Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 268, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 November 1918 — FRENCH WILL PLAY BASEBALL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FRENCH WILL PLAY BASEBALL

Ministry of War Orders Systematic Instruction in Army—French Instructors Training. Systematic training of men to play baseball will hp organized throughout the French army- by the Young Men’s Christian association, following the formal request of General Cottez of the ministry of war. Eight centers already have been established to train French instructors, and these center* are expected to. furnish enough teachers to cover the entire French army. . Baseball instruction ip the French array has been placed under P. It. Carpenter of Worcester, Mass. The rnles of.the game have been translated and will be distributed among the poilus. “I consider this game constitutes excellent exercise, develops precision and quickness of eye and is an attractive

pastime,” said General Cottez In his request that the game be adopted. Johnny Evers, the former National league second baseman, recently visited General Vidal’s headquarters at Besanon, where he demonstrated the game to the officers’ school. After nine days of Instruction the young cadets played a five-inning game. “They were particularly impressed with our manner of throwing a baseball, for It is more efficient than the present French method of throwing grenades, which is done straight arm,” said Evers.

General Vidal, One of Pupils of Johnny Evers, Throwing the Ball.