a club1 /ole m bases ?an any o!r team 9 ei!r league--yet !y're n p>ticul>ly fa/ z a team4 ,johnny ,neun probably 0 ! be/ man !y _h4 ,i'll nev] =get a game ,johnny play$ aga9/ ! ,yankees :5 he /ole five bases 9 n9e inn+s4 ,! fir/ "t up he /ole second4 ,8 next "t at bat he walk$1 !n proce$$ to /eal second & ?ird4 ,& on 8 ?ird appe>ance at bat he add$ insult to injury by gett+ a s+le & !n /eal+ second1 ?ird1 & home1 "o aft] ! o!r & on ?ree pit*$ balls4 ,t's /eal+ bases--& no old tim] 9 ! bus9ess ev] did bett] ?an t4 ,johnny 0 ! be/ base runn] ! ,tig]s _h4 ,b !y h o!r good ones 9 ,tav5] & ,gehr+]1 & ,mori>ity ev5 w5t z f> ) ! 8/eal0 game t he _h ,bob ,fo!rgill & ,h>ry ,heilmann /epp+ !m (f4 ,& ^? fell[s nev] w\ld break any spe$ records any:]e4 8appe>5ce0 replac$ ) 8appe>ance0 ,base /eal+ isn't s mu* a matt] ( spe$ z x is a "q ( cat*+ ! oppon5ts (f gu>d1 gett+ a good lead1 & !n be+ able to />t fa/4 ,play]s l ,eddie ,coll9s & ,johnny ,neun are fa/ b n spr9t]s4 ,yet !y're good base runn]s simply because !y "k h[ to take a long lead1 & h[ to />t4 ,i c\ld "n a doz5 m5 9 baseball :o c\ld run r+s ar\nd ,coll9s ov] a hundr$ y>d c\rse4 ,b n a "o ( ! lot c get away fa/] or pick up full spe$ 9 s %ort a di/ance4 ,( c\rse !re are exceptions4 ,johnny ,mo/il ( ! ,:ite ,sox1 & "o ( ! greate/ outfield]s ! game ev] has kn[n1 manag$ to /eal a lot ( bases 9 ! c\rse ( a ye>1 & on spe$ alone4 ,b he's ! exception4 ,! greate/ base runn] :o ev] liv$1 ,i ?9k1 0 ,tyrus ,raymond ,cobb4 ,cobb _h spe$ to burn4 ,b he _h o!r ?+s too4 ,he _h wond]ful judgm5t plus a hook slide t is ! be/ ,i ev] saw4 ,m ?an t he 0 a quick ?9k]4 ,he seem$ able to s5se :at ! o!r fell[ 0 expect+1 & !n he'd d ! exact opposite4 ,"s ( ,cobb's base runn+ /unts w nev] be =gott54 ,i've se5 him score all ! way f second base on a d9ky sacrifice fly4 ,i've se5 him g all ! way home f fir/ on a s+le1 & ,i've se5 him /eal home m times ?an ,i c rememb]4 ,i don't "k h[ _m two bagg]s ,ty has made 9 8 c>e]1 b ,i'd make a bet "r n[ t at lea/ half ( !m 7 s+les t he /ret*$ into two base hits by base runn+ cunn+ & half ( 8 ?ree-bagg]s1 ,i "k1 w\ld h be5 only d\bles & skimpy ones at t1 = ! ord9>y base runn]4 ,= tw5ty ye>s ,ty ,cobb ran wild ?r\gh ! league1 & dur+ ! t5 ye>s :5 he 0 9 8 prime z a ball play] he _h e o!r club 9 ! league nutty4 ,he'd try any?+--& get away ) x4 ,"o ( ! funnie/ l9es ,i ev] he>d1 & at ! same "t "o ( ! greate/ complim5ts ev] paid ,cobb came f ,wally ,s*ang4 ,x all happ5$ 9 ! secrecy ( ! ,a?letic's club h\se1 b x 0 s good t ! o!r play]s told x & 9 a few days x _h travel$ all ar\nd ! league4 ,! ,a?letics 7 ab\t to engage ! ,tig]s 9 a crucial s]ies & ,connie ,mack 0 hold+ a meet+ to discuss ! games4 ,! boys w5t ov] all ! ,detroit hitt]s1 "o by "o1 & decid$ h[ !y w\ld pit* to ea* man4 ,!y discuss$ _! own plays1 & ev]y?+ 9 ! baseball category4 ,f9ally !y came to ! matt] ( /opp+ ,cobb4 ,connie ask$ = sugge/ions b no "o came ?r\gh4 ,f9ally he turn$ to ,s*ang1 :o _h be5 ) ! club only a c\ple ( seasons4 8,n[ ,wallie10 ,connie said1 8suppose ! ,tig]s 7 "o run beh9d1 ,cobb 0 on second base1 & y knew he 0 go+ to /eal4 ,:at w\ld y d80 ,s*angie's answ] 0 quick & to ! po9t4 8,i'd fake a ?r[ to ?ird !n hold ! ball & tag him z he slid into ! plate40 ,& he wasn't f> wrong at t1 ei!r4 ,z ,bob ,%awkey us$ to say 8,! only ?+s ,ty ,cobb nev] /ole 7 fir/ base & ! umpire's :isk broom1 & he w\ld h _h ^? 9 ano!r two ye>s40 ,i've he>d a lot ( explanation ( ,cobb's success z a base runn]4 ,! be/ ,i ev] he>d 0 f ,cobb himself4 ,& x 0 %ort & sweet4 8,i've made a success z a base runn] because ,i keep my head up10 he said4 ,:at he meant ( c\rse1 0 t he 0 always wat*+ = opportunities4 ,! slighte/ fumble1 ! slighte/ hesitation on ! "p ( an oppos+ play] 9 h&l+ ! ball--^! 7 invitations to ,cobb1 & he nev] refus$ !m4 ,ev5 aft] "s ( ! spe$ _h gone out ( 8 legs & ! ye>s _h tak5 _! toll ( en]gy he 0 /ill dang]\s1 simply because he kept 8 head up & 8 eyes op54 ,& ^? two ?+s are ! fir/ requirem5ts = a good base runn]4 ,cobb1 z ,i said be=e1 is ! be/ base runn] ,i ev] saw &1 ,i ?9k1 ! greate/ :o ev] wore a spik$ %oe4 ,!re h be5 o!rs :o h be5 really great too4 ,!re's ,max ,c>ey :o came into ! big leagues way back 9 #aiaj & is /ill on ! job aft] #ah ye>s ( big league s]vice4 ,c>ey 0 a spe$ boy :5 he came into ! league--b he 0 intellig5t too4 ,& n[ t 8 spe$ has des]t$ him1 he has exp]i5ce & k to fall back on1 & is /ill able to %[ ! way to mo/ ( ! fell[s 9 ! league :5 x comes to sci5tific base runn+4 ,! secret ( ,max's success z a base runn] is 8 ability to get a />t4 ,c>ey wat*es1 ! oppos+ def5se ) ! eye ( a hawk4 ,he's1 always set & ready to g--always on p]fect balance s he c da% 9 ei!r direction4 ,& l ,cobb1 he has a p]fect hook slide4 ,ano!r great base runn] is ,frankie ,fris* ( ! ,c>d9als4 ,frankie is peculi> 9 t he uses a head-on slide & is "o ( ! few m5 9 ! big league :o uses su* a slide4 ,frankie has a good1 argum5t too4 ,he says t by slid+ head fir/ in/ead ( feet fir/ he saves ! split "p ( a second 9 gett+ und]way4 ,( c\rse ^! m5 are n ! only great base runn]s4 ,b !y are typical ( !m all4 ,sam ,rice ( ! ,wa%+ton ,s5ators1 ,bob ,meusel ( ! ,yankees2 ,al ,simmons & ,walt] ,fr5* ( ! ,a?letics1 ! ,wan] boys ( ! ,pirates3 ,eddie ,r\% ( ! ,giants3 ,rog]s ,hornsby1 ,hack ,wilson1 ,bucky ,h>ris3 ,bib ,falk--^! m5 are all great on ! bases4 ,! greate/ slid] ,i ev] h se5 0 ,ty ,cobb4 ,ty 0 ! fir/ man 9 baseball to develop ! 8hook slide40 ,t1 z mo/ ev]yone kn[s1 consi/s 9 ?r[+ ! body sideways & cat*+ ! bag ) ! toe4 ,! advantage ( ! hook slide ov] ! /raight slide is t x gives ! baseman only a m9imum space to tag out4 ,b ! hook slide is a dang]\s ?+ = an amateur1 = x (f]s all sorts ( opportunity = injury4 ,a fraction ( an in* error 9 judgm5t may mean miss+ ! bag entirely & an easy put\t = ! oppon5ts4 ,m s]i\s ?an t1 h[ev]1 is ! dang] ( cat*+ ! bag ) y\r spikes in/ead ( ! toe1 9 :i* case ! ankle bones w be snapp$ (f l twigs4 ,ea* season sees ?ree or f\r m5 out ( ! game ) brok5 legs or twi/$ ankles--& n9ety-n9e p]c5t ( su* injuries c be trac$ to bad slid+4 ,if y />t y\r slide too soon y are an easy out4 ,if y />t too late !re's always ! dang] ( p]sonal injury4 ,tim+ is j z important 9 slid+ z 9 hitt+1 & lack ( tim+ means a bad slide4 ,to become a good slid] !re's only "o me?od4 ,t's con/ant practice4 ,i c rememb] :5 ! slid+ pit 0 an important feature 9 e tra9+ camp--& rookies 7 s5t out to practice = long /ret*es at a "t1 & "u ! eyes ( exp]ts4 ,!y don't d t mu* any m--n t practice is any less important1 b because ! slide & ! /eal no long] occupy z important a place z once !y did 9 baseball4 ,to be a good slid] a man mu/ le>n to hook ! bag ) ei!r foot4 ,t s\nds easy1 b x isn't4 ,j z a man is naturally "r h&$ or left h&$1 s does he slide f ! "r side or ! left side4 ,& le>n+ to 8fall away0 to ei!r side equally well is a t\gh job t requires a lot ( "w4 ,a few ye>s ago !re 0 a lot ( talk ( 8spik+40 ,t has all gone out4 ,no long] d m5 come driv+ into ! bag ) na/y spikes rais$ high ready to cut d[n ! baseman or drive him out ( ! l9e ( play4 ,old tim]s may make a bluff at 8spik+0 to try & fright5 "s rookie baseman1 b ,i don't believe !re has be5 a delib]ate case ( spik+ 9 ! big leagues 9 ! la/ five ye>s4 ,naturally m5 w get cut once 9 a:ile accid5tally4 ,"o ( ! commone/ plays on :i* 8spik+0 occurs1 is on a high ?r[ to ! base :]e ! baseman jumps 9 ! air = ! ball at ! same in/ant ! runn] slides into ! bag4 ,z ! baseman comes d[n he is apt to l& on ! runn] ) 8 spikes4 ,b if ! runn] hooks ! bag in/ead ( go+ /raight 91 !re is less dang] 9 ! play4 8accid5tly0 replac$ ) 8accid5tally0 ,i 0 talk+ to "o ( ! vet]an newspap] m5 a few mon?s ago & he told me an int]e/+ /ory ( h[ ! spik+ practice fir/ orig9at$4 ,he gave cr$it 787 = ! play to ,patsy ,tebeau1 manag] ( ! fam\s ,clevel& ,spid]s ( ?irty ye>s ago4 ,tebeau 9 8 eag]ness to w9 ball games conceiv$ ! idea ( spik+4 8,g into _! basem5 tomorr[ spikes fir/1 & rip _! legs (f if y h to10 ,tebeau ord]$ "o day1 aft] f\r ( 8 m5 _h be5 nipp$ /eal+4 ,! next aft]noon "o ( ,tebeau's runn]s foll[$ ord]s1 & ripp$ a f\r-in* ga% 9 ! second baseman's leg4 ,ano!r leap$ into ! %ort/op & tore a mass ( sk9 (f 8 %9bone4 8,t w put fe> 9 _! he>ts10 ,tebeau gloat$4 ,he 0 "r4 ,basem51 fe>+ ! spikes1 became mighty c>eful & ! ,spid]s ran wild on ! bases ?r\gh game aft] game4 ,b acc\nts 7 soon squ>$4 ,9 ,pittsburgh foll[+ a game 9 :i* ,tebeau's play]s _h ga%$ & cut ?ree ( ! ,pittsburgh m54 ,9 ^? days ! play]s dress$ at _! hotels1 & x s happ5$ t ! ,spid]s _h to g pa/ ! ,pirate hotel to rea* ! ball p>k4 ,j be=e ! ,spid]s 7 due to pass ,william ,temple1 own] ( ! ,pittsburgh team1 assembl$ 8 play]s on ! por*4 8,"h's a nice new file = ea* ( y10 he told !m4 8,! v m9ute t ,spid] outfit comes along ,i want all y boys to be busy fil+ y\r spikes --& keep fil+ !m until y get a razor edge40 ,a few m9utes lat] ! ,spid]s arriv$4 ,tebeau ord]$ ! bus /opp$4 ,he climb$ out1 walk$ ov] to ! spike-%>p5+ crew1 & wat*$ !m = a m9ute4 ,!n )\t a ^w1 he return$ to ! bus4 8,nev] m9d any spik+ /uff10 he ann\nc$ to 8 club lat]4 8,we'll get ! wor/ ( x4 ,!y've got ! %>p] spikes40 ,! ,pirates wait$ = ! ,spid]s to op5 _! fam\s spik+ attack4 ,! ,spid]s didn't4 ,s ! ,pirates decid$ to />t ! action4 ,!y began to hurl !mselves into ! bases reg>dless ( results4 ,! ,spid]s1 kn[+ :at ! rival team 0 we>+ on its feet /epp$ away f ! bags & let ! ,pirates run bases free & easy4 ,! ,pirates scor$ fifte5 runs t aft]noon4 ,naturally o!r clubs1 see+ ! success ( ! move1 decid$ to d likewise4 ,& s began ! 8spik+ era0 9 baseball4 ,! ,baltimore ,orioles 7 p>ticul>ly good at x4 ,& ! ext5t to :i* 8spik+0 develop$ be=e f9ally x 0 b>r$ by league rule c be illu/rat$ by a /ory ( ,kid ,gleason's1 ! pepp]y little second baseman ( ! old ,orioles & lat] manag] ( ! ,:ite ,sox & n[ assi/ant to ,connie ,mack4 8,once0 ! ,kid relates1 8!re 0 a ?ird baseman :o violat$ "o ( our spik+ rules4 ,he /uck 'em into ! second baseman's *e/4 ,t 0 mo/ une?ical1 inasmu* z "o ( our unwritt5 laws b>r$ spik+ ,,above ! wai/ l9e4 8,! second baseman v[$ to get rev5ge4 ,two inn+s lat] ?is p>ticul> second baseman hav+ rea*$ second1 />t$ = ?ird on a drive ?r\gh ! infield4 ,he probably c\ld h scor$ on ! play--b t wasn't 8 purpose4 ,z he r\nd$ ?ird base he knock$ ! baseman d[n1 fak$ a fall himself1 recov]$ & slid back to ?ird4 ,9 do+ s he 0 v c>eful to slide 8 spikes "r into ! face ( ! ?ird baseman40 8,^?10 ! ,kid always adds :5 he tells ! /ory1 87 ! good old days40 ,may be s4 ,b pres5t day ball play]s h m good s5se4 ,!y realize t su* tactics1 ) ! injuries t foll[ %ort5 c>e]s4 ,& ! pr(essional baseball c>e] is %ort en\gh anyh[4 ,play h>d1 play fa/1 b play fair is today's motto4 ,int5tional spik+ has gone out1 along ) ! em]y ball & ! ball p>k saloon4 ,,*apt] ,,xvii ,hugg9s a psy*ologi/--,h[ he put x ov] on ! ,pirates 9 ! _w s]ies--,baseball sup]/itions--,mc,graw turns "o to advantage & w9s an important s]ies--,college m5 9 baseball--,:at !y h contribut$ to ! game--,ball play]s :o make good outside ( baseball--,zane ,grey once a pr(essional--,billy ,sunday & ,gov]nor ,t5]4 ,! #aibg _w s]ies prov$ t baseball m5 don't come any sm>t] ?an ,mill] ,hugg9s1 manag] ( ! ,yankees4 ,hug pull$ ?ree ?+s 9 t s]ies t /ood out l ! w>ts on a pickle4 ,! fir/ "o happ5$ ! day be=e ! s]ies op5$4 ,we 7 to "w out 9 ! ,pirate ,p>k1 & ! ,pirates _h _! work\t j be=e we took ! field4 ,we came out f ! club h\se4 ,mo/ ( ! ,pirates _h dress$ & 7 sitt+ 9 ! /&s to wat* u g ?r\gh our practice4 ,hug spott$ !m at once4 ,he call$ ,p5nock & ,%awkey ov]4 8,li/510 he said4 8,^? fell[s are out "h to wat* u s we'll %[ !m some?+4 ,y two fell[s w pit* hitt+ practice4 ,:5 y g 9 !re lay t ball "r d[n ! middle4 ,don't put any?+ on x4 ,let's %[ ^? fell[s "s real hitt+60 ,combs 0 ! fir/ man up4 ,he plunk$ ! fir/ pit* into ! c5t] field /&s4 ,ko5ig swung twice1 b\nc+ "o ball (f ! "r field wall1 & ! o!r (f ! left field b>ri]4 ,!n ,i came up4 ,bob laid !m "r d[n ! middle1 ) j en\gh spe$ to make !m p]fect4 ,! fir/ ball ,i hit ov] ! ro( ( ! "r field gr&/&4 ,i put ano!r "o into ! l[] ti]4 ,!n ,i got hold ( "o & laid x 9 ! c5t] field blea*]s4 ,i 0 ab\t to quit b ,hugg9s walk$ ov] pa/ me4 8,hit a c\ple m ,babe10 he :isp]$4 8,we've got !m talk+ to !mselves40 ,i hit two m long ones & gave way to ,gehrig4 ,l\ broke ! f5ce ) ?ree sw+s4 ,! ,pirates 7 flabb]ga/$4 ,a fri5d ( m9e--"o ( ! newspap] m5 :o 0 9 ! /&s--he>d !m talk+4 8,boy1 did y ev] see su* hitt+80 ,pie ,traynor said4 8,!y're ev5 bett] ?an !y're adv]tis$60 ,! up%ot 0 t ! ,pirates left ! p>k t aft]noon half lick$ be=e ! s]ies ev] op5$4 ,!y came out !re to see if we hit z h>d z ev]ybody claim$1 & sm>t little ,hug spik$ !m 9 ! fir/ t5 m9utes4 ,hug's second sm>t move came aft] ,hoyt _h won ! fir/ game4 ,ev]yone expect$ him to />t ,%ock] or ,p5nock4 ,he cross$ !m up4 8,we'll />t ,pipgras0 he ann\nc$ 9 ! clubh\se4 8,! fact t we ?9k s little ( ,pittsburgh z to />t a gre5 kid1 w get _! goats4 ,we've got 'em guess+ n[ ab\t our hitt+4 ,putt+ 9 a kid pit*] aga9/ !m w j ab\t settle ?+s4 ,george goes 9 t second game--& if he gets away ) x1 we've got 'em4 ,! s]ies w be ov] 9 f\r games60 ,y "k ! hi/ory ( t s]ies4 ,pipgras n only />t$ b he _h ! ,pirates "u 8 ?umb f />t to f9i%4 ,he won easily4 ,! next day ,p5nock took !m ov] ! jumps--& t 0 a cr[n+ insult too4 ,= mo/ ( ! wise guys _h said t ,p5nock w\ldn't ev5 />t s9ce ! ,pirates 7 dea? on left-h&]s4 ,hug's wise/ move1 h[ev]1 came 9 ! f9al game4 ,x 0 ! n9? inn+1 ! score 0 ti$1 & we 7 go+ to bat = ! la/ "t4 ,combs s+l$ & ,ko5ig 0 safe :5 ,traynor fail$ to come 9 = 8 bunt 9 "t4 ,i got a base on balls4 ,bases full4 ,nobody d[n4 ,x look$ z ?\gh ! old s]ies 0 9 ! bag4 ,l\ ,gehrig came up4 ,l\ 0 ov]anxi\s to hit--& ,john ,miljus z wise & cool z pit*]s come1 work$ c>efully4 ,gehrig fann$4 ,meusel 0 up4 ,! boys on ! b5* 7 nutty4 8,put on ! squeeze play10 !y urg$ ,hug4 8,we've got to get ,combs home4 ,let's try ! squeeze60 ,hug gr9n$4 8,no?+ do+10 he said4 8,li/5 to me4 ,t fell[ out !re 7,miljus7 is try+ too h>d4 ,he's putt+ too mu* on t ball4 ,if someone doesn't hit he'll wild pit* sure4 ,we c't miss4 ,a hit or a wild pit*60 ,meusel fann$ & !n--well x's an old /ory n[4 ,) ,lazz]i up ,miljus cut "o loose t 0 out ( ,goo*'s rea*4 ,! ball swept pa/ him & roll$ to ! back/op4 ,e>l ,combs1 p]*$ & ready to g at ?ird1 came gallop+ home ) ! run t won ! game & ! _w s]ies4 ,mill] ,hugg9s _h call$ ! turn6 8,got to h& x to y ,hug10 ,pat ,coll9s pip$ up1 8,t's call+ 'em bett] ?an ,i ev] saw4 ,y're a wiz>d60 ,hugg9s gr9n$4 8,wiz>d1 no?+10 he said1 8,t's j baseball4 ,x 0 b\nd to happ5 & ,i've be5 ar\nd long en\gh t ,i've le>n$ to look = t sort ( ?+40 ,x j goes to %[ h[ a real manag] takes advantage ( e little ?+ to aid 8 team4 ,fell[s l ,mc,graw & ,hugg9s1 eat & sleep & dr9k baseball4 ,x's _! v life--& ! ye>s give !m a k t c't be beat4 ,i don't "k :e!r p realize x or n1 b mo/ ball play]s are sup]/iti\s4 ,mc,graw once capitaliz$ sup]/ition to w9 a t\gh s]ies f ! ,cubs4 ,to und]/& ! /ory y mu/ und]/& t "o ( ! g5]al sup]/itions ( baseball is t empty b>rels mean basehits4 ,a load ( empty b>rels is "o ( ! be/ signs a baseball play]s ev] sees1 & ev5 a cross ey$ umpire or a black cat c't j9x him aft] t4 ,at ! "t ! ,giants _h be5 9 a t]rible hitt+ slump4 ,!y 7 worri$ ab\t x4 ,!y swit*$ caps1 !y mix$ ! bats1 !y c>ri$ rabbits' feet4 ,no?+ seem$ to help4 ,b "o aft]noon two or ?ree ( ! boys came 9 ! clubh\se gr9n+4 8,j saw a load ( empty b>rels10 !y said1 8today ! old slump ends40 ,t aft]noon ^! fell[s1 inspir$ ) new confid5ce1 />t$ hitt+ aga94 ,! next aft]noon two or ?ree m ( ! boys saw ! b>rels & ! next day /ill o!rs4 ,= a week truck loads ( b>rels kept go+ pa/ ! clubh\se1 & ! boys all />t$ hitt+4 ,:i* %\ld be ! end ( ! /ory4 ,b x isn't4 ,a few days aft] ! incid5t a big burly fell[ 9 ov]alls came to ! clubh\se & ask$ = ,mc,graw4 ,he 0 told t ,mc,graw 0 out4 8,well ,i want my money10 he grumbl$4 8,i've be5 driv+ pa/ ?is place ) a load ( b>rels e day = a week1 & ,i hav5't _h a c5t ( pay yet4 ,i want my money60 ,! boys naturally 7 wis$ up4 ,old ,mac _h hir$ a team/] to drive pa/ ) ^? b>rels j to give ! boys confid5ce & br+ !m out ( _! slump4 ,he _h f\ght sup]/ition ) sup]/ition & won4 ,t's sm>t manag+4 ,"o ( ! mo/ fam\s sup]/itions 9 baseball is ,eddie ,coll9s & 8 *ew+ gum4 ,= ye>s1 ev] s9ce he broke into ! league ,i guess1 ,eddie has c>ri$ a wad ( *ew+ gum on ! button ( 8 cap4 ,& :5 he's at bat1 ! m9ute ! pit*] gets two /rikes on him1 y'll see him /ep out ( ! box1 take ! *ew+ gum f 8 cap & />t *ew+ x4 ,he's done x s long n[ t x has become a habit4 ,x's ! only "t he ev] *ews gum4 ,& :5 he has f9i%$ 8 turn at bat1 :e!r x's a hit or a put\t1 back on 8 cap goes ! *ew+ gum4 ,& x /ays !re until "s o!r occasion arises :5 he has two /rikes on him4 ,urban ,%ock] believes t ?r[+ a hat on a b$ is bad luck4 ,he us$ to room ) ,tommy ,?omas1 ! kid pit*]1 & "o night ,tommy came into ! room1 & ?rew 8 hat on ! b$4 ,%ock] 0 s*$ul$ to pit* next day4 ,& he 0 furi\s4 ,! ?+s he said to ,tommy w\ldn't look good1 ev5 if pr9t$ 9 ,yiddi%4 ,x's a wond] ,tommy came out alive4 ,& x's a c]ta9 c9* he has nev] ?r[n 8 hat on ! b$ s9ce !n4 ,! foll[+ aft]noon ,%ock] pit*$ a beautiful game b lo/ by "o run4 ,joe ,dugan has a que] sup]/ition too4 ,joe w nev] ?r[ ! ball back to ! pit*]4 ,if y wat* him 9 infield practice y'll see him ?r[ to ! plate1 or second or fir/1 "t aft] "t4 ,b nev] to ! pit*]4 ,once or twice ! boys h tri$ to make him d x4 ,e "t ,joe w\ld %oot ! ball to a baseman1 !y'd ?r[ x "r back at him4 ,f9ally1 see+ :at 0 up1 he deliv]$ ! ball into ! pit*]'s h&s4 ,b did he ?r[ x8 ,he did n4 ,he simply walk$ across ! diamond & h&$ x to him1 !n walk$ back to 8 po/4 ,h[ev] ! boys ar5't z sup]/iti\s n[ z !y us$ to be4 ,a lot ( ! old-tim]s say x's because !re are s _m m college m5 9 baseball n[ ?an !re 7 a few ye>s ago4 ,p]sonally ,i don't believe t4 ,! college play]s we get are j z sup]/iti\s 9 _! own way1 z ! r\gh-necks :o nev] att5d$ college4 ,b college m5 h _h an influ5ce on baseball4 ,& a good "o4 ,!y've rais$ ! game & ! play]s4 ,!y've be5 responsible = cutt+ out a lot ( ! old-"t r\gh /uff4 ,& !y've made baseball a real bus9ess 9 :i* m5 get good sal>ies & save x4 ,9 ! old days :5 a baseball play] f9i%$ 8 c>e] he usually 0 d[n & out4 ,! money he e>n$ he sp5t z fa/ z x came4 ,once he 0 ?r\gh he 0 dep5d5t on 8 fri5ds & acqua9tances = a job & a liv+4 ,! college fell[s h *ang$ all t4 ,!y came into ! league ) a pretty good idea ( :at x 0 all ab\t4 ,!y sav$ _! money4 ,& ! o!r fell[s foll[$ _! example4 ,!re h be5 "s great college m5 9 baseball4 ,fell[s l ,ma!wson & ,eddie ,coll9s & ,jack ,combs 7 ! pione]s4 ,today !re isn't a team 9 ei!r league t hasn't sev]al college m5 on its ro/]1 & clubs are wat*+ ! colleges m & m = likely look+ play]s4 ,! ,yankees h ,combs1 ,?omas1 ,gehrig1 ,gazella1 ,hanson & ,dugan--all college m54 ,cy ,williams is a college man4 ,s is ,t$ ,lyons4 ,gordon ,co*rane1 ,muddy ,ruel1 ,eddie ,f>rell1 ,max ,c>ey1 ,jigg] ,/atz1 ,hank ,de,berry1 ,ernie ,w+>d1 ,ownie ,c>roll1 ,joe ,sewell1 ,luke ,sewell1 ,eppa ,rixey1 ,art ,nehf1 ,travis ,jackson1 ,g9k ,h5drick1 ,doc ,gautreau1 ,vic ,aldridge1 ,riggs ,/eph5son1 ,cliff ,hea?cote1 ,ray ,blades--all ( ^! are college m54 ,& !y're only a few ( ! scores :o h gone into big league baseball & h made good4 ,"s p argue t college m5 are bett] ball play]s ?an ! o!rs4 ,i don't believe t4 ,b ,i d believe t ! boy :o has gone ?r\gh college is quick] to le>n inside baseball4 ,he's m will+ to le>n too4 ,! s&lott]1 a lot ( times1 is a /ubborn cuss :o doesn't l in/ruction4 ,! av]age college fell[ realizes t he doesn't "k x all & is will+ to take advice f ! play]s :o h be5 ar\nd long] ?an he has4 ,b reg>dless ( t1 ! o!r ?+ /ill goes4 ,college m5 h be5 a mighty good influ5ce 9 big league baseball & always w be4 ,!y br+ wid] tra9+ into ! game4 ,muddy ,ruel1 = in/ance1 is a lawy] :o practices 8 pr(ession 9 ! (f season4 ,bluege ( ! ,s5ators is a c]tifi$ public acc\nt4 ,art ,nehf is an eng9e]1 ,eddie ,f>rell is a d5ti/4 ,& by _! example !y prove to o!r ballplay]s t !re's some?+ 9 life aft] ! baseball c>e] is ov]4 ,( ! pres5t crop ( big leagu]s1 !re w be v few :o won't be fairly indep5d5t :5 !y h f9i%$ _! c>e]4 ,( c\rse we c't all be ,ty ,cobbs4 ,ty quit ! game ) a million doll>s--& t's m money ?an mo/ pr(essional a?letes w ev] see4 ,b let me make ?is pr$iction4 ,9 ! ye>s to come y won't see _m =m] ballplay]s walk+ ! /reets4 ,!y'll h en\gh to live on--& com=tably4 ,dur+ _! play+ days !y meet n only o!r ballplay]s1 b !y come 9 contact ) ! bus9ess _w z well4 ,_m a poor c\ntry kid has f\nd ?r\gh baseball1 a contact & a k ( ! _w t he nev] ev5 knew exi/$4 ,take ! av]age c\ntry kid rookie :o goes s\? 9 ! ,spr+4 ,he's gre54 ,he's unaccu/om$ to city life4 ,he is emb>rass$ 9 ! hotel d9+ room4 ,b baseball is a great tea*]4 ,& aft] two or ?ree seasons ( play he's a poli%$ product1 capable ( hold+ 8 own 9 mo/ any company4 ,& t isn't bunk4 ,x actually happ5s4 ,a lot ( fell[s :o />t$ 9 z pr(essional ballplay]s h made good 9 o!r l9es :5 _! c>e]s z ballplay]s end$4 ,zane ,grey1 ! noveli/ :o writes s _m we/]n /ories1 0 once a pr(essional ballplay]4 ,he wasn't a big leagu]--b he play$ ! outfield = a ,we/]n ,league club = sev]al seasons4 ,he play$ on a club :i* ,ed ,b>r[1 n[ bus9ess manag] ( ! ,yankees1 manag$4 ,billy ,sunday1 ! great evangeli/1 also 0 a ballplay]4 ,billy play$ ) ! old ,:ite ,sox back 9 ! b>room days1 & he's /ill q a fan4 ,i've talk$ to him sev]al times & on sev]al occasions he has be5 ar\nd to see u 9 tra9+ camp4 ,& he likes baseball z mu* z ev]4 ,lots ( times ,i've se5 him peel (f 8 coat & ve/1 & get out !re & hit fungoes to ! boys = an h\r at a "t4 ,& h a great "t do+ x4 ,ex-,gov]nor ,t5] ( ,p5nsylvania1 is an ex-pit*]4 ,& a real fan4 ,9 baseball we h pl5ty ( tr\ble ) ! umpires f "t to "t1 b :5 all is said & done1 !y're a pretty f9e outfit4 ,squ>e %oot]s1 all ( !m1 hone/ & fe>less & ready to fight = _! decisions if necess>y4 ,a lot ( ^? umpires "k m baseball ?an ! play]s4 ,take a fell[ l ,tommy ,connolly = in/ance4 ,tommy has be5 umpir+ big league ball games = m ?an #ce ye>s4 ,he 0 9 ! ,national ,league = a long "t1 & he has be5 an ,am]ican ,league umpire ev] s9ce ! league 0 organiz$4 ,tommy 0 ! la/ umpire to put me out ( a ballgame4 ,& t 0 way back 9 ,june #aibb :5 ,i ?rew dirt at him aft] he _h call$ me out at second4 ,i've le>n$ my lesson n[4 ,i've f\nd out t umpires are on ! squ>e1 & t !y want to give play]s all ( ! be/ ( x if possible4 ,x took a long "t = me to le>n--b rule numb] "o 9 my book reads 8,don't fight ) umpires4 ,x's bad bus9ess60 ,,*apt] ,,xviii ,! m5 :o play--,:at !y are l (f ! field--,m]e human be+s l o!r p--,! road trips--,days 9 ! hotels--,fads & fancies--,ko5ig an exp]t piani/--,hoyt a great read]--,hugg9s a f9ancial /ud5t--,%awkey a great hunt]--,baseball1 ) !m1 n a game b a bus9ess--,! m5 :o play are bus9ess m54 ,:at are !y l1 ^! ball play]s8 ,:at d !y talk ab\t & ?9k ab\t z !y g travel+ ar\nd ! c\ntry8 ,:at d !y d & say (f ! play+ field8 ,^! are common que/ions--que/ions t are con/antly be+ ask$ by kids & gr[n-ups4 ,! answ] is simple en\gh4 ,!y're mu* ! same z o!r m51 int]e/$ 9 ! same ?+s1 liv+ ! same sort ( lives4 ,!y are nei!r bett] nor worse ?an ! same numb] ( lawy]s1 or doctors1 or bus9ess m51 pick$ f ! f\r corn]s ( ! nation4 ,!y h _! families1 _! *ildr5 & _! homes to occupy _! sp>e h\rs4 ,!y discuss politics1 or f9ance1 or f>m+ or any o!r subject t appeals to ! normal man4 ,!y eat1 dress1 sleep & live mu* ! same z ,mr4 ,smi? ! m]*ant1 or ,mr4 ,br[n ! bank]4 ,:i* to _m p w p]haps come z a surprise4 ,come & visit ! ,yankees "s ev5+1 z !y sit ab\t ! hotel aft] ! game4 ,suppose x's 9 ,/4 ,l\is1 "s hot night 9 mid-summ]4 ,y'll f9d ,hugg9s & ,o',le>y & ,flet*] sitt+ ov] 9 a corn]1 enjoy+ _! cig>s4 ,*ances are !y'll be discuss+ politics or ! /ock m>ket4 ,hugg9s is a ke5 f9ancial /ud5t4 ,he reads all ! f9ancial pap]s & j\rnals & foll[s ! m>ket z closely1 almo/1 z a city brok]4 ,& 9 ,flet*] he has great company4 ,flet*]1 dur+ ! (f season is a successful middle ,we/]n f>m]1 ! type ( successful f>m] :o takes a h& 9 c\nty politics3 s]ves on ! s*ool bo>d & is a director ( ! t[n bank4 ,flet*] does all ^! ?+s1 & holds all ^! (fices4 ,m>k ,ko5ig y'll f9d p]haps1 play+ ! piano 9 ! reception room4 ,m>k does pretty well z a musician1 & he plays n jazz b classical /uff4 ,& if he's play+ ! *ances are ,waite ,hoyt & ,b5ny ,b5g\gh w be ar\nd some:]e ne>1 li/5+ quietly1 or p]haps do+ a bit ( h>moniz+4 ,b5ny is a musician too--9 fact he's engag$ 9 giv+ me lessons on ! saxophone "r n[1 & a t\gh job he has too4 ,hoyt n only has a good s++ voice1 b he's some?+ ( an actor z well4 ,a lot ( !atrical folks :o "k1 tell me t ,waite c\ld make a success on ! /age z well z 9 baseball4 ,b he isn't int]e/$4 ,dur+ ! (f-season1 in/ead1 he sp5ds 8 "t at 8 pr(ession4 ,he's a mortician1 & has an (fice ) 8 fa!r-9-law 9 ,brooklyn4 ,waite is a great read] too4 ,i've be5 travel+ ) him a good _m ye>s & ,i nev] saw him />t out on a trip )\t "o & probably ?ree or f\r books 9 8 bag4 ,bob ,%awkey is almo/ sure to be (f 9 a corn] some:]e discuss+ 8 annual hunt+ trip4 ,bob is "o ( ! be/ hunt]s 9 ! bus9ess1 & kn[s ! moose trails ( ,canada z well z mo/ ( ! pr(essional guides4 ,we h a lot ( real movie fans on ! ,yankees too4 ,l\ ,gehrig is a nut on movies1 & usually sneaks (f to ! ne>e/ !at] ea* ev5+4 ,e>l ,combs likes !m too1 & ,b5ny ,pas*al4 ,^? ?ree are pretty apt to be toge!r--?\gh n[ & !n ,l\ w pass up ! movies to sit 9 on a bridge game ) "s ( ! re/ ( u4 ,we />t$ a bridge game dur+ ! spr+ tra9+ trip ( #aibg t la/$ cle> ?r\gh ! season4 ,gehrig & ,i play$ aga9/ ,mike ,gazella & ,don ,mill]4 ,mill] is ! "y pit*] f ! ,univ]sity ( ,mi*igan :o jo9$ u la/ ye>4 ,y "k mo/ ball play]s are good c>d play]s4 ,b on ! ,yankees at lea/1 !re is v little pok] play+4 ,once & a :ile ! boys w />t a game4 ,b p9o*le & bridge are ! two favorites4 ,gazella is a good bridge play]4 ,ernie ,johnson & ,ev]ett ,scott 7 ! *ampions :5 !y 7 ) ! club4 ,pat ,coll9s & ,woodie1 ! tra9]1 are p9o*le nuts4 ,& !y're always look+ = a game4 ,cy ,moore & ,george ,pipgras l to play 8,he>ts40 ,x's a funny ?+ ab\t ,cy4 ,he'll g out !re on ! m\nd be=e #ej1jjj rav+ fans1 ) ! bases full & nobody d[n1 & he'll be z calm & cool z ?\gh he 0 pit*+ hay4 ,b put him d[n 9 a he>t game & he's l a little kid4 ,he yells1 & %rieks & laughs until y c't /ay 9 ! same room ) him4 ,once on a we/]n trip la/ season he got s bad t we gang$ on him & put him back 9 ! c> ) ! newspap] boys4 ,he _h to promise to keep quiet be=e we let him come back to 8 b]?4 ,! two quiete/ m5 on ! ,yankee club are ,bob ,meusel & ,tony ,lazz]i4 ,!y nev] say a ^w to anyone4 ,at t ,i ?9k ,tony talks m ?an ,bob does4 ,i've se5 ,bob g ?r\gh a :ole day :5 ,i don't believe he spoke a ^w1 unless x 0 at ! d9+ table :5 he ask$ somebody to 8pass ! bread40 ,fell[s :o talk a lot we call 8b>b]s40 ,fr$dy ,h(fman1 ! old ,yankee cat*]1 0 "o ( ! be/ b>b]s ,i ev] knew4 ,fr$dy w\ld talk ! arm (f any "o :o c>$ to li/51 & he didn't c>e :at p>ticul> subject he talk$ ab\t ei!r4 ,e>l ,combs is ano!r pretty good b>b]4 ,wallie ,pipp1 :5 he 0 ) ! club1 0 a *ampion4 ,& :at ,wallie enjoy$ m ?an any?+ else 0 to get hold ( "s baseball nut & !n kid him into s]i\s conv]sation ab\t inside baseball4 ,he & ,joe ,dugan w\ld pull ! /unt toge!r4 ,!y'd get ! poor guy surr\nd$1 & get him to tell+ all 8 pet baseball !ories4 8,gee10 ,wallie w\ld say1 8,t's a great idea4 ,i don't "k :y no "o ev] ?\ght ( t be=e40 8,c]ta9ly is10 ,joe w\ld *ime 94 8,n[ :at d y ?9k %\ld be done to /op a hitt] l ,hornsby80 ,! fell[ w\ld op5 up on t subject1 & :5 he 0 ?r\gh ,joe w\ld probably rem>k3 8,say1 y've c]ta9ly got ! dope4 ,i ?9k y ought to g ar\nd to ,hugg9s & tell him ab\t t4 ,he'd probably be will+ to pay big money = ideas l t40 ,i've se5 ,joe & ,wallie sp5d a :ole ev5+ j /r++ "s poor bird along--& !y'd h him s fuss$ f9ally1 t he w\ldn't ev5 "k 8 "n4 ,a lot ( p /ill cl+ to ! idea t pr(essional baseball play]s are r\gh necks1 h>dly fit to associate ) real folks4 ,& ( c\rse !re are good fell[s & bad1 among ! play]s4 ,b !n ! same ?+ might be said ( lawy]s or doctors or bus9ess m54 ,believe me1 play+ side by side ) a man ?r\gh season aft] season1 liv+ ) him 9 hotels1 travel+ ) him on ! road1 eat+ & sleep+ ) him mon? aft] mon?1 gives a fell[ a pretty good l9e on j :at sort ( fell[ he is4 ,& ,i say to y t 9 my exp]i5ce ,i've f\nd ball play]s to be j z mu* g5tlem5 z any class ( m5 ,i ev] knew4 ,n9e times out ( t5 !y're a lot bett] ?an ! p :o criticize !m4 ,a c\ple ( g5]ations ago !y may h be5 diff]5t4 ,9 ^? days ! corn] saloon 0 ! hang\t = ! baseball cr[d1 & play]s :o _h f9i%$ _! play+ c>e]s turn$ into b>t5d]s4 ,b !y don't d x any m4 ,ball play]s are gett+ sm>t4 ,!y le>n$ long ago t x takes pretty c>eful liv+ & pretty /eady tra9+ to keep up ) ! p>ade4 ,i don't mean t ball play]s are pla/] sa9ts4 ,!y're n4 ,b keep+ 9 physical condition is j z mu* a "p ( _! bus9ess z k ( disc\nts is ( ! bus9ess ( a bank]4 ,& ball play]s today are bus9ess m5 fir/1 la/ & always4 ,i'll nev] =get ! disappo9tm5t ( a fri5d ( m9e "o ev5+ 9 ,detroit4 ,he express$ a desire to see ! play]s (f ! field s ,i took him ar\nd4 ,he got 8 fir/ %ock :5 we w5t to ! ,book-,cadillac hotel4 ,t's ! newe/1 mo/ exp5sive hotel 9 ,detroit & "o ( ! be/ 9 ! c\ntry4 8,:y ! ball play]s don't /op at ?is hotel1 d !y80 he ask$1 ) "s a/oni%m5t4 8,!y c]ta9ly d10 ,i repli$1 8& ,i'll lay a little wag] "r n[ t y won't be able to pick ! ball play]s out f ! re/ ( ! gue/s ei!r40 ,& he c\ldn't d x4 ,he recogniz$ ,meusel1 = he _h met ,bob be=e4 ,& he knew ,gehrig4 ,once y've se5 ,l\ d[n on ! play+ field y c't mi/ake ^? %\ld]s & legs any:]e4 ,b ! re/ ( !m he didn't "k4 ,he 0 a surpris$ "y man4 ,he expect$ ! ball play]s to /& out f ! re/--to be diff]5t4 ,maybe he expect$ to see a lot ( l\d-talk+ r\gh look+ t\ts 9 caps & *eck$ suits4 ,i don't "k4 ,b anyh[1 :5 ,i po9t$ ! boys out to him1 he look$ a bit emb>rass$3 8,:y !y look j l anyone else10 he said1 8,!y're j l ord9>y p40 ,x's funny h[ a :ole ball club w take up a c]ta9 fad4 ,"o fell[ br+s x ar\nd1 & !n ! :ole gang takes x up4 ,! ,yankees = a ye> or two1 7 nutty ov] cross-^w puzzles4 ,walk into ! hotel lobby & y'd see fell[s sitt+ all ar\nd work+ puzzles4 ,w>d & ,pat ,coll9s 7 responsible = t4 ,!n ,m]kle took x up1 & ,mike ,gazella4 ,%ock] got ! craze1 & ! fir/ ?+ y knew ! :ole club 0 do+ cross-^w puzzles4 ,i suppose x 0 a f9e ?+4 ,!y c]ta9ly add$ a lot ( new words to _! vocabul>y z a result4 ,& ,i ?9k ,i pick$ up a c\ple ( jaw-break]s myself4 ,mah ,jong came ne> wreck+ ! ,a?letic team a few seasons ago4 ,"o ( ! fell[s got a ,mah ,jong set & took x on a road trip4 ,be=e long e man on ! club 0 int]e/$ 9 ! game4 ,!y _h six or sev5 sets ( ,mah ,jong t !y c>ri$ "r along ) !m 9 ! uni=m trunks1 & ! boys us$ to />t _! games 9 ! morn+ & run "r ?r\gh to game "t4 ,f9ally x got s bad t ,connie ,mack _h to call a halt--& ,i ?9k he /ill blames ! loss ( ! p5nant on t ,mah ,jong craze4 ,mo/ ball play]s l all o!r =ms ( outdoor sport4 ,fi%+ & hunt+ are ev] popul> subjects ( discussion4 ,l\ ,gehrig1 = in/ance1 w\ld r fi% ?an eat4 ,l\ nev] misses a *ance to g cod fi%+1 & mo/ any day 9 w9t] y'll f9d him out on ! banks aft] cod4 ,?is college kid is "o ( ! que]e/ ballplay]s ,i ev] knew4 ,x seems he nev] feels ! cold wea!r4 ,! colde/ day 9 w9t] he'll come sw++ d[n ,broadway )\t an ov]coat1 8 coat op5 & no ve/4 ,nev] we>s gloves & half ! "t goes b>ehead$4 ,"s ( ! boys claim he nev] _h an ov]coat on 8 %\ld]s until he jo9$ ! ,yankees4 ,l\ is a great eel-fi%]man too1 & 9 ! summ] aft] ! ball game he w take 8 "m 9 8 c> & g %oot+ d[n to ,long ,isl& to spe> eels4 ,8 "m pickles !m & n[ & !n %e w s5d a big j> ( pickl$ eels ar\nd to ! clubh\se4 ,la/ ye> :5 ! boys /ruck a big hitt+ /ride !y got ! idea t x 0 ! pickl$ eels :i* 7 responsible = _! hitt+ & = m ?an ?ree weeks !y w\ldn't g into a ball game until !y all _h tak5 a c\ple ( bites ( pickl$ eel4 ,! big leagues are full ( play]s :o are great hunt]s4 ,old ,*ief ,b5d]1 ! ,a?letics' pit*]1 0 "o ( ! be/ trap %ots 9 ! c\ntry1 & ! ,*ief c /ill h&le a mean %ot gun1 long aft] 8 pit*+ days are ov]4 ,ty ,cobb is a great hunt] too--& at ! end ( e season he goes *as+ (f to ! m\nta9 c\ntry 9 ,canada or ! ,we/]n ,unit$ ,/ates = a mon? ( %oot+4 ,8 home at ,augu/a1 ,georgia is fill$ ) trophies4 ,among o!r ?+s he has "s ( ! f9e/ be> & de] heads ,i've ev] se54 ,o!r great hunt]s are ,eddie ,coll9s1 ,joe ,bu%1 ,sam ,jones1 ,b5ny ,b5g\gh1 ,bob ,meusel1 ,fr$dy ,h(fman & ,bob ,%awkey4 ,%awkey is "o ( ! be/ 9 ! c\ntry & = ye>s has be5 mak+ annual trips into ,nor!rn ,canada = a mon?s out+ aft] ! season ends4 ,eddie ,coll9s is a que] hunt]4 ,eddie likes to get out 9 ! woods & tramp ar\nd ) a gun1 b s f> z anyone kn[s he nev] takes a %ot at any?+4 ,eddie is too t5d]-he>t$4 ,he attempt$ to %oot a w\nd$ de] once1 b :5 ! de] turn$ its head & look$ at him sort ( sad1 ,eddie hadn't ! he>t to pull ! trigg]4 ,& ,i don't ?9k he ev] w4 ,anyway he makes ! trip ) ! o!r fell[s e fall1 & dur+ ! season is "o ( ! be/ conv]sational hunt]s 9 ! bus9ess4 ,i l to hunt myself1 b ,i'd soon] h bird %oot+ to any?+ else4 ,"o ( ! greate/ kicks ,i ev] got 9 my life came la/ fall :5 ,i 0 out on ,long ,isl& ) ,bill ,mc,geehan & ,bozeman ,bulg]1 ! sport writ]s4 ,= two days we lay ar\nd 9 ! bl9ds )\t a s+le %ot4 ,!n a flock ( geese came ov] & we got five ( !m4 ,x's ! fir/ "t ,i ev] %ot a wild goose1 & ,i got z mu* ?rill f x z ,i ev] got f hitt+ a hom] ) ! bases full4 ,! be/ "p ( hunt+1 ?\gh1 s f> z a ball play] is conc]n$1 is t x keeps a man 9 f9e condition4 ,y c't tramp ar\nd ov] ! c\ntry all day long1 pack+ a heavy gun1 unless y're 9 %ape4 ,golf is ano!r game 9 :i* ball play]s are fairly exp]t4 ,!y say t ,walt] ,hag51 ! great golf pro1 w\ld h made a great ball play] if he hadn't gone 9 = golf4 ,well1 ,jigg] ,/atz ( ! ,brooklyn ,dodg]s1 c hold ,walt] ev54 ,jigg] has _h pl5ty ( opportunity to turn golf pro if he hadn't be5 9 baseball4 ,/atz is ab\t ! be/ ( ! ball play] golf]s ,i guess4 ,b !re are "s o!rs :o are almo/ z good4 ,poor old ,ross ,"y1 :o di$ 9 ,san ,antonio la/ w9t]1 0 "o ( ! be/4 ,bob ,%awkey is a f9e golf]1 & s is ,sam ,rice ( ! ,s5ators4 ,nick ,altrock is ano!r boy :o c play pretty close to p>1 & ,dazzy ,vance1 ,a>on ,w>d1 ,bucky ,h>ris & ,eppa ,rixey are o!rs :o sw+ a deadly ma%ie4 ,"o ?+ mo/ ball play]s c d on ! golf c\rse is drive4 ,!y may be bad on _! approa*es1 & _! putts may be t]rible--b !y all ( !m c sock t old ball f ! tee4 ,"o ( ! longe/ driv]s ,i ev] saw is ,sam ,jones1 ! pit*]4 ,sam doesn't "k mu* ab\t ! game1 & he isn't always sure :i* direction ! ball is go+--b he c]ta9ly c sock 'em f ! tee4 ,a lot ( big league manag]s =bid golf play+ dur+ ! regul> season4 ,! /ory is t ! golf sw+ ru9s a play]'s hitt+ sw+4 ,sw++ at a /ation>y object l a golf ball1 !y say1 ru9s ! tim+ 9 sw++ at a mov+ object l a baseball4 ,p]sonally ,i nev] notic$ x1 & ,i play a lot ( golf dur+ ! ye>4 ,& if y ask me1 ! *ief objection manag]s h to golf isn't ! actual play+ at all4 ,x's ! conv]sation4 ,golf is "o ( ! 8talk+e/0 games 9 ! _w4 ,if fell[s w\ld g out 9 ! morn+ & %oot _! eighte5 holes1 !n come 9 & keep quiet x w\ld be alright4 ,b !y don't d x4 ,!y play ! game ov] aga9 ea* aft]noon on ! b5*1 & x gets a manag]'s goat to h "s guy do+ an imag9>y ma%ie %ot f a trap "r :5 !re's important bus9ess out on ! ballfield4 ,:at ,i've tri$ to %[ 9 ?is *apt] is t ! big league ball play] is mu* ! same z any o!r human be+4 ,he lives 8 own life2 has 8 family1 8 home1 8 hobby & 8 outside int]e/s j ! same z ! bank]1 ! cl]k or ! pr(essional man4 ,baseball is 8 life "w & he /udies x c>efully4 ,?r[n 9 a mix$ cr[d y\r baseball man w talk politics1 or f9ance or any o!r subject t av]age m5 discuss4 ,b put ?ree or f\r ball play]s toge!r & !y talk--baseball4 ,laym5 ,i "k f9d some?+ fasc9at+ 9 ! ?\ght ( a big league ball club travel+ ar\nd ! c\ntry4 ,to ! outsid]1 ^? h\rs on ! tra9 toge!r1 & ! h\rs 9 ! hotels are a sort ( magic4 ,to u !y are only r\t9e4 ,we h a lot ( fun because we're all good fell[s toge!r4 ,c>d play+ is a favorite pa/ "t :ile travel+4 ,music helps to pass away _m h\rs4 ,= ! pa/ six or sev5 seasons ,i h nev] made a s+le trip t ,i didn't take ) me a portable phonograph ) a c\ple ( doz5 records4 ,& f ! "t we get on ! tra9 until we leave1 t phonograph is work+ ov]time4 8pa/time0 replac$ ) 8pa/time0 ,! boys frequ5tly organize qu>tets & _m a bit ( close h>mony has be5 c>v$ out 9 a ,pullman smok]4 ,:at d we d :ile travel+8 ,"h's a typical sc5e4 ,! club is enr\te on a long jump1 say f ,/4 ,l\is to ,new ,york4 ,9 "o section a c>d game is 9 session4 ,meusel & ,b5g\gh1 ,rue!r1 ,ko5ig1 & ,lazz]i are play+ 8black jack40 ,!y h _! coats (f1 _! coll>s disc>d$ & _! %irts op5 at ! neck4 ,!y're kidd+ & laugh+ ov] ! game4 ,! color$ port] /&s by wat*+ ! fun1 & ! conductor /ops on 8 r\nds to 8sit 90 = a few h&s4 ,d[n ! c> a bit ,hoyt sits read+ a book4 ,fur!r on ! fussy f\rsome is busy at bridge4 ,t's ,gehrig1 ,mill]1 ,gazella & myself4 ,%ock] is read+ ! newspap]s1 & 8 b]? is mess$ up ) a doz5 sports pages1 torn f z _m diff]5t pap]s4 ,n[ & !n he makes "s discov]y & pauses to discuss baseball ) ,p5nock :o is writ+ lett]s across ! isle4 ,a he>ts game is go+ on at ! f> end ( ! c>1 & above ! noise ( conv]sation y c he> ,cy ,moore %\t+ & laugh+ l a little kid z he passes ,combs ! que54 ,pipgras is 9 ! game & ,pas*al & a c\ple ( ! newspap] m54 ,9 an adjo9+ section ,jules ,w]a is giv+ ! phonograph a work\t1 & occasionally ,ko5ig pauses 9 ! bus9ess ( play+ c>ds to lift 8 voice 9 ! *orus ( "s song ! phonograph is play+4 ,pat ,coll9s is busy ov] a cross-^w puzzle1 & cusses ,woodie out :5 ! tra9] pe/]s him ab\t />t+ a p9o*le game4 ,!re's ! tapp+ ( typewrit]s z a c\ple ( ! newspap] m5 p\nd out _! y>ns = e>ly editions4 ,?r\gh ! op5 door ( ! draw+ room y c see ,hugg9s1 smok+ 8 pipe & talk+ ) ,o',le>y & ,flet*] 8 assi/ants4 ,?omas comes along & slaps ,w]a ) a fold$ pap] & ,w]a 9 return sme>s him ) a pill[4 ,!y tussle ab\t ! c>4 ,out 9 ! smok+ room "s ( ! boys are :oop+ x up on 8,sund[n0 ) "o ( ! newspap] m5 play+ a h>monica accompanim5t4 ,fun8 ,sure1 x's fun4 ,& ! reason is t we're all "o big gang toge!r4 ,we "k ea* o!r1 tru/ ea* o!r1 l ea* o!r4 ,baseball has _h its %>e ( wond]ful fri5d%ips & mo/ ( !m h />t$ abo>d rattl+1 old ,pullman c>s :5 ! boys get a few h\rs to !mselves & h a *ance to act natural4 ,,*apt] ,,xix ,h[ ! av]age fan looks on pr(essional baseball--,x is a bus9ess b a %ort liv$ "o--,:y publicity hurts sometimes--,keep+ a physical edge--,! value ( tra9+--,:at x takes = success 9 baseball--,a few rules = ! "y play]4 ,! av]age fan1 eat+ peanuts 9 ! gr&/& & *e]+ or je]+ ! play]s z ! mood /rikes him1 looks ^u pr(essional baseball z a sort ( daily circus = ! m5 :o play4 8,gee1 :at a s(t job y fell[s h0 !y say4 8,gett+ paid = go+ out !re & hav+ fun e aft]noon--& big money1 too60 ,i nev] he> a rem>k l t b ,i ?9k ( t day1 back 9 #aiad1 :5 ,i sign$ my fir/ contract & ,bro!r ,gilb]t gave me 8 fir/ words ( fa!rly advice3 8,play+ baseball on ! s& lots is "o ?+ ,george0 he said4 8,& play+ pr(essional baseball is some?+ else4 ,! s& lot game is j boyi% fun4 ,y c />t & /op z y please4 ,pr(essional baseball is a bus9ess4 ,x's a job = m540 ,nev] 7 tru] words spok5 ?an ^?4 ,c]ta9ly we 7,i mean pr(essional ball play]s7 h fun at our job4 ,no man c make a success z a ball play] unless he enjoys 8 "w4 ,b x is "w--j ! same z bank+ or practic+ law or m$ic9e is "w4 ,& we enjoy x 9 ! same way o!r m5 enjoy _! pr(essions4 ,& we d get paid1 & good money4 ,b1 & "h's ! rub4 ,ours is a %ort liv$ bus9ess4 ,at ! age :5 mo/ m5 are j rea*+ _! prime we're ?r\gh & out4 ,gr[n old at ?irty-five s\nds /range to mo/ m51 b ! /atem5t is all too true to ! ball play]4 ,m5 sometimes envy u = ! publicity we get & ! fame4 ,x is pleasant to see "o's "n play$ up 9 ! pap]s day aft] day3 !re is a satisfaction 9 be+ recogniz$ 9 ! cr[d & *e]$ p]haps4 ,x's human nature to enjoy a little boo/+--& ball play]s are only human4 ,b !re's ano!r side to publicity too1 a side :i* d5ies y all privacy1 & makes y\r slighte/ mi/ake ! subject = common gossip4 ,g5]al op9ion is t ball play]s are r\gh necks1 t !y play ! game fa/ & loose4 ,t's wrong4 ,!y're n any bett] & c]ta9ly no worse ?an ! av]age man 9 ! /reet4 ,b !re's ?is diff]5ce4 ,ev]y?+ !y d or say or ?9k is held up to public view4 ,believe me publicity is n always pleas+ or desirable4 ,i "k4 ,a few ye>s ago ,i sat 9 a ,bo/on ,hotel & saw 8,r$0 ,grange1 brok51 & n]v\s4 ,deep l9es 7 "u 8 eyes1 8 f+]s trembl$ & 8 n]ves 7 on po9t ( break+4 ,all because he 0 be+ h\nd$ by m5 ^: fri5dly publicity 0 actually wreck+ him physically4 ,"r (f h& ,i c't ?9k ( any two "y m5 :o h t\gh] jobs to fill ?an ,colonel ,*>les ,l9db]gh & ! ,pr9ce ( ,wales4 ,nev] a *ance to be alone1 nev] a *ance to make a move t isn't ! subject ( public discussion ! mom5t x is made4 ,don't misund]/& me4 ,we all l favorable publicity4 ,& no matt] h[ mu* we get1 we /ill enjoy x4 ,i've _h a lot ( x4 ,mo/ ( x good1 "s ( x bad4 ,& ,i confess t mo/ ( ! bad 0 des]v$4 ,i only br+ up ! po9t z answ] to ^? m5 & wom5 :o1 sitt+ com=tably 9 ! gr&/& & wat*+ ! ball game1 envy u our jobs )\t realiz+ j :at ^? jobs mean4 ,baseball has its unpleasant side along ) ! pleasant3 x br+s its worries along ) ! laughs3 its tr\bles along ) its joys4 ,y sit up ,nor? %iv]+ 9 ! sn[ & cold ( ,febru>y & ,m>*1 & read p]haps ( ! w>m ,florida sun%9e1 ! f9e hotel meals & ! m5 9 tra9+ = baseball4 ,& y envy !m1 :i* is natural4 ,b !re's ano!r side to ! picture--a side :i* isn't s attractive4 ,t's ! side ( sore & a*+ muscles driv5 almo/ to ! po9t ( break+2 x's ! side ( sore arms & legs & a*+ feet t pl[ & fight ! ,florida s& 9 an ef=t to ga9 condition4 ,!re's ! /ory ( families left beh9d = six weeks or two mon?s at a /ret*1 & !n des]t$ aga9 dur+ ! summ] mon?s :5 ! pr(essional ball play] sp5ds 8 days & 8 nights on ! road4 ,! fan =gets ^! ?+s = publicity has made ! ball play] some?+ a little diff]5t f human4 ,b ! play]s !mselves "k1 & ,i've he>d !m sit cuss+ ! v fate t turn$ !m into ball play]s & kept !m liv+ ! life ( rov+ gypsies = sev5 or eight mon?s out ( ! ye>4 ,t is n yet a complete picture4 ,= 9 ! case ( ! "y ball play] !re's also ! gho/ ( failure j ar\nd ! corn]4 ,m5 talk ( ?is or t pr(ession z be+ a t\gh "o 9 :i* to make good4 ,baseball1 or m p>ticul>ly big league baseball1 is ! t\ghe/ 9 ! l&4 ,out ( #djj rookie play]s :o g ,s\? ea* spr+ ) _! hopes high1 n m ?an #aj make ! grade4 ,! re/--well1 !y j disappe>4 ,maybe !y come back ?ree or f\r ye>s lat]1 old] & wis]4 ,p]haps !y nev] come back at all4 ,!y're j swall[$ up into ! unkn[n4 ,p sitt+ 9 ! /&s1 ?9k little ( ! unpleasant side ( baseball z a pr(ession2 or if !y ?9k ( x all dismiss x ) a %rug ( ! %\ld]s & ! /atem5t3 8,oh well1 if he wasn't a ball play] he'd probably be digg+ dit*es1 or work+ on a f>m40 ,t attitude has always /ruck me z mo/ unfair4 ,y "k if ,galli-,curci c\ldn't s+ %e might be do+ h>d tasks 9 h] native l&2 if ,boo? ,t>k+ton c\ldn't write books1 he might be an ,indiana f>m] or if ,ar?ur ,brisbane c\ldn't write editorials he might be a subway gu>d4 ,funny ( c\rse1 b j z fair z ! o!r4 ,don't misund]/& me4 ,i'm n knock+ my pr(ession4 ,i w5t into pr(essional baseball because ,i lov$ x1 & ! game has be5 m ?an good to me4 ,b ,i am try+ to outl9e ! unpleasant side along ) ! pleasant4 ,!n if any ( ! *ance read]s ( ?is /ory h desire to play ! game pr(essionally--!y w "k ! bad side z well z ! good4 ,s& lot baseball is a lot ( fun--simply because x's a game :i* y c take up or drop z y please4 ,b pr(essional baseball is a real job1 ! same z any o!r life "w--a job t takes ! be/ !re is 9 y1 & :5 y're f9i%$1 leaves y to c>ry on z be/ y c4 ,once a ball play] has made ! grade1 once he has brok5 d[n ! competition & made a place = himself1 8 future is pretty mu* 9 8 own h&s4 ,sm>t m5 l ,ty ,cobb1 ,eddie ,coll9s1 ,max ,c>ey1 ,za* ,:eat & play]s ( t type h cont9u$ _! c>e]s long pa/ ! av]age l5g?4 ,! av]age big league c>e] is eight ye>s4 ,^! m5 h gone on = #ae or #bj seasons /ill play+ ! game4 ,! answ]1 ( c\rse1 is physical condition4 ,keep+ ! prop] physical edge is "o ( ! mo/ important ?+s 9 baseball4 ,v frequ5tly ball play]s are brok5 d[n physically be=e !y wak5 to t fact4 ,t's trag$y4 ,i came ne> fall+ into t k9d ( trag$y myself4 ,b ,i le>n$ my lesson 9 ! nick ( "t4 ,9 ! pa/ ?ree ye>s ,i h tra9$ z consci5ti\sly z a prize fight]4 ,i h wat*$ my diet c>efully--& my weight4 ,& ,i h play$ bett] baseball4 ,& x /rikes me t ! av]age man on ! /reet1 reg>dless ( 8 pr(ession1 c\ld take example f ! laws ( baseball tra9+4 ,( c\rse m5 c be divid$ into two g5]al classes4 ,on ! "o h& are ! fell[s ( slight build--slim & wiry1 :o are always und]weight r ?an ov]weight4 ,into ?is class fall mo/ ( ! m5 :o la/ longe/ 9 ! big leagues4 ,_! physical problem is "o ( build+ up r ?an tak+ (f weight4 ,c>ey1 ,cobb1 ,coll9s--all are ( t type4 ,joe ,dugan1 ,bob ,meusel1 ,e>l ,combs fall 9 ! same class4 ,! o!r type are ! fell[s :o naturally run to surplus fle%4 ,i'm "o ( t sort4 ,l\ ,gehrig w be z he gr[s old]4 ,h>ry ,heilmann1 ,bob ,fo!rgill1 ,hack ,wilson1 & a doz5 o!rs 9 ! big league h ! same tr\ble4 ,& t's ! deadlie/ ?+ 9 baseball4 ,a man's legs1 y "k1 are ! fir/ ?+ to g 9 baseball4 ,!re's an old say+ t 8a ball play] is j z old z 8 legs40 ,excess weight gives an add$ burd5 on ! legs & we>s !m out j t mu* m quickly4 ,consequ5tly ! wise a?lete wat*es t wai/ l9e--& s does ! sm>t bus9ess man1 if he is wise4 ,9 avoid+ excess weight ! fir/ ?+ to get "r is ! diet4 ,! newspap] m5 kid a lot ab\t fell[s eat+ !mselves out ( ! big leagues--b x's no jok+ matt]4 ,lots ( "y fell[s d x4 ,we us$ to h a pit*] ) ! ,yankees1 ,i won't m5tion 8 "n1 :o 0 "o ( ! greate/ eat]s ,i ev] saw4 ,i've se5 him eat ?ree doll>s' wor? ( food = breakfa/1 z mu* m = lun*1 f9i% (f ! day ) a six doll> d9n]--& !n compla9 ( be+ hungry & g out = s&wi*es & c(fee be=e go+ to b$4 ,t same fell[ us$ to kick ab\t 8 t5d5cy to put on weight too4 ,he's gone f u n[--j a pla9 case ( eat+ himself out ( ! league4 ,i us$ to h q an appetite myself4 ,i 0 curs$ ) an iron con/itution4 ,& ,i really mean curs$4 ,= my con/itution 0 s /rong t ,i c\ld commit ^? excesses ( eat+ )\t app>5t h>m = sev]al ye>s4 ,:5 ,i did beg9 to h tr\ble1 ,i _h x 9 bun*es & job lots4 ,i eat a little fruit juice & toa/ & c(fee = breakfa/4 ,i seldom eat lun* at all1 & :5 ,i d ,i h only a vegetable salad ( "s sort4 ,i eat "o good meal a day & t's d9n]4 ,at t meal ,i h meat--b always ) pl5ty ( vegetables & gre5 /uff4 ,two ye>s ago if anyone w\ld h told me t ,i c\ld get along on s little food ,i w\ld h said !y 7 crazy4 ,n[ ,i d x day aft] day1 & ,i n only feel well f$--b ,i'm /rong] ?an ev]4 ,:i* j goes to %[ t eat+1 beyond a c]ta9 po9t1 is a matt] ( habit4 ,x isn't necess>y1 & x isn't heal?ful4 ,"h's ano!r tip4 ,take ex]cise regul>ly1 b n too viol5tly4 ,i us$ to loaf ar\nd all w9t] putt+ on weight4 ,!n ,i'd try to take (f 9 two weeks ( /r5u\s tra9+1 all ! p\nds t x _h tak5 me ! w9t] to accumulate4 ,! result came mighty ne> be+ fatal4 ,! m9ute a man1 n us$ to ex]cise1 goes into ! ?+ too /r5u\sly1 he is putt+ a /ra9 on ! he>t t's b\nd to make tr\ble4 ,! he>t weak5s1 t affects ! dige/ion1 ! /oma* goes bad & ! fir/ ?+ y "k y're a fit subject = ! hospital4 ,ex]cise regul>ly b use good s5se4 ,& rememb] always t x's easy to keep 9 condition b x's a t\gh job gett+ back physical fitness t has once gone4 ,"r n[1 well pa/ ?irty ye>s old & suppos$ly on ! d[n grade ( my baseball c>e]1 ,i'm 9 ! be/ physical condition ,i ev] knew4 ,! reason is t ! m9ute ! season ends ,i />t 9 on ex]cises t w keep my muscles h>d & my weight d[n4 ,my w9t]s us$ to be full ( vaudeville t\rs1 movies & t sort ( ?+4 ,b n any m4 ,"r aft] ! #aibg _w s]ies 0 ov] ,l\ ,gehrig & ,i w5t on a b>n/orm+ t\r4 ,we travel$ all ! way to ! ,coa/1 play+ ball e day4 ,aft] ,i return$ ,i />t$ on hunt+ trips4 ,!re's no?+ l hunt+ to keep ! legs 9 %ape4 ,! long hikes ov] ! hills1 ! h\rs sp5t 9 ! duck bl9ds1 inhal+ ! brac+ salt air--!re's no?+ l !m4 ,i've always f\nd golf a great condition]4 ,& 9 addition to t ,i sp5d a c\ple ( h\rs twice a week 9 ! gymnasium4 ,i play a little h& ball1 box a little p]haps1 & take ex]cises aim$ at t ov]siz$ /oma*4 ,no?+ v viol5t--b regul>4 ,& ! answ]4 ,well1 ,i 0 brok5 9 heal? ?ree ye>s ago4 ,i lay = weeks on a hospital b$ & mo/ ( ! critics pr$ict$ t ,i w\ld nev] play baseball aga94 ,b ,i did4 ,& today ,i'm 9 ! be/ physical condition ,i've ev] kn[n1 & play+ ! be/ ball4 ,p]haps !re w be "s satisfaction 9 t = "s ( ! tir$ bus9ess m5 :o at ?irty-five f9d !mselves slipp+ physically4 ,c]ta9ly if ,i c d x1 s c anyone else4 ,to ! "y man int]e/$ 9 baseball z a c>e]1 p]haps ,i c outl9e a few rules t are helpful4 ,le>n+ to play ! game is ( ! lea/ importance4 ,t's a natural ?+4 ,ei!r a man has ability z a ball play] or he hasn't1 & ,i take x = grant$ t no "y fell[ w plan a baseball c>e] unless he is assur$ ( 8 me*anical abilities4 ,b ^! rules are good always4 ,/udy ! game4 ,rememb] t baseball is a pr(ession z intricate 9 its own way z ! law1 or m$ic9e4 ,don't be afraid to accept advice4 ,o!r m5 c always give y good po9t]s n[ & !n no matt] h[ mu* exp]i5ce y've _h4 ,& !re's always some?+ new to le>n4 ,no "o man ev] kn[s x all4 ,keep physically fit always4 ,x isn't h>d if y d x1 b if y let y\rself slip x's d\bly h>d to come back4 ,mo/ important ( all--& ?is goes n alone = baseball b = e o!r pr(ession--save y\r money6 ,p]haps y say ,i'm a que] "o to prea* t gospel4 ,p]sonally ,i'm fitt$1 ,i believe1 above mo/ ev]yone else4 ,= ,i've play$ bo? sides4 ,= sev]al ye>s ,i sp5t my money z ,i e>n$ x4 ,i ?rew x to ! f\r w9ds1 )\t ?\ght ( any future day or any idea ( sav+4 ,if ,i _h sav$ f ! />t ( my c>e] ,i might h _h a million doll>s today4 ,b ,i didn't4 ,i'm n sorry = :at has gone be=e4 ,x probably 0 good exp]i5ce = a "y fell[ :o nev] _h se5 ! _w or kn[n any?+ ab\t ! _w's p until he w5t into baseball4 ,b1 boy1 ,i'm glad ,i got wise to myself 9 "t4 ,f n[ on a "p ( my e>n+s ea* ye> g "r d[n into ! sav+s acc\nt4 ,i don't "k h[ mu* long] ,i may be able to play baseball ,p]haps = five or six ye>s4 ,p]haps only two or ?ree4 ,y nev] c tell :at ano!r new season w br+4 ,"h's "o ?+ t's c]ta94 ,i'll play j z long z ,i c4 ,x's my pr(ession1 my life1 & ,i love x4 ,& :5 ,i'm ?r\gh ,i w be able to retire & live ! way ,i want to live--kn[+ t ,i h pl5ty to support myself & family = ! re/ ( my days4 ,& t's my baseball /ory4 ,h]eaft] 9 ?9k+ ( baseball & baseball play]s ,i ask y to rememb] only t x's a great game1 wor?y ( ! be/ y c give x4 ,& ball play]s1 (f ! field1 are mu* ! same z y--j z human1 j z fri5dly1 j z mu* int]e/$ 9 _! own lives1 _! own affairs & _! own ambitions4 ,"s ( u are a little r\gh1 true en\gh1 b !n s are "s ( y4 ,"s ( u h lack$ opportunities = education & tra9+4 ,s h "s ( y4 ,b we're all good citiz5s1 all ( av]age hone/y & integrity2 ( av]age intellig5ce & av]age "*4 ,we l ! *e]s :5 !y come3 we take ! je]s z !y e*o4 ,we try to give ! be/ we c1 & once we're too old to c>ry on we all hope to /ep d[n gracefully to b[ to ! y\ng/]s :o succe$ u4 ,y\?1 y "k1 is ! life ( baseball--& we c't keep our y\? =ev]4 ,& t1 z ! boys say1 :5 !y hit into a d\ble play1 is t6 ,,*apt] ,,xx ,"s baseball laughs--,! 8battles0 ) ! umpire--,tommy ,connolly puts ov] a fa/ "o on ,bob ,vea*--,joe ,dugan's comeback at ,jack ,scott 9 ! _w s]ies--,bozeman ,bulg]'s color$ umpire /ory--,*>ley ,o',le>y weighs 9 ) "o--,sam ,jones tops x--,a laugh on ,rube ,lutzke4 ,baseball is full ( laughs4 ,& full ( good /ories too--/ories t g ! r\nds ( ! camps1 ?r\gh ! long seasons until f9ally !y become a "p ( ! game itself4 ,a good _m ( our be/ baseball /ories c5t] ar\nd ! umpires1 & ! argum5ts ov] close decisions4 ,fans1 be+ quick to je]1 v frequ5tly ?9k an argum5t is go+ on1 :5 !re's no?+ ( ! sort really happ5+4 ,five times out ( t5 :5 a play] engages an umpire 9 conv]sation at ! plate or on ! bases1 x isn't an argum5t at all4 ,i rememb] an incid5t at ! ,/adium a c\ple ( seasons ago4 ,cl>5ce ,r[l& 0 work+ back ( ! plate1 & e>ly 9 ! game he _h call$ a c\ple ( 8close ones0 aga9/ ! ,yankees4 ,z a matt] ( fact 8 decision _h be5 "r bo? times--b t didn't make any diff]5ce to ! fans4 ,!y 7 on him pl5ty4 ,f9ally 9 ! eigh? inn+ ,i came up ) two m5 on base4 ,e>l ,:itehill 0 pit*+4 ,:itehill ?rew ! fir/ "o4 8,/rike "o10 ,cl>5ce yell$4 8,oh y robb]10 came ! e*o f ! /&s4 ,aga9 he pit*$4 8,/rike two10 ,cl>5ce %\t$4 8,robb]4 ,bum4 ,?ief60 ,^! & o!r *oice bits ( comm5t came d[n f ! /&s & blea*]s4 ,i /epp$ out ( ! batt]'s box & turn$ to speak to ,cl>5ce4 8,t's "r1 ,babe10 ! fans yell$1 8tell him a ?+ or two4 ,give x to him40 ,& ! je]+ d\bl$ z we talk$4 ,f9ally ! game end$ & z ,i trott$ across ! field "s big bruis] came bu/l+ out ( ! /&s & patt$ me on ! %\ld]4 8,at 'a boy1 ,babe10 he h[l$4 8,i guess y told t bl9d umpire a ?+ or two1 eh8 ,he's j a bum anyh[6 ,keep aft] him60 ,:i* 0 all "r except = two ?+s4 ,9 ! fir/ place ,cl>5ce _h be5 "r4 ,bo? balls 7 /rikes4 ,& 9 ! second place ,i hadn't que/ion$ 8 decision = an in/ant4 ,:at ,i _h said 0 simply ?is3 8,did y see t "o curve8 ,i wond] :]e he got x4 ,t guy nev] %[$ me a hook l t be=e60 99 99 99 99 99 ,half ! laughs 9 baseball come f quick rep>tee1 & ! umpires are ab\t z quick z anyone4 ,"o ( ! funnie/ l9es ,i ev] he>d1 or "o ( ! be/ come-backs1 0 pull$ by ,tommy ,connolly1 ! vet]an ,am]ican ,league umpire4 ,bob ,vea* ( ! ,tig]s 0 ! goat4 ,! ,tig]s 7 engag$ 9 a tight game & ,tommy _h _h m close ones ?an usual t day4 ,x 0 hot too--& ! boys 7 a bit cro*ety1 & !y 7 on ,tommy pl5ty4 ,f9ally ,vea* 0 at bat & got hold ( "o1 s5d+ x on a l9e ov] ?ird base to ! wall4 ,bob didn't /op to wait = ! decision--j hit out d[n ! basel9e & he 0 on second base be=e ! outfield] rea*$ ! ball4 ,tommy call$ him back4 8,f\l ball10 he said4 8,y'll h to d t "o ov]40 ,bob kick$ pl5ty--b ,tommy /ood 8 gr\nd4 ,at ! end ( ! inn+ ,vea* w5t out to left field1 took a look at ! f\l-l9e & came rac+ back to ! plate4 8,say1 ,tommy1 t ball 0 fair10 he h[l$4 8,x l&$ "r on ! f\l l9e4 ,!re's a m>k 9 ! lime :]e x l&$4 ,i c %[ x to y60 ,tommy du/$ (f ! plate1 !n /raight5$ ) a gr94 8,well1 well10 he said1 8is t s8 ,n[ ,i tell y :at to d4 ,y run "r out !re & br+ t f\l l9e 9 to me4 ,i'll take a look at x60 ,bob 0 /opp$ pl5ty4 ,aft] t he nev] aga9 tri$ to rag ,tommy4 99 99 99 99 99 ,! play]s !mselves pull _m a good l9e too4 ,"s ( !m are p>ticul>ly exp]t--& !re are few m5 9 ! league :o h any?+ on ,joe ,dugan4 ,i'll nev] =get "o he pull$ 9 ! #aibc _w s]ies betwe5 ! ,giants & ,yankees4 ,x s happ5$ t 9 "o ( ! games1 ,joe came to bat ) two m5 on & a run ne$$ to tie4 ,big ,jack ,scott 0 pit*+ = ! ,giants4 ,at su* a crucial mom5t z t ball play]s are suppos$ to be n]v\s & excit$4 ,maybe "s ( !m are4 ,b n ,joe4 ,) ! cr[d h[l+ & yell+ he select$ 8 bat & walk$ sl[ly to ! plate4 ,he du/$ 8 h&s delib]ately & !n /epp$ into ! batt]'s box4 ,scotty 0 all ready to pit*1 b j z he />t$ 8 w9dup1 ,dugan /epp$ out ( ! batt]'s box1 held up 8 h& = "t4 ,! umpire motion$ ,scott n to pit*4 ,!n ,dugan made a megaphone ( 8 h&s1 & turn+ t[>d ,scotty %\t$ out a l9e t ,i'll nev] =get3 8,hey1 ,scotty10 he said1 8pull 9 y\r e>s4 ,y look l a lov+ cup60 ,& ,joe got 8 base hit too6 99 99 99 99 99 ,z ,i said be=e ! umpires figure 9 a lot ( baseball's funny /ories1 true & untrue4 ,"o ( ! be/ laughs ,i ev] he>d 0 ! /ory told by my fri5d ,bozeman ,bulg]1 ! baseball writ]1 conc]n+ ! color$ umpire d[n 9 ,alabama4 ,x seems t two d>ky teams 7 su* bitt] rivals t :5 !y met = ! *ampion%ip x 0 decid$ to s5d to ,baltimore & get ! fancie/ umpire kn[n to _! circles--a cocky color$ (ficial ( consid]able reputation4 ,"o ( ! teams _h a gigantic fir/ baseman :o 0 also a t]rific hitt]4 ,on ! day ( ! battle ?is giant--,bam ,sp>ks1 !y call$ him--ey$ ! little dri$-up umpire f head to foot4 ,bam 0 n at all impress$ by ! ,baltimore reputation4 ,! little umpire mu/ also h _h "s d\bts 9 8 own m9d4 ,f9ally ,bam ,sp>ks came to bat4 ,! fir/ ball pit*$ split ! plate & he didn't sw+ at x4 8,/rike "o60 scream$ ! little umpire ) a wave ( ! h& t impress$ ! color$ root]s if n ! hitt]4 ,bam turn$ & quietly look$ ! import$ umpire ov]1 b said no?+4 ,8 grunt1 ?\gh1 0 full ( mean+4 ,a few mom5ts lat] ano!r /rike came ov]4 8,two10 scream$ ! umpire ) ! same trick sw+ ( ! arm1 & 8 voice rais$ to a wail4 ,bam ,sp>ks quietly dropp$ 8 bat to ! gr\nd1 spat tobacco juice 9 ! du/ & sl[ly turn$ ar\nd1 giv+ ! little ump a dirty dirty look4 8,two :ut80 he dem&$4 ,t "o look did ! trick4 8,too ,high10 came ! ready response1 & ,bam resum$ 8 position at ! bat4 99 99 99 99 99 ,p]haps x 0 ! same color$ umpire :o figur$ 9 t o!r game n[ s well kn[n to ! /ory tell]s4 ,at lea/ ?is "o 0 a little fell[1 color$ & weaz5$1 & he 0 umpir+ ! *ampion%ip game betwe5 two color$ cont5d+ teams4 ,x 0 a tr\blesome day4 ,all ?r\gh ! game he _h be5 9 hot wat]1 & z ! n9? inn+ came ar\nd he 0 be+ ?reat5$ ) ev]y?+ f hang+ to boil+ 9 oil4 ,nor c\ld he expect help f ! fans1 = !y 7 ab\t ev5ly divid$4 ,! game 0 play$ on neutral gr\nd & !re 0 no home club to favor4 ,he 0 on 8 own4 ,came ! la/ ( ! n9? inn+ z ! movie p put x4 ,! team 9 ! field _h a "o run lead1 ! bases 7 full1 two 7 out1 & ! c\nt 0 ?ree & two on ! hitt]4 ,! pit*] w\nd up & let ! ball fly4 ,! batt] didn't sw+4 ,in/ead he turn$ 9 8 tracks & ey$ ! umpire4 8,t's a ball suah10 he said ) pret5d$ c]ta9ty4 8,"r ?r\gh ! plate10 ! cat*] retort$1 & !re 0 murd] 9 8 eye z he turn$ to ! umpire4 ,! ump 0 dumb = an in/ant1 & 8 eyes 7 look+ = ! ne>e/ exit4 ,! teams came clu/]+ ar\nd4 8,well10 !y dem&$1 8say some?+4 ,:at 0 x80 ,aga9 ! little ump ey$ ! exit4 ,8 knees %ook4 ,8 h&s trembl$4 8,d-d-d-d\btful60 he h[l$ f9ally1 & broke = ! gate4 ,accord+ to ! /ory he's /ill travel+4 99 99 99 99 99 ,!re's no?+ ball play]s l bett] ?an to sit ar\nd ! hotel lobbies 9 ! ev5+ swapp+ y>ns4 ,& at times l t !y're n hamp]$ by tru? ei!r4 ,two ( ! greate/ /orytell]s ,i ev] he>d are ,*>ley ,o',le>y & ,sam 7,sad ,sam7 ,jones4 ,:y anyone %\ld ev] call ,sam 8,sad ,sam10 is m ?an ,i c figure4 ,he's "o ( ! mo/ *e]ful1 happy1 ev5 disposition$ fell[s ,i ev] knew4 ,b t's beside ! /ory4 ,i _h ! pleasure ( sitt+ 9 on a confab 9 ,wa%+ton "o night :5 ,sam & ,*>ley 7 ex*ang+ y>ns4 ,!y _h be5 go+ along = "s "t :5 ,*>ley weigh$ 9 ) ?is "o4 8,two color$ teams10 he said1 87 play+ = ! city *ampion%ip ( ,*icago--a t\gh1 t\gh game t f9ally w5t into extra inn+s4 ,! game 0 play$ late 9 ! fall1 & d>kness came along t[>d ! la/4 ,f9ally 9 ! twelf? inn+ x 0 s d>k t y c\ld h>dly see ! ball4 8,"o team scor$ a run 9 ! fir/ ( ! twelf?1 giv+ !m a two to "o lead4 ,9 ! la/ half ( ! twelf? ! o!r team fill$ ! bases1 ) two d[n4 ,!re 7 two /rikes & ?ree balls on ! batt]4 ,x 0 a f9e "t = /rategy40 ,! big color$ pit*] beckon$ to 8 cat*] :o /roll$ out to ! pit*]'s box4 8,li/510 ! pit*] told him4 8,y take t ball4 ,n[ y g back ( t plate & :5 ,i w9d up & make my pit*+ motion y smack t ball h>d into y\r glove60 ,he w\nd up--& pret5d$ to let fly4 ,bam6 w5t ! ball into ! cat*]'s glove4 8,/rike ?ree1 y're out60 ! umpire %riek$4 ,& at ! s\nd ! batt] :irl$ 9 8 place & confront$ ! ump4 8,oh y ?ief10 he h[l$4 8,y call t a /rike4 ,:y t ball 0 two feet outside60 99 99 99 99 99 ,mo/ ( ! boys 7 will+ to give ,*>ley ! lea!r m$al on t "o4 ,b n ,sam4 ,he _h a c\nt]-y>n t he sprung1 & ?is 0 x4 8,we us$ to h a pit*] out 9 ,ohio :o 0 a wond] at t trick motion /uff 9 cat*+ m5 (f base10 ,sam said4 8,he 0 "o ( ^? fell[s :o c\ld ?r[ equally well ) 8 "r h& or 8 left4 ,well sir1 ?is fell[ got q a reputation ar\nd 8 "p ( ! /ate1 & f9ally got a job pit*+ = a semi-pro club t 0 play+ = ! *ampion%ip4 8,x 0 a t\gh battle4 ,nei!r side scor$ ! fir/ eight inn+s4 ,f9ally 9 ! fir/ ( ! n9? ?is pit*]'s club put ov] a run4 ,9 ! la/ ( ! n9? ! ?+ got t\gh]4 ,! oppon5ts fill$ ! bases ) nobody out & ! gang 0 %\t+ = ! pit*]'s blood4 ,x 0 a t\gh spot4 8,b did x bo!r ?is f>m] kid8 ,x did n4 ,"k :at he did8 8,he /roll$ ov] to ! b5* z ?\gh he 0 gett+ a dr9k ( wat]1 & quietly pick$ up ano!r baseball4 ,!n he w5t back to ! m\nd4 8,well sir1 t fell[ took a little w9dup & ) 8 "r h& he ?rew to fir/ base1 cat*+ ! runn] !re asleep4 ,) 8 left h& he toss$ to ?ird base & caught t runn] flat-foot$ too4 ,& ,i'll be durn$ if 8 motion wasn't s deceptive t ! hitt] swung too1 & /ruck out4 ,complet$ a triple play1 "r !re1 t pit*] did--& won ! ball game4 8,we gr[ our pit*]s t way d[n 9 ,ohio10 ,sam add$ & walk$ away4 ,*>ley 0 :ipp$4 ,he _h no?+ m to say4 ,t 0 once :5 ,sam ,jones _h him /opp$ cold4 99 99 99 99 99 ,gett+ back to tru? aga9 ! boys tell a /ory on ,rube ,lutzke1 ! ,clevel& ?ird baseman1 t gets _m a laugh4 ,i won't v\* = its tru?1 except to say t ! ,clevel& boys all tell x z fact4 ,y "k a ball play] loves 8 base hits m ?an any?+ 9 ! _w4 ,:5 ! (ficial scor] gives him an error he takes x z "p ( ! game4 ,b let ! scor] fail to give him a hit :5 he ?9ks he has x com+ & !re's a h[l t y c he> all ov] ! p>k4 ,b ,i'm gett+ away f my /ory4 ,rube1 ! boys say1 _h be5 go+ great at ! bat = "s "t & f9ally he w5t into a game & came out ) f\r hits 9 f\r times up4 ,naturally he 0 pretty happy1 & he w5t home t night :i/l+ & s++ & laugh+ at ev]ybody4 ,mrs4 ,lutzke met him at ! door & ,rube 0 /ill :i/l+4 8,well10 he says1 8f\r = f\r today4 ,guess t's smack+ ! old pill1 eh80 ,a few days lat] h>d luck bu/$ ,rube "r 9 ! eye4 ,seem$ z ?\gh he c\ldn't get ! ball safe to save 8 life1 & 9 a d\ble head] "o aft]noon he w5t to bat n9e times )\t any?+ t ev5 look$ l a hit4 ,n s good6 ,rube sc[l$ & mutt]$ "u 8 brea? z he took 8 %[] & got dress$4 ,mrs4 ,lutzke met him at ! door :5 he got home4 8,well1 ,rube10 %e said1 8h[ _m hits today80 ,rube 0 spee*less = a m9ute1 b f9ally he f\nd 8 tongue4 8,li/510 he said1 8y att5d to ! cook+ = ?is family & ,i'll d ! hitt+40 99 99 99 99 99 ,mo/ ( ! laughs 9 baseball come f wisecracks pull$ on ! b5*4 ,play]s rag ea* o!r a lot4 8,jockey+0 we call x 9 baseball4 ,& "s ( ! boys are exp]t4 ,joe ,bu% 0 "o ( ! be/ jockeys ,i ev] he>d4 ,fr$dy ,h(fman1 ! old ,yankee cat*]1 0 ano!r good "o4 ,art ,flet*] is no sl\* ei!r4 ,& !re are fell[s on ea* big league ball club :o make jockey+ a real art4 ,:itey ,witt us$ to pull a lot ( funny l9es--n wise cracks p>ticul>ly b j obs]vations t _h a lot ( humor along ) _! common s5se4 ,:itey's be/ "o 0 pull$ "o day :5 we 7 play+ ,wa%+ton1 & at ,walt] ,johnsons' exp5se4 ,x 0 a t\gh game1 & ,walt] _h walk$ me int5tionally :5 ,i came up ) two m5 on & two out4 ,:itey 0 on him 9 a m9ute4 8,t's "r1 ,b>ney10 ,:itey h[l$1 8bett] f\r balls = "o base ?an "o ball = f\r bases anytime40 ,t's "o l9e t has gone ar\nd ! league & back aga94 ,y /ill he> x doz5s ( times a season--a sort ( unconsci\s tribute to ,:itey ,witt :o f9i%$ 8 baseball c>e] "s seasons ago4 99 99 99 99 99 ,yes1 !re are laughs 9 baseball--lots ( !m4 ,t's ano!r ?+ t helps to make x a great game4 ,,gloss>y ,,( ,,baseball ,,t]ms ,b>b]--,a ready conv]sationali/4 ,"n appli$ to p]son :o talks a great deal4 ,jockey--a rid]4 ,play] :o 8rides0 oppos+ play]s f ! b5*4 ,tak+ him = a ride--ridicule & kidd+ ( an oppos+ play] 9 ef=t to disconc]t him4 ,horse coll>--a z]o 9 ! box score hit column4 ,c\s9--a pit*] :o is easy to hit4 ,hook--a curve ball ( any v>iety4 8,du/+ (f0--,mak+ ! hitt] drop to ! gr\nd by pit*+ at him4 8,wa/+ "o0--pit*+ outside & wide ( ! plate 9 an ef=t to head (f a /eal or prev5t a hit & run4 8,lean+0--tak+ an exceptional long lead1 prep>atory to a /eal4 8,breeze0--an easy *ance4 8,texas ,leagu]0--a fly ball j out ( rea* ( ! infield]s1 b too close 9 = an outfield] to h&le4 8,do+ a ,sammy ,vick0--ov]eat+4 ,sammy ,vick 0 not$ = possess+ "o ( ! mo/ voraci\s appetites 9 ! big leagues4 8,! ,syracuse ,c>0--! ,pullman 9 :i* ! rookies & sub/itutes ride4 ,orig9at$ ) ! ,giants :o us$ to play an exhibition game 9 ,syracuse ea* ye>4 ,usually ! second /r+ m5 w\ld play ! game & _! c> w\ld be %unt$ (f at ,syracuse :ile ! o!rs w5t on to ! next big league t[n to enjoy a day (f4 8,boot0--an error4 8,a bl[0--a base hit4 8,9 ! groove0--a ball ?r\gh ! c5t] ( ! plate1 easy to hit4 8,a s9k]0--a fly ball t has a back sp9 :i* causes x to s9k to ! gr\nd quickly4 8,rookie0--a fir/ ye> man or a play] :o has n won 8 spurs z a regul>4 8,:ittl+0--t]m appli$ to pit*]s :o attempt to fool hitt]s ) balls j (f ! corn] ( ! plate4 ,a :ittl] is a pit*] :o mixes up balls ) /rikes & c>ries a batt] along to a two-two or ?ree-two c\nt be=e mak+ him hit4 8,bean ball0--a pit*$ ball ?r[n at a batt]s' head4 8,giv+ x ! old college try0--play+ to ! gr&/& or mak+ /r5u\s ef=t to field a ball t obvi\sly _c be h&l$4 ,scribes--! newspap] m5 :o accompany a big league ball club on ! road4 ,f\r = f\r2 ?ree = two1 etc--! ball play]'s way ( say+ f\r hits 9 f\r times up2 two hits 9 ?ree times up1 etc4 ,an abbreviation ( 8?ree times up = two hits40 8,fungo0--fly balls hit to ! outfield dur+ field+ practice4 ,transcrib]'s ,notes #a4 ,italicis$ words are indicat$ by und]scores4 #b4 ,misspell$ words h be5 correct$ 7see bel[74 ,ar*aic1 inconsi/5t & alt]native spell+s h be5 left un*ang$4 ,hyph5ation has n be5 /&>dis$4 #c4 ,punctuation has be5 sil5tly correct$4 #d4 ,?\ght breaks 7l>g] gaps betwe5 p>agraphs7 are indicat$ by a r[ ( a/]isks4 #e4 8,edit ,di/ance0 9 ,corrections table bel[ ref]s to ! ,lev5%te9 ,di/ance4 ,corrections3 ,page ,s\rce ,correction ,edit di/ance iv ,h9key ,ha9es1 ,h9key ,ha9es' #fh ,eddie ,rommell ,eddie ,rommel #aaj ,pittsburg ,pirates ,pittsburgh ,pirates #abc me*ancal me*anical #adj ,urban ,s*ock] ,urban ,%ock] #aec n say+ hat n say+ t #afa a little bet] a little bett] #ahi ! pit*+s com+ ! pit*es com+ #aib drag hunt]s drag bunt]s #aie phases t ! phrases t ! #bbb !re=t !re=e #bbi appe>5ce appe>ance #bcf accid5tly accid5tally #bff pa/time pa/ "t