Group I. No. 229 Price 10 cents ATHI/BTIC I/IBRARY mm ^.- \D^ 'How ;.;: n^ \mMMMM^ ^'' AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHISG Co.'^^ *t|(!l(iH>"n!i, 21 Warren Street, New YorK en^fSP^'xi THE SPALDING! RADE - MARK UALITY AND SELLING POLICY ICONSTITUTE THE Solid Foundation of the Spalding Business America'sNational Game By A. G. SPALDING Price, $2.00 Net A book of 600 pages, profusely illustrated with over 100 full page engravings, and having sixteen forceful cartoons by Homer C. Davenport, the fsumous American artist The above work should have a place in every public library in this country, as also in the libraries of public schools and private houses. The author of "America's National Game" is conceded, always, everywhere, and by every- body, to have the best equipment of any living writer to treat the subject that forms the text of this remarkable volume, viz., the story of the origin, development and evolution of Base Ball, the National Game of our country. Almost from the very inception of the game until the present time — as player, manager and magnate— Mr. Spalding has been closely iden- tified with its interests. Not infrequently he has been called upon in times of emergency to prevent threatened disaster. But for him the National Game would have been syn- dicated and controlled by elements whose interests were purely selfish and personal. The book is a veritable repository of in- formation concerning players, clubs and personalities connected with the game in its early days, and is written in a most interesting style, interspersed with enlivening anecdotes and accounts of events that have not heretofore been published. The response on the part of the press and the public to Mr. Spalding's efforts to perpetuate the early history of the National Game has been very encouraging and he is in receipt of hundreds of letters and notices, a few of which are here given. Robert Adamson, New York, writing from the office of Mayor Gaynor, says: — "Seeing the Giants play is my principal recreation and I am interested in reading everything I can find about the game. I especially enjoy what you [Mr. Spalding] have written, because you stand as the highest living authority on the game." Barney Dreyfuss, owner of the Pittsburg National League club: — "It does honor to author as well as the game. I have enjoyed reading it very much." Walter Camp, well known foot ball expert and athlete, says: — "It is indeed a remarkable work and one that I have read with a great deal of interest." John B. Day, formerly President of the New York Nationals :-- *'Your wpnderful work will outlast all of us." W. Trvinc Snyder formerly of the house of Peck & Snyder:— •*! have read the book from cover to cover with great interest." Andrew Peck, formerly of the celebrated firm of Peck & Snyderw- "All base ball fans should read and see how the game was conducted in early years." Melville E. Ssione, New York, General Manager Associated Press: — "I find it full ot valuable information and very interesting. I prize it very highly." George Barnak Chicago: — "Words fail to express my appreciation of the book. It carries me back to the early days of base ball and makes me feel like a young man again." Charles W. Muki-hy, President Chicago National League club: — "The book is a very valuable work and will become a part of every base ball library in the country." John F. Morrill, Boston, Mass., old time base ball star. — "I did not think it possible for one to become so interested in a book on base ball, I do not find anything in it which I can criticise." Ralph D. Paine, popular magazine writer and a leading authority on college sport: — "I have been reading the book with a great deal of interest. 'It fills a long felt want,' and you are a national benefactor for writing it." Gen. Fred Funston, hero of the Philippine war: — "I read the book with a great deal of pleasure and was much interested in seeing the account of base ball among the Asiatic whalers, which I had written for Harper's Round Table so many years ago." DeWolf Hopper, celebrated operatic artist and comedian: — "Apart from the splendid history of the evolution of the game, it perpetuates the memories of the many men who so gloriously sustained it. It should be read by every lover of the sport." Hugh Nicol, Director of Athletics, Purdue University, Lafayette, Ina.: — "No one that has read this book has appreciated it more than I. Ever since I have been big enough, I have been in professional base ball, and you can imagine how interesting the book is to me." Mrs. Britton, owner of the St. Louis Nationals, through her treas- urer, H. D. Seekamp, writes: — "Mrs. Britton has been very much interested in the volume and has read with pleasure a number of chapters, gaining valuable information as to the history of the game." Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D.D., New York: — "Although I am not very much of a 'sport,' I nevertheless believe in sports, and just at the present time in base ball particularly. Perhaps if all the Giants had an opportunity to read the volume before the recent game (with the Athletics) they might not have been so grievously outdone." ' Bruce Cartwright, son of Alexander J. Cartwright. founder of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, the first organization of ball players in existence, writing from his home at Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, says: — "I have read the book with great interest and it is my opinion that no better history of base ball could have been written." George W. Frost, San Diego, Calif.: — "You and 'Jim' White, George Wright, Barnes, McVey, O'Rourke, etc., were little gods to us back there in Boston in those days of '74 and '75, and I recall how indig- nant we were when you 'threw us down' for the Chicago contract. The book is splendid. I treasure it greatly." A. J. Reach, Philadelphia, old time professional expert: — "It certainly is an interesting revelation of the national game from the time, years before it was so dignified, up to the present. Those who have played the game, or taken an interest in it in the past, those at present en- gaged in it, together with all who are to engage in it, have a rare treat in store." Dr. Luther H. Gulick, Russell Sage Foundation:— "Mr. Spalding has been the largest factor in guiding the development of the game and thus deserves to rank with other great men of the country who have contributed to its success. It would have added to the interest of the book if Mr. Spalding could have given us more of his own personal experiences, hopes and ambitions in connection with the game." SPALDINf; ATHLETIC LIBRARY a Giving the Titles of all Spalding Athletic Library Books now ; :> in print, grouped lor ready relerence (^ - ^ SPALDING OFFICIAL ANNUALS No. 1 Spalding lA Spalding IC Spalding 2 Spalding 2A Spalding 4 Spalding 6 Spalding 7 Spalding 7A Spalding 9 Spalding 1 2A Spalding s Official Base Ball Guide 's Official Base Ball Record s Official College Base Ball Annual s Official Foot Ball Guide s Official Soccer Foot Ball Guide 's Official Lawn Tennis Annual s Official Ice Hockey Guide s Official Basket Ball Guide 's Official Women's Basket Ball Guide s Official Indoor Base Ball Guide s Official Athletic Rules Group L Base Ball No. 1 Spalding's Official Jiasr Hall G wide No. lA Official Base Ball Record No. ic College base Ball Annual No. 202 How to Play Base Ball No. Z23 How to Bat No. 232 How to Run Bases No. 230 How to Fitch No. 22y How to Catch No. 225 How to Play First Base No 225 How to I'lay Second Base No. 227 How to Play Thiid Base No. 228 How to Play Shortstop No. i:24 How to Play the Outfield fHow to Organize a Base Ball League How to Organize a Base Ball Club »T^ How to Manage a Base Ball ^%. < Club "^ I How toTraina Base Ball Team I How to Captain a Base Ball Team I How to Umpire a Game L Technical Base Ball Terms No. 219 Ready Reckoner of Base Ball Percentages No. 350 How to Score BASE BALL AUXILIARIES No. 355 Minor League Ba.se Ball Guic No. 356 Orticial Pook National Leagut of Prof. Base Ball Clubs No. 340 Official Handbook National Playground Ball Ass'n Group II. Foot Ball No. 2 Spalding's Official Foot Ball (luidv No. 2 a Sp(ddinq's Official Soccer Foot Ball Cniide No. 335 How to Play Rugby. FOOT BALL AUXILIARIES No. 351 Official Rugby Foot Ball Guide No. 358 Official College Soccer Foot Ball Guide Group IV. No, Lawn Tennis No. 157 Group VI. No. 6 Spaldi Spalding's Official Lawn Ten- nis Annual How to Play Lawn Tennis Gtiide No. 180 Ring Hockey (Continued on the next page.) Hockey Official Ice Hockey ANY OF THE ABOVE BOOKS MAILED POSTPAID UPON RECEIPT OF 10 CENTS For additional hooks on athletic subjects see list of Spalding's ^'Hvd Cove*'"' Scries on second page following. SPALDING ATHLETIC LIBRARY Group VII. Basket Ball No. 7 Spalding' s Official Basket Ball Guide No. 7a Spalding's Official Women's Basket Ball Guide No. 193 How to Play Basket Ball BASKET BALL AUXILIARY No. 353 Official Collegiate Basket Ball Handbook Group VIII. Lacrosse No. 201 How to Play Lacrosse Group IX. Indoor Base Ball No. 9 Spalding's Official Indoor Base Ball Guide Group X. Polo No. 129 Water Polo No. 199 Equestrian Polo Group XL Miscellaneous Games No. 248 Archery No 138 Croquet No. 271 Roque XT io< (Racquets. Squash-Racquets ^o-l^^tCourt Tennis No. 13 Hand Ball No. 1*;7 Quoits No. 14 Curling No. 170 Push Ball No. 207 Lawn Bowls Group XII. Athletics No. 12a Spalding's Official Athletic Rules No. 27 College Athletics No. 182 All Around Athletics No. 156 Athletes' Guide No. 87 Athletic Primer . No. 259 How to Become a Weight Thrower No. 255 Plow to Run 100 Yards No. 55 Official Sporting Rules No. 246 Athletic Training for School- boys No. 317 Marathon Running No. 331 Schoolyard Athletics No. 22 How to Sprint No. 342 Walking for Health and Com petition ATHLETIC AUXILIARIES No. 302 Y. M. C. A. Official Handbook No. 313 Public Schools Athletic League Official Handbook No. 314 Girls' Athletics Group XIII. Athletic Accomplishments No. 23 Canoeing No. 128 How to Row No. 209 How to Become a Skater No. 178 How to Train for Bicycling No. 282 Roller Skating Guide Group XIV. Manly Sports No. 165 Fencing (By Senac) No. 102 Ground Tumbling No. 143 Indian Clubs and Dumb Bells No. 2li2 Medicine Ball Exercises No. 29 Pulley Weight Exercises No. 191 How to Punch the Bag No. 2S9 Tumbling for Amateurs Group XV. Gymnastics No. 254 Barnjum Bar Bell Drill No. 214 Graded Calisthenics and Dumb Bell Drills. No. 124 How to Become a Gymnast No. 287 Fancy Dumb Bell and March- ing Drills No. 327 Pyramid Building Without Apparatus No. 329 Pyramid Building with Wands, Chairs and Ladders GYMNASTIC AUXILIARY No. 345 Official Handboolc I. C. A. A. Gymnasts of America Group XVI. Physical Culture No. 161 Ten Minutes' Exercise for Busy Men. No. 149 Care of the Body No. 285 Health by Muscular Gym- nastics No. 208 Physical Education and Hy- giene No. 185 Hints on Health No. 234 School Tactics and Maze Run- ning. No. 238 Muscle Building No. 288 Indigestion Treated by Gym- nastics No. 213 285 Health Answers No. 325 Twenty-Minute Exercises ANY OF THE ABOVE BOOKS MAILED POSTPAID UPON RECEIPT OF iO CENTS foi' additional books on athletic subjects see list of Spalding's "Red Cover" Series on next page. SPALDING ATHLETIC LIBRARY "Red Cover" Series No. IR. Spalding's Official Athletic Almanac* Price 25c. No. 2R. Strokes and Science of Lawn Tennis Price 25c. No. 3R. Spalding's Official Golf Guide.* Price 25c. No. 4R. How to Play Golf Price 25c. No. 5R. Spalding's Official Cricket Guide.* Price 25c. No. 6R. Cricket and How to Play It Price 25c. No. 7R. Physical Training Simplified Price 25c. No. 8R. The Art of Skating Price 25c. No. 9R. How to Live 100 Years Price 25c. No. lOR. Single Stick Drill Price 25c. No. IIR. Fencing Foil Work Illustrated Price 25c. No. 12R. Exercises on the Side Horse Price 25c. No. 13R. Horizontal Bar Exercises Price 25c. No. 14R. Trapeze. Long Hor.se and Rope Exercises Price 25c. No. 15R. Exercises on the Flying Rings. Price 25c. No. 16R. Team Wand Drill Price 25c. No. 17R. Olympic Games. Stockholm. 1912 Price 25c. No. 18R. Wrestling Price 25c. No. 19R. Professional Wrestling Price 25c. No. 20R. How to Play Ice Hockey Price 25c. No. 21R. Jiu Jitsu Price 25c. No. 22Fi. How to Swing Indian Clubs Price 25c. No. 23R. Get Well : Keep Well Price 25c. No. 24R. Dumb Bell Exercises Price 25c. No. 25R. Boxing Price 25c. No. 2hR. Official Handbook National S(iuash Tennis Association* Price 25c. No. 27R. CalisthenicDrillsandFancyMarchingfortheClassRoom Price 25c. No. 28R. Winter Sports Price 25c. No. 29R. Children's Games Price 25c. No. 30R. Fencing. (By Breck.) Price 25c. No. 31R, Spalding's International Polo Guide.* Price 25c. No. 32R. Physical Training for the School and Class Room. . . Price 25c. No. 33R. Tensing Exercises Price 25c. No. 34R. Grading of Gymnastic Exercises Price 25c. No. 35R. Exercises on the Parallel Bars Price 25c. No. 36R. Speed Swimming Price 25c. No. 37R. How to Swim Price 25c. No. 38R. Field Hockey Price 25c. No. 39R. How to Play Soccer Price 25c. No. 40R. Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games Price 25c. No. 41R. Newcomb Price 25c. No. 42R. Lawn Tennis in Australia Price 25c. No. 43R. Lawn Hockey, Parlor Hockey, Lawn Games Price 25c. No. 44R. How to Wrestle Price 25e. No. 45R. Intercollegiate Official Handbook Price 25c. No 46R. Spalding's Official Lacrosse Guide.* Price 25c. No. 47R. How to Play Foot Ball Price 25c. No. 48R. Distance and Cross Country Running Price 25c. No. 49R. How to Bowl Price 25c. * Published annually. HOW TO PLAY TENNIS For Beginners By P. A. Vaile. No. IP. Price 10 cents. Just published. Illustrated. Mention "Green Cover" Series when ordering. A. G. SPALDING From Photograph Taken in San Francisco in November, 187'^ u }/' SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Group I -^ No. 229 HOW TO CATCH New York AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMPANY 21 Warren Street Copyright. 1914 BY American Sports Publishing Compan- New York §)aA376129 JUN 1 1914 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. INTRODUCTION Give a manager of experience liis ciioice of one first-class player around which to build a team and he will choose a catcher. If you wish to become the hardest worked meml)er of a team, put on a mask, protector and big mitt and get behind the bat. You will get little credit for a good part of your work, but will be doing more for the success of the team than any single mem- ber of it, provided you hold down the position properly. No team in the history of the game has ever been a success without a catcher ranking among the first fiight, and sustained success is impossible without one. Wilbert Robinson had more to do with the phenomenal success of the three-time pennant-win- ning Baltimore Orioles of 1894, 1895 and 1896 than the superficial observer would be apt to imagine. Jack O'Connor was one of the men who made Pittsburg a pennant winner and when he left, the Pirates were dealt a blow which told in 1904 when the old pitchers had left the team or ceased to be effective. Lou CrigCx- and Farrell made the Boston team a pennant winner and after that world's champions. With Johnny Kling the Chicagos were pennant winners. Without him it lost the flag. Roger Bresnahan was prominent in New York's pennant winning. And the rule that a good catcher goes far toward making a good team, goes back to the time when a catcher wore no gloves and was known by his broken and gnarled hands, though he was not of as much importance then as he is now so far as brain work was concerned. The reason for the importance of a good catcher can more easily, be understood when his position is taken into considera- tion. He is the only player who has a view of the entire field at all times and who is in a position to see everything that goes on. lie is at the point where all of the fielding interests centers with a batter up, and his signals can be seen by all of his own players while invisible to the opposing ones. CATCHER DOOIN, Sl'ALDINC'S ATIILETIO LIBRARY. 5 Even the pitcher is (loi)en(kMit upon the catcher fur his success to no small extent. Upon the catcher falls the duty of signaling what kind of a ball is to be pitched. It is to him that a young pitcher owes much of his success or failure. An older pitcher may protect himself to some extent by refusing to pitch a ball called for by the catcher and giving his own signals for another, but one who is new to the game must place reliance on his receiver. Even an older pitcher will iind it to his advantage to allow the catcher to decide upon what is to be pitched, as the latter has a better chance to judge the batter than the. pitcher. On a major league team young talent must be broken in right along to take the place of that lost, and an old and experienced catcher is of untold value in this work. The catcher is the first man on the team to see incorrect play- ing in the field and he must have the entire team well in hand. With men on bases he must plan plays to catch the runners and signal the inheld accordingly. In the meantime he must be working the batter. A catcher of the right sort must be the concentrated brain power of the team. Besides this he must do his share of the mechanical work, some of the hardest on the team. He must stand up in front of swift pitching and hard- driven fouls, and on foul flies he must do work which requires fleetness of foot and a good eye. With all of the hard work the only plays for which a catcher gets much credit are throwing to a base to catch a runner and catching foul flies. These are the only ones which are spectacular and they go to make up but a small per cent, of the work which brings real success behind the bat. J, Strunk scores in fifth inning of fourth game; 2, Oldring safe at home in lifth game; 3, Merkle makes a home run in the seventh inning of fourth t'ame; Burns and Murr-ay also scored on this hit; 4, 01dring,,out at homie in the first inning of fourth game; 5, Mclnnes scoring first run for Athl.etigs in fourth game Copyright, 1M!'3, hy International News Service, N. Y. SCENES IN THE WORLD'S SERIES. WiQ Sl'ALDl^G•S ATHT.KTir T.TRRARTf. THE KEY-NOTE OF CATCHING John J. Klinj^. a famous catcher, gives the foHowing ad- vice on playing his position: The secret of intelligent, successful catching must ever be in detecting the batter's weakness and signalling the pitcher to take full advantage of it. Some batters have many weaknesses, some have few, while the batting kings have apparently none at all, but the aspiring catcher can depend upon it that there has never been and never will be a batter so great as not to have some vulnerable point. The catching position is one, therefore, that calls for a constant battle of wits between its occupant and the man standing in the batsman's box. You may talk about your throwing, your ability to stop bad deliveries and your blocking runners from scoring at the plate, but all of these things, while decided essentials in the work of the catcher, pale into insignificance when compared with the ability to keep the batsman from hitting safely. Every l)atter is endeavoring to make a safe hit and the more the catcher materially aids in preventing him from accomplishing that laud- able purpose, the fewer chances he will have to test his throwing ability or his skill in tagging a runner as he endeavors to slide under or Swerve around the waiting ball and cross the plate. In ninety-nine cases out of one hundred, it is the catcher's duty and privilege to signal the kind of ball the pitcher should deliver to the batsman. The importance, then, of the catcher signalling for the most efifective ball for that particular batter and at that particular time can readily be seen. And how can the catcher act blindly — on mere guess work? In taking his place behind the bat, the first thing a catcher should do is to try to discover the batter's weakness and then signal to the pitcher accordingly. Should the batsman come to the plate showing signs of trying to place the ball in right field — an intention the alert catcher will 1, Burns scores for the Giants; 2, Collins steals second in first game, Fletcher attempting the put-out; Baker brought him in with a home run; 3, A quick throw from Marquard to Merkle catches Oldring off first; 4, Collins putting out Fletcher on an attempted steal by the latter; 5. Shaf er out at second on a perfect throw by Lapp to Collins. Copyright. 1913, by Int. News Service. SCENES IN THE WORLD'S SERIES. 1913 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. t soon detect by noting the position in which he stands — he should signal the pitcher to pitch inside and high. Should the batsman give indications of trying to place a hit in left field, have the pitcher deliver the ball on the outside. This method of procedure "crosses" the batsman most effectively. Now, this is only one form of displaying headwork, and head- work is the thing that makes a catcher successful. He must first have the natural qualifications for the position, of course, but much of the mechanical skill shown by a catcher comes only after careful study. With all of the natural qualifications, there can be no real success without good headwork. Before the present scientific game came into existence headwork may have been of less importance, but every catcher kntnvs how important it is at the present time. The catcher must be to a large extent in command of the game. His position forces this upon him, as he is the only one who can command a view of the entire game. On him must always rest to no small extent the duty of engineering plays while the oppos- ing team is at bat and upon the success of these depends much of the team's success. Ha catcher weakens at a critical point there is but little hope of winning, as errors by him are not only costly but they w^ill unsteady the team as well. A catcher must have a good eye and a clear head at all tin>es. The mechanical work behind the bat is enough to keep him busy, but in addition to that he must know all about inside work and keep this information where he can call upon it at a second's notice. He must be able to see the move of a base runner which ijidicates his intention to try for another base and keep in touch with the infield to prevent a steal or cut off a hit and run play. The most notable instance of the effectiveness possible occurred during the World's series with Detroit in 1908, when three men were caught off the bases and not a ball was hit. Davy Jones was on third. vSchaefer on first and Cobb at the bat. Schaefer attempted to steal second. As the ball was pitched wide, a bluff throw was made to head off Schaefer, but instead Davy Jones was nipped ofif third. SWEENEY. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. H The next ball pitched was a "ball," making two balls on the batter. As Schaefer was taking a big lead off of second, Brown, who was pitching, pitched out and a snap throw was made to Evers, who caught Schaefer off the bag. That made three balls for the batter and as the next ball was a bad one, Cobb walked. He attempted to steal second on the first ball pitched to the suc- ceeding batsman, and was caught stealing. The foregoing instance is only notable because of the unusual number of consecutive put-outs made by quick thinking and action. The catcher's daily work is full of such instances, mostly of a separate nature. Upon his ability to think and ac": quickly depends the success of his team in each game to a very large extent. ■ In addition to all of this the catcher must keep the pitcher going at top speed and use his abilities to the best advantage. The exacting work of a catcher is one of the reasons why few of the younger generation of ball players are coming out as first-class men. The natural qualifications for a catcher do not place so much of a limit on a youngster trying for the position. A catcher to be successful, however, must be a stoutly-built chap or he will not stand the hard knocks he is constantly getting without being forced to remain out of the game a great part of the time owing to injuries. A good arm is one of a catcher's most valuable assets and his chances for success with a poor one are nil. The strain on a catcher's arm is almost as severe as that on the pitcher's, owing to the quick snap he is forced to use. If you have a good arm take care of it. Many players injure them- selves by cutting loose in the spring before their arms have had a chance to toughen up. Take it easy until you feel sure of your- self and then the danger of getting a sore arm will be reduced to the minimum. In conclusion, the best advice to give a young catcher is to take the best care of himself. Perfect physical condition has not a little to do with success, and if you take care of yourself during the time between the seasons you will be in better condition during the season. 1, Shafer safe at first; 2, Herzog- puts Baker out ac third; 3, Schang reaches second on a throw-in of his single which scorod two runs in the fourth game; 4, Baker scores a home run in first game; 5, Burns put out by Baker after being trapped between second and third in first game; 6, Matty safe at second in second game. Copyright, 1913, by International News Service. SCENES IN THE WORLD'S SERIES, 1913 SPALDING'S ATHLIOTIC IJBRARY. 15 VIEWS OF A VETERAN By Lou Criger. A good arm and a good head are the two things which go u ^elher to make a good catcher. One is of no great use witliout irte other — but combined, they insure success. A good arm fre- quently fails because the brain to use it is lacking. This is true not only in running the game but in developing your throwing as well. A good many catchers have arms that are perfectly sound and which give them no trouble, yet they fail to use them to the best advantage owing to a failure to study out the best way in which to handle themselves. To a light man headwork is of even more importance than it is to one built on stouter lines. The latter can take more hard knocks without being injured and forced out of the game while a lighter built man must do quick thinking when he takes chances with a runner at the plate. "Sand" is one of the things a catcher must be long on, but even if he is, it will do him no good if he does not avoid being hurt whenever he can do so. Fearlessness is one of the things which will prevent a catcher from being injured, provided it is coupled with a cool head and clear judg- ment, but mere rashness does little good. Headwork in a catcher is of the utmost value to his team. A catcher who knows his own players and those of the opposing team can pull off plays which would be impossible without that knowledge. This is especially true in regard to the opposing bat- ters. A catcher is in a good position to tell what a batter is doing and a little headwork will frequently result in an easy out or even a double play when there are men on bases. Try to trick a batter into looking for a certain kind of ball. Then call for another and there is a good chance of sneaking a strike over. Constant study is necessary in order to know your batters, as 1, Bush; ■_'. Liipp; :j. E. Murphy; 4. .Slruuk; .l. (Jl.liiujj. A GROUP OF PHILADELPHIA AMERICANS— WORLD'S CHAMPIONS. Van Oeyen, Photos. SPALDING'S ATRLETIO LIBRARY. 15 young playirs are constantly I)cing bivjUglit out. and even old ones may learn a new trick. In handling base runners a good understanding with your fielders is essential. You cannot work tricks to catch a man off base at all unless you know the men with whom you are working and have confidence in them. A hard feat for a catcher to perform is to catch men ofif first or third. Good condition plays an important figure in the game and this is best gained by taking good care of oneself at all times. During the playing season it is sometimes hard to keep from going stale in hot weather, but this will not worry a young catcher unless he is in a position where he is worked steadily. The catching position is not one that is recommended for one who expects an easy task, but for anyone really interested in the game it offers attractions that overcome the disadvantages. There is plenty to keep a thinking catcher busy all of the time, and success is in a large measure its own reward even where salary is not a consideration. 1, Baker; 2, Collins; 3, Bender; 4, Schang; 5. Plank. A GROUP OF PHILADELPHIA AMERICANS— WORLD'S CHAMPIONS. Van Oeyen, Photos. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. PRIME REQUISITES In the first place the catcher must have a good arm. Having that, he should develop a snap throw, a quick, short snap of the arm from the shoulder. This style of throw is excellent to catch base runners and it would be a good idea for young catchers to practice it. In throwing to base one thing to avoid is taking too wide a step. The backstop wants to keep himself close together, as it were, and be in a position to make a quick throw to any base. You have better control of yourself that way, and for throwing to second especially you get the elevation you need for the long speedy throw. The accuracy of the catcher's throw sometimes depends on how the ball comes to him. The right foot is the pivot in throwing, and while the step is generally useful for throwing to all of the bases, the throw can be made to first or third without taking it. As previously said, it depends a good deal on how you get the ball. A catcher must have a clear head and be alert constantly. Also he must be a thinker. He thinks while he is behind the bat, and between innings he is thinking of who the opposing batters are in the next inning and how to deal with them. He must watch the batsmen as they come up and the men on the bases, if there are any. It is the catcher's business to study, the batsmen and learn what they can hit and what their weaknesses are. There are some batters who are hard to fool on anything, but all of them have a little weakness of some sort. Activity on the feet is a prime requisite. The backstop has to move for a pitched ball quickly if it is wide, and he must be ready to make that move. Another thing: Don't move too quickly — that is, too soon. If you do that, in the case of a pitch-out, for instance, vou are only telegraphing the base runner what is- doing. CARRIGAN, SrALDING'S ATIIT.ETIC LIBRARY, l9 When a new batter comes to the plate, one whom you don't know what kind of a ball he can hit, feel him out. If he hits a high fast one and shows that he likes it, try him on something else the next time. You'll soon find out what he likes and doesn't like. It is a good plan for the budding catcher to pick out some lirst-class backstop to watch, study and copy. Practice in going after foul flies — something the catcher has to look after a great deal in a ball game — is a valuable thing to do every day. He should never neglect getting lots of practice in going after them. The catcher is the main point of a team in defensi\e work. Knowing" the batters as he does, or should, it is his duty to direct the fielders where to stand. Particularly does he direct a new fielder on his team where to play for the dififerent batters. His eys is on the whole arrangement of his fielders and on the indi- viduals. He must also know the strength and weaknesses of his own pitchers, know what the different pitchers can do, study their curves and the effectiveness of them as applied to the different batters. Backing up is something a catcher has to do now and then, but there are times when he mustn't go away from the plate and leave it uncovered. The only time he should back up is on a double play, but then not when there is a runner on second base or third base. In such an event, if the throw to first goes wild, the runner on second or third will come home if the plate is uncovered. There is enough exertion for the catcher without his tiring himself by a great deal of backing up. In stopping plays at the plate, touching runners there, it has been found that if the ball gets to the catcher before the runner arrives, the catcher has time to shift his feet and get them out of the way of the runner. Of course, if the ball and runner arrive at the same time, the catcher must hold his ground. If the runner slides for the plate, it is a good plan to slide with him — fall with him, that is. and in the s.-mie directicMi. It protects the catcher from the runner's shoe plate.-; in case tbey collide. 1. Hull, k, L'. r,Aii\ . ; w .\i k II \ \ A GROUP OF PHILADELPHIA AMEItlCANS—WORLD'S PHAMPIONS. Van Oeyeu, Photos. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC I.IKKAKY. QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY Size and weight are important qualifications behind the bat. Small, light men have but little chance and should try for some other position where the probabilities for success are greater. A tall man of spare build may succeed, but even here success is doubtful. The best men behind the bat are those of solid build and a man weighing under 150 pounds stripped will succeed better elsewhere. The weight is required in order to stand up under the constant lire of the pitcher, in steadying oneself fo' throws to second and in withstanding the rough usage a catcher get', at the plate from base runners. The place where the most desperate c!:ances are taken by the runners as a rule is at the home plate and the catcher must stand the brunt of this. Absolute fearlessness is one of the cardinal (pialities of a grei^.t catcher and with this he must have a cool head, quickness of thought 'ind action and a good e}^. A catcher with these quali- ties is the making of a team. A good arm is an essential, b::t even some of those who have great ability in throwing when the bases are empty fall down with men on the bases. A quick, snappy throw is required of a catcher and this can only be accom- plished by leaving out the full swing used in throwing in the field. TNIost of the work is done l)y the arms with the assistance of the shoulders. Here is where weight comes in, as it gives a solid foundation for the throw. Extremely heavy men are still seen behind the bat but they are disappearing from the major leagues. Speed is a desirable quality in a catcher just as much as in any other player and weight is a hindrance to this. A fast man, other things being equal, will always be given the preference over a slow one, owing to his ability to get foul flies and run the bases. Summed up, the ideal catcher is one weighing, say, 160 or 170 pounds, and well proportioned. If \-ou are inclined to be heavy it is the best position for which you can try and the one in whirh you are most likely to prove successful. !\0'S ATHLETIC tlBUARy. beat the speed of the best sprinter, and the catcher should never forget that his part of the game is to try to retire the runners, and do it as quickly as possible, without giving them the slight- est opportunity to make the base. Often a fast throw, that hap- pens to be a little low, will bound into the baseman's hands in time to permit him to touch the runner. If the throw had been slow the runner might easily have beaten the ball out. If the pitcher is inclined to be loggy. return the ball to him with speed. It will wake him up and cause him to put more energy into his game. Some pitchers like to have the ball sent back to them "on the jump." They say that it keeps them active all the time and brings out the best that there is in them. If the catcher is lazy, and tosses the ball back to the pitcher some- what indifferently, before long you will notice that the whole team which is in the field will become careless and slow. Observe a professional team with a slow catcher and see how great the difference when he is in the box and when there is a lively man behind the bat to keep everybody in motion. Don't throw the ball when there is no chance to put the run- ner out. One great fault of young players is their eagerness to get rid of the ball. They want to put it somewhere because they want to get it out of their hands. The first lesson which a young player receives when he begins to play with a professional team is never to throw the ball without a purpose. Learn. to time what the ball can do against a runner. It can beat him, as a rule, but can't beat him when the base is almost within his reach, and to try to catch him in such a case may mean that the baseman is not prepared for the throw and a wild throw may result which may cost the game. No catcher need be troubled with a sore arm, if he will take care that the muscles, from the forearm up, never become strained. If they do feel sore, use a little massage. When begin- ning to throw the next day try the first attempts easily and increase the force as practice wears on. If players will learn to throw and use all the muscles there will be very few who will not be able to continue in base ball until advancing age stiffens them from natural causes. The Spalding' "Official National Leag'ue" Ball PATENT CORK CENTER Adopted by The National League in 1878 and is the only ball used in Champion- ship games smce that time and, as made now with Patent Cork Center, has been adopted for twenty years more, making a total adop- tion of fifty-four years. This ball has the SPALDING "PATENT" CORK CEN- TER, the same as used since August 1,1910, without change in size of cork or construction. Same ball ex- actly as used in World Series Games of 1910. 1911. 1912 and 1913. No.l Each, - - $1.25 Per Dozen, $15.00 Each ball wrapped in tinfoil, packed in a separate box, and sealed in accordance with the latest. League regulations. Warranted to last a full game when used under ordinary conditions. THE SPALDING "OFFICIAL NATIONAL LEAGUE" BALL HAS BEEN THE OFFICIAL BALL OF THE GAME SINCE 1878 Spaldtofl CompleleCatalope ot Athletic Coods Mailed Free. PROMPT AHENTION GIVEN I TITANY communications! ADDRESSED TO US A.G.SPALDING *»" "<*«■ F" Canadian ffioi m iniial CcM^ita Ulilotm. ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE SiilMliiaiMI Spalding Leagrne Rubber Center Ball No. IRC. Horse hide cover, pure Para rubber center, wound with best wool yarn ; double stitched red and green. £ach.$1.00 Doz.912.00 Spalding City League No. L4. Horsehidecover, and rubber center wound with yarn. Full size and weight. Very well made. Each,75c. Doz.,$9.00 Above balU warranted to latt a full game when used under oi Spalding Professional No. 2. Horsehidecover, full size. Care- fully selected material ; first-class quality. In separate box and sealed. Each, 50c. Spalding Public School League No. B3. Junior size, horse hide cover, rub- ber center wound with yarn For prac- tice by boys' teams. . Each, 50c. Spalding Lively Bounder No. 10. Horse hide cover Inside is all rubber, liveliest ball ever offered. In. separate box and sealed. Each, 25c. Spalding Junior Professional No. 7B. Slightly under regular size. Horse hide cover, very lively. Perfect boys' size ball. In separate box and . . . y . . . Each, 25c Spalding National Association Jr. No.B2. Horsehidecover, pure Para rubber center wound with yarn. Slightly under regulation size. Each, 75c. rHamry conditiona. Spalding King of the Diamond No. 5. Full-size, good material, horse i.^-j ,^ hide cover In separate box. Each, 25c.,[ CffOys J^avof^ff Spalding Boys' Favorite Ball No. 12. Lively, two-piece cover. Dozen, balls in box Each, lOCi Spalding Boys* Amateur Ball No. 11. Nearly regulation size and weight. Best for the money on market. Dozen balls in box. . . Each, lOc. Spalding Rocket BaU No 13. Good bounding ball, boys' size. Best 5-cent two-piece cover ball on the market. Dozen balls in box. Each, 5c» PROMPT ATTENTION GIVEN TffANY COMMUNICATIONS tPPBESSED TO OS A.G.SPALDING alanced lo that /7 . , ^ AUTOGRAPH -^— ^"^^^-V^ Spl.ri'J^^.e^ comparathrelr nnall handle, well balanced. W«i«hU from 40 to 44 ox. Length 35 in. ^ — AUTOGRAPH i^Z^^ '^i^— Extra KSe^a^ bat with thick handle. Weilhta from 44 to 48 ouncea. Length 35 inchet. ^ , - . AUTOGRAPH MODEL <-^/^%^«,4CDiHerent m o d e I from ^^*^*'^>***'^"thal formerlT u.ed by Clarke, improved in balance, model and length. WeighU from 39 to 43 ouncea. AUTOGRAPH MODEL Short bat, largo I. WeighU from fM^*''^<, Short bat, imall 00 handle, but body quite thick. WeighU from 38 to 42 ounces. AirrOGRAPH Ungth 32 inche.. ~^ On."o?S,M«^.t Wecanalsosupplyon ^ rproduc".d° M^ium spccialordersDonHn, oaod by any irrofe I player. Specially adapted to una >tmen. Waighu from 3S to 3S ounce h 31 inchea. Evers Models. SPECIAL MADE TO ORDER PLAYERS' MODEL BATS We can supply on special orders Model Bats same as we have made for the most famous batsmen on National and American League Teams. BAKER. PhiUdelphia. American League .... Model B MEYERS. New Yotk. National League .... Model M CAliAHAN, Chicago. American League • . . . Model C OLDRINcl Philadelphia. American Leagu< . . Model O DAUBERT. Brooklyn. National Uague .... Model D PASKERf. Philadelphia. National League . . . Model P FLETCHER. New Yoik. National L.eague . . . Model F SPEAKER. BoMon, American League .... Mode! S HERZOd. New York, National League .... Model H THOMAS. Philadelphia, American Uague . . . Model T LUDERUS, Philadelphia. National Uague . . . Model L WHEAT. BrookS^. National Uague .... ModelW The original models from which we have turned bats for the above players we hold at our Bat Factory, making duplicates on special order only. These special order bats do not bear the Players' Autographs. We require at least two weeks' time for the execution of special bat orders. Spalding Special Model Bat«. Profeuional Oil Finish. Not Carried in Stock. Each, $1.00 Spalding bat* improve with age if properly cared for. Bati made gpecially to order .should not be used for at least thirty (30) days after they are fitiished, to give ample time for the oiled finish to thoroughly harden. Players should make it a rule to have two or more bats in reserve at all times. ATTENTION GIVEN I TV ANY communications! ADDRESSEOTODS A,G,SPALDING&,BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES ICOMPIETEUSTOFSTOSS ON INSIDE nONTCOVEl Vtkc* in tfftcl January 5f I9l^.,'a Svtjecl lo thsnge wilhoul notice. For Canadian prictt ttt i o/ Cangdign Calal»gue> ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE — f» TRADE-MARK '"SKf SpaJding Genuine Natural Oil Tempered Bats No. lOOT. ..in. 38to42oz. Model T8. 33 in. 45to50oz. ModelT12. 35 in. 40to45oz. Spalding New Special College Bats No. lOOM. An entirely new line, special new finish; special stain and mottled burning; carefully filled, finished with best French polish. Wood is finest second growth Northern ash, siiecially seasoned. Models are same as we have supplied to some of the most successful college players. ....... Each, $1.00 Furnished in any of the following twelve models — Mention model number when ordering LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT Model Ml. 31 in. 35 to 39 oz' Model M5. 34 in. 40 to 44 oz. Model M9. 35 in. 40to45oz. Moc face, specially shaped and treated. Leather laced back. Special "stick-on-the- hand ' ' strap-and-buckle fastening. Ea. ,$ 1 0.00 No. 10-0. "^ORLD SERIES." Patented Molded jJ.^'iyls.^ Face: modeled after ideas of greatest catchers. Brown calfskin throughout. King Patent Padding(j„';,V ,;;:,',., ). Leather lace; leather strap and brass buckle fastening. Ea., $8.00 No. 1 0-OP. ••WORLD SERIES." game as No. 10-0. v.,'r .'.li except special perforated palm. King Patent Padding 0„r:'"'v'.,.). . . Each, $8.00 No. 9-0. "Three-and-Out." Patented Molded j..u:;r:i:i».:Face; large model. Has deep "pocket," no seams oi- rough places on face. Hair felt pad- ding; leather lace; leather strap; brass buckle fastening. Larger than No. 10-0. Each. $8.00 No.^9.0P. "Three-and-Out." Patented "Per- !':!"l^i."r^'V:.!?^ forated" Palm. Otherwise same as No. 9-0 Mitt Each. $8.00 No. 8-0. "Olympic." Palm of special leather jJ^:',7yA*^ that we put out last- season in our "Broken-In" Basemen's Mitts and Infielders' Gloves. Leather prepared so it "holds the shape." Leatherlace. Hand stitched, formed padding. ...,,.., Each, $7.00 N0;7.0. "Perfection." Brown calfskin. Patent j.-,»»;";"l9« combination shaped face and Fox Patent Padding Pocket (F,.!::i',;%^,:) so additional padding may be inserted. Extra padding with each mitt. Leatherlace. Each. $6.00 No. 6-0. "Collegiate." Patented Molded Face. j../.^r.„^. Special olive colored leather, perfectly tanned to produce necessarv "pocket" with smooth surface on face. King Patent Felt PaddmgOlVS'.'-.o). Padding may be adjusted eadily. Leatherlace. ... Each, $5.00 }^P,- OG'oc "Conqueror." Special brown calf, , '«.",:"*5 (fl bound with black leather. Semi- \ molded face used is a near approach to our 1 genume patented molded face. Hand Stitched ;lelt padding; patent laced back and thumb; leather laced; strap-and-buckle fastening. Heel of hand piece felt lined. Leather bound edges • . . Each, $5.00 No. 5-0. "League Extra." Molded Face. ■-'" ■■' "^^ Special tanned buff colored leather. "tt and pliable, hand formed felt padding. Leather bound edges. , . . Earh, $4.00 No. OK. "OK Model." Semi-molded, brown horse hide face, black leather side piece, brown calf back and finger piece; padded, special hand formed ami stitched; bound edges. Each, $4.00 Ordering for Left Handed Playert Specify " Full Right." ' PROMPT ATTENTION GIVEN I TO ANY communications! ADDRESSED TO US A.G.SPALDING &, BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES jCOMPlfTEUST OF STORES ON inside FRONT COVER OFTKIS«00t Jhicet in effttt /anuory 5, I9tt4, ^uhject to change leilhoul , pricci Mk tpfdal Canadian Catalogue GUARANTEES pi*li!li'IJi!lill!lC&i!iiiili'i^^!l!*^^ SPALDING CATCHERS' MITTS No. 2-0. "Leader." Brown oakleatherface,bacft and finger piece, black leather side piece, red lea- ther trimming'. Padded. Leather lace. Ea..$3.50 No.4-0. "League SpeciaL" Molded Face. Brown w'z.'-M leather; felt padding; reinforced, laced at thumb; patent laced back. . Each, $3.00 No. 3-0. "Decker Patent." Brown oak leather; laced back; strap-and-buckle fastening. $3.50 No. OR. "Decker Patent." Black grain leather; reinforced, laced at thumb; laced back. $2.50 No. OH. "Handy." Drab horse "hide face, side and finger piece, brown leather back ; black lea- therbinding. Laced back; lacedatthumb.$3.00 No. O. "Interstate." Brown grain leather face, sides and finger piece, pearl grain leather back ; laced at thumb; patent laced back. Ea.,$3.00 No. OA. "Inter-City." Large size. Cowhide face and finger piece, green leather back, black leather side piece. Red leather binding, leather lace. Laced back ' Each, $2.50 No. IS. "Athletic." Smokedhorsehidefaceand finger piece, brown leather side piece and back ; laced back. Special padding. . Each, $2.00 No. IR. "Semi-Pro." Black leather; rein- forced, laced at thumb; laced back. Each, $2.00 No. IX. "Trade League." Face and finger piece buff colored, black back and side. piece; leather lace; laced-back. . . . Each, $2.00 No. IC. "Back-Stop/* Gray leather face and finger piece; brown leather side and back; laced at thumb; laced back. . Each, $1.50 No. ID. "Champion." Black leather face, back, and finger piece, brown leather side. Padded; laced back. . ... Each,$1.50 No. lA. "Catcher." Oak tanned face, back and finger piece, black leather side piece. Laced back; laced at thumb. . . . Each, $1.25 No. 2C. "Foul Tip." Oak leather. . Padded; laced at thumb; back full laced. Each, $1.00 No. 2R. "Association." Black smooth tanned leather face, back and finger piece; tan leather sides; padded; laced back. . . Each, $1.00 No. 3. "Amateur." Oak tanned face, back and finger piece. Laced thumb, laced back. Ea.,75c. No. 3R. "Interscholastic." Black leather face, back and finger piece, sides of brown leather; padded; laced at thumb. . . . Each, 75c. No. 4. "Public School." Large size. Face, finger pieceand back brown oak tanned leather; padded; reinforced, lacedatthumb. Ea., 50c. No. 5. ".Boys' Delight." Face and finger piece of special brown oak tanned leather; canvas back; laced thumb; well padded. Each, 25c. No. 6. "Boys' Choice." Brown oak tanned leather face; padded; laced thumb. Each, 25c. \AU StylM M.de in RiihU and Ufls. When Ordering for L«f« ' H.nded PLrcrt Saccify Full Right." No. 20 PIOMPT ATTENTION 6IVE TOANY COMMUNICATlOf ADDRtSSEDTOBS 3 A.G.SPALDING jiCH in tftdlmtm 5, I9IJ. Suijtd to cAanRe viihoul nohce. For Canadian pricu >u moal Cnnadian Catalogue sStute THE SPALDING' No. CO WW >' No. DX 4^) No. 2MF ^ Spalding ^?]?^.'? !.??.'«» Basemen's Mitts No. ABX. "Stick^n-the-Hand." Calfskin. Leather lace; strap at back Each, $5.00 No. AAX. "First Choice." Broken-In Model. Special leather. King Patent Felt Padding. Each. $5.00 No. AXX. "Good Fit." Selected brown calfskin, bound with black leather. Leather lacing. Ea.,$4.00 No. BXS. "League Special." Selected brown calf- skin, bound with brown leather. Leather lacing. Leather strap support at thumb. , Each, $4.00 No. AXP. •"^Ok*»»i'»s *??*.?=«•" White buck. Leather lacing. King Patent Felt Padding.- Each, $4.00 No. BXP."'«'o«>C>».'?.™«»."Calf skin; leather lacing. Strap thumb. King Patent Felt Padding. Ea.,$4.00 No. CO. " ProfessionaL" Olive calfskin, specially treated. Padded; leather laced, except heel. $3.00 No. ex. " Semi-Pro." Face of smoke color leather, backof brown, laced, except heel; padded. £a.,$2.50 No. CD. "RedOak." Brown leather, redleather bind- ing. Laced, except thumb and heel Each, $2,50 No. CXR. "Amateur." Black calfskin face, black leather back and lining. Padded; Jaced. Ea.,$2.00 No. CXS. "Amateur." Special brown grained leather. Padded; laced, except at heel. Each, $2.00 No. DX. "Double Play." . Oak tanned, laced, except at heel. Nicely padded Each, $1J50 No. EX. "League Jr." Black smooth leather, laced all around, except at heel. Suitably padded. Ea.,$1.00 All Mitti described above, patented Aug. 10, 1910. Kinf Patent Padding, patented June 28,^910. "League Extra" Pitchers* and Basemen's Mitt No. IF. Face of special tanned leather, balance of brown calfskin. Without hump. Laced all around. Strap-and-buckle fastening. . . . Each, $3.50 Spalding Fielders* Mitts No. 2MF. "Le&gue Special." BroWn calfslcin face and back; extra full thumb, leather web; leather lined Each, $3.00 No. 5MF. " ProfessionaL" Tanned olive leather, padded with felt; leather finger separations; leather lined; full thumb, leather web. . . Each, $2.00 No. 6MF. "Semi-Pro" White tanned buckskin; leather finger separations; leather lined; large thumb, well padded, leather web. . Each, $1.50 No. 7MF. "Amateur." Pearl colored leather; leather finger separations; padded; leather lined; thumb with leather weh. .... Each, $1.00 No. 8F. "Amateur." Black tanned smooth lea- ther; padded; leather lined; reinforced and laced at thumb. Strap-and-buckle fastening. Each, $1.00 No. 9F. "League Jr." Boys'. Oak tanned leather, padded, reinforced and laced at thumb. Each, 50c. All Stylet Made in Righta and Lefts. When Ordering fv.r Left Handed Players Specify "Full Right." i PROMPT AnENTION GIVEN I TO ANY COMMUNICATIONSI ADDRESSED TO US 'Jlcld£!Jldl5Perj:l:l*lcJ STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES COMPlfTE LIST OF STORES ON INSIDE FRONT COVER Of THIS BOOH Fritf} V> '■^'■^Ijc-xucy 5. I^t'^j ' Svtjert to (Aonjc mthvl a»<|c<- Fv CQnaJiao Uiia t£S jejCSL^^"^ Cifi'^oth the jobber and retailer, these high list prices are absolutely essential; but heir real purpose will have been served when the manufacturer has secured his order from the jobber, and the jobber has secured his order from the retailer. However, these deceptive high list prices are not fair to the consumer, who does not, and, in reality, is not ever expected to pay these fancy list prices. When the season opens for the sale of such goods, with their misleading but alluring high list prices, the retailer begins to realize his responsibilities, and grapples with the situation as best he can, by offering "special discounts," which vary with local trade conditions. Under this system of merchandising, the profits to both the manufacturer and the jobber are assured ; but as there is no stability maintained in the prices to the consumer, the keen competition amongst the local dealers invariably leads to a demoralized cutting of prices by which the profits of the retailer cire practically eliminated. This demoralization always reacts on the manufacturer. The jobber insists on lower, and still lower, prices. The manufacturer, in his turn, meets ti«is demand for the lowering of prices by the only way open to him, viz.: the cheap- ening and degrading of the quality of his product. The foregoing conditions became so intolerable that 15 years ago, in 1899, A. G. Spalding & Bros, determined to rectify this demoralization in the Athletic Goods Trade, and inaugurated what has since become known as "The Spalding Policy." ... The "Spalding Policy " eliminates the jobber entirely, so far as Spalding Goods are concerned, and the retail dealer secures the supply of Spalding Athletic Goods direct from the manufacturer by which the retail dealer is assured a fair, legitimate and certain profit on all Spalding Athletic Goods, and the consumer is assured a Standard Qyality and is protected from imposition. The "Spalding Policy " is decidedly for the interest and protection of the users of Athletic Goods, and acts in two ways : h'irst. —The user is assured of genuine Official Standard Athletic Goods and the same prices to everybody. Sec07id.--As manufacturers, we can proceed with confidence in purchasing at the proper time, the very best raw materials required in the manufacture of our various goods, well ahead of their respective seasons, and this enables us to provide the necessary quantity and absolutely maintain the Spalding Standard of Qyaliiy. All retail dealers handling Spalding Athletic Goods are requested to supply consumers at our regular printed catalogue prices— neither more nor less-the same prices that sirnilar goods are sold for in our New York, Chicago and other stores. All Spalding dealers, as well as users of Spalding Athletic Goods, are treated exactly alike, and no special rebates or discriminations are allowed to anyone. This briefly, is the "Spalding Policy, ' which has already been in successful operation for the past 1 5 years, and will be indefinitely continued. In other words, "The Spalding Policy" is a "square deal" for everybody. A. G. SPALDING & BROS. By ^Z<^ ij^^^^^^^::^^^' PKESIDEMT, t.^ standard Quality An article that is universally given the appellation "Standard" is thereby conceded to Le tlie criterion, to w^hich are compared all other things of a similar nature. For instance, the Gold Dollar of the United States is the Standard unit of currency, because it must legally contain a specific proportion of pure gold, and the fact of its being Genuine is guaranteed by the Government Stamp ihereon. As a protection to the users of this currency against counterfeiting and other tricks, considerable money is expended in maintaining a Secret Service Bureau of Experts. Under the law, citizen manufacturers must depend to a great extent upon Trade-Marks and similar devices to protect themselves against counterfeit products — v/ithout the aid of "Government Detectives'* or "Public Opinion ' to assist them. Consequently the "Consumer's Protection" against misrepresentation and "inferior quality" rests entirely upon the integrity and responsibility of the " Manufacturer." A. G. Spalding & Bros. have, by their rigorous attention to "Qyality," for thirty-eight years, caused their Trade-Mark to become known throughout the world as a Guarantee of Quality as dependable in their field as the U. S. Currency is in its field. The necessity of upholding the Guarantee of the Spalding Trade-Mark and maintaining the Standard Quality of their Athletic Goods, is, therefore, as obvi- ous as is the necessity of the Government in maintaining a Standard Currency. Thus each consumer is not only insuring himself but also protecting other consumers when he assists a Reliable Manufacturer in upholding his Trade- Mark and all that it stands for. Therefore, we urge all users of our Athletic Goods to assist us in maintaining the Spalding Standard of Excellence, by insisting that our Trade-Maik be plainly stamped on all athletic goods which they buy, because without tl.Is precaution our best efforts towards maintaining Standard Quality and preventing fraudulent substitution will be ineffectual. Manufacturers of Standard Articles invariably suffer the reputation of being high-priced, and this sentiment is fostered and emphasized by makers of " inferior goods, " with whom low prices are the main consideration. A manufacturer of recognized Standard Goods, with a reputation to uphold and a guarantee to protect must necessarily have higher prices than a manufac- turer of cheap goods, whose idea of and basis of a claim for Standard Quality depends principally upon the eloquence of the salesman. We know from experience that there is no quicksand more unstable than poverty in quality — and we avoid this quicksand by Standard Quality. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS uiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! ATHLETIC JLIE 005 901 383 fl # A separate book covers every Athletic Sport and is Official ax\d Standard Price 10 cents each GRAND PRIZE GRAND PRIX ST LOUIS 1904 W PA T/DING PARIS. 1900 ATHLETIC GOODS ARE THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD A. G. Spalding 'a BROS. MAINTAIN WHOLESALE and RETAIL STORES in the FOLLOWING CITIES NEW YORK CHICAGO ST.LOUIS BOSTON MILWAUKEE KANSAS CITY PHILADELPHIA DETROIT SAN FRANCISCO NEWARK CINCINNATI LOS ANGELES ALBANY CLEVELAND SEATTLE , BUFFALO cm SALTLAKECITY ^ SYRACUSE "" INDIANAPOLIS PORTLAND ROCHESTER PITTSBURGH MINNEAPOLIS BALTIMORE WASHINGTON ATLANTA ^^^ P^^It., LONDON, ENGLAND LIVERPOOL. ENGLAND BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND MANCHESTER. ENGLAND EDINBURGH. SCOTLAND QlASGOW, SCOTLAND ~ 'tories o^vned and operated I>y A.C.Spat LOUISVILLE DENVER NEW ORLEANS DALLAS MONTREAL. CANADA TORONTO, CANADA PARIS, FRANCE SYDNEY. AUSTRALIA mo <5r Bros, and where ell of Spaldmys ::"Mr/,^ xt«.v,:;c::;rc;r.T« ... <«...« ,> ... /»«<,»...^ c,u^ Ji^yiV YORK BROOKLYN CHICAGO BOSTON SAN FRANCISCO FHILADEL.PHIA CHICOPEE. MASS. LONDON, ENG.