Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 232, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 October 1914 — BONUS FOR HITTING IS WISH OF LAJOIE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BONUS FOR HITTING IS WISH OF LAJOIE

Napoleon Lajole never has been known to complain regarding the salary paid him by Charles W. Somers, but it is quite likely that he wishes that during all the time he has worked for the Naps their liberal owner had offered him a bonus such as Joe Jackson has been proffered this season. Jackson, according to rumor, is to get so much if he hits above .400, so much if he hits above .375, and so much if he hits above .350. Never having hit below the last-named mark since he has been in the American league, the chances are that J. J. will earn at least one of the extra sums his contract calls for, even if the Cincinnati base hit has been abolished. Look what Lajoie would have had, however, in the way of extra remuneration had his contract called for more

money In the event of his hitting above .350, .375, or .400. In 1901, working for Connie Mack, he piled up an average of .422, still the high-water mark for the American league, and only approached by Ty Cobb in 1911, year he was accounted the most valuable player in the younger organization. Cobb hit .420 that year, and .410 • the next; Joe Jackson having an average of .408 in 1911, and Charley (“Duke"! Farrell an average Of .404 in 1913. During two years of his employment by Somers Larry has hit better than .375 and in five years better than .350. Cobb has been above the last-named mark six times, Hans Wagner five times, Joe Jackson four times, Tris Speaker, Ed Delahanty, Olaf Henricksen and Mike Donlin twice each.

Napoleon Lajole of Cleveland.