Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 130, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1911 — UMPIRE HAS DIFFICULT JOB [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

UMPIRE HAS DIFFICULT JOB

Arbiter Tries to Please Bleacherltes In Different Places and Is. * Run Off Yield. Vic Willis, who was bought by the Chicago National league club at the end of last season,' and who refused to play with the champions, preferring to devote his time to running a hotel in Delaware, recently told

the latest umpire story. It le on J. Ira Davis, better known as "Slats,” who once upon a time played first base for the New York Giants. Davis has been an umpire for ten years in various minor leagues. He has been noted for his eccentricities. "Davis was umpiring a game for us in the latter part of the season,” says Willis. “He didn’t stand any too well wtthjtbe fans, and didn’t seem to care. He began umpiring behind the bat and then worked behind the

pitcher. The crowd kicked on a second base decision, and he took his stand behind second base. Finally there was a dispute about a foul ball hit down the right field line, and Davis took his position in right field. Then the bleacherites went at him. “ ‘Why don’t you stand where you can judge balls and strikes, you stiff T yelled one. “ ‘Well,* said Davis, 'you guys can umpire a game from the right field seats and never make a mistake. Why can’t I umpire as well in right field?' The bleacherites chased him after the game, and Davis beat it through the back gates. He never did come back to the grounds.”

Vic Willis.