Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 304, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 December 1913 — HOODOO AND JINX FOLLOWS FIRST BASEMEN [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HOODOO AND JINX FOLLOWS FIRST BASEMEN

First base is beginning to look like a Hoodoo (spelt with a capital H.) The initial sack is fine and dandy when it comes to playing there on and dragging down the salary. But — Managing and holding down that cushion don’t seem to hitch, writes Malcolm McLean Th the Chicago Evening Post. Or, rather, these who try the stunt are apt to come to a bitter end.

Glance hurriedly o.ver the following list, and then see if we aren’t on the right trail: Frank Chance —Summarily ousted from the management of the Cubs last fall by President Murphy. George Stovall—Politely' deposed from the leadership of the Browns by Colonel Hedges, president. Jake Stahl —Winner of 'a world title his first year with the Boston Red Sox and handed the hook by Prexy McAleer during the midst of the sear son just past, Harry Davis —Elevated to the managerial reins of Cleveland, unable to hold them for any length of time, and now back with the Athletics. Hal Chase—Boss of the New York Yankees for a spell, and mighty glad to get from under. You can scarcely call any’of these men failures as ball players. The reverse is true. In fact, we doubt if you can name five higher class first sackers in the history of the national game. Consider them as actual tyorkers (aside from their careers as managers) : Chance —One of the best men who ever guarded the station; a wonder on low and wide throws; a .300 hitter and a wonderfully fast and heady base runner. Stovall —Possessed of all the attributes given to Chance, except he wasn’t quite as fast.

Stahl —His fielding and batting was largely responsible for the Red Sox triumphs last year! a clean-up swatter. Davis —ConniS, Slack’s chief lieutenant during his many years on first 'for the Athletics. A cracking fielder and there with the bat when in his prime. He was reasonably fast in addition.

Chase —A first sacker who needs little comment. Today he leads the field in effective work —fast, heady and consistent in all branches. This puts the question squarely up to us, Why the hoodoo? First base seems to be the best of all places to watch the play and direct the game. The custodian of that station can tell —next to the catcher —just how the pitcher is working. He can direct the whole play by signals, having all in sight except the right fielder. It’s a hard problem to answer. Mayhap it’s a matter o? luck — something firmly believed in by ball players. Perhaps it’s something else. You can scarcely call Chance and Stahl failures as managers. Both won league and «world titles —Chance (a number of them. Many lay the hoodoo on temperament.

That may have something to -do with it in a couple of the cases. Bat it won’t hold water with the rest We think accident cut some ice. Chance was beaned a number of times and Stahl hurt his foot. Neither of their presidents wanted bench managers. So they passed. First base is a dangerous spot to play. One is always open to injuries there.

But the final analysis is something wouldn’t dare to attempt It brings us to those unanswerable words —hoodoo and jinx.

Guardians of the Initial Sack Who Have Been Buffeted About.