Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 203, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 January 1923 — Page 6

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Home Run Hitting Loses Thrill —Gleason the Man to Handle Bob Meusel

Clark Griffith Advances Suggestion to In crease Distance for Legal Four-Base Swat —Few Players Failed to Deliver One.

By BILLY EVAXS HOME-RUN hitting is no longer an extraordinary feat of batting. It has become a habit and a rather common one at that. That is why Clarke Griffith, owner of the Washington team of the American League, has come out with a suggestion that will make the hitting of home runs much more difficult. Griffith's suggestion is that the le-

gal distance for a home-run drive be changed from 23-5 feet to 300. In all probability the rules committee will give much consideration to the home-run feature of the game when It goes into session. Fourteen years ago Ty Cobb led the American League in home runs with nine. In the American League the eight teams piled up a total of 109 home runs for the season. “Red’’ Murray of New York was the National League leader in 1909, with seven home runs, while 151 were made by the eight t -ams comprising the circuit. Contrast those figures with the home-run totals in the two major leagues l ist season and you quickly get the big idea for Griffith’s suggestion that the home run is becoming too common. In the National League last season 530 homers were made, while the American League was close up with 524, a total of 1,054 circuit drives in the two major leagues. Rogers Hornsby led the National League with forty-two homers last year and Ken Williams the Araer-

EVANS

ican with thirty-nine. In 1921 Babe Ruth smashed all home-run records for all time with fifty-nine, beating his mark of the previous year when he made fiftyfour. In 1920 Ruth, with twentynine home runs, beat the record of twenty-seven by Ed Williamson made in 18S4. Cork Center Ball Debuts in 1910 Both major leagues used the rubber center ball in 1909. The following season the cork center ball was introduced and batting was materially increased. During the years of the World War. the batting slumped, due to the poor material used in making the ball. The leather used to cover the ball was poor, and the yarn much inferior to other years. In 1920 freak pitching was ruled out. The same year the so-called lively ball was introduced. During the past three years, as a result of the lively ball and an absence of freak pitching, the battlers have been on a hitting spree. In 1921 the New York Yanks made 134 home runs, more than the entire American League did in 1909. All of which goes to show that the home rug has become a common habit rather than an extraordinary feat of batting. REDSTORETURN RUBETOSfiINTS That Is Latest Report Concerning Veteran Benton. By Times Special CINCINNATI, Jan. 3.—According to rumors heard in local baseball circles today, v>itcher Rube Eenton will be turned back to the St. Paul team. The effort of the Cincy Reds to bring Benton back to the big leagues aroused so much antagonism and started so many rumors of new investigations of troubles of the past that it is thought the best thing that can be done for the pitcher now is to permit him to remain in the American Association. Just what the Association directors will do about it is problematical. The Cincy officials do not believe Eenton was involved in shad}' woik, it is said, but the new charge of "irre sponsiblllty’’ is believed to hav moved them to call the deal off. CITY BOXING COMMISSION NAMES BERND CHAIRMAN Change of Officers Made and Three Permits Granted. Theodore J. Bernd is the new chairman of the city boxing commission. He was elected Tuesday night at the first 1923 meeting of the fisticuff controlling body. Otto Ray is the retiring chairman. The commission is comprised of seven councilmen, the others being Ira Bramblett, secretary: Ben Thompson. treasurer, and William Clauer, John King and Heydon Buchanan. Permits have been granted the American A. C. for Jan. 15, Wrestler Jack Reynolds for Jan. 22 and the Washington A. C. for Feb. 13. About $2,500 will be turned over to the city treasury as a result of the 5 per cent special tax collected by the commission during the six months of Its supervision of city boxing and wrestling. RIVAL WEST SIDE TEAMS TANGLE ON THURSDAY Meteors and Y. P. C- Squad in Three-Game Series. The Meteors basket-ball team of the W. Washington St. M. E. Church will meet the Y. P. C. basket-ball squad in the first of a 6eries of three games Thursday evening at St. Anthony's Hall. The game will begin at 8:30. I The Meteors have been going good this season and hope to trim he Y. P. i's. Rivalry on the west side is at a li#i pitch over these games, as both teams are from “west of the river.” EM-ROE SQUAD TO MEET FAST HUNTINGTON LEGION Locals Go Up Against Unbeaten Team Tonight. The Em-Roe basket-ball team left at noon today for Huntington, Ind.. where the fast American Legion net team of that city will be played to night. Huntington has a very fast team and the local sporting goods ! five has lost only one game* an overtime battle to the Ft. Wayne K. of C.s. I Both clubs are looking for one o' the toughest contests of the year. Cumberland Girls Win The Cumberland Community Girls' basket-ball team defeated the St. Paul' Girls’ team at the South Side Turner Hall by a score of 14 to 1. For games j with the Cumberland Girls (boys' rules), address box 24, Cumberland. Ind. Trinity, Speedway and Westminister girls, take notice.

MANUAL FIVE AT IDERSON NEXT Local Netters Meet One of State’s Best Friday. Manual high school surely does not pick an easy time over the week-end on the basket-ball court. Anderson will be played on Friday at Anderson and Valley Mills will be met on the following night at that town. Coach Jones’ team has a task ahead of it in the Friday night battle. Anderson is noted for its net teams and the club representing that city this season runs true to form, which is just about the best that this red hot basket-ball State can offer. At present only one team in Indiana is rated above Coach Stagg's team. Vincennes defeated it at Vincennes several weeks ago. The Manual five seems to be the best bet right now among the local schools and fans will watch with interest the result of the coming contest. After the Anderson fray Valley Mills will not be any easy foe and plenty of competition will be hit right there. The south side schedule is no bed of roses. On a week from Saturday Franklin, State champs, will be played at the Manual gymnasium. Colored Y. M. C. A. looses The Indianapolis Colored Y. M. C. A. team lost to the Louisville "Y” in a close game, 28 to 24. on New Year’s day. The visitors led by five points at half time. At the start of the sec end half the Kentuckians stepped out into the lead by eleven points, but in the last ten minutes the locals staged a rally which fell short by four points. Kean and Morris were stars for Louisville. Long, Artis and Ziegler piled up the Indianapolis score.

Top Home-Run Hitters in Big Leagues Since 1909

AMERICAN LEAGUE Year. Player. Total. 1909 Cobb, Detroit 9 1910 Stahl, Boston 10 1911 Baker, Athletics 9 1912 Baker, Athletics 10 1913 Baker, Athletics 12 1914 Baker. Athletics 8 Crawford, Detroit 8 1915 Roth, Cleveland, Chicago. 7 1916 Pipp, New York 12 1917 Pipp, New York 9 1918 Ruth. New* York 11 Walker, Athletics 11 1919 Ruth, New York 29 1920 Ruth, New York 54 1921 Ruth, New York 59 1922 . Williams, St. Louis 39

ICE SKATER INJURED IN FALL DURING SPRINT Gorman Gashed and Taken to Hospital—Moore Stars. Bn United Xews NEWBURG, N. Y., Jan. 3.—Joe Moore of New York, the Middle Atlantic speed skating champion, won the mile and half-mile titles again over a slow and spongy course in Tuesday’s running of the title races, but failed to place in the quarter. Charles Gorman of St. Johns, N. 8.. fell and was badly gashed by one of his skates in the semi-final heat of the 440, being taken to a hospital. George Shade Is Stopped Hi, Times .Special NEW YORK, Jan. 3.—Mike Burke, New York light heavy, knocked out George Shade or California, in the eighth round Tuesday night. Billy Shade, brother of George, outpointed Wolf Larson of Brooklyn, in ten roumla.

Independent Basket-ball

The Tigers defeated the Delmare in a last game. The Tigrs want games ill the 15-17-year-old class. Call Drexel 7(>!<C. ring 1. and ask for Al. Troop 17 take notice. The Central Christian* net team broke even in a New Years day double header. The Junior “Y” Leaders won the first contest. 18 to 14. in the afternoon, but the Centrals fame back strong in the evening contest and defeated the Highland A. C.s. 40 to 8. Hamblin and Crabtil starred in the victory. The Cals Paw Midget* defeated the Pcwre Specials, 15 to 10. Levs and Farb played well (or the winners. The Midgets are seiieduled to play the Boy*’ Club Bulldogs Saturday. For games with the Cals Pawfive, call Main 8451 and ask for Manua'.

Basket-ball Scores

Butler, 2U: Illinois. 25. Notre Dame, 20: Northwestern, 13. Wabash. 43: Nashville “Y.” 17. StatjK Normal, 68: Central Normal, 10

HIKER COLLEGE SQUIDS TRIUMPH IN OTHER STATES Butler Slams Illini, Notre Dame Beats Purple, Wabash Shines in South. It was "Indiana night” in basketball circles Tuesday and three Hoosier college teams invaded foreign territory with the most pleasing results — to the Hoosiers. The most notable victory was that of Butler over Illinois. It is the third Big Ten Conference victory of the Pagemen as Wisconsin and Chicago were previous victims. Hooker was the Butler shining light at Urbana. He blazed away with astonishing results—namely six field goals and seven out of nine from the foul line. His total was nineteen points. The Irvington five put up a splendid guarding game in a battle that was | nip-and-tuck all the way. Illini Center Fails Stilwell, the lanky center of the Illini, did not count a point. Leslie got three from the field and Griggs, ; two for Butler. The first half ended, ■ 16 to 11 in Butler's favor. The next game for the local college squad is with Franklin on Friday at Tomlinson HalL Notre Dame, which seems to have a team that is really playing the net game instead of football with a round ball, defeated Northwestern at Evanston by a 20-to-13 score. The contest was a close-guarding affair Klzer and Mayl, the Notre Dame guards, starred with their great defensive play. Enright and Logan made most of the Irish pointsCaptain McKenzie was best for the Purple, dropping in three from the field and scoring three times from the foul line for eleven of the thirteen points. * New Star Shows Wabash College on the last leg of its southern jaunt had easy picking against the Nashville Y. M. C. A. team and won, 43 to 17. Englehart, a Scarlet sub, got a chance and made the most of his opportunity with five field goals- Coldsberry got four counters fro mthe floor and seven free throwsOnly two more games remain on the Little Giants' trip. Louisville Y. M. C. A. will be met tonight and the final game will be played at New Albany Thursday. It has been a highly successful barnstorming expedition. Only two games were lost, which is quite an achievement considering the fact that contests were played almost every night. State Normal and t’entral Normal met at Terre Haute and the Danville teachers got a terrific beating. 68 to 16. There were many fouls calledCoach Bayh of State Normal used his entire squad during the game. Burris scored 26 points for the winners.

NATIONAL LEAGI F Player. Total. Murray, New York 7 Hchulte, Chicago 10 Be-k, Boston 10 Schulte, Chicago 21 Zimmerman, Chicago 14 Cravath, Philadelphia 19 Cravath, Philadelphia 19 Cravath, Philadelphia 24 Robertson, New York 12 Williams, Chicago 12 Cravath, Philadelphia 12 Robertson, New York *l2 Cravath, Philadelphia 8 Cravath, Philadelphia 12 Williams, Philadelphia 15 Kelly, New York 23 Hornsby, St. latuls 42

GRIDDERS PEP THINGS UP ON SHORTRIDGE FIVE Burton Looks Over Some New Basket-Ball Material. Hard work Is the slogan nt. Sliortrldge High School in preparation for the Tech net contest at Tomlinson Hall next Saturdayvriight. Tt will be the second intra-city game for the Blue and While. The first was n loss to Manual. Three football men reported for the net squad Tuesday. Zaiser. Stillwell and Meyers want to try their luck willi the rubber-soled shoes. Meyers looked fair at back guard In his first appearance. He is big, but. lacks that necessary quality, experience. Abie Thatcher, the fighting little quarterback, is also giving the regulars a run for their money on the court. He has shown improvement recent'y. FIRST PARTY OF CUBS • TO START WEST FEB. 17 Battery Men the Early Birds on Training Trip. By Times Special CHICAGO, Jan. 3.—President Veeck of the Chicago Nationals announced Tuesday night that the battery men of the Cubs would depart for Catalina Island, Cal., Feb. 17. This date is five days earlier than originally scheduled. Outfielder Turner Barber has been traded to the Brooklyn team for Outfielder Hood and Hood will be turned over to the Los Angeles club in part payment for Pitcher Nick Dumovich. Finley Scores K. 0. liy Times Special WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.. Jan. 3. —Jimmy Finley, Louisville welterweight, knocked out Cal Lance here Tuesday night in the seventh round. Finley won all the way.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

Wy BAIIAALL ov sfA aeavice LILLTb LVATiO NO. 4: THE MOST UNIQUE PLAY I EVER SAW

fHE late Herman Schaefer had a keen sense of While Schaefer was always regarded as one of the comedians of the ball field, few players possessed keener intellect. In other words, Schaefer was a brainy ball player. Better than the average mechanically, Schaefer was equally valuable because he played with his head. To Schaefer goes the credit of bringing about the most unique play I have ever seen in the majors.

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It caused the rules to be changed. Schaefer, at the time, was a member of the Washington club. The Chicago club was the opposing team, and the game was staged at Washington. It was late in the game, Washington needed a run to tie. Milan

000 TAYLOR MIY RETURN SHORTLY Postponement of Villa Match Gives Him Open Date. Bud Taylor, Terre Haute bantamweight, will not meet Pancho Villa, flyweight champion. In Milwaukee Jan. 146, according to word received In Indianapolis Tuesday night from Eddie lamg. manager of Taylor. Villa boxed Battling Murray In 1 Philadelphia Monday and ir Hired h hand, it is said. At least that was ; the word wired to Long by Villa’s j manager. The postponement of the. Villa bout 1 may open the way for a return performance of Taylor In Indianapolis Jan. 15 or later In the mouth. SPRINT CHAMPS ENTER FORDHAM INDOOR MEET Seven Prominent Speed Roy* in Races .lari. 20. By United Press NEW YORK, Jan. 3.—Seven wellknown sprint champions will compete In 75, 90 and 100-yard features at the Fordhntn University Athletic Association’s Indoor meet Jan. 20. They are Bob McAllister, Eddie Farrell, Alfred Lecancy, Loren Murchison. Boots Lever, Hoi Butler and Jackson V. Scholz. Rare Stays at Three Miles By United Press NEW YORK, Jan. 3.—Distance of the varsity crew race at the 1928 Poughkeepsie regatta will he kept at three miles, despite agitation for a four mile race, according to announce ment by Charles E. Tretnalri. Cornell's representative on the board of stow- i ards.

Talk about a real Cigarette For taste, after taste, quality and price that bring you back for another pack, the “Clown’s” got it on ’em. A balanced blend of the fine old Kentucky Burley and Virginia nature-fla-vored tobacco, that’s why. The fun’s in tho yfew smoke, hoys. Smoke one and you’ll think they’re the / IjC ■jaSSa yCy whole show. UNION MADE

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was on third base and Schaefer on first. The Washington club had used up most of its reserve strength, and while the batsman was a rather weak hitter, it was decided to keep him in the line-up. On the second ball pitched Schaefer stole second base. He had hoped to draw a throw, that might enable Milan to make a dash for home. Atfer Schaefer reached second the pitcher delivered two more balls to the batsman, making the count two balls and tw r o strikes. On the next pitch, to the consternation of everybody and the great confusion of the Chicago club, Schaefer ran back to first base at full speed. Then things began to happen. The Chicago catcher threw the ball to second base, and the fielder stepped on the bag, but the umpire made no decision. The ball was then thrown to the first baseman. Immediately Schaefer started for second. The first baseman touched the bag, but still the umpire gave no ruling The ball was then thrown to seeond, only to have Schaefer start back to first. The second baseman quickly threw the ball to the first baseman and Schaefer was caught between the bases. A run-up ensued. In the meantime Milan had been waiting his chance. While Schaefer was being run down between first and second. Milan tried to score, but was retired at the plate on a close decision. That play started all kinds of argument. Schaefer had run the bases in reverse order, yet the rules failed to specifically cover his net. Now the rules say, that when a player so runs, all that is necessary to retire him is to hold the ball on the base he vacated, or touch him with the ball while not on such base. Next: The greatest pineh pitching I ever saw.

UFINTHEAIR AT TECH 0100 Coach Hunting Back Guard for Shortridge Fray. With the Shortridge game next Hat tirdav not so far away and ;he memory of the Martinsville defeat still fresh. Goa eh Blaek of Technical Is working his squad hard in an effort to bring an improvement in play. Eots of secrecy has been thrown around the practice and a surprise may be In store for the fans Saturday A cut. In tin* .squad probably will he made after the next eont-st. llite, the youngster from Martinsville, is proving himself a flash ate] looks like the real article on the hardwood. The back guard position Is causing quite a hit of worry and about every body on the squad has had n shot nt the Job in practice. It is very doubt ful who will start there against Short ridge. Rim of Six Is High Tn n .State threecushion tourney match at the Cooler No. 1 parlor Tups day night Rubens defeated Cooler, 50 to 41. Best high run was a six by the winner. Henning was to play Blaek of Anderson this afternoon and tonight Curtis will meet. Black. “To-morrow” P day. To know to-day how other side. At Columbia

MOTION PICTURES

4' ’ " *'' '|

“The Dangerous Age” With Lewis Stone Circle Orchestra Grand Organ Doors Open 11:45 A. M. Next Week Douglas Fairbanks —IN— Robin Hood

G’DAY TELLS OF WILLIE KEELER'S UNCINYJTTII Veteran Umpire Says Little Fellow Was Most Difficult Batsman to Fool. By NEA Service CHICAGO. Jan. 3.—Hank O’Day, veteran umpire of the major leagues, who has been looking over the big league stars for nearly two score years, regards Willie Keeler, who died New Year day, as the most difficult batsman to fool he ever umpired for. “Keeler certainly was a wonder,” said O’Day tn discussing Keeler. “I don’t believe I ever saw him offer at a bad ball. "When Keeler was at the bat, umpiring was a cinch. It was almost safe to call anything a ball that Kealer failed to offer at. “Keeler was a wonderful hunter and no better place hitter ever faced a pitcher. Blight of stature, Keeler never hit a ball hard.” Opposing infields and outfields played him perfectly, yet so uncanny was Keeler's judgment in hitting the bail that he could invariably outguess the opposition. “I often heard Keeler shout to the opposing third baseman to gen ready, that he was going to bunt. he would proceed to do that very thing, and In a majority of the cases would beat the play. "Keeler used a short bat and gripped it almost In the center when he faced the pitcher. His holding of the bat was In some ways as freakish as the style of Heine Groh, “I've seen them all, Wagner, Cobb, Ruth and the rest of the great hitters, but never have I seen a batter with so keen an eye as Keeler.” l ily Three-Cushions Moore and Clark cross cues tonight in a city handicap three cushion match at the Board of Trade parlor. In a match Tuesday night Roger defeated Brown, 45 to 35.

Regularly priced, $1 to $1.50. For Work or Dress An opportunity to buy four {rood (’ups tor less than tbe cost of one elsewhere. THE LONDON delaware H st. MOTION PICTURES

QHIQ ( /heatre

_ TOM MOORE Ap| |.| 111 AND EDITH ROBERTS ArULLU “PAWNED” Virgil Moore’s Synco-Orchestra—Hoosier Harmony Three

AMUSEMENTS BROADWAY SSSSSSS THIS WEEK! | Amateur“BROADWAY BELLES” _ TONIGHT

Tflf] A Y matinee F|M I IQy Thursday. Vrlday, Sa(lUUHI and Nißht SAI *wl La IWI *S/ urday. Mat. Saturday.

Prices: Nite. 500 to $2.50; Mat., 50c to $2.

NEW YEAR WEEK IS CHEER UP WEEK The Show That Tickled Broadway’s Funny Bone ' “LISTEN LESTER” IT’S MADE FROM MILES OF SMILES CHARLIE WILSON THE INDIANAPOLIS LOOSE NUT TONY GREY & CO. EDWARDS & EDWARDS in “RUNDOWN” “A Morning in the Woods” THOSE CHEERUP HARMONISTS “SEVEN BROWN GIRLS” A SYMPHONY OF COLOR AND TONE O’NEIL SISTERS with JERRY BENSON “THE SUNSHINE KIDDIES” PHOTO- ELSIE FERGUSON PHOTO PLAY in “OUTCAST” PLAY

Lack of Ambition Has Held New York Yankee Outfielder Down—He Should Be One of Game’s Shining Lights. IF Bob Meusel is traded to the Ch Icago White Sox, he will b® a 50 p®r cent better player than he was with the Yankees. Bob Meusel should be one of the greatest stars in the game, whereas he is just in the ordinary class. Meusel's greatest fault is lack of ambition. Baseball Is anything but a serious proposition with him. Bob Meusel has much more ability than his brother, Emil, of the Giants, yet he isn't nearly so valuable a player.

Huggins lacked the ability to make Meusel a fighter. Meusel needs a manager who will constantly prod him when he falls down. With Huggins his failures were usually over-

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808 MEUSEL looked without so much as even a reprimandIf Meusel goes to Chicago he will find Kid Gleason a much different individual than Manager Huggins. Gleason is convincing—Huggins just the opposite. Woe to any ball player who fails to do what Gleason tells him to do. Gleason runs the Chicago club, and the sooner a player finds out that fact the better it will be for him. t With New York. Meausel did just

CAPS 25c All Colors and Sizes

NKH YEAR'S WEEK “QUINCY ADAMS SAWYER” Thrill*—Laughs—and More Laughs! MARY TRAU3 BUSCH. Contralto “Something New —Something Old” Kddie l.yonv (omedy, “MV MISTAKE** Internationa! News Weekly

John tiny .Scholl Present® the Distinctive MUSICAL COMEDY ELSIE Broadway eiifct lipaded hy Ada Mead and other favorite* TRICES—Nites, 50e to $2.50; Mat., se to $1.50. Seats Sellln*.

JAN. 3, 1923

about as he pleased. He might b® told to sacrifice, but if he decided that the hit-and-run play was mor® proper, that is what he would attempt. Then again, Gleason has a kindly way of appealing to a player that will cause him to put forth his best efforts. If such a method fails, Gleason, despite his 50 years and then some, is still able to physically chastise any player who will not respond to gentlemanly treatment. PLAN RECEPTION FOR TOURING BALL PLAYERS Seattle Fans to Greet Big Leaguers From Orient. By Times Special SEATTLE, Jan. 3.—Seattle baseball fans are planning a reception for the National and American League baseball stars who are due to arrive from the Orient on the liner President Jefferson Jan. 16, after a two months’ tour. It is planned to have a committee meet the President Jefferson at Victoria and come to Seattle with the flayers where they will be entertained before leaving for their homes in the East. AMUSEMENTS

M SHYBERT 9maemmmammw^ U RaT™£L! t GEORGE ARLISS k I In The N GREEN GODDESS Kyp., 50c, S‘LSO; Sat. Mat., 50c s‘i Week Beg. MONDAY NIGHT SEATS NOW SELLING %f§^| PRICES INCLUDING TAXI Nights, sl.lO. s‘.'.2o. $4.30, Wed. Mat.. Sl.lO (o $2 20, *a(. Mat . SI,IO to 53,75.

< ONTIXHH S > AUDEVIIvLE LYRIC All the Time*—l to 11 p. m. First Time in Indianapolis j “Twenty M.nutss in Chinatown” A Dramatic Episode of the Tong Ware 2 DAVIS and McCOY “Bits of Bootology" 3 FOUR ROSES Acrobatic Dancing Girls 4 ELLIS and BEGLEY sKcccntric Funsters PEPITO N FT COMEDIAN 6 DOROTHY LEWIS Me/jo-Contralto 7 MARLETTE’S MANIKINS Ingenious Comedy Novelty 0 STUART and LAWRENCE The Male Patti and (be California Barytone 9 ROUND NINE 4 “The Feather Pushers’* 1 II Dancing in the Lyric Ballroom • U Afternoon and Evening

f. KEITH’S Pick a Day Every Week This Year to Laugh The Famous “Follies” Beauty D£ LYLE ALDA The Charming Prima Donna In a musical revel, entitled “SADIE.” With Edward Tierney and James Donnelly GREEK & PARKER “Just the Two of Us” Fern Redmond & H. Weils In “The Gyp,” a Comedy Ed. Healy & Allen Cross Showing the Smartest Styles in Songs Beaumont Sisters & Go, In a Comedy Reminiscence by Edgar Allen Woolf Mary Gautier's “Pony Boy” Go. FGUR AMERICAN ACES HUSTON RAY The Young Concert Pianist and Composer, Assisted by the Duo-Art Reproduction Piano in “THE LAMP OF INSPIRATION” Pathe News—Topics—Fables