Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 93, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1917 — TAFT AS BASEBALL FAN [ARTICLE]

TAFT AS BASEBALL FAN

Years ago while the Red Sox were playing in Washington the players were taken to the White House and introduced to (then) President Taft. The chief executive w'as a great ball fan, and knew the of the 1 eading players of the American league in particular. As Eddie Clcotte, who was then a Boston pitcher, was introduced, the president said: “Show me how you throw that knuckle ball, Mr. Cicotte.” Eddie illustrated as well as he cojild,. . . Pitcher Ray Collins was next in line. Cicotte overheard what was said. “Can you tell me why your left shoulder is lower than your right. Mr. Collins?” queried the president. “Guess it’s because I’m a southpaw,” replied the pitcher. “Ah, that must be it.” The above is written just to show that even the president of a great republic can be a regular fan and read up on the various phases of the game.