^rouPl.N9231 IgV 867 f .W7 ■ Copy 1 a Price 10 cents ATHLETIC HOW TO ORGANIZE A LEAGUE MANAGE A TEAM CAPTAIN COACH SCORE A TEAM A TEAM A GAME ARRANGE SIGNALS INCLUDING TECHNICAL TERMS OF BASE BALL ^\IK» SPALDING COMPLETE LINE OF ATHLETIC GOODS IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES. ( — NEW YORK CHICAGO 811-217 So. State St. iae-IG8 Geary Street INDIANAPOLIS. IND. OAKLAND. CAL. e e 416 Fourteenth St. SEATTLE. WASH. 435 South Spring St. 1 1 17 Euclid Avenue PORTLAND. ORE. BOSTON. MASS. 74 Summer Street COLUMBUS. O. 197 South High Street Broadway at Alder SALT LAKE CITY. UTAH 331 Main Street PITTSBURGH. PA. DETROIT. MICH. 121 Woodward Ave. BUFFALO, N. Y. WASHINGTON. D. C. KANSAS CITY. MO. 1 120 Grand Avenue 61 1 Main Street 613 14th Street. N.W. SYRACUSE. N. Y. LOUISVILLE. KY. 379 East Water Street 328 West Jefferson St. 803 Locust Street ROCBESTER. N.Y. ATLANTA. CA. DENVER. COL. 74 N. Broad Street 622 Sixteenth Street ALBANY. N. Y. NEW ORLEANS. LA. 1 Carondelel Street 52 Seventh St., South BALTIMORE. MD. DALLAS. TEX. ST. PAUL. MINN. 1518 Main Street 386 Minnesota Street LONDON. ENGLAND MANCHESTER. ENG. MONTREAL. CANADA £!';:^^*- 1. Lower Mosley St. 78. Cheapside. E. C. LIVERPOOL BRISTOL. ENG. 42. High Street TORONTO. CANADA 207 Yonge Street 72. Lord Street EDINBURGH. SCOT. SYDNEY. AUSTRALIA 204 Clarence Street BIRMINGHAM. ENG. GLASGOW. SCOTLAND PARIS, FRANCE New Street Bouse 68 Buchanan Street 2S-27 Rue Tronchel CooffluoicaliuQ^ dlrccled ti . (.. ^irUUIVb i BgOS.. al mi ol at alovc adilrctse). FOR OUR CUSTOMERS THIS ORDER BLANK IS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE YOU PURCHASED THIS BOOK AT We also sell a complete line of Spalding Athletic Goods as well as all the books of the Spalding Athletic Library. CONSULT THE FULL LIST FOR OTHER BOOKS ON ATHLETICS When ordering Athletic Goods use this sheet. Simply tear it out along dotted line, fill in your wants on the reverse side, and mail it vsdth the price as noted. SEE THE OTHER SIDE Gentlemen : Enclosed please find $. for which send me the articles listed below : U«t Number Quantity Description of Article Price 1 i i 1 (Se«otli«f dc) SPALDING ATHLETIC LIBRARY SPALDING OFFICIAL ANNUALS No. 1. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL GUIDE Price lOc No. IS. SPALDING'S OFFICLVL BASE BALL GUIDE. (f^dtSon) • Price 10c No. 2. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL FOOT BALL GUIDE. . . Price lOc, No. 6. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL ICE HOCKEY GUIDE. . Price 10c No. 7. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASKET BALL GUIDE. . . Price lOc No. 7A. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL WOMEN'S BASKET BALL GUIDE. Price lOc No. 9. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL INDOOR BASE BALL GUIDE. . Price lOc No. 12A. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL ATHLETIC RULES. Price lOc No. IR. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL ATHLETIC ALMANAC. . Price 25c No. 3R. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL GOLF GUIDE. . Price 25c No. 55R. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL SOCCER FOOT BALL GUIDE. . Price 25c No. 57R. SPALDING'S LAWN TENNIS ANNUAL. • . . Price 25c No. 59R. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL RECORD. . . Price 25c Specially Bound Series ot Athletic Handbooks Flexible bindinir. Mailed postpaid on receipt of 50 cents each number. No. 501L. STROKES AND SCIENCE OF LAWN TENNIS No. 502L. HOW TO PLAY GOl.F No. 503L. HOW TO PI.AY FOOT BALL No. 504L. ART OF SKATING No. 505L. a double cross+for a two-base hit, and a triple cross ± for a three-base hit; and to show where the ball was hit, we add a dot to the cross so as to indicate the part of the field the ball was batted to. Thus a hit to left field for one base is marked "T"; a hit to right field for two. bases thus^ ; a hit to center field for three bases thus i A ground ball to either position yielding two bases lii • The signs, more rarely used, for fielding movements are as given below: A high thrown wide ball is indicated thus *■ - , the line being for the throw and the dot above for the high ball. The low thrown wide ball" is similarly indicated, only the ball is placed under the line, thus "T- . Occasionally scorers employ a combination of dots and lines to record hitting performances. In such instances the recorder relies on his memory, to some extent, for the more intimate details as to the nature of the drive. For example, under the dot-and-line plan : A single to center would be noted down as 1 A single to right / A single to left\ A double to right ; A triple to left ^1 i A home run to center | 05 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. In other words, the number of dots indicates the number of bases, and the inclination of the dash shows the direc- tion of the drive. This system is not as complete as could be desired, but is satisfactory for the average fan recording a game. Still another plan for keeping track of the hits is the use of the square, to indicate a home run. One side of it indi- cates a single; two sides a double; three sides a triple and the complete square a homer. Thus: Single I Double I Triple fl Home run LI It can be used in connection with dots to be more spe- cific as to direction, as : Single to left 1 Double to right i Triple to center I * I Homer to center Q Formerly fans were content to set down the "outs" and "runs'^ for each man up, leaving hits, errors and fielding details out of the record entirely. But to-day scoring is more common and fans like to keep their own records to compare them with the official box scores published the following day, to see wherein their own judgment coin- cided with or differed from that of the official scorer. These real fans provide themselves with official score books, which contain carefully arranged spaces designed to aid the scorer in his recording of details. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 67 This wi libel l|L.| 4 aid ou 1 ■ >a" t ai tier th e following plan , preferably : KF<>- ^ -3- - 7 " ' " ' '^ ^ :^ ^ • 1 12 «( IL ■"' sm ii. W^JUu^ 5%<> <> <> <> <> T^ r ^ ^ ^/IMy ti-^ <> <> T <> t' -<^ ^ ^ ^ ^ L>-' --^— J L^ =iJ L-i-J — i-j ^ L4J The central diamond in the above arrangement is usually reserved for recording the run, if one is scored. Many scorers merely blacken this square so that it stands out from the page and indicates prominently the most vital feature of the score. Other scorers use this square in which to record the final fate of the batsmen, whether it is an out at bat, a run scored, or left on base. For simple scor- ing, it is best to reserve it solely for recording runs. Let us trace an example of stenographic scoring. Sup- pose, in the above batting order, that Jones starts out with a single to right ; that Brown's bunt sacrifices him to sec- ond and that another single to center scores him. The score sheet would then appear as follows: The usefulness of the numerals may readily be seen, as they embrace the entire play in themselves, as far as its nature and the persons involved are concerned. In the above record it is presumed that the scorer has agreed on C as the symbol indicating a "bunt-sacrifice.'' 68 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. The record on the play, C 1-3, then reads to the mind of the scorer : "Brown bunted to the pitcher, who threw him out at first base, Jones advancing to second base." Thus three characters do the work of 17 words. But, supposing the play had resulted differently. Let us presume that the pitcher had fumbled the bunt and that the runner had gained his base thereby. It would then be scored C, E-1. This would indicate that the batsman had bunted with the intention of sacrificing, had advanced the runner as planned, but had gained first through an error of the pitcher, and that the batsman was therefore entitled to the credit of a sacrifice without being charged with a time at bat. Had the bunt rolled clear of the pitcher's reach and been safe, a still new situation would arise. A new symbol would be required — that for a safe bunt, sometimes recorded T. In that case Brown would be charged with a time at bat and credited with a hit, with no charges against the fielding records of the defending team. Other examples of the use of numerals might be men- tioned, as — double play, short, second, first: 5-4-3. Out, third to first — 6-3. Flied to center — F8, etc. The simpler batting signs were used above for the rea- son that on first attempts at scoring it is inadvisable to attempt too much. In fact, the scorer will find arising con- stantly puzzling situations that will require more specific information as to scoring plays and the signs to designate them. When the scorer has set down details of the batting, he must not forget that, if he is to keep a complete record, he must similarly set down the marks in the box score col- umns. Thus, in the Jones-Brown-G-reen example above, on the sheet score of the attacking team he would have to credit (use a dot, or a vertical mark for each) under the AB (at bat) columns both Jones and Green. Brown would SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 69 not receive one because his eSort at the plate proved a sac- rifice. Both Jones and Green would also receive one dot, under the H (hit) column for a single; while Jones would make it a clean sweep for this inning by adding one mark to his R (run) column. On the other scoring page, that of the defending team, the scorer must credit the pitcher with an assist and the first baseman with an out, recording the manner in which the sacrifice man was retired. At the close of each inning the scorer should record, at the bottom of the inning columns, the total hits and the total runs scored in that period, for the sake of keeping up the score by innings and the hits for ready reference. All scoring systems are mere elaborations on the above plan. Certain managers of base ball teams, for the statis- tical purposes, keep very elaborate score in order to be able to analyze the work of their teams against certain oppo- nents and various forms of pitching. The classification or tabulation of results from this system has yielded valuable information to observing leaders. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. Signal Systems for a Base Ball One of the points to which a base ball club manager must give early attention when preparing his club for a season^s campaign is a system of signals whereby he may convey to his men on the field his choice of a play or stra- tegic policy, to meet a situation that has developed along different lines than had been anticipated. Signals, in the earlier days of base ball, were of the crudest sort, involving merely an understanding between the batter and the man in front and behind him in the batting order. Players were left very much to their own devices then, for the manager — then the captain — being himself an active participant in the contest, usually had his own hands and mind occupied with the duties of his position. At the present time, however, when tactical shifts become frequent to meet the strategic moves of the oppos- ing manager, it is imperative that players have a definite code of signs sufficiently apparent to themselves to avoid mistake and yet sufficiently camouflaged to prevent their penetration by the opposing side. It may be pertinent to remark at this point that the fewer signals employed and the simpler, the better. Many major league managers, aniong them the astute Connie Mack of Philadelphia, still believe that signals should be limited to three or four. It is the prevailing view that smart players don't need them and boneheads won't grasp them; hence the fewer employed, the less chance of con- fusion at some critical stage of the game. On the other hand, one or two major league leaders have more or less complex codes. Most clubs, however, seldom have more than half a dozen SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 71 signs, if we exclude battery signals, which may be included under defensive signs. For offensive purposes it is absolutely necessary to have signals for the hit-and-run play, bunt, steal, squeeze, etc. These signals are usually of two kinds, the "flash" or sign signal, and word signals. Most up-to-date teams have both varieties, in order to meet all requirements ; and, of course, they have change-off signals, in case there is reason to believe the enemy has discovered the key to the code being used. The "flash" signals are most frequently employed by the batsman to signal a man on bas2. They are also employed by the manager on the bench when out of conversation range of the man whose attention he desires to attract. For example, with a runner on first, the batsman (perhaps himself instructed from the bench) wants to give the hit- and-run signal. According to the code agreed upon, this sign is given when the batsman touches his hand to the visor of his cap. But such a simple signal would be detected, after its first trial, by the eagle-eyed watchers on the enemy's bench, whose optics are riveted on both bats- man and runner to note when a possible signal is given and when accepted — for a signal acknowledging or reject- ing an order also must be arranged. The cap-touching motion being too obvious, it becomes necessary to combine it with a "key" sign, which will tell the runner when the cap-touching is vital and when incon- sequential. Any number of ways of guarding the sign are possible, the simplest being to join it with another act. For example, it might be agreed that the hit-and-run sign was operative only when the batsman's foot, as he stood at the plate, was pointed toward the pitcher. The combination signal will serve to confuse the observ- ers in the enemy trench, who, seeing the hit-and-run tried when the batsman's cap was touched, think that this is the real and complete sign. However, the next batter up, with 72 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. a man on, may touch his cap and the enemy play for a hit-and-run, when none is intended. Thus the opposed pitcher wastes a ball on a pitchout. The same sort of signals may be devised for the other essential attacking plays — a hitch of the belt, a wiggle of the bat, any motion used in combination with a "key" sign, is sufficiently protected for ordinary purposes. The beauty of this system is that there is only one sig- nal for the entire team, manager and coaches included, for each play. In the old systems, where the batsman had an understanding with the man ahead of him, many signs are necessary, adding confusion. Some managers order changes from day to day, using alternately the regular and the reserve systems, in order to confuse opponents, as well as to keep the change set of sig- nals fresh in the minds of the players. All of these signs are employed by the manager on the bench and by the coach, as well as by the players. How- ever, these executives more frequently employ a word code which is just as simple as the "flash" system. This is merely the use of a single word, buried in a sentence or jihrase, to indicate each play. For example, it might be agreed that the word ''be' meant hit-and-run. The manager on the bench could shout: "Make him be good, Jack, make him be good!" Apparently a meaningless remark and sufficiently involved to confuse the signal-stealers as to the vital word, espe- cially since the next time "be" were used it would be in an entirely different expression, such as : "He ought to be easy for you, Bill." A similar word for each play could be agreed on, and a system almost certain to defy detection thus developed. " The coaching signals, both word and flash, may be simi- larly devised. They may be further protected by making them active or inoperative, dependent upon the position of the coacher in the box, or his posture at the time of making or shouting the sign. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 73 Thus, if the coach signed the flash signal for the hit-and- run, when the batsman was in doubt, it might be agreed that he touch his cap, in the customary way, with the understanding that it would not be effective unless he were standing in that end of the coacher's box nearest the bat- ter. Or it might be agreed that it would be effective only when he touched his cap while standing with his left hand on his hip. Or, to still further safeguard it, all three pre- cautions might be taken. The number of attacking signs or signals used is entirely up to the manager. But the mind of the base ball player would be better off for not burdening him with too many signals to be used under changing conditions. Somebody is sure to fall down. Wherever such signals are used, it is absolutely necessary that a sign acknowledging the accept- ance of the signal be made. And right here caution is needed. It must be borne in mind that the efforts of the opposing team, including the bench warmers, is focused on the principal actors of the enemy, the batsmen and base- runners, in an effort to anticipate the attacking strategy. Any move that may be construed as a signal, whether inter- preted rightly or not, has the effect of making the opposi- tion more keenly alert. The accepting signal, therefore, ought to be camouflaged, as are the others, with a check sign. When a set of signals is to be changed during the game, there should be no less than three separate notifications of this change, made to the players by the manager, the cap- tain and the coach. Thus it is unlikely that any player will miss being notified. If he should, an unpleasant tangle of plans might arise at a critical moment. Defensive signals are employed by the battery, of course, and in other ways by some clubs. The battery signals should be known to every member of the team, and to the infield players particularly. It is important for these players to know whether a fast or curve ball is to be 74 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. pitched; for the direction of the resulting drive, and its force as well, may to some extent be anticipated there- from. Occasionally, when the pitch is apt to influence the direction of an outfield drive, it is important that the infielders signal the outfielder as to the nature of the play coming, in order to enable him to play in the best possible position to intercept the drive. Battery signals almost invariably are given by the catcher from a squatting position, in which they may be protected from the view of opposing coachers. They are simple movements which anybody may devise, with addi- tional meaningless motions to confuse the observer who may happen to be on second base, watching to catch the fast ball signal — the aim of all signal-getters. The pitcher, of course, if a veteran, may reject the signal unless ordered by the manager. There is also a signal, sometimes given by the catcher, naming the player who is to cover second base with a man on base. The knowledge of this important fact gives the batter a big advantage. He knows that the next ball deliv- ered will be of the sort that will make it most difficult to hit through the opening vacated by the base-coverer, and can "step into" the pitch and perhaps hammer the ball through the opening thus created, for a safe hit. The base covering signal, therefore, ought to be carefully protected and subject to occasional change. Special signals are sometimes devised to meet special occasions. For example, the pitcher, the catcher and the shortstop or second baseman may devise a play to nip a man who takes a big lead off second base. After the signal is given, the players involved, without seeming to notice the base-runner, count four. Then the baseman darts to the bag and the pitcher wheels and throws to the bag. Sig- nals of this sort may be made up on the spur of the moment, between innings, as they do not involve the entire team. SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 75 One of the fancied dangers of relying too greatly on signals comes when a team trades or sells a player to an enemy club in the same league. Of course he takes the entire signal list with him, when it becomes incumbent on the manager, coach and players to learn all over again. At least that would appear to be the safe plan. However, it is a well-known fact that ten days after a ball player has changed teams he forgets his old club's signs or confuses many of them so badly that it is unsafe to rely upon his tips regarding them. A -great deal has been written about signal-stealing, which is considered unsportsmanlike in some circles; yet it is part of the every-day efforts of all professional base ball teams. Most of the battery signals are obtained by the co-operation of the man in the coacher's box and the base-runner on second. Every move of the battery is watched and those players on the bench compare notes. The combined observation of all the alert minds on a club occasionally results in the discovery of the fast and curve ball signs. Next to this, the most coveted sign for signal-stealing is the hit-and-run signal, which puts the attacking play at the mercy of the pitcher. He can hurl the ball out of reach of the batter, and the catcher easily can pick off the runner going to second. The discovery of this sign is of occasional occurrence and for that reason some managers make it a "run-and-hit" play. This means that there is no signal given, but the batter has standing instructions to hit whenever the base-runner decides to go down. With alert base ball players this is the preferable tactic. As a general axiom commonly accepted by all man- agers, it may be asserted that "the fewer the signs, the bet- ter the ball club." However, this applies only up to cer- tain limits. Certain signs are absolutely necessary to good base ball. That they have been more freely used, in later years, is 76 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. evident from a statement made by Walter Maranville, with the Boston Braves the year the team won the championship of the world after being in last place on July 16 of that season. Following is a quotation from an interview at the time: "Signals had a lot to do with our winning the championship. We had signals of our own, of course, and so far as I know they never were solved consistently. We were able to get the meaning of the signals of the other team in nearly every city of the league. In St. Louis we knew almost every move that the other fellow was going to make, and that helped a lot. Their signals were very easy. Other teams had harder signals, but we managed to get most of them, while the other side was doing the guessing." SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 77 Equipment of a Base Ball Team The base ball public has been educated to a discrimi- nating taste in other niceties of the national game than mere playing excellence. It has learned to prefer respec- tability to rowdiness in the deportment of the players and of the occupants of the grandstand and bleachers; it has been educated to enjoy the game from up-to-date seating facilities and carefully cleaned chairs; and it has grown to appreciate the spick and span appearance of the players themselves, as to their uniforms and equipment. A major league club to-day could no more afford to send on the field men frowsily clad than it could permit them on the diamond intoxicated. Few in the stands, however, stop to inquire as to the time, forethought and expense devoted to the wearing apparel and the implements used by the players in their daily work. Yet, as a matter of fact, these play an important part in pleasing the fan. ' The principle of dressing up a base ball club presentably is the same that applies to the fitting up a store or serv- ing food. For example: Two stores may handle the same class of goods ; but one will outsell the other, merely because it has displayed its wares and outfitted its interior more attractively. Its salesmen, too, have much better success if nattily and stylishly dressed than if dowdily or carelessly garbed. The prospective purchaser is sub-con- sciously influenced by appearances in favor of the neater men and the neater establishment, though the price and quality of the goods may be identical. Also, the same food, which is disgusting when shoved at one in "hash-house" style, might be rendered palatable if served on snowy linen, in tasteful dishes, with a gar- nishing of parsley on the plate. The dishes, linen and parsley do not help the food ; but they create in the mind 78 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. of the diner a more favorable impression of what is ai)Out to be offered him. So the attractively clad ball-player, whose uniform is always clean and neat to start the game, favorably pre- possesses the onlooker, as compared with the carelessly out- fitted star. Slovenly dress is apt to create an impression that slovenly work is to follow. For that reason base ball clubs which are catering to a pay-as-you-enter public can not afford to have other than first-class equipment. A major league player's uniform and laundry bill to-day is a considerable item in the aggre- gate. But it is worth all that can be expended on it. Clubs playing a heavy schedule throughout a long sea- son need at least four uniforms, two for home use and two for trips abroad, the latter, of course, of darker or pat- terned goods, to distinguish them from the inevitable light uniforms used at home. Some teams get along with one road uniform; but where the trips require absences of more than one week, it is stretching the cleanliness feature to the last limit. A club can not be too circumspect in this matter and should see that, whatever its schedule condi- tions, enough equipment is provided to maintain the snappy and presentable appearance of the team. No club should invest in the "just as good" brand of material, because, in the long run, it is not economy. The best pays, as a rule; and Spalding quality is invariably reliable. The matter of club appearance should not be overlooked by any team — large or small, professional or amateur — if its games are to be viewed by any considerable number of persons. Especially should this apply to "town" teams. Civic pride, if no other motive, should induce the backers of such clubs to provide adequate equipment to make the "front" of the club a "hit" with the fans. But the matter does not end with uniforms — it extends to the implements of the player. It has been said that a SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 79 workman may be judged by his tools — meaning their qual- ity and the condition in which he keeps them. No good workman ever permits the implements with which he earns a living to deteriorate, knowing that his own efficiency depends upon theirs. Major league players acquire tastes in gloves, bats, etc., that amount to superstition, almost. If they happen to have met with success with it, the first glove or bat they use remains, for them, the only glove and the only bat on the market. Some go to the extent of having gloves privately made and bats modeled according to their per- sonal views. But this is apt to be mere fancy; for all sorts, shapes, sizes and weights of base ball tools may be had— ready made— tools that have been tested and not found wanting. . In the major leagues the boys are not a bit backward m ordering clubs, as the management foots the bills. One major league club's list one year, as turned in for only twelve players, included fifty-eight bats— an average of nearly five per man. Weight and wood are matters of moment to some play- ers. In this respect all should be guided by their own experience and convictions on the subject. Bats that suit one player by no means suit the next man. The Spalding line offers an unlimited range of selection. ,.,.,, It is well to have as great a variety, of the kind that each player fancies, as the club resources permit. Whether it be fancy or fact, a player's preference may psychologi- cally affect his batting prowess, if he is balked m getting what he wants. He goes into the game thinking he can t do as well with the other bat; hence he is mentally injur- ing his own effectiveness, right there. Spalding s will duplicate any model to order, and their factory carries numerous specifications of various models made up spe- cially to suit the ideas of leading batters. Shoes are an important item to the base ball star. They 80 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. must fit;, but must be comfortable and strong. The play- er's preference in spikes can be left to himself; although, like almost every other article of base ball equipment, these have been standardized. Many players have preferences in gloves and, once suited in this respect, dislike to "break in" a new one. For this reason they frequently cling too long to a patched and mended article when a new one is not only desirable but necessary. No manager should permit his men to use a glove that is not in perfect repair, no matter how reluctant he may be to surrender his time-worn relic. Players acquire a positive affection for some of the paraphernalia of the game which they have had with them for a long time and are frequently stubborn about giving it up. Tn the end they must retire the decrepit old friend for good, so they might as well break in the new one early as late. Gloves, shoes and other equipment should all be given a certain amount of "breaking in'' before being used in championship contests, not merely to render them more pliable but chiefly to familiarize the player, so that he will not even think of the fact that he has on a different or new glove. However, if the glove is of high grade, very little "breaking in" will be necessary, and the player who blames a misplay on a new tool is usually seeking an alibi. That managers are not indifferent to the appearance and the precise equipment of their base ball teams may be gleaned from the following remarks of one who has been in the game many years: "I have always found that it pays to get the best equip- ment that can be bought. The implements used by tlie players I leave to their individual preferences, as to gloves and bats. I never attempt to suggest, unless I think a player has not had experience enough to make a proper choice, suitable to his special abilities. The principal idea SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY. 81 in developing a winning team is to satisfy the player in every way possible — then he delivers his best. "It has been my experience that the 'cockiness' of a club is materially aided by the consciousness of its mem- bers that they present an attractive appearance on the field ; so I never haggle over incidentals, if they please the player. Dress a man up well and you may be certain that he will FEEL many per cent better and play accordingly. Nothing contributes more to slovenly work and feelings than the consciousness of being ill-clad, or equipped worse than your opponent. A player always feels an interest in his club proportionate to the interest his management takes in him." IS3?E-mE SPALDING ffRADE^MMR'^Sr Spalding ''Official National League" Ball (REG. U. S. PAT. OFF.) »N&^. The Ofl&cial Ball of the World Seriei ^feil 1% S9Ue Adopted by the National League Patent Cork Center No. 1. Used in all Championship games, stitched, red and black.. Double SPALDING RUBBER CORE LEAGUE BALL No. lA. Pure Para rubber center. Wound in same manner and with yarn as' 'Official National League. ' ' Stitched red and black. 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"(Regr.U.S.Pat.Off.) Ball No. 1. SPALDING MATCH No. 4. Horsehide cover. SPALDING JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL No. 7B. Slightly under regular size. Horsehide cover. Carefully made. SPALDING KING OF THE DIAMOND No. 5. Full size; has horsehide cover. No. 8. SPALDING LEAGUE JUNIOR. A popu- lar boys* size ball. Durable cover. No. 6. STAR. Full size. Durable cover. No. 11. BOYS* AMATEUR. Nearly regulation size and weight. No. 12. BOYS' FAVORITE. A good boys* size; two-piece cover. No. 13. ROCKET. Two-piece cover. Boys' size. No. Bl PROMPT*nENTION6IVENT0| ANT COMMUNICATIONS AODRESSED TO OS A. G.SPALDING & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPIETE LIST OF STORES ■I INSIDE FRONT COYER OF THIS Bflfll •PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. For Canadian price. «>e .pedal Canadian CitelogM^ ^S^K THE SPALDING iTRADE-MARK^nSf: 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. SPECIFICATIONS of Models furnished in the No. 200 line of bats listed above. Lenerth Weight Model Length Weight Model Length Weight 34 in. 37 to 45 oz. 204 33 in. 36 to 43 oz. 208 34 in. 37 to 44 oz. 32 in. 38 to 45 oz. 205 32 in. 39 to 46 oz. 209 33 in. 36 t. 43 oz. 34 in. 38 to 45 oz. 206 33 in. 36 to 44 oz. 210 33 in. 39 to 46 oz. 34 in. 38 to 45 oz. 207 33 in. 35 to 42 oz. 211 34 in. 38 to 46 oz. SPALDING "PLAYERS' AUTOGRAPH" BATS No. 150. Duplicating in every case the bat made famous by the great player whose autograph signature is branded on it. Made from finest air-dried, second growth, straight grained white ash, cut from uplan' timber. Special oil finish hardens with age increasing the resihency and driving power. Furnished in following models. Mention name of player when ordering. VIC SAIER Autograph Mode I 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- face. VVoights from 38 to 42 ounces. Length 33 1-2 inches. JOHN J. EVERS Autograph Model Sufficient wood to give splendid driving power. Weights from 40 to 44 ounces. Length 34 inches. DAVIS ROBERTSON Autograph Mode 1 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. FRED WILLIAMS Autograph Model Handle slightly thicker than Zimmerman model, go)il striking surface. Weights from 36 to 42 ounces. Length 34 inches. HAL CHASE Autograph Model Very large batting surface and long thin handle. Weights from 41 to 46 ounces. Length 34 inches. MILLER J. HUGGINS Autograph Model Short small handle, body quite thick. WelshU from 38 to 42 ounces. Length 32 inches. NORMAN ELBERFELD Autograph Model HEINIE ZIMMERMAN Autograph Model HARRY H. DAVIS Autograph Model Light weight but well balanced. Weights from 86 Length 34 1-2 inches. FRANK M. SCHULTE Autograph Model An excellent model. Weights from 37 to41 Length 35 inches. Can also supply on special orders, Donlin, Oakes, Crawford, Elberfeld, Clarke, and Keeler models If you have any particular model of bat which you wi=h made up or an old bat that you want duplicated, sptjcial attention will be given to your order if complete specifications are sent to any A. G. SPALDING & HKOS'. Store, accompanied by the price, $1.50.' The bat will be made and finished according to your specifications, either m the "Professional" oil finish or the "Gold Medal" natural finish. If the old bat is se.if it should be expressed, charges prepaid, with your name and address on the package, and also on tag attached to bat. If only measurements ire sent, special Cc..i ..hould 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 for difference in density of timber. We require at least two weeks' time for the execution of special bat orders. We do not guarantee bats against breaking, *" PIOMPTATnNTIONGIVENTOl U1 COMMUNICATIONS AODBESSEO TO OS AG. SPALDING & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPIETIUST OF STORES SEE INSIOE FRONT COVEB ' OF THIS loot I PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. For Ote THE SPALDING TRADE-MARK ™nrT^v^^ SPALDING BASE BALL BATS Finished plain white. No. 150N. Spalding Natural Finish Ash Bats. hard filled, French polished. 12 models . No. ISOB. Spalding Dark Brown Taped Ash Bats. Very dark brown Stained, except 12 in. of handle left; natural. Tape wound grip. Hard filled, high French poUshed. 12 models. SPECIFICATIONS of Models furnished in the Nos. 150N and 150B line of bats listed above. Model Length Weight Model Length Weight Model Length Weight Nl 31 in, 32 to 39 oz. N5 34 in. 36 to 44 oz. N9 35 in. 38 to 45 oz. N2 33 In. 33 to 43 oz. N6 34 in. 36 to 44 oz. NIO 34 in. 36 to 44 oz. N3 33 fa. 35 to 44 oz. N7 34 in. 88 to 45 oz. Nil 32 in. 40 to 44 oz. N4 33 fa. 32 to 40 oz. N8 32 in. 37 to 43 oz. N12 35 fa. 40 to 47 oz. No. 125S. Spalding *' All Star" Ash Bats. Yellow Stained, mottle bumt, hard filled, high French polished. Good quality second growth white ash. Supplied in twelve assorted models. No. 125M. Spalding New Special College Ash Bate. Special oil tem- pered, natural finish, hard filled, taped eight inches on handle. Fine quality second growth white ash. Supplied in twelve assorted models. No. 125Y. Spalding Special National Association Ash Bats. Yellow Stained, hard filled, two- thirds of bat light fiame burnt, French polished. Fine grade second growth white ash, taped five inches on handle. Supplied in twelve assorted models No. 125F. Spalding Hardwood Fungo Bat. 38 in. long, thin model, pro- fessional oil finish . No. lOOT. Spalding League, Taped Handle. Assorted models. Good quaUty white ash. No. 100. Spalding League, Plain Handle. Same as No. lOOT, Not taped handle.. No. 75W. Spalding Willow Fungo Bat. Specially selected basswood, light weight, yellow stained, assorted lengths. No. 50B. Spalding Junior. Boys' bat. Special finished, assorted models, selected white ash , No. 2SB. Spalding Junior League. Boys' bat. Ldght weights ; good grade ash (six dozen in a crate).. We do not guarantee bats against breaking. mMrT«TT!iinoii6iniiTO| iHTf ^BDHESSEDTOUS A. G. SPALDING & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES I fflUDiPin! LIST OF STORES SE£ INSIDE fRONTCOYEg OF THIS im ^PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. F« i sSUHE SPALDING •TRADEMARK SPALDING CATCHERS' MITTS No. 12-0 No. 12-0. "Honor." The pride of the Spalding factory. Special brown leatlier. Pad- ding cannot get out of shape, as it is held by an "inside mitt" of leather. Leather laced back and strap-and- buckle reinforcement at thumb. "Stick-on-the-Hand" strap-and-buckle fastening No. 10-0. "World Series." Finest selected brown calf- skin. King Patent Felt Pad- ding, leather laced back and special "Stick-on-the-Hand" strap and brass buckle fasten- ing. , No. 6-0. "ColUgiate." Special olive-colored leather. King Patent Felt Padding; laced back and thumb; strap-and- buckle fastening. '" " ~~ No. OK. "OK Model." Semi- molded face. Brown leather throughout. Felt padding, Eatent laced back and thumb; leather lace, leather bound ed^es. eather strap and buckle fastening . No. 5-0. "League Extra." Molded face. Special tanned buflE colored leather, soft and pUabie; patent hand formed felt padding; strap-and-buckle fast- ening at back, reinforced and laced at thumb, and made with patent laceg back. Heel of hand piece felt lined. Leather bovmd edges. ^ No. 4-0. "League Special.** Molded face. Special tanned brown leather; patent hand formed felt padding; reinforced and laced at thumb; patent laced back, leather lace; strap-and-buckle fastening at back. Heel pf hand piece felt lined. Leather bound edges. . No. O. "Interstate." Brown leather face and finger piece; leather back and side piece; strap-and-buckle fastening; patent laced back; leather lace. .Heel of hand piece felt lined. No. AA. "Athletic." Brown leather face and finger piece, black leather back, an,d side piece; patent laced back, leather lace; strap-and-buckle fastening. No. IC. "Back-Stop." Gray leather face and finger piece; oak colored leather side piece. Strap-and-buckle; patent laced back, leather lace. T No. 3. "Amateur." Oak colored leather face and finger piece; imitation leather ^ back. Reinforced at thumb ; strap-and-buckle fastening. " No. 3A. "Public School." Oak colored leather face and fingers. Canya^Lback and Army gum fabric side piece. Reinforced at thumb. . No. 4E. "Boys' Amateur." Oak colored leather face and fingers, canva^t^ack and Army gum fabric side piece. Good size. All Styles Made in Rights and Lefts When Ordering for Left Handed Players Specify *'Full Right" rRDMPTAmNTIONfilYENTOI m COMMUNICtllONS . (DDRESSED TO US A. G.SPALDING &, BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLfTEUST OF STORES SEE INSIDE FRONT COYEB > OFTHIS Boot PRICES SUBJECT TO_CHANGE_WITHOUT_NOTICE._F« ^S^T^E THE SPALDING TRADE-MARK TuATrf SPALDING BASEMEN'S MITTS No. AtJA No. ABX. *'Stick on the Hand." The "Stick-on-the-Hand" construe- tion will prove of wonderful assist- ance. Laced, except around thumb and heel, leather lace; strap-and- buckle adjustment at thumb. No. AXP. "World Series." Finest white tanned buck; leather lacing around mitt, including thumb; strap- and-buckle fastening. Leather strap support at thumb. King Patent Padding No. BXP. "World Series." Finest selected brown calfskin; leather lac- ing; strap-and-buckle fastening. Leather strap support at thumb. King Patent Padding No. BXS. "League Special." Selected brown calfskin, boimd with brown leather. Leather laced, except heel; leather strap support at thiunb ; strap-and-buckle fastening , No. BXB. "Well Broke." Brown horse hide, bound with black leather. Leather laced, except thumb and heel. Strap-and-buckle adjustment at thiunb. 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 . No. ex. "Semi-Pro." Face of specially tanned smoke color leather, back of firm tanned brown leather, laced, except at heel. Strap-and- buckle fastening. No. CXS. "Amateur." Special oak colored leather. Correctly padded; laced, except at heel. Strap-and-buckle fastening. No. DX. "Double Play." Oak tanned leather; laced all around, except at heel. Strap-and-buckle fastening. Nicely padded. No. EX. "League Junior." Black leather face. Laced, except at heel; padded. Strap-and-button fastening. . All Styles Made in Rights and Lefts When Ordering for Left Handed Players Specify "Full Right" ll PROMPT ATTENTION GIVEN TD ANT COMMUNICATIONS A. G. SPALDING & BROS. . STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPUTE LIST OF STORBll SEE INSIDE FRONT COVER 1 OF THIS lOOI l| PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Fox c««u« »hcu «. v«i.i ( |i^it^*«>a^ii*<:^^"'»i-^M<''' 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 . No. BBl. "World Series." Finestquality buckskin. Most carefully constructed, being of good width and length, but not; clumsy. Leather lined. Welted seauis Vv. King Patent Felt Padding. ^N No. PXL. "Professional." Finest buck- skin obtainable. Heavily padded arouim edges and little finger. Extra long to protect the wrist. Leather lined. Welted In regular and "Cadet" fingers. No. XWL. "League Special." Specially tanned calfskin. Extra protect wrist. Leather lined. Welted seams. No. 2W. "Minor League." Smoked horsehide. Professional model ; leather lined; laced at wrist; welted seams No. 3X. "Semi-Pro." Gray buck tanned leather. A very large model. Correctly padded; welted seams. Leather lined. No. XL. "Club Special." Special white tanned leather; laced at wrist to adjust padding; welted seams; leather lined. No. 4X. "Association." Brown leather, specially treated. Laced at wrist. Welted ^cams; leather lined. No. MO. "Ours." Made of selected oak tanned leather, leather lined. No. XS. "Practice." Good quality pearl tanned leather; well finished; welted seams; leather lined. No. 15. "Regulation." Men's size. Brown tanned leather, padded: welted seams; leather lined . No. 15R. "Regulation." Men's size. Black tanned leather, laced at wrist for padaiug adjustment; leather lined. No. 15W. "Mascot." Men's size. Oak colored leather; leather lined . No. 13. "Interscholastic." Youths' size. Oak tanned orown leather, welted seams; palm leather lined. No. 17. "Youths'." Good size: special brown tanned leather; nicely padded; palm leather lined. 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 lefts. When ordering for left Handed Players Specify "Full RighL** iFORCOMPtfTEUSTOFSTMBl SEE INSIDE FMMTCOffI I FROMPTtTTENTIONGIVENTOl ANY COMMUNICATIONS ADDRESSED TO US A. G.SPALDING & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. f«, c., •pecial C « n « a i« n CttdrfOt ISm^HE SPALDINGiM)TRADE-MARK SPALDING CATCHERS' MASKS No. 12-CL. "Double Diamond." Has special truss supported frame besides double wiring at point where greatest strength is needed. Padding of new design. Diamond shaped opening in front of mouth . No. 10-OW. "World Series." Special electric welded, "Open Vision." blacli finish frame, including wire ear guards and circular opening in front. Weight is as light as consistent with absolute safety; padding made to conform to the face with comfort. No. 4-0. "Sun Protecting." Patent lea. ther simshade, protects eyes without obstructing view. "Open Vision," electric welded frame of finest steel ,o/-.i wire, heavy black finish. Diamond No. 12-CL shaped opening in front. Pitted with soft chin-pad; improved design hair-filled pads, including forehead pad, and special elastic head-band . No. O-P. "Semi-Pro" League. "Open Vision," electric welded best black annealed steel wire frame Convenient opening in front of mouth. ••Regulation League" Masks No. O-X. Men's size. "Open Vision," electric welded frame, finished in black. Leather covered pads. No. OXB. Youths' "Open Vision," electric welded frame, black finish. No. A. Men's. Electric welded black enameled frame. Leather covered pads. No. B. Youths'. Electric welded black enameled frame, similar in quaUty through- out to No. A, but smaller in size. No. X. Electric welded black enameled frame. Canvas covered pads SPALDING UMPIRES* MASK No. UO. "Super-Protected." Wires in this mask support each other and are ar- ranged according to an entirely new principle of mask construction. Eye opening is straight across with ''Diamond" point wired protection. Fitted with extra padded chin protection and folding padded ear pieces . NcUO PROMPT inEKTtON GIVEN TO ANT COMMUNICATIONS ADDBESSED TO US A.G.SPALDING & BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPLETE UST OF STORES SEE INSIDE RONT C8YEI OF THIS Boot PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Fo, price* M* ipacUl Caiw4iaD CaUletM THE SPALDING((^))TRADE-MARK SPALDING BASE BALL SHOES Sizes and Weights of No. FW Shoes Size of shoes 5 6 7 8 9 Weight per pair l8oz 18Koz 19oz20oz2Ioz The Lightest and Best Base Ball Shoes ever made. No. FW. "World Series." Kangaroo leather uppers, fin- f5st white oak leather soles. Hand sewed; l)ench made; strong, soft laces. Owinsr 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 leather soles, best base ball cleats. To order only . No. 31CP. only. For Catchers, Otherwise same as No. 31 UP. Special orders No. OS. **CIub Special" Sprinting. Carefully selected leather; substan- tially constructed. Sprinting style flexible shank. (Pat. Oct. 9, 1917.) No. 35. **Amateur Special" Good quality leather, machine sewed. High point carefully tempered carbon steel plates, hand rivetea to heels and soles. , No. 37. •*Junior" Leather shoes, made on regular base ball shoe last. Plates hand riveted to heels and soles. Excellent shoes for the money leut not guaranteed. SPALDING "WORLD SERIES" CATCHERS' Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. BODY PROTECTORS No. 5P. Padded style, not inflated. Patented June 22. 1909; Aucust 24, 1909. Canvas cover, laced at sides, permitting readjustment of pad- ding as desired. Special body strap, No. 4P. Padded style, not inflated. Similar to No. 5P, but ctesed at sides instead of laced. No. XP. Padded style, not inflated. Brown canvas covered. No. YP. Youths'. Ribbed and padded style, not inflated. Brown canvas covered. IraOMPTlTTENTIONEiVENTOl ANT COMMUNICItTIONS ADDRESSED TO US A. G» SPALDING & BROS, STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES FOR COMPUTE LIST OF STORa $S INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THIS ROOJ PfUCES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. For HOW TO PLAY BASE BALL SERIES SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Every boy who plays base ball is interested in improv- ing his game. For nearly a quarter of a century Spalding's Athletic Library, in its "How to Play Base Ball" group, has been the means of showing how the big league players cover their respective positions. No one who plays base ball can afford to overlook the points that are given in the various books that com- prise the series. No. 1, Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide. 10 cents. No. 202. How to Play Base Ball. 10 cents. No. 223. How to Bat. 10 cents. No. 230. How to Pitch. 10 cents. No. 229. How to Catch. 10 cents. No. 224. How to Play the Outfield. 10 cents. No. 225. How to Play First Base. 10 cents. No. 226. How to Play Second Base. 10 cents. No. 227. How to Play Third Base. 10 cents. No. 228. How to Play Shortstop. 10 cents. No. 232. How to Run Bases. 10 cents. No. 231. How to Organize a League; How to Organize a Club; How to Manage a Club; How to Cap- tain a Team; Technical Terms of Base Ball. 10 cents. No. 350. How to Score. 10 cents. No. 219. Ready Reckoner Percentages. 10 cents. \o. 59R. Official Base Ball Record. 25 cents. No. 75R. Knotty Problems and How to Umpire. 25 centS. Those who have read the "knotty problems" in this year's Guide will not need to be told of tlieir interest and value in settling disputes. In No. 75R, edited by Billy Evans, are listed many more, which contain novel points that will be a surprise to even the closest students of the rules. Read this book and be prepared for any discus- sion of plays or decisions _£j I G LEAGUE Quality" signifies BEST in anything. The Spalding Ball has been the Official Ball of the National League for Forty 'One years. Arc you using it ? r3M^r-- fj^ Official Q^. oMDIfVG\ A. G. Spalding & Bros, NEW YORK CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCO and other principal cities of the United States LIBRARY OF CONGRESS III iiiii mil Hill mil mil mil nil nil -^ 005 900 678 2 % A separate book covers every Athletic Sport and is Official and Standard m^m^ PARIS 1900 ST I OU IS. 19 04 "^ Mr J\ JLyJJlINvJ RARIS^gOO ATHLETIC GOODS ARE THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD A. G. Spalding ^ Bros. NLW YORK ( NtWAUK PHILADELPHIA INDIANAPC ST. LOUI! DETROI SAI^rRA>JClS( OAKLAND LOS ANGE PITTSBURGH BALTIMORE CLEVELAND SAL COLUMBUS Di ATLANTA I LOUISVILLE LAS MINNEAPOLIS ALBANY CLEVELAND SALT LAKE CITY ROCHESTER COLUMBUS DENVER SYRACUSE ATLANTA KANSAS CITY PITTSBURGH LOUISVILLE MILWAUKEE 3ALT1M0RE DALLAS MINNEAPOLIS DES MOINES WASHLNGTON NEW ORLEANS ST. PAUL LONDON, ENGLAND MONTREAL . C A N, TORONTO. CAN. LIVERPOOL. ENGLAND EDINBURGH. SCOTLAND ^ - BIRMINGHAM. ENGLAND GLASGOW, SCOTLAND MANCHESTER. ENGLAND PARIS. FRANCE BRISTOL. ENGLAND SY DNEY. AUSTRA LI A rnrfnn'n p^n^dand opcrofcdbyAG.Spaldlng&Bros.and vfhero nil of S[.aldEI.PHIA I.ONDON, ENG,