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Mention style desired. (Continued on the next page.) ANY OF THE ABOVE BOOKS MAILED POSTPAID UPON RECEIPT OF PRICE -15-80 (1 |ili|^f|i l< j SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Group I No. 226 HOW TO PLAY SECOND BASE BY JOHN J. EVERS PUBLISHED BY AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMPANY 45 Rose Street, New York n 1,0 Copyright, 1920 BY American Sports Publishing Company New York ©CIA570844 JUL.^7 1920 INTRODUCTION While there are certain rules for playing second base that are fundamentally the same in all cases, it is rare to find two men who play the position exactly the same. In preparing this book ' ' How to Play Second Base," I have followed as closely as possible the method I have employed in the many years I have been in the National League. For some reason or other an erroneous impression was had of second base for a long time — that it was a position that could be easily filled for years after a player started to go back. That may have been the case before the science of team work was de- veloped to its present standard and before there was sO much of what is termed "inside base ball," which, after all, is nothing more than quick team work and quick headwork. My experience in play- ing second base in the National League has taught me that to be successful in the position, one must be a hustler. It is a case of hustle all the time, with your head, eyes, hands and feet. The development of infield play, as I will ex- plain in a succeeding paragraph, has brought the work of the second baseman and the shortstop up to the point where they are practically dependent upon each other, because their work is so similar that it is quite necessary to have men of almost equal ability in those two positions in order that 4 SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. the great amount of work between first and third bases n*ay be properly taken care of. If one of the pair is consistently slower in thought and ac- tion than the other, the latter 's work is sure to suffer as a result. They must work in unison, con- sequently it is essential that one be as fast as the other. It is true that the second baseman is not called upon to make throws as long as those of the shortstop or the third baseman, but he is called upon to make short, quick, snappy throws, which no player with a dead arm can execute. In the field the second baseman is charged with guarding the territory between the first baseman and the shortstop, just as the latter is supposed to look after the territory lying between the second base- man and the third baseman. It has been my object herein to try and tell oth- ers how to play second base, but there are some things that a second baseman must do for himself — things that no one can do for him or tell him how to do them. One of those things is to think. It is impossible to formulate a set of rules on "How to think when playing second base," for no two games of base ball are played alike, con- sequently each contest requires different thought. And thinking is as important a part of base ball playing as is the mechanical work of the game. It is necessary to think all the time from start to finish, for there is always something to think about. There is little to be said in favor of the skillful fielder who fails to think. He can handle SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 5 anything that comes to him, but of what value is he who does not know what to do with the ball in a confusing situation when he meets one? The ball player who is a student of the game will know something about every opponent in his league after he has played against them a few times. He will know how to get set for each batter as he comes to the plate and will know as soon as the ball is hit just how fast he will have to travel to the right or left to place himself in a position to field it. A case of studying your own speed as compared with that of a batted ball. The mechani- cal player who gets set in one position figures on the ball coming straight at him and in case it goes a little to one side or the other it usually goes as a safe hit. Second base play is no harder than that of any other position, but to make a success of it requires constant practice — practice in execu- tion with the hands and feet — practice of the brain in thinking out plays quickly, and practice of the eyes in order to see a situation quickly and take advantage of it. In addition to what I have tried to explain in words regarding second base play I have sketched some diagrams of plays involv- ing the work of second basemen, which I trust will be helpful to readers and students of this book. _ s CHARLES HERZOG SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. KEEP YOUR EYE ON SECOND BASE When a young player starts learning the rudi- ments of base ball the first bit of advice that is usu- ally handed out by his tutor is ' ' Keep your eye on the ball." That, of course, is good advice, for the player who loses sight of the ball during the prog- ress of a game places himself in danger of being caught napping and just as like as not this is apt to happen at a critical time when such an error of omission might mean the loss of the game to his team. It is essential that a player keep his eye on the ball all the time whether he be a fielder or a base-runner. In addition to this, my advice, especially to those who play second base, is, "Keep your eye on sec- ond base." There have been many arguments as to which is the hardest position on a ball club to play, and while the dispute has never been defi- nitely settled, there can be no argument concerning the most important. It is second base. Now, by that I do not mean the man who is designated as the second baseman is the most important on the team, but rather the work that is performed around second base. And, in this connection, the short- stop plays just as important a part as the man designated as the second baseman. In reality, the two positions are similar and they might be termed left and right second baseman or left and right shortstop. 8 spalding's athletic library. There was a time when those in authority in base ball considered seriously the suggestion of having a tenth man on the team to cover the territory between first and second bases, in order to have the infield evenly balanced, the idea being to allow the second baseman to remain at the base and take care of what work came his way. However, an- other man on the infield would be about as use- ful as the fifth wheel on an automobile and it would be next to impossible for runners to get around the diamond as frequently as they do now. At that time the first baseman seldom moved away from his bag and as the second baseman was looked upon as having all he could do to handle the chances that came his way, many ground hits went between first and second safely because there was no one to cover the territory. As the science of playing the game developed, it was shown that the second baseman and short- stop, by collaborating in their work, could easily cover the territory on either side of the middle bag and at the same time take care of the work that was to be performed directly at the base. And this brings us back to the advice, "Keep your eye on second base." This is important, because second base is the pivot of the diamond and the pivot of nearly seventy-five per cent, of all the double plays made in base ball games, whether they be in amateur contests or minor or major leagues. At all times there should be a man ready to make a play at second base, and that man Spalding's athletic library. should be either the second baseman or the short- stop. Keeping your eye on second base literally means keeping the location of the bag impressed upon your mind so that when you are called upon to act, either to get over and cover the bag or to make a throw to it, it will not be necessary to take time to look around and see just where the bag is located and how far it is from you. The necessity for this lies in the fact that there is no fixed place between first and second for the second baseman to stand, because of the amount of ground lie is obliged to cover to play the position suc- cessfully. To get the impression of the location of second base indelibly impressed upon the mind is not a hard matter. It is, nevertheless, one of those things that look simple, but which require constant practice to perfect. The practice to acquire this should be indulged in with the shortstop on plays on both sides and in front and rear of the bag. It often occurs that the second baseman and shortstop are re- quired to field batted balls which compel them to make the toss toward second base when out of position. To take time to straighten up to make a perfect throw would mean the loss of the play and the safety of the runner, whereas with the fielder knowing the location of the bag and its di- rection from the spot where he picked up the ball he can make the toss and be reasonably certain that it will come within reach of the man covering 10 spalding's athletic library. the bag. Such plays have often been made and the players were declared to be lucky. However, those plays in a majority of the cases are not luck but are the result of the men making them hav- ing studied the method of playing their position from every angle. spalding's athletic library. 11 THE SECOND BASEMAN'S POSITION Where should a second baseman stand to field his position to the best advantage ? Anywhere and everywhere between first and second bases. The things that determine the position of the second baseman are his own pitcher and the batter. If a batter who has the reputation of being a hard hitter is up, play deep for him. By so doing your chances of getting him on a ground hit ball are much better than by playing in close. In the latter position the ball is apt to come with such speed that it will be impossible to field it cleanly and the greater the speed the greater distance it will travel if it caroms off the glove. My ad- vice is also to play a deep position when your pitcher happens to have lots of speed, and closer in if the pitcher be one who depends more on curves and slow balls rather than on speed. In the cases of exceptionally fast runners it is bet- ter to play in, otherwise it would be impossible for a second baseman to run in, field a bunt from his bat and get him at first base. There is always a contest of thinking between brainy pitchers and batters, and this has an im- portant bearing upon the work of infielders. The second baseman has knowledge of the kind of ball his pitcher is going to throw and is prepared to handle it if it happens to come his way. But the batter is often successful in crossing the pitcher and thereby upsetting the plans of the defense, EDDIE COLLINS SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 13 in which event the second baseman must be pre- pared to meet the emergency without stopping to think it over with himself. There is no time for that. If the batter happens to bunt along the first base line it becomes the duty of the first baseman to act as fielder and consequently it de- volves upon the second baseman or the pitcher to cover the bag. Likewise, the second baseman must be prepared to cover the middle sack or to go into short right or short center field for fly balls that do not travel far enough to permit the fielders to make the catches. These plays are all cited as resulting as planned by the defense. However, there are many plays in which the side at bat is successful in pulling off, such as safe hits. The side in the field never plans to permit a safe hit if it can be helped. "What are the duties of the second baseman and where is his proper position when the ball is hit safely? Again it is everywhere, according to the direction in which the hit is made. If a line drive be hit to right field it becomes the duty of the second baseman to cover the bag, depending, of course, on the nature of the drive. If the hit be made to left field, then it becomes the duty of the shortstop to cover the bag. On a ball hit to center field there must be a quick decision be- tween the second baseman and shortstop as to which shall cover the base, but at no time, no mat- ter where the ball be hit, should second base be left uncovered. Another instance of "Keep your eye on second base." 14 spalding's ithletic library. THINKING OUT PLAYS IN ADVANCE Second base play can be made much easier and less confusing if the man playing the position will give a little forethought to what might hap- pen in his territory. There have been many ball players who might be classed with the best in the game, so far as mechanical work is concerned, but it was because of their failure to think that prevented them from being really great stars. They depended too much upon their mechanical ability and did not bother with such a mere trifle of taking in the various situations that might arise before a play had been made. And this is one of the most essential points in the work of a sec- ond baseman. After a man in this position has stationed himself for the next play, the first ques- tion he should think about and ask himself is, ""What shall I do with the ball if it is hit to me?" If there be no runners on the answer is easy. Get it over to first as quickly as possible. But it is different with men on any or all of the bases. In this event the second baseman must bring his brains into action. He must take in the situation at all corners, always with the object in mind of pre- venting a possible score by the opposing team. If there be runners on first and third he must take into consideration the lead that each has been able to obtain off his pitcher; he must decide for him- self whether he shall try for the man going home spalding's athletic libeaey. 15 or the one going to second, with the possibility of a double play, and he must decide those things quickly, for no time is given to think out what shall or ought to be done. Haying made up his mind what he is going to do if the ball be hit to him, the second baseman must then be prepared to alter his plans in an instant, because there is the possibility of the batter sending the ball at him in a different way than had been anticipated. It may be that the second baseman had decided to try for the man on third bound for home, but the ball may come to him in such a manner as to make it impossible to prevent the score, in which case the second baseman must think quickly and decide what to do as the ball comes to him. It is up to him to do something that will benefit his team. Some fielders do make up their minds what they are going to do with the ball, but the plan becomes of little use to them if the situation as planned does not result and the fielder is unpre- pared to meet the change. In these instances thinking beforehand is of little value and there is nothing that looks more ridiculous than to have a fielder try for a play simply because he bas made up his mind to it and which turns out to be im- possible and with other chances to retire a run- ner if he had only gone a little further in his thinking than to make up his mind to one certain thing. LARRY DOYLE SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIERAKY. 17 TAKING PART IN RUN-UPS An important play in which the second base- man is often called to take part has to deal with men caught between the bases in run-ups. This is one of the class of plays in which it is abso- lutely essential that the players keep their heads and wits about them until the play is completed. The second baseman is frequently called upon to assist in those plays in the territory of the other infielders and if one of the players taking part does not keep his eye on the ball all the time the play is likely to result in a failure and the runner will land safely on a base. There is one sure way to catch a man between the bases, and it is the way by which nine out of every ten are handled, that is to threaten the runner with the ball until you have him chasing down the line at full speed. Then throw the ball to the man guarding the bag for which the runner is going. The latter will have too much speed to reverse his movement read- ily, with the result that the man who catches the ball can easily run him down and retire him. In plays of this kind there should always be one of the players of the defense stationed near the bases between which the run-up takes place, in order that the runner may be trapped in case he suc- ceeds in eluding those players nearest to him. 18 spalding's athletic library. TWO GLARING FAULTS Two faults which many young infielders, and some old ones, have are: trying to throw the ball before they get it and losing their heads after making an error. The first is due to nervousness or overanxiety, and requires constant effort and, perhaps, some coaching to overcome. It is essen- tial that a player overcome nervousness, no mat- ter what effort may be required to reach the goal, for nervousness, more than anything else, inter- feres with heady, successful work. Errors and in- field work are inseparable. If the diamond had the smoothness of a floor, the bound of every ball could be easily determined and the play made with machine-like precision. But on base ball diamonds, a little pebble, a tuft of grass or the slightest de- pression or hump on the earth, may deflect the ball just as the fielder is set to receive it and it shoots off to another direction where you were not expecting it to go. Such plays require quick ac- tion on the part of an infielder, who sometimes succeeds in getting his hands on the ball but makes a wild throw in his effort to throw out the runner while out of position. Other plays of this kind often result in the fielder just getting his hands on the ball and being charged with an error on what appeared to all, except the fielder, like an easy chance. spalding's athletic library. 19 These are the plays that sometimes affect a player during the entire game. When an error has been made, forget it and get back on the job for the next play. Go after everything that comes anywhere near you, no matter how impossible it might seem. Sometimes on seemingly impossible plays the ball will take a lucky bound into your hands and give you the opportunity of becoming the hero of the game. There can be no criticism of the player who tries for everything, even if he fails to get them all, while the player who is solicitous of his own individual record and is afraid of making an error is of little value to a team. JOHN J. BARRY spalding's athletic library. THE HIGH-LOW GAME PRACTICE No doubt every person who has ever witnessed a professional base ball game has seen three, four or five players standing in a line with another player a short . distance away batting the ball to them. When the ball is batted and fielded by one player it is tossed from one to the other, some- times behind their back*, between their legs and in all manner of ways. Many spectators have watched this sort of practice and characterized it as a little grandstand play. But it is one of the best forms of practice that players, especially in- fielders, can indulge in, and if you will notice it is usually the infielders who are in this prac- tice. This is called the "high-low" game and its purpose is to get the players accustomed to handling the ball in every manner and under any conditions. The player batting the ball will some- times hit it on the ground with greater or less force; he will bunt it; he will send it on a line drive toward the line of players in front of him, or he may intentionally make a wild swing and miss the ball. The value of this practice is that the players learn to toss the ball back and forth more quickly and with the least possible motion and it is especially good for the second baseman and shortstop, who figure in so many plays in which a short, quick toss is necessary. 22 VALUE OF UNDERHAND THROW One of the most important things for a second baseman to develop is the knack of throwing un- derhanded perfectly. The natural way for a ma- jority of ball players to throw, in fact, a big majority of them, is overhand, which means a long swing from the shoulder. Watch the young boy when he is old enough to engage in the youthful pranks of throwing stones, or in the winter throw- ing snowballs. Invariably he makes the overhand throw and when he becomes a little older and a little larger he turns his attention to base ball and the overhand throw sticks to him. If he be- come a second baseman and continue to use the overhand throw he will have the same experience I went through. When I entered the National League as a mem- ber of the Chicago team I was using the overhand throw almost exclusively and I noticed that prac- tically every second baseman in the league was doing the same. During the first couple of years with the Cubs I can recall vividly making perfect plays from second to first only to have the run- ners (fast men) declared safe. And they were safe, even though it was only by a small margin. After studying the matter I came to the conclu- sion that the infinitely small fraction of a second that enabled the runner to beat out my throw was SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 23 lost during the time I picked up the ball and threw it to first. I had been making the plays just as fast as I thought it was possible to make them, but I figured that there must be a way to stop run- ners, no matter how fast they were, on perfectly executed plays. With a suddenness it came to me that the delay was in making the throw and it was then I realized the advantage of being able to make a perfect underhand throw. The difference in time in making an overhand and underhand throw seems so small as to be un- important, but getting down to a mathematical calculation of the difference it will be seen that the difference is quite sufficient to have an important bearing and this is especially true when two teams are evenly matched and playing a close game. The underhand throw is recommended for second basemen, because the player in that position is called upon to make a shorter throw to first than either the shortstop or third baseman and more often he is called upon to make throws from more awkward positions than the other infielders. In order to make an overhand throw after field- ing the ball, the second baseman is obliged to stand up to a certain extent and then comes the long swing from the shoulder. With the development of the underhand throw a second baseman may field the ball in any position and snap it over to first without straightening up, which enables him to make the play a little faster, and another small fraction of a second is gained because of the short, 24 spalding's athletic libraky. snappy throw as compared with the long swing necessary for the overhand throw. "What is the difference in time between an over- hand and underhand throw? Can you imagine or get an idea of how long, or, to be more exact, how short one-tenth of a second is? "Well, it is considerably less time than it takes to snap your fingers and yet that is enough to make a differ- ence when you have a fast man going to first. The record for running the distance from the plate to first base, a distance of ninety feet, is three and one-fifth seconds. This means that the runner is covering about twenty-eight feet per second. If you are making a play on men who travel down to first at that clip you cannot afford to lose even one-tenth of a second, because even so small a loss of time will give the runner an advantage of 2.8 feet according to the foregoing example. And you can snap your fingers several times while a sec- ond baseman is straightening up and swinging to make an overhand throw. Kealizing the importance of the underhand throw, one might ask, "How can it be developed ?" The answer is, "Practice." And the practice must be continuous, day in and day out, every time you handle the ball. One of the requisites in the development of the underhand throw is to know exactly where first base is located from any posi- tion the second baseman is called to assume by a play and without looking directly toward first base. This will be considered bad advice by the believers Spalding's athletic library. 25 in the old saying, "Look before you leap," but it is an asset and almost a necessity that can be acquired by practice. At first the practice of underhand throwing should be made from a stationary position. Then it should be practiced with batted balls, running to the right and to the left. At first there will be many throws that will go wide of first base, but as the eye becomes accustomed to the location of the bag without looking toward it, judgment will be acquired and will help direct the throws in the right direction. Another advantage of the underhand throw is the assistance it gives the first baseman in receiv- ing the ball at close range. Although it is possible to put considerable speed in an underhand throw, as a rule they do not come to the first baseman with the same force of an overhand throw. If an overhand throw is missed by the first baseman its force is likely to carry the ball far enough away to enable the runner to gain an extra base, whereas an underhand throw that is missed, because of its lesser force, can be retrieved before the runner can go down to the next base. And the overhand throw, coming from the second baseman at close quarters, is more liable to be missed by the first baseman than is the underhand throw. ,-:-— r~-v JOHN J. EVERS Spalding's athletic library. 27 CATCHING WITH ONE HAND Another important line of practice for second baseman is catching the ball with the gloved hand at all angles without putting the throwing hand to the ball. The fans will often get after a player for trying to make such catches and will urge him to ''put two hands to it," but there is a distinct advantage in being able to catch the ball with the gloved hand, especially in touching runners com- ing into second. The one-hand catching should be indulged in in the warming up practice before the game and should be tried in every position it is conceivable to get the gloved hand in. With a runner coming into second the man covering the bag must keep his eye on the bag, so that he will not be drawn off too far and make it impossible to touch his man, and at the same time he must be in a position to keep in contact with the bag and yet be ready to receive the ball with a back- hand or sidearm catch without the assistance of the throwing hand. In this manner it is possible to make the catch and bring the arm down with one sweep onto the runner. A little practice will demonstrate that a runner can be touched much quicker with one hand than when two are used. STOPPING STEALS OF SECOND The second baseman, or the shortstop, whichever is to take the throw from the catcher, is often held responsible for the successful steal of second base by opposing base-runners. As a matter of fact, there is only one instance in which the player cov- ering second on the throw may be held responsi- ble and that is when he drops the ball after the runner has been clearly blocked or beaten to the' bag by the ball. Aside from that, successful base stealing depends upon two things: bad throws by the catcher and the lead the runner is able to obtain off the pitcher. Tests have been made and have proved that the fastest runners the game has ever had cannot travel the ninety feet from one base to another as quickly as the ball can be relayed from the pitcher to the catcher to second base, and the ball traveling those relays covers about twice the distance be- tween bases or nearly 180 feet. Thus it will be seen from this that the success- ful base-runner must depend upon something else besides his speed. If the pitcher is not particular about keeping a runner close to first the latter will edge up toward second, little by little, until he has a commanding lead of ten, twelve or some- times fifteen feet. Such a lead will give an ordi- SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 29 nary fast runner a decided advantage in beating the ball to second. Another fault of some pitchers that helps base- runners to steal second is a long, slow windup be- fore delivering the ball to the batter. In this case the runner needs only to have a short lead and then make his dash for second. Once the pitcher has started his windup to pitch he cannot recall his arm and try for the runner, for it would be a balk and the runner would be entitled to go to second without danger of being put out. So, even though the pitcher sees the runner making a mad dash for second, he is obliged to go through with the pitch and depend upon a quick throw by the catcher to get the man. Many stolen bases are made possible because of wide throws by the catcher to the right or left of the bag, too far for the second baseman to handle and put the ball on the runner. When taking the backstop's effort to catch a runner coming down from first, stand to the left of the bag. Nearly every runner will attempt to get into the base behind the baseman and every inch you can gain on him will help when the um- pire's decision is handed down. D. B. PRATT spalding's athletic library . 31 ADVICE AGAINST BLOCKING One of the worst habits a second baseman can acquire is that of trying to block runners com- ing into second. In the first place it is danger- ous. My advice to second basemen is never try to block a runner. It is only necessary to touch a runner and there is no occasion for trying to dump him over in order to have him declared out by the umpire. During my time I have seen several come into the National League who looked like promising second basemen and their efforts in trying to block runners helped to shorten their careers in the major leagues. In one particular case I have in mind the second baseman was small of stature. In one of his early games in the Na- tional League it happened that a runner on first, a big, powerful man, attempted to steal second. The smaller man got right in his path and the inevitable happened. There was a collision, with the result that the little fellow was sent sprawling on the ground several feet away from the bag, while the big man safely reached the base. Second basemen should not forget that, while their object is to retire the runner, the latter also has an object and it is to reach the base, no mat- ter how he gets there. As a result of the block- ing incident cited, the little man never had much success playing second, because he felt the effects 32 spalding's athletic library. of that collision for some time and afterwards had a certain amount of fear when called upon to cover the bag on a play at second. The result was that players of opposing teams soon became aware of this and none hesitated about going down to second when playing against the little man's team. Needless to say this second baseman soon passed out of the major league. Steals of second are invariably close plays and are seldom made without the runner sliding into the bag. Because of this the best position to as- sume is to stand about six inches from the bag on the baseline, with the legs spread apart but not too far, as this would be apt to make you lose your balance easily. With the second baseman in this position the runner has plenty of opportunity to slide in under the second baseman and the latter, if he receives a throw from the catcher, has only to reach down and touch the runner. There is little danger of being spiked in assuming this po- sition unless the runner throws his legs directly at those of the second baseman intentionally and with the object of injuring him, but in justice to the men in the major leagues it may be said that none of them ever resort to such unsportsmanlike plays. The position of the second baseman as outlined also makes it impossible for the runner to exe- cute the hook slide or the fallaway, whereas if the second baseman stands back of the bag to re- ceive the throw and then endeavors to reach for- SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. *o ward and touch the runner, the latter can easily hook his toe to the corner of the bag on the inside and throw his body toward the diamond and out of reach of the second baseman. Therefore, in covering the base on plays of this kind remember that all that is necessary is to touch the runner and that as lightly as possible and get out of his way after that in order to avoid any possible collision. Some players get the idea of "I'll get him, no matter how." But my advice is never try to block a runner, especially if he be larger than yourself. J. A. NIEHOFF spalding's athletic library. 35 IMPORTANT FOOT-WORK An important bit of footwork in connection with playing second base often enters into plays when the second baseman receives a short toss from the shortstop and then makes a quick throw to first to complete a double play. The second baseman should practice placing his toe on the bag when about to receive a toss from the shortstop and then draw his foot over the base as he makes the throw to first. The importance of this footwork is that the second baseman cannot always watch the run- ner coming into second, and as all that is neces- sary is to touch the bag, he can easily get out of the way of the runner and thus avoid the danger of collision. This little trick should be practiced with both feet, as the second baseman is never sure on which side of the bag a short toss from the shortstop will come. 36 spalding's athletic library. DEVELOPMENT OF THE GLOVE No good mechanic can be expected to perform good work unless he be fitted out with good tools. Hence it is important that base ball players de- velop a glove which is best suited to them. The trouble with most players, and particularly in- fielders, is that they pay little or no attention to this matter. They get a glove and after it is "broken in" they are satisfied. But they lose sight of the fact that that glove is going to wear out some day and then it will be necessary for them to start the process all over again. I have always made it a practice to have three or four gloves on the go at the same time. These I take on to the field for preliminary practice, use one for a few minutes, then the others until I have given each its turn. When a player has his glove broken in so that it suits him he should guard it carefully and not let other players use . it. It would be next to impossible for me to use an- other's glove. I still have in my possession the glove I used in the world 's series between the Cubs and White Sox in 1906. I used it in every world 's series in which I participated after that and in some of the most important league series between my club and others. I prize that glove so highly that I use it only on the most important occa- sions, and while it would not be worth two cents SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBEARY 37 to any other player I would not part with it for anything. The palm is entirely gone, so that the entire front of my hand is visible, but with the palm gone that glove has been shaped to my hand so that it is possible for me to make one-hand catches without closing my fingers upon the ball. Infielders as a rule get many hard knocks on their hands, and while the hands eventually be- come hardened many players do not like to take chances with softened gloves. A glove that has not been broken in will take a little of the sting from a hard hit grounder or liner, but at the same time it is likely to result in the safety of the runner at first. The harder the glove is the harder it is to hold speedy balls, and a fielder has to be ex- traordinarily fast on his feet to recover a fumble of a hard hit ball and get his man at first. Many times scorers credit batters with safe hits and ex- cuse the infielders from errors because they judged the ball was hit too hard to handle, while as a matter of fact the fault of the misplays lies in the hard gloves worn by the fielders. SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBEAEY. AS TO SIGNALS I would not advise the beginner in base ball to go in for signals, as there is too much of the game itself to be learned first. Signals are really a post- graduate course in base ball and there is no com- mon basis on which a set of signals can be built. Every team has a different code, and if it were possible to easily detect the signals of an oppos- ing team much of the interest in base ball would be lost. spalding's athletic library. 39 ADVICE FOR SECOND BASEMEN IN A LINE OR TWO Always keep your eye on the ball. Always keep your eye and your mind on sec- ond base. Carry in your mind at all times a mental pic- ture of the diamond and where the bases are located from your fielding position. Study plays and possible plays before it is time to execute them and be prepared to meet any emer- gency in case the play does not turn out as antici- pated. Have a complete and harmonious understanding with your shortstop on all plays. Do not hesitate about going after a ball because of the fear of making an error. Every man in every line of business makes mistakes. Pay special attention to breaking in your gloves. It is best to have three or four ready for service at all times. Never leave second base uncovered no matter what the play. Something is liable to happen at that corner any time. Don't try to block runners coming into second base. It is dangerous to yourself and the runner and is not the best manner of trying to retire a runner. E. S. YOUNG SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRABY. 41 Practice the underhand throw until it becomes perfect with little or no effort. Whenever it be possible get in front of the ball to field it. Take up your position in the field where you can work to the best advantage of your team. This should be governed largely by the opposing bat- ter and the manner in which your own pitcher is working. Don't try to make a play that is impossible and don't throw the ball to a base after the runner has reached there safely. In such cases it is best to hold the ball rather than make a useless throw. The latter may result in an error and an extra base for the runner. Practice catching the ball with the gloved hand and putting it on the runner with one motion. It comes in handy on close plays. Do not get set for a certain kind of hit ball. You may be obliged to go to the right or left or you may be called upon to leap into the air to intercept a line drive. Assume an easy, natural attitude, prepared to go in any direction in which the ball may be hit. You cannot get too much practice at fielding and throwing. Don 't be a slacker if you expect to become a first- class player. Kemember that there are no distinct limitations to a second baseman's territory. His range is every inch of ground on which it is possible for him to make a play. DIAGRAM NO. 1 Double Play — Shortstop to Second Base to First Base. Broken line shows oonrse of ball from batter and during play; continuous line shows where second baseman left his position to cover bag. spalding's athletic library. 43 PLAYS FOR SECOND BASEMEN Two of the most common plays in which second basemen are called upon to officiate in conjunc- tion with other players are the common double plays — second to short to first, and short to second to first. These being the most common of double plays it is only natural that in any league dur- ing an entire season it will be found that more than seventy-five per cent, of all double plays are those started by the second baseman and short- stop. They look so easy to need little or no prac- tice to attain perfection in them, but they will be mussed up many times unless there is perfect har- mony in play and understanding between the short- stop and second baseman. If, with a runner on first, the batter hit the ball toward the shortstop, it is the duty of the second baseman to immediately run toward the middle sack in order to receive the throw and relay the ball to first with the least possible delay. If the second baseman hesitates for a fraction of a second, the shortstop is delayed just that long in making his throw and while it may be possible to get the man going to second the chances for completing the double play are materially lessened. This play is shown in Diagram No. 1. Many times when the ball is hit toward the short- stop the double play can be more quickly executed 44 spalding's athletic library. by eliminating the second baseman from the play, but this is only in cases where the ball is hit close enough to the second base to enable the shortstop to field the ball, step on the bag, retir- ing the runner coming from first, and make the relay to first in one movement. In plays of this character the second baseman must be careful not to interfere with the work of the shortstop or the base-runner as the latter may be allowed second base for interference. The second baseman, how- ever, must be close enough to recover the ball in case it is dropped by the shortstop in his anxiety to complete the play. This play is shown in Diagram No. 2. Both of the foregoing plays are often reversed, with the second baseman starting them. When a runner is on first and the ball is hit in the direc- tion of the second baseman it becomes the duty of the shortstop to cover second to receive the throw. Even though it be impossible to complete a double play it is always the better base ball to retire the runner nearest the home plate. Likewise in this play, the second baseman, after making the throw to the midway, must be careful to avoid collision with the runner going to second and also to avoid interfering with the shortstop's throw to first. This play is shown in Diagram No. 3. There are two ways in which double plays may be executed from second baseman to first baseman on balls batted on the ground, as shown in Dia- grams Nos. 4 and 5. In the former it is shown DIAGRAM NO. 2 Double Play — Shoktstop to First Baseman. Broken line shows course of ball to shortstop ; continuous line indicates shortstop running distance to second base and relay of ball to first is shown by broken line from second to first. ? te%„ DIAGRAM NO. 3 Double Play — Second to Short to First. Broken line indicates course of ball as having been hit to second baseman, relayed to second, where shortstop covers bag, and then relayed to first. Continuous line indicates where shortstop left position to cover bag. DIAGRAM NO. 4 Double Play — Second Baseman to First. Broken line shows course of ball hit to second baseman, who touched base and then relayed ball to first. Con- tinuous line shows distance covered by second baseman to touch second base. 48 SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. that the ball has been batted close to second base on the right side of the bag. The second baseman, being on his job, scooped up the ball, touched sec- ond, retiring the runner coming from first and then snapped the ball to the first baseman. In Dia- gram No. 5 the double play is practically the same, except that the second baseman after fielding the batted ball touches the runner on the line and then makes his toss to first. In both these plays it be- comes the duty of the shortstop to take up his position near second base to be ready for any emergency. The second baseman 's duty in a sacrifice hit play is shown in Diagram No. 6. With a man on first the first baseman will always play close to the bag. If a sacrifice hit is planned it becomes the duty of the first baseman or pitcher to take care of the fielding of the ball, while the second baseman rushes to cover first and the shortstop is charged with looking after a possible play at second. Diagram No. 7 shows a play that is often exe- cuted by quick-thinking second basemen. With runners on first and second the ball is hit slowly toward the shortstop, who fields the ball and tosses to second, but too late to retire the man coming from first. In most cases of this kind a runner going to third will overrun the bag and if the second baseman is quick to act and makes a fast throw to third it will often result in the base-runner being retired before he can get back to the bag. The duties of the second baseman with regard DIAGRAM NO. 5 Double Play. Second baseman touches runner on the line and then relays ball to first. DIAGRAM NO. 6 Sacrifice Hit Play. First baseman is drawn away from bag to field ball; second baseman covers first and shortstop covers second. Broken line indicates course of ball ; continuous lines indicate where shortstop and second baseman left their positions. DIAGRAM NO. 7 Catching a Runner Overrunning Third Base. The piny beins; too slow to retire runner at second, second baseman, by quick throw to third, can often catch runner who has overrun third base. 52 SPALDING S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. to line drives to the outfield are defined in Dia- grams 8 and 9. In the former, on a hit to left field, the shortstop is charged with covering the bag to receive the throw from the left fielder in the event of the base-runner attempting to make second on his hit, the second baseman placing him- self in a position to back up the shortstop. On a hit to right field the conditions are just re- versed. In this case the second baseman is the one to cover the middle sack while the shortstop as- sumes a position to back up the second baseman in case there be a wide throw. Thus again these two plays show clearly the importance of the second baseman and shortstop playing in conjunction with each other and having a thorough understanding between them. A double play that is often confusing, even to professional teams, is from second baseman to first baseman to shortstop. The ball is hit to the second baseman on the line, with a runner on first. The latter stops to avoid being touched and the second baseman runs him back toward first, then throws to first to retire the batter, thus taking the force off the runner who was on first. The latter re- verses and again starts for second and has to be touched in order to be retired, which is accom- plished by the first baseman throwing the ball to the shortstop covering second base. (A DIAGRAM NO. 8 Safe Hit to Left Field. Shortstop leaves fielding position to cover second base on throw-in from left fielder, while second baseman goes over to back up shortstop. DIAGRAM NO. 9 Safe Hit to Right Field. Second baseman leaves his fiielding position to corer second base, while shortstop runs over to back up secoiS baseman on throw-in from right fielder. -«<-oihi DIAGRAM NO. 10 Double Play — Second Base to First Base to Shortstop. Ball hit to second baseman on the line; man on first run- ning to second stops to avoid being touched ; second base- man runs him back to first, then throws to first baseman, putting out the batter and thus taking the force off the base-runner, who reverses and starts for second. He has to be touched to be put out, which results from the first baseman throwing to the shortstop covering second base. •58 spalding's athletic library. KEEPING IN CONDITION The three principal requisites of a successful base ball player are natural ability, constant practice and keeping in good physical condition. Over the first the player has no control, as ability to play base ball just a little better than the ordinary youth does it is a gift of Nature, just as some are gifted musicians, orators, etc. But the player has abso- lute control over the two other requisites to success on the diamond and the young men who get a chance in the major leagues and fail can blame themselves in nine cases out of ten. If a young man finds that he has natural ability as a base ball player it is up to himself to develop that ability to its highest by constant practice, and having done this it is np to him to maintain that standard by strictly caring for and guarding his physical con- dition. In the earh- part of the training season an ambi- tious player is likely to ruin his chances for success by starting the work at too fast a pace. He should take things easy and gradually work into form. Physically, a player may feel that he is in good condition, but taxing his muscles and tendons by violent exercise at the start may cause an injury that will cut short his career on the diamond. All athletes, after a long layoff, are bound to feel some soreness when they start a period of training, but this will gradually wear away as the work pro- Spalding's athletic libeary. 57 gresses and the athlete finds himself able to go the full route without any signs of fatigue. It is at this stage that athletes and base ball players become careless. They feel that having acquired a good physical condition, their daily work will keep them in shape, and they often make the mistake of indulging in too many liberties during their idle hours. Base ball has often been characterized as an easy profession for the men who earn their livelihood by it, but the players who look upon it as such seldom remain in the major leagues for any great length of time. The two principal topics relative to a base ball player's physical condition are diet and habits. The player who feels that because he does not have to report for work until noon or, in some cases, later, and because of this can keep late hours and sleep late in the morning, is making a big mistake. It is essential that a base ball player live as regu- larly as men in other walks of life and you will find in the lives of most successful base ball players that they have been men who have retired at regu- lar hours, got a good night's sleep and arose at a seasonable hour in the morning. My advice to young players regarding the use of tobacco and intoxicants is to abstain totally from them, especially during the playing season. Some will advise that the use of these in moderation is not harmful ; that may be the fact, but the surest way is total abstinence, and then there can be no 58 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. question about it. The best medical authorities agree that smoking is not good for the wind and if there is anything that is important to a base ball player it is ability to go through a full game at top speed if required to do so. As to a player 's diet I believe in him eating what- ever he likes, but he must be careful as to the time he eats. And in this connection the necessity of having a good night's sleep makes itself felt. The player who retires at ten or eleven o'clock can get in nine hours' sleep and arise at seven or eight in the morning. A good breakfast will sufficiently sustain him until noon and at this hour a lunch of the lightest kind will carry him through his after- noon's work — the game. I have found a dish of ice cream or a bowl of soup quite sufficient to satisfy my appetite, whereas a hearty meal just before game time will make a player feel heavy and inac- tive. I have found it more beneficial to go through the game with as little food as possible and then, after the day's work was done, to enjoy a good meal, thus giving the digestive organs plenty of time to perform their functions before bedtime. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Some New Books on Base Ball How to Bat. By John B. Foster, editor of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide and Spalding's Official Base Ball Record. Spalding Athletic Library series No. 80R. Price 25 cents. It has been demonstrated that the boy who is a beginner in base ball — and the beginner who may not invariably be a boy — is helped a great deal by the iniormation which he receives from practical instruction about outdoor games. Once there was a time when people were a little inclined to scoff at' the iciea of instruction. It was their impression that all games were "sort o' acquired second nature." That belief has been well corrected. In any book of instruction which is written by one with prac- tical knowledge there may be one hint or one statement of value which is worth the reading of the book and many times its cost. In his new book, "How to Bat," Mr. Foster, who has been long associated with base ball in all capacities, has obtained his information from the fountain source. One by one the various topics that help to make a good batter are touched upon. In "How to Bat" the value of good batting is emphasized. The "attack" in the 1 strategy of base ball is one of its most interesting features! Some think it is the most interesting. For that reason the subject of bunting is taken up, the theory and good effect of the sacrifice is discussed, the theory of the hit- and-run play is outlined, the beginner is told a great deal about placing hit's, which, by the way, is a sure token of expertness gii the part of a player, and the best methods of "straightout" batting are outlined. How to Pitch.. Compiled by J. Ed Wray, sport expert for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Spalding Athletic Library series No. 79R. Price 25 cent's. Keeping pace with the changes in the rules, which have read- justed all the theories about pitching, the writer of this most recent work has gone into the subject of serving the ball to the batter from every standpoint. It is a work of instruction and analysis as well as one of sound advice. Explanation is given of the curves and the best use to which they can be put during a ball game. The beginner is told how tc effect change of pace and is also given sound advice as to how he should pitch to batters. The matter of control is empha- SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY s ; zed and the author has made a very practical demonstration as to one way in which control can be obtained. Of course, it is based on practise, but all of the good points in base ball are brought out by practise. The beginner is told how to keep in condition and what to do to keep in condition. Excellent advice is given him as to what is best for the ball player. Even if during the summer season one plays in nothing but amateur games, it is better to follow sound and sane methods of diet and general work than to indulge in foods or dainties which are not the proper thing for the human body. New and original diagrams show many points in base ball which are at the best not well understood by the beginner, but which the diagrams may make more clear. Mention is made of the "freak ball" pitching, but as the day of "freak" pitching is gone in base ball no extended analysis is entered into, and the beginner is advised, as a matter of fact, not to fool with the "freak deliveries," as they are called. They will simply spoil him for better work. There are chapters by the best authorities in base ball on the various points of good pitching. Walter Johnson has something to say, and so have other pitchers who have made reputations for themselves on the base ball field. It is certain that every player who is interested in pitching will find this book so full of valuable information that he is bound to improve his own style. Base Ball for Boys. Compiled by John B. Sheridan, sport expert for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat and the originator of the small size diamond for boys adopted by the National and American Leagues at their annual meetings at Chicago, 1920. Spalding Athletic Library series No. 365. Price 10 cents. This is a new book on the game of base ball for the "small boy." It is written simply and plainly from an instructive stand- point. It is of value to the beginner of older years, but its main purpose is to encourage the little fellow to develop by right methods his inborn desire to play base ball well. Sound advice is given about pitching. If the learner begins to pitch the right way he will get into the thick of base ball with much more interest than if he performs for the better part of his boyhood days as an awkward novice. The author pro- vides helps for batting. He gives points on the right way to play to make runs, and runs are what win ball games. All through the work the aim of the author has been to teach base ball bv contrast. That is, to point out the incorrect ways and then cite the correct way, with the testimony of some expert to illustrate the correct way. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY In connection with the adoption of an "official diamond" and an official base ball for boys it is assured that all of their matches in the future will take on more of a "real champion- ship" than they have in the past. Mr. Sheridan has labored to make it plain to the boys who will compete in the games on their "own diamond" what policy is best to be pursued when- ever an emergency arises in a game. There are "emergencies" ir boys' games exactly as there are in the games of the "grown- ups" and possibly one mistake which has been made in recent years is that of paying too little attention to the small boys' "emergencies." Every boy should be familiar with the rules of the game that he plays, especially since the base ball rules have been changed. Spalding's Guide contains the official rules, together with expla- nations — something that has not been done in base ball rules before — and a number of new "Knotty Problems." For those who wish to carry the rules only on the field, the rules section has been bound separately in such a manner that it can be extracted without damaging the rest of the book. All the other features that have made the Guide so popular in the past are included. Price 25 cents. For complete list of books of the Spalding Athletic Library series, see front pages. s5bst,tt E THE SPALDING TRADEMARK^ S B Spalding "Official National League" Ball (EEG. U.S. PAT. OFF.) The Official Ball of the World Series JKfiR. Adopted by the National League Patent Cork Center Patented August 31, 1909 No. 1. Used in all Championship games. Double stitched, red and black Each, (jJO ^f\ m • $u.00 Doz. «P^*W SPALDING RUBBER CORE LEAGUE BALL No. 1 A. Pure Para rubber center. Superior to any other rubber center ball made. Best quality throughout Each, $2.00 • $21.00 Doz. SPALDING "OFFICIAL NATIONAL LEAGUE" JR. BALL Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. No. Bl. Patent cork center, slightly smaller in size than our"Official National League"(Reg.U.S.Pat.Off.) Ball No. 1 Each, $1.75 MINOR LEAGUE No. 2. Full size. Yarn wound. Horsehide cover. League quality Each, $1.50 SPALDING MATCH No. 4. Full size. Horsehide cover. Each, $1.00 SPALDING JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL No. 7B. Slightly under regular size. Horsehide cover. Carefully made Each, 55c. SPALDING KING OF THE DIAMOND No. 5. Full size; has horsehide oover. Each. 55c. No. 8. SPALDING LEAGUE JUNIOR. A popu- lar boys' size ball. Karatol cover. . Each, 30c. No. 6. STAR. Full size. Karatol cover Each. 30c. No. 12. BOYS' FAVORITE. A good boys' size; two-piece cover. 20c. No. 13. ROCKET. Two-piece cover. Boys' size ' 12t. The prices printed in italics opposite items marked with ~k will be quoted only on orders for one-half dozen or more at one time. Quantity prices not allotted on it ems not marked with if < ^ on w ^ prove of wonderful assist. * &totuo ^** <> ' «^ ance. Laced, except around thumb ^§|1' and heel, leather lace; strap-and- «PI| 91 buckle adjustment at thumb. Each, $13.50 ■ No. AXP. "World Series." Finest white tanned buck; leather lacing 19 around mitt, including thumb ; strap- \|fif and-buckle fastening. Leather strap m support at thumb. King Patent Padding Each, $12.00 N ABX N °* BXP " " World Series." Finest selected brown calfskin ; leather lac- ing ; strap-and-buckle fastening. Leather strap support at thumb. King Patent Padding Each, $11.00 No. BXS. "League Special." Selected brown calfskin, bound with brown leather. Leather laced, except heel; leather strap support at thumb ; strap-and-buckle fastening Each, $10.00 No. BXB. "Well Broke." Brown horsehide, bound with leather. Leather laced, except thumb and heel. Strap-and-buckle adjustment at thumb Each, $8.00 .No. CD. "Red Oak." Oak colored leather with leather binding. Leather laced, except at thumb and heel, leather strap support at thumb. Strap- and-buckle fastening Each, $6.50 No. CX. "Semi-Pro." Face of specially tanned smoke color leather, back of firm tanned brown leather, laced all around. Strap-and- buckle fastening Each, $5.00 No. CXS. "Amateur." Special oak colored leather. Correctly padded; laced, except at heel. Strap-and-buckle fastening. Each, $4.00 No. DX. "Double Play." Oak tanned leather; laced all around, except at heel. Strap-and-buckle fastening. Nicely padded. .Each, $3.25 No. EX. "League Junior." Brown leather face, canvas back and inside palm. Laced, except at heel; padded. Strap-and-button fastening Each, $2.50 All Styles Made in Rights and Lefts When'Or_ering for Left Handed Players Specify "Full Right" I0MPT ATTENTION GIVEM TO [ ANY COMMUNICATIONS A00RESSE0 TO US A,G.SPAt:DiNG & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLETE LIST OF STORE SEE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THIS BOOK PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, For C •pecial Canadian CaUlogu* SPALDING INFIELDERS' GLOVES No. BBH. "Honor." All horsehide, special buck tanning, including full lining, making this really the most durable and "wearable" fielders' glove ever put out. Leather welted seams, Laced at heel Each, $10.00 No. BBl. "World Series.'* Finestquality buckskin. Most carefully constructed, being of good width and length, but not clumsy. Leather lined. Welted scams. King Patent Felt Padding. Each, $9.00 No. PXL. "Professional." Finest buck- skin obtainable. Heavily padded around edges and little finger. Extra long to protect the wrist. Leather lined. Welted seams Each, $8.50 No. SS. "Short Finger." Otherwise same as No. PXL Each, $8.50 No. XWL. "League Special." Special^ tanned calfskin. Extra long to protect wrist. Leather lined. Welted seams Each, $8.50 No. 2W. "Minor League." Smoked horsehide. Professional model; leather lined; laced at wrist; welted seams Each, $7.50 No. 3X. "Semi-Pro." Gray buck tanned leather. A very large model. Correctly padded ; welted seams Each, $7.00 No. 2X. "City League." Olive grain leather, leather palm lining and felt back lining Each, $6.00 No. XL. "Club Special." Special white tanned leather; laced at wrist to adjust padding; welted seams Each, $6.00 No. 4X. "Association." Black leather, specially treated. Laced at wrist. Welted seams; leather lined Each, $5.00 No. WW. "Wonder." Brown leather, full leather lined; welted seams and binding Each, $5.00 No. MO. "Ours." Made of selected oak tanned leather, leather welt Each, $4.50 No. XS. "Practice." Good quality pearl tanned leather ; well finished ; welted seams Each, $4.00 No. 15. "Regulation." Men's size. Brown tanned leather, padded ; welted seams Each, $3.00 No. 15R. "Regulation." Men's size. Olive tanned leather. laced at wrist for padding adjustment Each, $2.75 No. 15W. "Mascot." Men's size. Oak colored leather *' 2.50 No. 13. "Interscholastic." Youths' size. Oak colored leather; welted seams Each, $2.25 No. 14. *' Favorite." Youths' size. Oak tanned leather; leather palm lining Each, $2.00 No. 17. "Youths'." Good size; special olive tanned leather; nicely padded; palm leather lined Each, $1.50 No. 18. "Boys' Own." Good size; brown or olive colored leather. " $1.25 No. 3IX. "The Winner." Oiive colored leather face; canvas back; felt padded Each, $1.00 An extra piece of felt padding is enclosed with each King Patent Glove. All of above gloves are made with Diverted Seam (Pat. March 10, 1908), and have web of leather between thumb and first finger which can be cut out if not required. Made in Rights and Letts. When ordering for Left Handed Players Specify "Full Right." tOMPT ATTEKTIOH GIVEN TO | ANY COMMUNICATIONS ADDRESSED TO US A. G.SPALDING &, BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLETE LIST OF STORES SEE INSIDE FRONT COVES OF THIS BOOH «.. PRICES SUBJECTTO CHANGE WITHOUT. NOTICE.. Far see (pedal Cv*' l '»" CtUlogue SPALDING BASE BALL BATS No 200 Spalding Double Oil Tempered Autograph Ash Bats Finest second growth osage ash, air dried two or three years; very tough, hard stock, double oiled tempered. (Boiled in oil two successive days) hard filled, hand rubbed and French polished. 12 models. . . Each, $2.00 SPECIFICATIONS of Models furnished in the No. 200 line of bats listed above. Weight Model Length ™$t Mode! Length W^ 39 to 46 oz. 209 33 in. 36 to 43 oz. Model Length 200 34 in. 37 to 45 oz. 201 32 in. 38 to 45 oz. 202 34 in. 38 to 45 oz. 203 34 in. 38 to 45 oz. 33 in. 32 in. 33 in. 33 in. SPALDING "PLAYERS AUTOGRAPH" BATS No ISO Duplicating in every case the bat made famous by the great player whose autograph signature is branded on it. Made from finest Sried, second growth, straight grained white ash, cut from upland timber. Special oil finish hardens with age increasing the resiliency and driving power Each, $1 .50 Furnished in following models. Mention namd of player when ordering. ROSS YOUNG Autograph Model . Medium thick handle, large batting surface, giving immense driving power in the bands of players capable of swinging a heavy bat. Weights from 40 to 60 ounces. Length 35 inches. LEW. McCARTY Autograph Model Medium size handle, generous batting surface, slightly bottle shaped grip. A powerful bat, and especially desirable for the choke style of batting. Weights from 41 to 47 ounces. Length 35 inches. VIC SAIER Autograph Model Fairly thin handle , well distributed striking surface. Weights 40 to 44 ounces. Length 34 inches. BENNIE KAUFF Autograph Model More tapered than Saier model, good striking sur- 42 ounces. Length JOHN J. EVERS Autograph Model Sufficient wood to give splendid driving power. Weights from 40 to 44 ounces. Length 34 inches. DAVIS ROBERTSON Autograph Model Longest bat in regular line. Fairly thin handle, even tapered. Weights from 37 to 42 ounces. Length 35 1-2 inches. ROGER P. BRESNAHAN Autograph Model Short, large handle, well rounded end. Weights from 40 to 44 ounces. Length 32 1-2 inches. THOS. H. GRIFFITH Autograph Model Medium batting surface perfectly balanced, beaut- iful model, adapted to a great many styles of bat- ting, and a perfect ail around bat. No more desirable model has ever been produced. Weights from 38 to 45 ounces. Length 34 1-2 inches. ROGER PECKINPAUGH Autograph Model Beautifully tappered, medium sized grip, similar to the famous Sam Crawford model and one of the most useful all around bats in the line. Weights 38 to 45 ounces. Length 34 1-2 inches. HAL CHASE Autograph Model Very large batting surface and long thin handle. Weights from 41 to 45 ounces. Length 34 inches. ' MILLER J. HUGGINS Autograph Model Short small handle, body quite thick. Weights from 38 to 42 ounces. Length 32 inches. NORMAN ELBERFELD Autograph Model Specially adapted to small or light men. Weights from 35 to 39 ounces. Length 31 inches. Medium small handle and good striking surface. Weights from 40 to 45 ounces. Length 34 inches. HARRY H. DAVIS Autograph Model Light weight but well balanced. Weights from 36 to 40 ounces. Length 34 1-2 inches. FRANK M. SCHULTE Autograph Model An excellent model. Weights from 37 to 41 ounces. Length 35 inches. FRED WILLIAMS Autograph Model Handle slightly thicker than Zimmerman model, good striking surface. Weights from 36 to 42 ounces. Length 34 inches. Besides the above sixteen players, we can supply autograph bats of the following famous players, all duplicating the bats with which they made their great records: Samuel E. Crawford, Fred C. Clarke, Michael Donlin, Willie Keeler. If you have any particular model of bat which you wish made up or an old bat that you want duplicated, special attention will be given to your order if complete specifications are sent to any A. t,. bt\AUJlNG & BROS. Store, accompanied by the price, $1.65. The bat will be made and finished according to your specifications, either in the "Professional oil finish or the "Gold Medal natural finish. If the old bat is sent it should be expressed, charges prepaid, with your name and address on the package, and also on tag attached to bat. If only measurements are sent, special care should be used in drawing the bat on a blank sheet of paper, giving the exact shape of the bat with measurements around different parts and the length and the approximate weight. At least five ounces variation in weight must be allowed tor difference in density of timber. > We require at least two weeks* time lor the execution ot special bat orders. We do not guarantee bats against breaking, ATTENTION GIVEN TO | ANY COMMUNICATIONS ADDRESSED TO (IS A.G.SPALDING &, BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLETE LIST OF STORES SE£ INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THIS — PRJCES..SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT* .NOTICE. For wc »c«m1 Cainirlwn Catalonia' S?e THE SPALDING! SI & TRADE-MARK: GI K^ S SPALDING BASE BALL SHOES Sizes and Weights of No. FW Shoes Size of shoes 5 6 7 8 9 Weight per pair 18oz 18^oz 19oz20oz21oz The Lightest and Best Base Ball Shoes ever made. No. FW. " World Series." Kangaroo leather uppers, fin- est white oak leather soles. Hand sewed, bench made; strong, soft laces. Pair, $21.00* $20.00 Pair Owing- to lightness and fineness of this shoe it is suitable only for fastest players. No. 31UP. Special Umpires' Shoes. Solid box toe and out- side padded tongue. Uppers of selected leather, white oak leathersoles, best base ball cleats. To order only. Pair, $21.00*^0.00 Pair- No. 31GP. For Catchers.* Otherwise same as No. 31UP. Special orders only Pair, $21.00* $20.00 Pair No. OS. "Club Special" Sprinting. Carefully selected leather; substan- tially constructed. Sprinting style flexible shank. (Pat. Oct. 9, 1917.) Pair, $1 1.00 * $10.50 Pair No. 35. "Amateur Special" Good quality leather, machine sewed. Flexible shank, (Patented Oct, 9, 1917.) Pair, $8.00 * $7.50 Pair No. 39. "Junior." Leather shoes, made on regular base ball shoe last. Plates hand riveted to heels and soles Pair, $5.00 * $u.75 Pair SPALDING "WORLD SERIES" CATCHERS' Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. BODY PROTECTORS No. 5P. Padded style, not inflated. Patented June 22. 1909; August 24, 1909. Canvas cover, laced at sides, permitting readjustment of pad- ding as desired. Special body strap Each, $12.00 No. 4P. Padded style, not inflated. Similar to No. 5P, but closed at sides instead of laced Each, $8.50 No. XP. Padded style, not inflated. Brown canvas covered. •• 7.00 No. YP. Youths'. Ribbed and padded style, not inflated. Brown canvas covered Each, $3.25 No. 2Y. Padded style, good size. Well made •* 2.50 The prices printed in italics opposite items marked with * will be Quoted only on orders for one-half dozen or more at one time. Quantity pi-ices not allowed on items not marked with * PROMPT ATTENTiOK GIVEN TO .ANY COMMUNICATIONS 1* ^DORESSEP TO US ' A. G. SPALDING &, BROS. -STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLETE UST OF STORES SEE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THIS BOOK PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. For Canadian price. «e .ped.1 Canadian Catalogue^ SPALDING Play Ball! Every player, manager, coach—and " fan"— should send for a copy of the new Spalding catalogue for 1920. Mailed free from any Spalding store (see list of addresses on inside front cover). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS A! eV< 005 901 355 5 i Official and Standard SPALDING ATHLETIC S • :• i are the Standard of the World A. G. Spalding &Bros. Maintain Wholesale and Retail Stores in the following Cities London, England Liverpool, England Manchester, England Birmingham, England Bristol, England Edinburgh, Scotland Glasgow, Scotland New York Newark Philadelphia Boston Pittsburgh Buffalo Syracuse Rochester Albany Baltimore Washington Atlanta New Orleans Dallas Cleveland Cincinnati Columbus Indianapolis Chicago St. Louis Detroit Louisville Milwaukee Kansas City Des Moines Minneapolis St. Paul San Francisco Oakland Los Angeles Denver Salt Lake City Seattle Portland, Ore. Montreal, Canada Sydney, Australia Toronto, Canada Paris, France Factories owned and operated by A. G. Spalding Sc Bros., and where all of Spalding's Trade-Marked Athletic Goods are made, are located in the following cities New York Chicago San Francisco London, England Brooklyn Philadelphia Leeds, England Boston Chicopee, Mass. Brantford, Canada 1