Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 January 1911 — NEW SCHEME TO KILL SACRIFICE HITS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

NEW SCHEME TO KILL SACRIFICE HITS

The diagram on the left shows the confusion attending the present style of playing bunts. The first, second and third basemen are drawn from their positions, and the runner on firstis given a big lead. Too many men run after bunts, which often results In an Intended sacrifice going as a hit and allowing the man on base an extra sack. The diagram on the right illustrates Tinker's new scheme for fielding bunts and blocking sacrifice hits. The first baseman holds his base and keeps the runner close. The pitcher, third baseman and catcher field all bunts, and with every base covered there is a good chance for forcing the man on first and breaking up the sacrifice.

Job Tinker, who plays shortstop for the Chicago Cubs In summers, acts on the stage in winters and still finds time to devote to his family and friends, has just devised a Scheme which, if put into operation and properly executed on the ball field, will break up the bunting game and cause speedy baserunners to stand stone still on the base lines, bewildered and helpless. It may revolutionize baseball tactics of the day. Incidentally. Joe confided that this scheme was the main reason why he wanted to play third base, because in the new plan the third baseman is to play the leading role, and, like all actors, Joe has pictured himself In the star part. Now, at first sight this scheme may not appeal to some of the wise followers of the national game, but a bit of careful consideration of the thing undoubtedly will convince him that It is one of the most sensible suggestions for improving the defensive part of the game that has come up since 'BS, when Charley Comiskey began playing far back of first; base and taught the pitcher to cover the bag when balls were hit to the first baseman. Joe’s scheme is so simple that one wonders why some shrewd major league manager had not thought of it before, but if such is the case, it has never been put into practice. The scheme Is simply to keep the first baseman out of the muddle of fielding bunts and have him stick to the bag, have the pitcher always go to his left to cover ground only in that territory, while the third baseman takes care of every chance to the right of the pitcher, and the catcher handles everyone that Is dumped just in front of the plate. In this way first base is always covered by the regular man, while the second baseman is always stationed on the middle bag, ready for a play there, and the shortstop runs down to third to prevent the baserunner from going from first to third on the play. “It's very seldom we see a runner

forced at second base on a bunt,” said Tinker, in talking over the plan. “But with this scheme in operation I can see no reason why the play couldn’t be pulled often and once you get to doing that the bunting game is broken up. You see, the first baseman being on the bag would hold the runner close to that spot and prevent his getting a big lead before the batter touches the ball. “There’s too much confusion in handling bunts, anyway, and there’s no reason that I can see why the third baseman and pitcher, with the aid of the catcher, couldn’t handle everything. The pitcher would go to his left as he delivered the ball and always be on the spot ready to handle the ball. As It is now he runs straight in and has to be prepared to jump to either side, then probably becomes entangled with the third baseman or the first baseman in getting the ball. “Then, knowing that the second baseman would always be stationed on the middle bag, many a play could be made there that would not be attempted otherwise because of fear the baseman would not be on the spot. A third baseman with a good arm and active on his feet could rush in, scoop a ball and whirl and shoot it to second without hesitating that instant that loses so many runners. He would always be assured that there was a man on each base ready to receive the ball. “I should judge that, having the first baseman stick to the bag would take about six feet off the lead obtained by the baserunner. That’s enough to permit many a play at second that would not be made otherwise. The second baseman would always be there, you see, for he wouldn’t have to be playing half-way between the bags, ready to cover first, if the first naseman was gTter tne ball. “I’ve been thinking of that scheme for a long time, and have always believed I would put it through if given a chance.”