Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 91, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1911 — TALL MEN UNDER HANDICAP [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

TALL MEN UNDER HANDICAP

Moriarlty of Detroit Declare* Elongated Infielders Seldom Make Good—-Wagner Excepted. George Moriarty of tive Detroit Tigers believes that a tall, man has no business trying to play shortstop or second base in the major leaguek, on, aecount of the natural handicap which his height Imposes on him. “It is an advantage to be tall if a man Intends to play first or third, but a handicap at short or second,” said tbe custodian of tbe Tigers’ hot corner. “A fellow who Is built close to the ground can make plays that would be Impossible for a six footer, simply because he doesn't have so far to stoop, and can get, low down when running. "Look at the way Ownle Bush goes oyer the ground. No tall man could scurry and make the plays the little Tiger pulls. He is in a position to handle the ball while on the dead run, tvhile a taller man would have to reduce his speed in order, to get down low enough to pick up a grounder on a short bound. “There are a few tall men who are good shortstopß, I admit. Honus Wagner is a whale, but he is built in such a peculiar way and has such bowed legs and long arms that he can get down to the ball -just like a short man. George Mcßride is tall and is a fine player, but there are mighty few other lengthy boys who are making good either at short or on the keystone sack. “I like a tall first baseman, for a big fellow gives the lnflelders confidence in their throwing. Take Ross-

man, for instance. When that old boy was on the bag I believe that I could have hit a dime if he had held it out. He was the best mark to throw at that ever I have encountered, and he could catch the ball when it came to him, too, even though he did seem a bit ungainly at times. If every first sacker were as easy to throw to as old Ross, and could handle the ball as well, there would be a lot less infield errors in baseball."

George Moriarty.