Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 April 1913 — JOE JACKSON FOOLS COOMBS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JOE JACKSON FOOLS COOMBS

Philadelphia Pitcher Thought He Had Cleveland Player’s Number, but Has Rude Awakening. George Mullln once,brought trouble upon himself by that now notorious interview In which he declared that he had discovered Joe Jackson’s weakness, and In which he predicted that Joe would hit around the .240 mark when other pitchers became wise. Though George has never whimpered, he has undoubtedly often regretted that be gave that interview. He made an enemy- of Jackson —an enemy who had the power to secure retribution. Since ttfat memorable Interview Joe Jackson’s batting average against Mullin has been about .700. “Jack” Coombs, like MuHin,'once thought he, too, had discovered Jackson’s weakness. It was in the fall of 1910. It also was Jackson’s first appearance against Coombs. “Jack" was in wonderful form that season. The first time up Coombs worked Industriously to solve Joe’s system. He shot a wide, high, fast one on the outside. Joe fouled into left field. He ehot a high fast one on the inside. Joe fouled into right. He shot a low curve. Joe swung and missed. Coombs smiled the smile which comes with the satisfaction of a secret discovered and a task well done. He went to the bench, sat near hiß boss and declared: "Connie, I’ve got that fellow’s number.” “Don’t be too sure,” was Connie’s reply. In the natural course of events the same scene was set a few innings later. Coombs mapped out the same program and secured the same results antil the moment came for that third strike. The ball was just about the Bame spot that it had been when Joe swung and missed before. But he

didn’t miBB this time. Coombs’ jaw fell, and no smile adorned his countenance as he saw the ball sailing high against the screen in right center. There was no smile which comes with the satisfaction of a secret discovered and a task well done when he went to the bench this time. In fact, he avoided the manager. But Connie refused to be Ignored. He leaned over. “You must have been mistaken, John,” he said. That was all. It was enough.

Joe Jackson.