Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 155, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 June 1913 — BESCHER STAR BASE RUNNER [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BESCHER STAR BASE RUNNER

Cincinnati Reds' Outfielder Not Only Possesses Speed, but Knows How to Use It. Even though they have not won any pennants, the Reds have laid claim for several years to possessing one National league champion, and no fan around the circuit has disagreed with them In the cbntentlon that Bob Bescher is the best base runner in the old organization. ■> Bescher and speed are synonymous, but mere ability to get over the ground is not the only quality of which Bescher can boast It isn’t always the fastest man that steals the most bases. Some players who can fairly fly fail to purloin as many cushions in a season as others whom they could easily distance in a sporting contest. Other things besides speed are needed, and Bescher combines them all, be cause he is hot only fast, but has

splendid judgment, is able to get the all-important lead off a base, and is such a clever slider that he reaches the many times through evading the touch of the man with the ball. Bescher did not get a chance to steal many bases when he first joined the Reds in 1908, but the following season he got busy and he has been at it ever since, committing larceny 54 times in 1909, 70 times in 1910; 80 times (his highest mark) 1911, and 67 times last year. Cincinnati fans believe he will do better than ever this year, and his efforts to surpass his previous achievements will be watched with much interest. Bescher was born in London, Ohio, July 25, 1885. His height is 6 feet 1 inch and he weighs 205 pounds. He,began his professional career with Lima, Ohio, 'in 1906. His batting and base running record since he broke into fast company is appended: 4 Club. Year. R. H. £ SB. At*. Cincinnati ISOS IS tl 10 .878 Cincinnati l»o» 71 107 84 .840 Cincinnati 1010 OS 147 70 .ISO Cincinnati 1011 100 10S 80 .170 Cincinnati 1011 100 IS4 <7 .101 Total* S 410 004 Ml .104

Bob Bescher.