Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 156, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 July 1918 — ALTROCK BIG ASSET TO WASHINGTON CLUB [ARTICLE]

ALTROCK BIG ASSET TO WASHINGTON CLUB

Veteran Is Valuable as Coach and Attraction for Fans. Antics of Comedian on Side Lines Never Fail to Get Laugh From Spectators—Won important Game for White Sox. J ’ Old Nick Altrock, the veteran of White Sox fame, is wearing a "Washington uniform again this year. Nicholas is employed hy. Clark Griffith as a side-line Comedian and coacher, and he is a valuable asset. Take Griff’s word for it. With all of his monkey shines Altrock stands out as a favorite with the fans wherever he goes. His antics on the side lines never fail to get a laugh. As a coach of younger players the veteran has proven himself capable, so Griffith feels well repaid for carrying him on the club roster. Mention of Altrock recalls a story told by Frank Isbell, who was with the White Sox in Altrock’s time. “We had an Important series on one time and Commy was especially desirous of winning the first game,” said Izzy. “What’s more, everybody knew it “Well, as the players filed in the park Commy kept his eye peeled and he called each one of the pitchers into the office to ask them how they felt “One by one the pitchers were interviewed by the Old Roman, and without exception they gave Commy to understand that they could be feeling better than - they were that day. Finally Nick Altrock came shambling along and Commy collared him. “‘How’s the arm today, Nick?’asked Commy. Nick assured the boss he could beat any team In the world. So Commy sent for Jones and ordered him to pitch Nick. “ ‘Pitch Nick?’ queried Jones in sui> prise. ‘Are you kidding me?’ “ ‘Not a bit of it,’ replied Commy. ‘Pitch Nick!’ And Jones started Nick that afternoon. What’s more, Nick won his game, for he was all puffed up over getting that assignment and he got it because he was the only pitcher who hadn’t shot an alibi at the Old Roman.”