IVol.XVII No. 202 Price 10 cents cv 867 |ina& Jltbletic Library 1906 Copy 1 v.''. i.i OT^ TO FlAY^ r If. MUI^ANB American Sports PubHsbins ^o. A. G. Spaldmg & Bros. Maintain their own Houses for the distribution of Spalding's Athletic Library and the Spalding Complete Line of Athletic Goods in the following cities: NSW YORK CITY 126-128 Nassau Street 29-33 West 42d Street PHILADELPHIA 1013 Filbert Street BOSTON. MASS. 73 Federal Street BALTIMORE, MD. 320 N. Howard Street BUFFALO. N. Y. 611 Main Street PITTSBURG. PA. 507 Wood Street WASHINGTON. D. C. 709 14th Street, N. W. (Colorado Building) SYRACUSE. N. Y. University Block MONTREAL. CAN. 443 St. James Street CHICAGO 147-149 Wabash Avenue SAN FRANCISCO. CAL. 134 Geary Street DENVER. COL. 1616 Arapahoe Street ST. LOUIS. MO. 708 Pine Street KANSAS CITY, MO. 1111 Walnut Street CINCINNATI, O. Fountain Square, 27 East Fifth Street MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. 507 Second Avenue, South NEW ORLEANS. LA. 140 Carondelet Street HAMBURG. GERMANY 15 Alter Wandrahn LONDON, ENG. 53, 54, 55. Fetter Lane Communications directed to A. G. Spalding & Bros., at any of the above addresses, will receive prompt attention. ^-.^i#^«*>»^ T. H. MURNANE, The editor of this booV, was a famous old-time ball player, and is how one of the leading: authorities on the game ; is sporting editor of the Boston "Globe,'' President of the New England League, and member of the Board of Arbitration of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Leagues. HOW TO PLAY BASE BALL BY T. H. MURNANE NEW YORK AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING CO 21 WARREN STREET, NEW YORK. \1''= ^J^ LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two CoDies Received MAY 29 1906 yL Gopyfignt Entry ^ CL^SS Cb XXc. No. COPY B. ' Copyright. 1906 BY American Sports Publishing Company Nbw York INDEX PAGE Preface . . ' , . , , . 5 Introduction ...... 7 How TO Become a Good Battep. By Napoleon Lajoie ..... 15 By James Collins . . . . , . 17 By Hugh Jennings . .. . . . 17 By Jesse Tannehill . . , . , 19 How TO Run the Bases. By Jack Doyle ...... 25 By Frank L. Chance . . . . . 29 Advice to Base Runners. By James E. Snllivan, Secrelajy-Treasni et A . A. V. 35 How to Become a Good Pitcher. By Cy Young ...... 43 By ''Rube' Waddell ..... 47 By Bert Cunningha)n ..... 49 On Curve Pitching. By Cy Young, James J. Callahan, Frank Donahue, Vic Willis, William, Dineen, Charley Nichols . 57 How to Become a Good Catcher. By Eddie Phelps ..... 61 By William Sullivan ..... 69 By M. J. Kittridge • • « . < 75 How TO Play First Base. By Hugh Jennings . . . 3 , 79 INDEX— Continued How TO Play Second Base. By Napoleon Lajoie By William Gleason How TO Play Third Base. By James Collins By Lave Cross . How TO Play Shortstop. By Herman Long How TO Play the Infield. By Charles A. Comiskey How TO Play the Outfield. By Fred Clarke . The Earmarks of a Ball Player. By John J. McGi^aw Good Advice for Players. By T. H. Murnane How TO Organize a Team. By T. H. Murnane . , How TO Manage a Team. By James A. Collins . , How TO Score a Game. By T. H. Murnane . . How TO Umpire a Game. By Thomas J. Connolly Base Ball Rules for Boys. By T. H. Murnane 83 87 PREFACE With the best of last season's features and several new ones added this season, we have been enabled to get out a second edition of " How to Play Base Ball," after losing the copy for a complete new edition of the book by the fire that burned out the plant of the American Sports Publishing Co., New York, in February, 1904. In the arrangement of this book the publishers have been materially benefited by courtesies extended to them by the New York Evening Journal, New York Evening World, Chicago Record-Herald, Cincinnati Commercial-Tribune, Pittsburg Times, KTew York Kvening Telegram and the Boston Globe. The out-curve is produced usually by grasping the ball with the first two fingers and the thumb, with the back of the hand turned downward. The fingers are pressed firmly against the ball, which is gripped tight. The out-curve may be either fast or slow. The in-curve is pitched with a side-arm motion, the ball being released over the tips of the first two fingers, the arm being swept around with a lateral motion. Some pitchers throw an in-curve by grasping the ball with all four fingers and permitting it to slip over the tips. INTRODICTION To teach the youth how to play our national game of base ball is the object of this book. The amateur player will find much to interest him, and even the leading professionals can pick up valuable points by perusing the instructions offered by the genuine stars of the game. There has been no effort to pad the advice given, but every line is full of meat for the ball player who is anxious to become proficient in seme one of the nine positions on a team, as well as to hit the ball and run the bases, perchance later on become a member of some champion aggregation which has pulled off the honors by heady work and team play. It would be a rare thing to find an American youth past the age of ten who is not familiar with the simple rules of the game, and therefore the idea will be to teach those who are posted on the rules and have more or less faced the music in some sort of game. In base ball each position calls for a peculiar style of player, and the king of third basemen might be a failure at first base. Therefore, it pays to work at each and all positions before choos- ing the place you would care to fill on a team. For example, the catcher must be a sure line thrower, also the third baseman ; next comes the shortstop. Outside of those positions, throwing is not as necessary. Usually the poor throwers, but good batsmen, are placed at first base and in the outfield. You will find good batsmen retained for the outfield when but for the large mitts they would be utter failures when trying to stop a grounder or catch a fly. The majority of outfielders are left handed batsmen, and there- fore more valuable as run getters than the right banders, simply because they have the advantage of a start from the home plate after hitting the ball, and make the base twenty per cent, oftener Hozv to Play Base Ball. g than the right handed men. The only position in the infield for a left handed thrower is first base. Therefore, a left handed thrower has but five positions where he can shine on a ball team, viz. : pitcher, first base and the three outfield positions. The left handed pitchers soon wear out, as the work comes too near the heart; so, after all, first base and the outfield alone is left for the left handed thrower. When a player can throw right handed and hit naturally left handed, he becomes a valuable man for a ball team. When starting out, favor left handed hitting, as you will have less out curves to judge, owing to the scarcity of left hand pitchers in the business, and again the advantage you will gain in getting off the mark to first after hitting the ball. Left handed throwing should be avoided when possible, as the ball always curves from a left handed throw, and while many are quite accurate, the ball is most difficult to hold from the pe- culiar spin given to the ball ; in fact, the game of ball from a fielding standpoint was never made for left banders outside the position of first base, and even there the left bander is handi- capped by having to turn his bare left hand to the runner when the right hand man can protect himself with his big mitt. The rule to-day in base ball is for the manager who is sup- posed to be familiar with every phase of the game and has the faculty to size up the talent to select the timber for his ball team, picking each man for a particular position, including a utility player. After selecting the players the next thing is to pick out the right player to captain the team. This player must be able to work with the manager and the other members of the team. The manager should give his orders to the captain and not un- dertake to meddle with the captain's prerogative. The manager has actually grown to be more of a peacemaker from the bench than a directing general, so advanced have become the members of the leading teams. A captain should be an outfielder if possible, as he will be in a position to observe everything that is going on. The assistant captain should be an infielder, and direct the plays on the inside J How to Play Base Ball. II This is not necessary to good ball playing, but has proven to be a splendid plan, and I think the best. The captain of a ball team should be up to every fine point, be able to work out combinations, get the best work out of his team without apparently driving them, battle for their rights open and above board for the effect it may have on peculiar tem- peraments, and teach his men to hold their temper in check. Erratic, hot headed ball players will often throw away good chances to win a game. Nothing is ever gained by the loss of temper. This is especially true of the pitcher, who has the bulk of the thinking to do and who is ever in need of his best judg- ment. It is remarkable what effect a good captain has on a ball team. Players want some one present to appreciate their good work, and "Nice play, old man" from the captain on the field means much to the earnest player. Too much practice is practically impossible in base ball, as in golf, billiards and other clever games, and this is especially true of batting. The players who have given their ideas of how the game should be played in this book are each and every one glut- tons for practice and would rather play ball than eat. Hitting to right field by right handed batsmen and chopping to left field by the left banders, as well as laying the ball down for a clever bunt is all the result of practice, and the more prac- tice the more clever the man. It is the duty of the manager to see that his men practice, for the captain of a team has all that he cares for in handling the men when in a game. The unwritten rules are something like this : The manager is the one who has the interests of the club owners at heart, while the captain is for his players first, last and always, at the same time clever enough to get the best work out of the men, which after all is what the owners of a profes- sional club appreciate. Good form is not essential to fine ball playing; at the same time many players have improved by copying the style of clever professionals. notv to Play Base Ball. I3 I think Michael Kelly was the first player to keep his heels together and face the pitcher, with bat poised directly in front of his face, giving the pitcher no line on what he was about to try for. Kelly was one of the best place hitters the game ever pro- duced, showing the advantage of his preliminary position at the bat. Foot-work is almost as necessary in ball playing as it is in the art of self defence, and the player who fails to keep his feet while fielding a ball can never shine as a star of the game. It will be observed that a large number of the great batsmen of the present time take hold of the bat several inches from the bottom. This gives them more control of the bat and a better chance to meet the ball with a short swing. Standing up to the plate is the first requirement of a batsman, and the player who cannot overcome the habit of pulling away will have no chance to become a first-class man with the stick. The aggressive batsman is the winner and not the man who goes to the plate hoping to work a base on balls. Players should never work for records, but go for everything in sight, for games won will count more than fine fielding aver- ages, where the players failed to take chances and often lost games in consequences. The great army of ball players, young and old, amateur as well as professional, are not always placed where they can see and learn the fine points of the game, therefore a careful reading and honest digestion of the advice found in this book should be of great help to the ambitious ball player who cares to shine as an exponent of the national game. T. H, M a u p O « S E v i re J3 be ■" V ^ « «, .4^^^"^ SI _^. >. ^ -5 i; TS ^ « ^ tfl = o -c -S c ^ ^ ^ -2 .£« ) How to Play Base Ball. 15 HOW to Recome a Good Rotter The most natural batsman the game ever produced is without doubt Napoleon Lajoie of the Cleveland club of the American League. He says : BY NAPOLEON LAJOIE "I go to the plate with the idea of hitting the first good ball sent up, as I believe in working on the aggressive. In this way I am seldom caught for a strike unless where I miss the ball. Every man should handle a bat in the most natural manner and not try to copy others in the business. "Foot work has a lot to do with the success of a ball player, and especially at the bat, and the pitcher is more apt to find this weakness to his liking than any other. I am ready to step in any direction with my right foot for pivot. I bat mostly with a wrist movement, as you can get a quicker move on and allow the ball to come closer before timing it. I never care to anticipate the kind of a ball the pitcher is about to deliver, as I find a low ball no more difficult than a high one. A ball wide of the plate can be chopped off to right field, while one a bit close can be turned to account by a proper swing. This can be accomplished by taking the bat up short, as it requires less swing and can be worked with a snap, which will have just as good effect when it meets the ball and the batter is less likely to send up weak flies. "Practice to meet with a sharp snap every ball that comes over the plate, and you will find it to your advantage, even when picking out a good ball, or working a pitcher into a corner, where he must put them dead over. "To hit a high ball the bat must be swung overhand to get the right force just a shade late, while a low ball must be timed well in front of the plate with an underhand swing. "Never pull away from the plate, as the chances are the ball How to Play Base Ball. 17 would be a weak fly. I hold the bat well In front and never start to pull back until the ball is under way when I step in, being careful about finding a slow ball worked with a change of pace. Use a heavy bat. I would advise every player to have his own sticks and take care of them." tk James Collins, of the Boston American League club, is consid- ered one of the best place hitters in the base ball profession. Collins says: 3Y JAMES COLLINS "Always be reaay for the first good ball pitched, but do not always figure that the pitcher is about to put the first one over the plate. I stand just a little sideways of the plate, with the bat resting lightly on the shoulder, until the pitcher starts his preliminary swing, when I drop the bat down about to the waist, raise it almost perpendicular and then drop it slanting back almost level with the waist, bringing it forward after cutting a triangle. If the ball is timed I usually hit on a line, but if the preliminary swing is poor the ball is likely to go for a fly. "I never anticipate the kind of a ball the pitcher is to send me, but get ready for anything over the plate and select a curve when placing the ball to right field. "I set firmly on the right foot and step into the ball, being careful not to take too long a stride, as this is likely to cause you to lose sight of the ball." BY HUGH JENNINGS "Even a weak batsman can improve his work wonderfully by earnest practice. You must go to the plate fully determined to hit the ball no matter who the pitcher may be. I take the bat up short, as it gives one better control and you can meet a m ,- "O M B — rt f -^ s 1-1 T3 1^ - ■w V c > O l- V) CIS c« to •-2'c « 2^ Ac 2 rt 1* « 4, ^ ■4-> O How to Play Base Ball. i*} ball in close to you. I hold the bat easily on my shoulder and get ready to step with the pitcher's swing, holding my heels well together while facing the pitcher. "In bunting the bat should be sent well out to meet the ball and then gently drawn back on slow pitched balls, while on speedy ones the hands should be relaxed as the ball meets the stick. ■ This kind of work requires more practice than hitting out. "With the hit-and-run game it pays to hit the ball when you can reach it, as it will often give the runner a chance for third base while you are put out at first. "It is remarkable how accurately a batsman can meet a pitched ball when not hitting, as his line of vision is not interrupted as it is when he swings, and for this reason a short swing is the best and usually the wrist batsman is the most successful. My advice to players is : practice batting all you can and do not be particular about picking out all good ones, as you grow too ster- eotyped and more easily laid for by the fielders. tk The following is from the pen of Jesse Tannehill, the star pitcher of the Boston team, on batting. Tannehill, though he is a pitcher — and few tv/irlers ever attract prominence as batters — is one of the most scientific batsmen in the game. He knows the art and is well qualified to describe it in an instructive man- ner, for, being a pitcher, the man who is paid to prevent batting, he is well versed on both sides of the question. BY JESSE TANNEHILL It has often been said that batters are born, not made; and, while there is more or less truth in this assertion, there is not the least doubt in my mind that a poor batsman can become a good one by consistent practice. A good eye, of course, is absolutely necessary. Any defection in the vision will prove an insurmountable obstacle in the way of "HANS" WAGNER The famous shortstop of the Pittsburgs who led the League in batting / How to Play Base Ball. 21 a player when it comes to hitting. But there are many players who have perfect eyes, yet never learn to hit well. This may be due to various causes. An improper stand at the plate will affect the batting of a player, yet there is no rule to be lived up to in this, for the rea- son that no two men in the business stand exactly alike. Every man must suit himself, but, while doing so, he must always bear in mind that he must be in a position to get a fair swing at the ball. Many batters just toe the batters' line; that is, they get as close to the plate as the rule will allow. At times this is a good trick, for it makes it difficult for the pitcher to get the ball out of the way of the bat. Billy Hamilton, of the Bostons, is the only player I ever saw who stands almost three feet away from the plate. He is an exception to the rule, yet one of the best hitters. I have always found it policy to so place myself at the plate that my eyes are over the side corner. This makes it necessary for me to lean back and over. Being a left hander, I place my left hand over the right when grasping the bat. This is reversed for right-handers. Take a firm hold on the bat and leave the foot facing the pitcher barely touch the ground, so that you can step forward as you hit. Be sure to have a free swing of the arms. When you have this and take the forward step as you swing you will get many a hit, even when you do not meet the ball squarelv on the nostril- That the left handed batsman has a big advantage over the right handed man when it comes to getting down to first base is plainly shown in the accompanying illustrations. His swing throws him directly into his stride, and he is running as soon as the bat meets the ball. The right handed man, when he swings, throws himself out of his stride, must recover and then start. Furthermore, the left hander is always nearer first base than the right hander, and in a close shave every inch counts. Though bunting has been one of the features of the game for many years, it seems strange that there are so few players expert CLARENCE BEAUMONT ;;he heavy hitting centre fielder of the Pittsburgs. wliu was among the first ten batsmen in 1905. How to Play Base Ball. 23 at the art of laying the ball down. The bat should not be held firmly, and the ball should be allowed to hit it. The most essential thing to watch when desiring to bunt is that the ball be over the plate. Don't go after it unless it is waist high, until you are forced to. Trying to bunt wild pitches is a failing which many players have and they are the ones who never learn to bunt. When a pitcher expects a bunt he keeps the ball high, for it is almost impossible to bunt a high ball. When it comes to bunting, the left handed batsman has so much the bet- ter of the right bander that it is seldom, indeed, that a right handed man beats out a bunt. The left bander can place his bat against the ball and be away from the plate before it has hit the ground. The right bander can hardly do this without making a failure of his efforts to bunt. It is not a bit harder to hit a curved ball than a straight one, if you know it is coming. The pitcher always tries to deliver just what the batsman does not expect. Some batsmen are good at guessing. A batter should study the pitcher always. By keeping his eye well peeled he can often detect a curve just as it breaks in its course and in plenty of time to land on it. Batting requires lots of practice. Confidence is half the battle. CHRISTY MATTHEWSON The famous pitcher of the New York Nationals, Hozv to Play Base Ball John Doyle, better known as "Jack" Doyle, gives the following advice to base-runners : BY "TACK'' DOYLE "A good base-runner is dreaded more than a good batsman when the bases are clear and the score close. When a player is both a batter and base-runner he is indeed a most valuable asset for a ball team. "It is not the player who has the greatest number of stolen bases to his credit that is the most valuable man to a ball team ; but rather the player who has the largest percentage of successful steals out of the chances taken. "In looking for a great number of stolen bases there have been cases where the player has taken chances where he had little to gain and the chances ten to one against him. The clever base-runner is the man who will take long chances when the occasion requires it, and a steal may result in a victory. With two out and a man at second, for example, the runner should never attempt to steal third base, unless in rare cases where a pitcher is wild and the catcher likely to have a passed ball, and even then the runner should be sure of a fine lead. The first move in base-running is leaving for first base. Never make the mistake of taking for granted that you are out simply because the ball was not hit safely ; in fact, you should run with more determination and to a finish when the ball is hit to the infield, for in this case the ball must be picked up, thrown accurately, and held by the baseman with one foot on the base, and a fielder is more apt to make a mistake when hurried by a fast man to first, "In over-running first base it is well to note where the ball is. THE "IRON MAN," McGINNITY /. Of the New York Nationals, who performed the feat three times in 1903 of pitching two games in one day and winning them all. Hoiv to Play Base Ball. 2? On a fly ball to the outfield yoit should turn short, as in the case of a muff, you can keep on to second, and a good start means everything, as it hurries the throw from the outfield. If possible cut the bases from the inside when trying to run out a long drive for more than one base. "Getting a start for second base is perhaps the most important thing for a base-runner to learn next to sliding. A player taking a lead off first base should ever be firmly set and ready to go either wa3^ If you take too much ground the pitcher will pay you particular attention and hold you down five times out of six; therefore, a safe distance away is the best and by calling the turn you get the start, and everything is in the start, as in sprint running. "Keep well back of the line and return wide of the baseman at first. After you once get away never look back to see the ball but judge from the action of the player about to cover the base. When the ball is thrown high go in feet first on the inside of the base. When noting the fielder reaching forward to take the ball, slide outside on the breast, unless so sure of your base that you can afford to keep your feet and catch the bag with your hand. By practice one can keep wide and reach the base. Never take it for granted that the ball is in the hands of the fielder and that you cannot make another base on the play. If a wild throw or a muffed ball, you are in a position to keep on to third base if you are on the alert. In taking a fair chance for third the ball may be thrown wild and a run is very often the result. "Coaching amounts to little or nothing to a base-runner out- side of third base. Here he should keep an eye on the coacher when coming from second base when the ball is back of him, cither as a hit or wild throw. By a move of the hand the coacher can hold the runner, or by waving the hand as a signal to keep on make a short turn and keep on for home, never losing an inch of ground by turning to look after the ball. "In turning third base under a full head of steam the runner can be assisted materially by a gentle blocking by the coacher, who is standing a few feet back of the base well to the home LUTHER TAYLOR The deaf mute pitcher of the New. York Nationals. How to Play Base Ball. 2g base side. This is especially true of heavy men who take a wide turn and are not particularly sure on their feet. "When working the hit-and-run game, or about to make a steal from second to third, it is well to have signs and work together. If a clever man is at the bat a base-runner has the advantage by knowing what the batter is after; in fact, a base- runner can often help out the batsman by his movements. This, however, is what is known as heady ball and the most difficult thing in the world to teach by theory and usually a very hard proposition to overcome with the major league players. "A good base-runner in a team will often get the whole crowd on edge and it is remarkable what even slow runners can do in this line when working together, for nothing upsets an oppo- nent any more than men taking chances on the bases when the score is close. When your team is well in the lead it is then time to play them safe, and cut out the base-running. "The essentials for a good base-runner are first : a good start ; second, courage in sliding feet first or head first, as the occasion requires ; third, keeping wide awake to every opening and being sure of your ground before you take a chance." ^ BY FRANK L. CHANCE In the consideration of base stealing the subject naturally divides itself into three distinct parts — the start from the bag, the speed on the base lines and the slide at the end. While speed is a natural gift, a player may be taught much about getting a start and sliding. In fact, I think the tendency in many clubs is to neglect the practice in this most important department of the game. With a runner leading off a base the coacher's cry of "You watch his arm and I'll watch the baseman" is familiar to most patrons of base ball. This is in almost direct opposition to the plan I pursue in gettmg away from a base. I almost neglect the baseman, and instead of watching the pitcher's hands or arms to see when he is going to throw, I watch his feet. After you CHESBRO (NEW YORK AMERICAN), KING OF HIS LEAGUE. How to ri»y Base Ball. 31 have watched the delivery of a pitcher a few times yau can tell from the movement of his feet when he is going to deliver the ball to the batter, and thus get a good start. This is half of base stealing, for bases are generally stolen on the pitchers and not on the catchers. If I am not familiar with a pitcher's delivery, I wait a little while for his foot movements before attempting to steal many bases. Dismissing the subject of speed, which is not an acquired art, the method of sliding comes next. Two slides are practiced by base-runners, the dive with head and hands first ^^(^ the bag, and the twist of the body, by which the f©,^n ''ij^^'thrown to the bag. I use both systems, according to the positfon of the opposing base- man in covering the bag. If he stands behind the bag prepared to touch me as I come in, I dive and slide with hands out- stretched, for there is small danger of injury and the hands offer a small area for him tO' touch. On the other hand, if the baseman receives the throw or takes his position in front of the bag, I throw my body with a tw'st toward the bag, feet foremost. You thus have an opportunity to throw the body out of his reach and get in behind him, and again there is less danger of injury. If you attempt a head foremost slide with the baseman in front of the bag, he is likely to block you or tag you hard on the head with the ball, putting you out of the game. Even if he has no intention of hurting you, he is making the play hurriedly and has no time to choose a hard spot to tag. With your feet going toward the bag. he is likely to respect your spikes, and not at- tempt to block you, and again he may altogether miss touching you. I do not believe in taking a big lead and then dancing along the base lines, tempting the pitcher and catcher to throws. Of course a runner must have a certain lead> but if he gets too far, he is off balance instead of ready to run when the ball is delivered. I think a runner is more successful when he takes a fair lead, runs up with the pitcher's motions and then runs back on the catch. Thus he is in motion forward when the ball goes to the batsman, and can race on if a hit is made. If he has already CHARLES A. BENDER. THE NOTED INDIAN PITCHER OF THE PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS. How to Play Base Ball. . 33 decided to make an attempted steal, of course he starts as soon as the pitcher begins his delivery, for then any hesitation on the pitcher's part means a balk. The advisability of drawing throws is sometimes made plain with' a man on second or third, but depends on the conditions of the game. The only place where I make a practice of trying to draw a throw from the catcher is at third base. There I take a good lead and return on the inside of the line between the catcher and the baseman. Then there is a chance to let the ball hit you on the shoulder, where it does not hurt much, and break for the plate as the baseman chases for the ball. His chances for muffing the throw also are greater when you are between him and the plate. The natural base to steal is second, for from the middle cushion it is possible to score on a single. It is much harder to steal third and the advantage is not much greater except on a long outfield fly with one out or a difficult infield chance. When two men are out it is a good time to take a chance on Scealing second, for, if you are en first, it will take two singles to carry you home, while if you gain second one hit is likely to do it. With a man on first and none out the natural play is a sacrifice, especially if the score is at all close. With one out the batsman should gen- erally steal, but, of course, these situations are generally gov- erned by the progress of the game and the score. The time to take chances on the bases is when your team is ahead. Then use all your daring and keep the lead. But if a team is three or four runs behind, the advisability of attempting to steal bases recklessly is questionable, for it generally takes a batting rally to win out at such a stage, and a runner may stop an in- cipient rally by getting put out on attempted steals. As a gen- eral rule, too, the club in the lead is playing better ball and more likely to cut off any stolen bases. The losing team, on the other hand, is more likely to go to pieces and thus reward daring work. In base-running, especially in stealing second, there is much in the batter and base-runner working together. There is usually a signal from the base-runner to the batter, or vice versa, when a FRED PARENT Phenomenal Shortstop of the Boston Americans. Making a throw to first base. Hozo to Play Base Ball. 35 base is about to be stolen. When a signal is once given the runner should generally go down on the next ball pitched. In such a case the batter will attempt a hit if the ball is near enough, although he does not necessarily strike at it, for with the increased control of pitchers the practice of pitching wide to the batsmen to hold the runners closer to their bases is now common. The best pitchers will often waste two and even three balls on a batter to give the catcher a better chance to make the throw if the runner attempts a steal. Then the pitcher will put the ball over. While the runner and batsman both know that the ball is likely to be hit, the catchers and fielders also are alert for the play, and will try for a double play on an infield hit. If the batsman is in the hole — that is, with two strikes and no balls, two strikes and one ball, or even two strikes and two balls — the base-runner should take more chances just to diminish the possibility of this same double play. All these general statements are varied in a measure by the situation, but they serve to show the practice of base-running as played in the National League. In the strategy of these plays the question of speed comes up. There is danger in coaching a slow runner to take chances which might be com- paratively easy for a faster man, and it is in these situations that judgment must be used. ADVICE TO BASE RUNNERS By J. E. Sullivan, Secretary of the Amateur Athletic Union. Those who are close followers of base ball and have watched its progress and improvement are very ready to admit that the majority of ball players do not improve as base-runners, and after watching the game year in and year out I am convinced that not enough of attention is paid to that end of the game. To be sure, some players are natural runners, are built or it, and as a result have gained the reputation of being fast men. But the average player stems to take no interest whatever in developing his speed At the ball park previous to a game you will see the players practising— the pitcher warming up, the CHARLEY PITTINGER Getting his famous drop ball. Hozv to Play Base Ball. ^^ catcher throwing to the bases, the batter lining them out, the fielder returning the ball to the home plate — but to my recollec- tion I have never had the pleasure of seeing three or four of the boys get on the mark and practice at running the distance from one base to another— 30 yards, which is, to my way of thinking, where the mistake is made, and the captain that wants tO' get a good fast team will get his players out and practice them a little at sprinting and particularly at starting. There has been, I know, some objection to training ball players by running them. Rtmning, walking and gymnasium work wi'll fit a player for the season, and it certainly should be no hardship on any player who is only called upon to play ball for a few hours each day to learn how to sprint. The argument has been made to me by a ball player that if the average ball player was to be trained like a sprinter or a distance runner it would tire him out, that he would become a physical wreck and incapacitated for other work. Such argument is pure nonsense. If there is oue man on a team that should not be called upon to sprint a great deal, that man would be the pitcher; for, from a physical standpoint, he is worked harder than any other man on the field, and the strain is greater, and it is only natural that club captains who have a good pitcher should nurse him all they can. On the other hand, it must be admitted that there are many ball players on the field to-day who are physically unable to play, and are holding their positions to a certain extent on their old time repu- tation. There is no necessity nor reason for a ball player being fat. flabby and out of condition and being unable to run around the bases, and in the spring of the year if the captain of the club would insist that each day the members of the team de- vote ten or fifteen minutes to base-running by hitting the ball and running it out to first it would develop base-running. There is no necessity of a ball player being a Duffey, a Wefers, or a Kraenzlein, but there is not a man playing ball to-day that could not be taken in hand by a professional trainer like Mike Murphy of Yale and m.ade into a good base-rimner. This would apply to the man who weighs 200 pounds, as well as the man who How to Play Base Ball. 39 weighs 125, or some of the fast sprinters in the world have been large, heavy men. If the players were educated to get on their toes, get set and move with the same eye that they use in hitting the ball, there would be a revolution in base-running, and it is sure to come some day. It strikes me that this is the particular department of the game that has been neglected. Hov/ often do we see a batsman go to the plate, dig his heels into the ground as though he was going to become a statue there, and when he hits the ball, if he has an idea the hit is not a good one, he will look at the ball, jog about twenty feet, and then stop, often to be greeted by a roar of laughter from the grand stand if he is on the visiting team, or hisses if on the home team, when his little pop fly has not been caught, but handled in time to put him out when he would otherwise have been safe had he con- tinued running at top speed. If that player was drilled to thor- oughly understand that when he hits the ball, no matter what happens, he is to sprmt right for first base and take his chances, there would be more games won. Many players are guilty of this practice, and captains should discourage it, if necessary by a strong fine and suspension. When ^n the bases the player should be taught to get on his toes ready to start quickly and not stand as though riveted to the ground. It is not necessary for a ball player to take too much ground in order to steal a base, he can be careful at the same time. But the ball player that has developed a good set of sprint- ing muscles can stand on his toes and will always be ready to start in an intelligent way the minute the opportunity comes to him to steal a base. An active man, a man lively on his feet, will also annoy the pitcher, because the pitcher will know that he is a fast man, trained in the art of sprinting, and he won't waste strength and time trying to nail him at first. Everyone who has ever attended ball games has seen some big lumbering fellow leave first to steal second and be easily put out, to the great dis- gust of the "rooters." Now that big man, unless he has entirely neglected himself in so far as his health is concerned, can be immeasurably improved. Of course, if he is a man that is ad- "IRON MAN" McGINNITY Of the New York Nationals. Ho7V to Play Base Ball 41 dieted to dissipation he will hardly like to stand the strain to take a little training in the sprinting line, but a man that wants to make a record as a base-runner and hold his own up in fast company must be in pretty good physical condition to run the bases, and it is about time that captains of a ball team realize that in order to - have a good lively game that the men should be trained and trained properly. I would suggest that if a captain cannot secure the services of a professional trainer he take them in hand himself and in the spring of the year insist that every man on that team practice sprinting for a short while each day. It won't be as hard on the ball player as it would be on the man who never did any running ; therefore, there should be a series of races — scratch and handicap — among the members of the team, and the man on that particular team that is noted as the fastest sprinter and a good base-runner should be appointed as coach in that particular line with absolute power over the men to insist that a certain amount of base-running be done every day prior to the practice games. If the players will do a light amount of running at the start, say a couple of hundred yards the first two or three days they are out, at moderate speed, and then increase the speed as the muscles become accustomed to the work, after three or four weeks a player will find that he will be in good condition to make a home run and reach the home plate without dropping in a faint. To any man who has followed athletics it is ridiculous to see many of the acts of our ball players. A good batter will make a long hit, good or a home run, and when he does reach the home plate he is in such a dilapidated condition physicaljy that he is hardly able to go to the bench. That should not be so. A ball player that is paid a fancy salary or playing ball for a couple of hours each day should think enough of his physical condition to perfect himself in every department and the player that can't go around the bases two or three times during a game, with a rest of twenty minutes between, is certainly not an athlete — and the all around ball player should be an athlete. • ■ r ^ ^^ rf»^HawiW'»^rip>^ii^i^ /#' ^ "CY" YOUNG (BOSTON AMERICAN) PITCHING AN OUT- CURVE. How to Play Base Ball. 43 HOW to Become a <;ood Pitcher BY CY YOUNG "Command of the ball is the first essential to success in pitch- ing. A good, fast, overhand ball, kept high, is the one I depend on mostly when anxious to get an out. "I take the ball with two forefingers and thumb for all styles of work, as it gives me the best control. "Straight balls over the corners will often prove more effec- tive than the widest curves. This style is of little use, however^ unless the umpire is a good judge of corner work. "When in good shape I use a jump ball considerably. It comes with extra speed, and if worked well into the batsman is per- haps the most difTficult ball to hit safe. "The ball should be kept high when the batsman is out for a sacrifice, and a clever slow ball with a change of pace is very effective when you want to see the batsman send up a weak fly. The underhand ball with a raise I use but very little, as it has a tendency to lame the arm and must be curved as well as raised to be effective. "Many pitchers are efifective until men get on bases, when they must shorten their swing. Therefore, a pitcher should have two distinct movements. In his preliminary swing, holding men close to the bases is one of the important features of the game. "A pitcher should throw seldom to the bases unless with a fair chance of getting the man. Too much throwing will affect his command over the ball and lose the lines he has on the man at the bat. "There is a vast difference in pitching to right and left handed batsmen, and I think the left hander the more annoying for a right hand pitcher. I work a left hand man with close curves about waist high, with a curve on the out corner of the plate. As most of the left banders are "choppers," they are ever ready WILLIE KELLER, Characteristic attitude of New York Americans' right fielder. By many he is considered to be the best outfielder playing base ball and in this photograph an excellent representation is given af the manner in which he steps into the ball when he bats. Hoiv to Play Base Ball, 45 for speed, and bothered more with curves and a change of pace. "It is a very good plan to keep your batter in the hole, or at least not get where you must put every ball over the plate. "In the everyday run of games, it is not a bad idea to remember that seven, other men are behind you on the field, ready to handle the ball if it comes their way, and with plenty of room. I be- lieve in putting the ball over the plate for hitting, trusting to the fielders, in this way saving your arm, for, after all, a pitcher amounts to but very little unless his pitching arm is strong. "Pitchers should practice getting back into position after de- livering the ball to the bat, for nothing looks worse than to see a weak grounder go bounding through the box with the pitcher out of form, after losing his balance. "I always size up my batter and, if a new man, try first to drive him away from the plate. If he refuses to pull away, I know that I have a cool, determined batsman, and the chances are, a good one. If I find a batter coming forward to meet the ball, I cut out the curves and work both high and low straight balls, being careful not to line one about waist high, and yet with a batsman anchored in one position a waist ball close in is a most difficult ball to meet square. "The preliminary swing is everything to a pitcher. By pub ting your shoulder and back muscles into your delivery, you will save the arm and be able to keep up speed. A fast straight ball kept high, an out curve, a change of pace and the inshoot are all the balls I find use for, and I would advise pitchers to get perfect control of those four styles before using any other var- iety, for, as I said before, control is everything. "The successful pitcher, too, is the one who can stand a bad deal from the umpire and not grow worried, and often lose con- trol of the ball. Try and keep a cool head, for a game is never lost until the last man is out, and endeavor to keep your oppo- nents' score down, with the hope that your own team may rally and win out after an uphill fight. j "I always start off the season with light work and get my arm into condition before taking any long chances with speed." SELBACH Shading the eyes from the sun while waiting for a fly ball. Ho7u to Play Base Ball. 47 BY **RUBE^^ WADDELL Knowledge of batsmen's weaknesses is one of the first things a pitcher onght to have. Just this knowledge keeps many old- timers in the game after their pitching arms are not nearly so good as those of younger men. When I first began to pitch in the National League, or Louisville in 1897, I started a journal and jotted down the kind of balls which the different batters found most difficult. Then before I pitched I looked into this book and refreshed my memory concerning the men I was to pitch against. I do this now on new players, but I have in my memory the failings of the old-timers. When I face a batter new to me, of course I must try to find his weak point. I usually first shoot one in high and close, then one low and to the outer side of the plate. These give me a pretty good line on what kind of a ball he will try for and which one bothers him. I then go on to find the exact place where it is the most difficult for him to hit, and after that try to put them there constantly. I throw the ball fast and nearly straight to this weak point, putting in an occasional curve, so he will not get on to my tactics entirely. Of course, accuracy is necessary for this. Left handed batters are usually considered less likely to hit a left handed pitcher. I suppose this is largely because successful left handed pitching is less common than right, but I think there is another reason. The most effective ball against a left handed batter is one close ^o him and high. To throw this a right handed pitcher is likely to use an cut curve, which is much easier to throw and broader than an inshoot. Thus the batter with the ball coming to him has time to step back and swing. With us left banders our out curve is away from a left handed batter. Thus the left handed batter is driven away from the plate to escape being hit, and is in a poor position to swing with the ball going away from him. I seldom try much of a curve myself on left banders, however, depending on a high straight ball close to the corner of the plate nearest the batter. I have often been asked why "south paws" are more erratic and more likely to have bad innings and bad days than right RUSIE In position for a sweeping out curve with a slow ball. Ho7V to Plav Base Ball. 49 banders. I don't know, but it is a fact as well tbat left banders do not last as long in tbe business as right handed pitchers. I bold to the theory, often advanced, that it is because the left arm is nearest tbe heart and the muscles of tbe heart are thus sub- jected to strain. Often after a game all tbe muscles in the breast and near my heart have been sore, although I have never felt any trouble with my heart itself. While left banders are more likely to be wild than right banders, when they are effective they usually hold the opposing team down to a few hits. Now, I have been so wild tbat I have had to be taken out of tbe box at times, and again it lias seemed as if every ball I pitched tbe opposing team could hit, yet I hold tbe strike-out record of the National League in recent years. I made this against Chicago while playing with Louisville in 1899. Fourteen of Burns' men fanned in that game, and tbe papers all thought I was a great fellow. Then when you lose you are a "dub." That's base ball. I got my nickname of "Rube" in Franklin, Pa., in 1896, the first year I played professional ball. I bad pitched a morn- ing game at Oil City and shut tbe team out 8 to 0. In tbe after- noon both teams returned to Franklin for another game. The man intending to pitch for us got drunk, so I went in again. In the second inning, with tbe score 2 to o against us, a line ball hit me in tbe forehead and knocked me unconscious for about five minutes. I was sore and insisted on pitching out the game. We beat them 16 to 2, and they did not get another man to first base, while I made two home runs, two double-baggers and a single. Tbat night the manager of the Oil City met me on the street and said : "You're a regular robber ; no one but a 'rube' could recover from an accident like tbat and finish the game. That fastened the nickname to me and it has stuck. ^ BY BERT CUNNINGHAM Study to control your ball. Some of tbe greatest pitchers in tbe business have not as good curves as tbe less successful men, but they have what others lack, control of the ball. The man HERMAN LONG Snapping up a fast grounder passing a little to one side. Note how the heels are close to prevent the ball from passing through. Good form. How to Play Base Ball, 5 1 who can put the ball just where he wants it and knows that he can do this is the successful pitcher, provided, of course, he has a reasonable amount of skill to combine with control. Don't make the mistake of throwing too many curves. The pitcher who can get along with the least use of curves is likely to be successful and last longer, for the throwing of curves is hard on the arm. "Save your arm if you want to stay in the business" is a good motto. Study the batter. Without knowing him you are at sea and must try him out to learn his weak points. To be successful in fast company a pitcher must learn to field his position and he must learn to bat. Many times a pitcher, when his infield is in the air can save his own game by fielding. A good fielding pitcher has less to contend with than one who cannot field, inasmuch as bunting will not be attempted against him. Practice the fielding of bunts continuously. In pitching, the out curve is usually the most successful, even though considered old fashioned by some. The out curve is produced usually by grasping the ball with the first two fingers and the thumb, with the back of the hand turned downward. The fingers are pressed firmly against the ball, which is gripped tight. The out curve may be either slow or fast, and many pitchers who depend almost entirely upon change of pace to win use the slow and fast out curve as their chief stock in trade. The slow curve is pitched with a full arm swing, gripping the ball tightly with the fingers the moment it leaves the hand. The fast curve is pitched usually by jerking the arm at the moment of releasing hold on the ball. This curve was used most success- fully by Hughes, Corbett and pitchers of that class, many of whom ruined their arms by pitching it because of the strain oi iihe jerk. Amos Rusie used this same ball without injuring his arm. He had a little short arm motion that avoided the jerk. The ball for the drop curve is held in identically the same posi- tion, except that the back of the hand is held directly down, the arm being brought straight over the shoulder at the moment of delivering the ball. JIMMY COLLINS Making a long throw from back of third base to first. Starting the ball high to make it carry. How to Play Base Ball. 53 The in curve is pitched with a side arm motion, the ball being released over the tips of the first two fingers, the arm being swept around with a lateral motion. Some pitchers pitch an in curve grasping the ball with all four fingers and permitting it to slip over the tips. Garvin has a peculiar variation, turning his hand almost completely over and letting the ball slip between his fingers, they being long enough to permit it. The raise ball, which usually does not raise, but maintains its height instead of dropping, is pitched directly off the tips of the fingers with the hand held palm downward. As a matter of fact, the ball is held almost exactly alike in each case, the curve being decided by the sweep of the arm, a jerk of the wrist, and so on. In these days, when everybody has the art of curving balls, the successful pitchers depend to a great extent on a change of pace. The alternating of slow and fast balls, with a few curves between, does more to throw batters off their guard and off their balance than any curve. The object of most successful pitchers is to make the batter hit a ball he docs not want to hit. The slow ball is pitched by gripping the ball well back in the hand and giving it an extra lingering grip as it leaves the hand. This causes the ball to rotate rapidly, and the friction of the air against the ball impedes its flight. It is pitched with the same motion as is a fast ball, and the batter, being ready for a fast ball, is off his balance and usually hits a pop-up fly. To sum up, what is needed to make a successful pitcher is brains, coolness, knowledge of human nature and some ability as a mechanical pitcher. Remember when you are feeling nervous that the batter is probably yet more nervous. ti MATTHEWSON^S MOTION Matthewson, as he delivers the ball to the batter, moves his right arm slowly upward, stretching it at full length above his head, and at the same time bending backward from the hips. As KENNEDY Showing his position just as a slow ball leaves for the batsman, while working a change of pace. Known as head-work. Grand style. Horv to Play Base Ball. 55 he gets his arm into the proper position to send the ball to the plate he throws his body forward with it, and while there is necessarily a little snap to rid the hand of the ball, the arm motion is so much embodied in the body motion that it is a great saving in muscular exertion to the arm, and for that rea- son Matthewson should not lose his effectiveness within at least two years of the ordinary time it takes a pitcher to pass through all stages of his career in the national game. There are pitchers who use a modified body swing which aids them to some extent, but they have not acquired the ability to let body and arm work in unison when the ball leaves the hand. Try it some time and see how difficult it is to get the poise just right, control the ball perfectly and throw all the speed into the effort that you desire. Some right hand and some left hand pitchers go so far in the body movement that they throw all their weight on one foot and whirl almost half around before they permit the ball to leave their hand. Occasionally Matthewson does it, but as a rule not. He has in mind where the ball is going. Of course he may make a wild pitch or he may hit a batter. Nothing but a machine could invariably send the ball to an accurate mark, but it is safe to say that he knows approximately the height at which the ball will cross the plate and how close to the plate it will come. Nothing more is needed to confirm this than the fact that he so seldom sends a man to first base with a present. ON CURVE PITCHING Cy Young says : "The out curve Is the first thing to interest a young ball player. To get it, hold the ball tightly between the two first fingers and thumb, swing the arm well out, and with a quick snap of the wrist, with the palm of the hand turned down» it will be but a short time until you have the curve. Be sure and first practice by sending the ball against the wind, as the re- sistance will help you to make the ball curve." How to Play Base Ball. 57 James J. Callahan says : "I get the out curve by holding the ball tightly between the two first fingers and thumb, and by a sweeping side arm delivery, and a snap of the wrist, like when snapping a whip, letting the ball slide over the top of the index finger;" Frank Donahue says : "To get the out curve, hold the ball tightly between the two first fingers and thumb, and swing the arm well out, snapping the wrist to make the ball spin as much as possible while turning the palm down." Vic Willis says : "The drop ball is the most trying one on the arm. I hold the ball between the two first fingers and thumb, and start the ball from as high a position as I can get, letting the ball slip off the index finger, while turning the palm of ^.he hand down. By a double motion or snap of the elbow and wrist, I get the combination of drop and curve together." William Dineen says : "The drop out curve I find the most effective ball against right handed batsmen ; I hold the ball the same for every ball I pitch, but allow the drop ball to leave from, the top of the second finger after bringing the hand down from the highest position I can get in a long swing and, by an extra move to effect the curve, get the drop curve, which I think is the most trying ball a pitcher can deliver. The drop, itself, is not so difficult, but the combination of drop curve requires a long reach and the gift of being competent to work all the curves and shoots." Cy Young says : "The jump ball can be produced only by great speed. The ball is thrown with a full arm swing right from the shoulder, and out from under the fingers, which are straightened out as the ball leaves for the bat. The idea is to get a jump on the ball just as it comes to the plate, nearly shoulder high." Charley Nichols says: "It takes great speed to get a jump on a ball. It must be thrown perfectly straight with an overhand swing, allowing the ball to slip out from under the fingers as if FRED TENNEY, Who is a left-hand thrower but equally expert with both hands, in catching throws at first. He is a wonderful ground coverer. ' How to 1 lay Base Ball. 59 they were greased, 1 have found the real jump hall the most effec- tive against both right and left handed batsmen." The raise ball is purely a curve and first introduced by Robert Mathews over 30 years ago. Rhines and McGinnity later on did phenomenal work with a natural raise. The raise ball is pro- duced," says Rhines, "by snapping the wrist as in a curve, keep- ing the arm close to the side, stepping well in and turning the palm of the hand up." "The inshoot is the ordinary straight ball thrown with speed," says Jimmie Callahan, "allowing the ball to go from under the fingers, as in a jump ball, with plenty of speed." The late Charles Radbourn said : "I get the inshoot by hold- ing the ball in the palm of the hand and letting it go over the first finger, while keeping the elbow close to the side, and a turn- ing up the palm of the hand." Some pitchers will put their fingers across the seam of the ball while others are particular to rub a place smooth for the fingers on the widest spot between the seams. All pitchers should wear a glove, as it helps to hide the ball from the batter and protects the hands from hard drives from the bat as well as reckless throwing from the catcher. "I find it an excellent thing," says Cy Young, "for a pitcher to get out every day in uniform, and take a little exercise. It helps his wind and keeps him in condition for better work in the box." JENNINGS ^ith hands outstretched as a target for the fielders wht first base. A great help to poor throwers hen throwing to How to riay Base Ball. BY EDDIE PHELPS To be a successful catcher requires, in my opinion, greater ability than any other position on the base ball field. The catcher must be able to do the work of an infielder in handling bunts, of an outfielder in getting foul flies, and of a baseman in guard- ing the home plate. He must have as good a theoretic knowl- edge of pitching as the pitcher himself, and unless he works in absolute harmony with the latter, the best efforts of both are bound to result in failure. The catcher must combine with a wide range of fielding ability the same qualifications of thinking- and acting quickly that are essential in other positions, and these and the other things mentioned are all in addition to the mere catching of the pitched balls which pass the batter, and an oc- casional throw to catch a base runner. There is no particular physique specially Jldapted to catching. Successful work in every way behind the bat has been done by men of all heights and weights, but excessive weight naturally handicaps activity. The old idea that the backstop must be a mountain of flesh in order to take speedy deliveries without being carried off his feet was exploded long ago. He must have good general health, however, and a body strong enough to stand the severe shocks and hard knocks that go with the posi- tion. I have heard of ball players who cared nothing for the game, but the money it brought them. I think none of them was a catcher. By mid-season the catcher who is doing his share of work has the trademarks of a good many balls imprinted on his body and limbs from foul tips, besides the regular allotment of painfully damaged fingers. His skin, as a whole, might pass for a sample of the various shades of red, purple, black and blue, and each spot is as sore as a boil. Yet he is in the game day after day, but it is only through love of the sport and because his heart is in his work. How to Play Base Ball. 63 One of the catchers prime necessities is the ability to throw well. This ability must be natural, like those oi thinking and acting quickly, and cannot be taught by anybody. Anson once said he could make a ball player of any man who could throw, but that the man who lacked that qualification would better stay out of the "game. I think this applies specially to the catcher, though up to date managers have no use for "glass arm" men in any position. The catcher must be able to throw swiftly and accurately without waiting to steady himself after receiving the ball, with arms extended or body inclined. One of the things he should know is to place himself in position to throw before receiving the ball, but this cannot always be done- A wild pitch or an extra wide throw draws him out of position, and he must then use his agility to make up for the disadvantage. He cannot spare the timic for a swing of the arm, but must snap the ball to the point it should go. This snap catches more base-runners in a season than the round arm swings. The catcher should cultivate an easy reception of the ball, and not "fight" it, as the saying is. Until he can do this he is not likely to be of much real help to his pitcher or to be able to do his part in the execution of plays which depend on quickness for success. Many a play is unsuccessful only because somebody took too much time in doing his part. The man behind the bat should make as thorough a study of opposing batsmen as the pitcher. He must know their weak points and judge from their position and attitude what ball is most likely to be successful against them. Frequently the lines of the batters' boxes and the foul lines close to the plate become obliterated, making it hard for the pitcher to see clearly how the batter is standing. Practically everything depends on the catcher at such times, and any failure to be watchful and careful almost invariably results in disaster. A pitcher's ineffectiveness is often the fault of his catcher and every pitcher's success is increased by the support of a good heady man behind the bit. It is for this reason that an experier'^^d catcher is practically always put in with a young pitcher. Second basemai. the plate is too ci is not the best of j the handle. 'i^RANK ISBELL, the Chicago'^mericanc;, Isbeirs position at ed in this pi- ture A, a successful batter. It n^nt to grasp, the 'bar sc-close tc the end of How to Play Base Ball. 65 Young pitchers usually are over-anxious, with the result that nearly everything goes wrong at first. The catcher must see that he takes his time. Hurried pitching is the surest sign of the pitcher being flurried, and the only way to mend matters in such cases is to stop the trouble at the outset by making the boxman slow dow 1 until he has time to collect his faculties between each delivery. If the young pitcher is nervous, the catcher must en- courage -J|m. Many of the star pitchers of to-day owe their success to the fact that at the begininng of their career in fast company a hfady catcher jollied them into believing they were as good as thtliiext, and in that way gave them a confidence in themselves that they would not otherwise have possessed. To steady a wild pitcher a catcher must be acquainted with his de- livery and be able to make suggestions which will help him and which can come only from a thorough knowledge of the man. The slowing-up process and encouragement are useful here, but a word of advice, which only the catcher can give, is frequently necessary. A point on which the present style of play requires the catcher to be strong is the blocking of base-runners al^i^^ plate. This is recognized as a part of good playing, but it m'^'t be done in sucn a way that neither the catcher nor the base-rumie'r will be injured. The man who slides directly to the base, whether head" or feet foremost, is the easier to block, because you only have to put your foot between him and the plate. If he cgnies feet first, the catcher's position is a dangerous one on account of the sharp spikes or plates which all players wear, but he must keep his eyes open and take "ftliances. The man who slides sideways, or touches the plate from the side is hard to block and hard to touch. But he can be. blocked off and caught in a pinch, and that is one of the things which the catcher must perfect himself in. The catching of "" flies is one of the i^i^' ft tests of a catcher's quickness, both^ physical and merrtalj ptj ^ be successful in this respecf- he must get froiy behind the ^^^1^ instant the ball is hit. This enable^ '||^m tOj^ocate it mc afckly 'and con- 9 1 1 HBP^IhI^^^^^^^^^^Bhb^^^^B^^I^^^^I^^^^^^^^^^^h 1 |H||||B|' :'jBHH^^^^B^^^HBImr j^ .-a^^^^^^^^^^^B^^^^^^^^^^B HIIhIH -:--¥ '^ • 'iiHi||||H JKKI^M^-'*,,taM ^^t^''-"\^ 'T'llllH^^I ^■■IHl'''^ ^' i'"lH^I ^y^*..Ai^ j//^/f' ^^^^^^^^ jpii I^^H^HHHHIv JjHH||B^y|, •• ^^^p^3|H| ^^H^^UHflEilr . ^ jMmnM|M^^^. .^^^.^^ A . ^^ .^ ^^_^^^^, ^:^^H pSSTiir^PBi^ ' ^oHHI CY YOUNG Half way through his preliminary swing before delivering the ball to the bat, this time for a raise ball. 1 i How to Play Base Ball. 6y sequently to get under it and steady himself for the catch, or, sometimes, to get balls that the slow man could not possibly get. One of the prettiest plays in the game is that of catching the base-runner, either napping or trying to steal. Every faculty comes into play in base watching, and success depends as much on shrewdness as on general playing ability, in taking advantage of an opponent's ambition to get around the bases. When a play in which two or more men are to figure, such as the double steal, or the hit-and-run, is to be tried by your opponents, you can sometimes intercept a sign or tell from, the attitudes and ac- tions of the men to take part what their intentions are. But sometimes there is no hint of what is coming off. In that case the catcher must be on his guard to avoid a surprise, for sur- prises and unexpected plays are the order of the day in base ball. A pitcher who makes the runners hug the bases is a great help to the catcher, and often makes possible a sharp play by the latter. With such a pitcher the runner takes no liberties until the ball is delivered, when, in his eagerness to take advantage of anything that may occur, he ventures away from the base. A quick snap of the ball by the catcher often catches even the best of base-runners before they can get back to base. The pitcher's ability to hold base-runners close to the bases also helps the catcher greatly if they try to steal. In my opinion, many catchers, as well as pitchers, often spoil chances of cutting off base-runners by feinting and showing too plainly what their attention is directed upon. I prefer to let it appear that I am paying no attention to the man I am watching. Of course, he knows better, but even at that my apparent indifference may cause him to become a trifle careless for an instant. Then, a sudden snap of the ball, and it is an even chance that the man is out. The catcher should at all times help the infielders in every pos- sible way. either by backing up throws or by calling fly balls in order to prevent collisions. His knowledge of pitching should enable him to be handy with the bat and his general usefulness should be limited only by his opportunities. "7:^-k^ - ''iff fi-*--'i .^, ^. ftt;. RUSIE. Position just after throwing a fast ball to the batter. How to Play Base Ball. 69 BY WILLIAM SULLIVAN Parrying the question as to what is the first attribute of a good catcher, I would say that he must first be able to catch and throw. But that is only the mechanical basis for work in a position which many spectators think is largely a mechanical one, a sine- cure because of the chest protector, mask and large padded mitt. Yet more signs and signals are used or are understood by the catcher on a baseball team than by all the other members of the team combined. This statement is true, not because the position is more scien- tific, but because it is essential that the intended moves of the pitcher or the intended throws to bases be kept a secret from the opposition as far as possible. Every throw of the pitcher to the batsman is prefaced by a signal from the catcher telling what kind of a ball to send, except in a few cases where the pitchers give their own signals. Every throw to the bases in an attempt to catch the runner napping is called for by a sign from the baseman to the catcher. Only when a runner tries to steal is no sign given, and then all are watching the play and know what is expected. Thus the catcher has to watch the pitcher and the basemen in addition to the purely mechanical work of his position. This is to say nothing of the value of old and experienced men in steadying young pitchers and in indicating to them what balls to try on batsmen with whose weaknesses they are familiar. Headwork and coolness count as much behind the bat as any- where except in the pitcher's box. My method of steadying a pitcher is to first try to slow him up and let him get his bearings again. Walk down with the ball and hand it to him, say something encouraging or offer advice if he seems to need any. Stop to fasten your chest protector, adjust your mask, or tie your shoe, anything to gain time if the situation is critical and the pitcher's wildness only temporary. If the pitcher, however, shows a continued tendency to throw the ball a little wide of the plate move to the other side^ and in How to Play Base Ball. y\ aiming for you he will send the ball over the pan. Often these things will help out not a little. In signaling with my pitchers I usually give the signals, al- though often the pitcher with two strikes on the batsman will want to try a certain ball or has an idea on the subject. But after working several games with the same pitcher you know pretty well what he prefers to offer, and there is seldom a change of signals. With Griffith I never use signals at all, except when men are on bases. He does not use extreme speed and has such excellent control it is easy to catch him. On the third strike I like to know where the ball is coming to avoid a passed ball, and of course with men on bases I must know, so as to be ready for a throw on an attempted steal. It is when men are on bases that the pitcher and catcher are put to the severest strain. The pitcher is offering the very best ball in his category, and the catcher is at high tension to prevent stolen bases. Often a pitcher with a slow delivery will handicap his catcher into wild throws, but on the White Stock- ings none of the pitchers are bad in that respect. With men on bases you must set yourself for a throw on every ball pitched, for the base runner may attempt a steal at any time. If the runner is on first and likely to steal second, or the shortstop or second basemen signal for a throw to the middle bag to catch a runner napping, instinctively you pull back the right foot as the ball is on its way. Thus you are poised for the throw, and the ball strikes your mitt and is away again without any loss of time. If the throw is to third the left foot comes back so you can throw past the batsman. Few people have any idea how a clever batsman can hamper a catcher who is forced to get his throws away with a quick snap. I formerly played shortstop and can throw much better from second to the plate than from the plate to second. Many spectators wonder why, with men on bases, the pitcher does not put the first ball over the plate and trust to luck in forc- ing the man out at second. Often this is due to the catcher. Sometimes when I am sure of my pitcher, and know he has con- KITSON Just before the preliminary move, gaining speed as he unwinds for the final drive to the plate. How to Play Base Ball. 7^ trol, I signal him to waste the first two balls in an attempt to coax the man on first base to try to steal second. Then with the ball coming where the batsman cannot well hit it, I am ready for the throw. Signals from the basemen to the catcher for throws to the bag do not catch a runner very often, but they are worth trying, arid moreover hold the runner closer to the bag and are invaluable for that reason, because a fraction of a second often determines the difference between a put-out and safety to the runner. The catcher and basemen must work together and a catcher will not throw without a signal. The pitcher usually determines for himself when to throw the ball to base to catch a runner, and when to deliver it to the plate. Some catchers signal on these occasions, but 1 have tried it and found that it is likely to cause confusion. So many different players are concerned that one may be off balance or out of his position when the ball is delivered or hit in his direction. Manager Frank Selee was accustomed to call his players together to discuss any such play or if a new one is presented he calls for the opinions of his men as to how the play should be met. Thus there is an exchange of ideas, and without sig- nals they know just what each man is expected to do if such a condition arises again. I think it a good idea. Such knowledge is almost as valuable to a catcher as to the other players, for there is no telling when he will be brought into the play by some one's dash for the plate. There is much to be said in throwing to bases. Of course the throws should be low to enable the baseman to tag the runner without changing his position, but the catcher throws in such a hurry that he is satisfied to get the ball to the baseman any old way, so it is on time. Naturally his speed in throwing it and the manner in which it goes to the baseman determine the difference between a good and a poor catcher. But all these latter considera- tions revert to the original proposition that a catcher must be able to catch and throw. Then comes the science of the game MATTHEWSON Showing the position as the hall leaves his hand for a fast high ball and a drop. Good form. How to Play Base Ball. 75 BY M. J. KITTRIDGE A player behind the bat must keep his whole mind on his work and set a good example for the other players. More men are injured by trying to save themselves than when they go close under the bat, and are quick to be first in every mixup, especially where the base-runners are coming into the home plate. By working with signs, and always knowing what kind of a ball to look for, it must be a very wide ball that a catcher cannot at least block. Since the catchers have done all their work close up, the pitchers have grown more accurate, until now you sel- dom see a passed ball in a game. With men on bases a pitcher should always work with his catcher, especially at first, as throwing has grown to be a long suit with the best catchers of the present time, and then, too, the catchers must practice throwing from different po- sitions, as it is out of the question to always be set in a position to make a good throw. I think it is fully as difficult to throw to first and third as to second base, as you cannot always get a good free arm swing before letting the ball go. Plenty of practice before the games is necessary, as you become accustomed to the player covering the position, which is always sure to make throwing more accurate. A catcher should be careful of his throwing arm and start off in the spring by a very Httle work in that line each day until the arm becomes strong. Plenty of work by the back muscles should be the rule by the catchers, who have hard throwing to do, and yet one of the most essential things in the game is returning the ball to the pitcher in a way that he can take it without leaving his position or taking a chance of injuring a finger. I do not believe in too many signs. I give my signs to the pitcher with my fingers while in a squatting position to prevent the other side from calling the turn, otherwise the infielders might discover the tip and be prepared, thus giving them a chance to cover a great deal more ground than if they were simply guessing as to what kind of a ball the batsman was' to get. McGINNITY, Who does all of his pitching from one position and depends on an all round assortment of curves, with a phenomenal raise ball. How to Play Base Ball. yj When a pitcher is wild it is a good idea to hold your hands over the plate for a target. This is also often done to deceive the batsman, but is a great help to the pitchers. When taking the ball for a throw, take one step back, if possible, and with a continuous swing and the weight on your left foot (when throwing right handed) get the ball away as quick as possible to second base. To the other bases it is not necessary to put so much thought into your work, as throwing to those corners is more of the snap order. There are a few who can throw without getting into position, and while it makes a pretty exhibition it is bad practice for the arm and side, and likely to put most players out of business. The overhand throw has been the winner since the days of Charley Bennett and William Ewing. Unnecessary throwing to bases should be avoided. On foul flies the catcher should turn fully around while pull- ing off the mask and start looking for the ball. If the ball proves to be one over the plate it is much better to come in for the catch, than stand directly under the descending sphere. Every batsman has some weakness and by a careful study the catcher should be a great help to the pitcher who has control. After a dozen years behind the bat, with all kinds of pitchers and always doing the bulk of the catching, I feel as able to-day as ever, to do first-class work. In fact, I fully enjoy catching behind a heady pitcher with a clever ball team in front of me, and the hotter they come the better I like it. RUSIE. A restful position while waiting to take or give the signal. Good form. How to Play Base Ball. 79 HOW 10 Ploy First Rose BY HUGH JENNINGS First base is one of the most difficult positions on a ball field to play properly. Catching a thrown ball while keeping one foot on the base is but the preliminary work to what is called for at the first corner. A first baseman must have natural talent for taking all kind of pickups. He should be a sure catch with either hand, gloved or ungloved. He must not be afraid of a runner coming into the bag, and should be able to judge a high throw after a jump as well as a line one into the big mitt, I go out and meet the throw, as it often gives an out where the man would otherwise be safe. Then, too, I think it encourages the player throwing the ball. With a base-runner at first I play in the inside of the base, and when looking for a bunt or sacrifice move in with the pitch. With men at first and second I play well back of the base for a fast ground hit but keep in touch with the catcher, who can often see a man taking long chances away from the base. Throws from the catcher must be tipped out ahead and the play made very fast, the baseman taking the ball on the run and blocking off the runner. I believe in giving the runner a clean path to get back to the base, but am not particular about playing the ball easy on the man. As everything must be done quickly, basemen are likely to be considered rough. It requires a heap of practice to take the ball on the swing and put it on the runner. I do not believe in the pitcher throw- ing continually to first, as he is more apt to get his man by picking the time and doing his work well. When scores are close a first baseman must often take long chances, and with a clever man in the box clever plays are DINNEEN Throwing his famous drop out-curve to the bat. On his toes as the ball leaves his fingers. How to Play Base Ball 8i pulled off. Heading men off at second and third on clever bunts is impossible, but when the balls are hit lightly or at times freely the first baseman can take the ball on the move-in and by accurate throwing get his man at second. After taking a throw the baseman should get into throwing position at once, as a second lost may give a clever base-runner a big lead for another base where the score is close and the player taking desperate chances. The first baseman should go for every fly ball within reach to the left of the second baseman's territory, especially the balls going up between the pitcher and himself. Keeping the foot against the base and judging to a nicety how far you can reach requires long practice. A player should never make the mistake of remaining on the base on a throw too wide to handle; rather take a chance and go after the ball and find the base later. The runner coming for the base will often decide what chances you are to take. When balls are thrown low try and block the ball at least. For this reason it is well to practice making your long break pickups well in front, so that you may block the ball, even if you fail to get it into your hands. A first baseman should be a good fielder of ground balls, and with the bases clear should depend on the pitcher covering the base on every ball hit to his left. I play well back of the line and go for every grounder that goes to my left, as well as those to my right, when I think they are out of the second baseman's reach. With a ground-covering second baseman it's a sharp drive that can get through when the first baseman plays well back and capable of making all his plays on the run. It is well to toss the ball to the base well ahead of the pitcher, so that he can take it crossing the base. A ball tossed is much easier to handle than a ball thrown. A baseman should have absolute confidence in the pitcher covering the base, even when the ball is hit slowly out of his reach. The play at all times is for the first baseman to get the ground balls, depending on the pitcher to cover the base. WILLIS, The greatest drop-ball pitcher of the age, in position when the ball leaves his hand. Very hard on the arm, as well as requiring a tall man to be effective. Holu to Play Base Ball. 83 HOW 10 Play second Rose BY NAPOLEON LAJOIE Unless able to cover a lot of ground and take balls on either side, under full headway, a player should never try to becon^e a second baseman. Men with long arms make the best second basemen, as they are often able to make stops without slacking their speed and toss the ball to a base for an out. I play a deep field and change my distance from the base according to the style of pitching I am backing up. If a weak fielding pitcher, who will allow medium hit balls to go through the box, I play closer to second. Then again you must size up the man at the bat and know the style of ball the pitcher is to feed him. It is always best to go in and meet the ball and smother it if you find it coming with a shoot. I never make up my mind how to take the ball until it is very close, for it may take a jump if you set yourself for the regulation bound. It pays to keep on your feet, although at times the spectators have an idea that the man rolling about in the dust is doing the most effective work. I always have a perfect understanding with the shortstop and catcher, as to who will cover the base, and play a bit closer when out for a double play. It is not a bad idea to take your cue from the second baseman after he sends you a ball for a force-out. If there is no chance for a double you should hold the ball A tip to let the ball go will help, as you feel there is a good chance to get the man. In turning to throw, step in front of the base and throw regardless of the man coming down, as he will generally look out for himself, and is not anxious to get hit with the ball. A second baseman should go for short flies, and depend on the outfielders for the coaching, as they are in a better position to judge the ball. f5 ^ . . J P^ ^*.- , L DAN McGANN, First baseman of the champion Giants, and, taking everything into consideration, batting, fielding and base running, fastest big players in the business. one of the How to Play Base Ball. 85 The second baseman should go in for the short throw with the catcher sending the ball down for a man and a runner at third. This play requires practice and a good throwing catcher. When running down a man between bases go after him on the jump, and get him under full headway before throwing the balL I instinctively start for the second base as soon as I see the ball is hit to the right of me. It pays to be at the bag in time to help the throw from short or third, for a fraction of a second will lose a double play, and nothing is more effective than a fast double play on a ground hit. When taking throws from the catcher to get a base-runner coming from first, stand to the left of the base, if the throw will allow, as nine out of ten runners will try to go back of the base. Fall back with the ball, as the runners often do phenomenal stunts in getting away from being touched. Underhand throwing is very essential, as you have many short throws to make and no time to straighten up for a full swing. Second base gives a player an opportunity to show up bettei than any other position, as it is truly styled "the key to the infield," and I believe a player will last longer in the game in this position than any other, if he is a natural and not a made ball player. All the fine team plays of the game are made by first signaling. With a man at third and second, the latter will usually take big ground, especially when his run would win a game. A throw from the catcher would generally be a cue for a clever base- runner to go on to third, but in this case he is blocked off by another runner, so that his chances are all in returning to the base. I see the opportunity and tip the catcher to throw the next ball straight to the bag and as soon as the ball is sent in by the pitcher I am on my way to the base to head off the runner. Finding that he is cut off the runner will start for third base and I have no trouble in getting the man nearest home. The pitcher must be in on the play, and keep the ball wide of the batsman. JAMES COLLINS. Natural position at the bat, ready for any kind of a pitched ball ; firmly set on the right foot. Perfect form. How to Play Base Ball, 87 BY WILLIAM GLEASON While I consider second base a very easy position to play, compared to third base, yet I believe more depends on the sec- ond baseman than any other position. A man must be particu- larly strong on his right side to play this position and be an accurate thrower from any position, as the ball must be returned to first and home from some very awkward angles when double plays are called for. A fielder should always go in to meet the ball and smother the bound, when it might take an ugly hop, if the long chance were taken. Then, too, the runner must be sized up and the ball played accordingly. A fast runner will often hurry you on a perfect bound, so that you must play the runner as well as the ball. I believe in keeping in front of the ball and in putting two hands where it is possible. While on a run to the right I pick up the ball with my left hand and throw while on the run, this takes a lot of practice, as the ball is likely to curve and go wide of the mark. All infielders should practice backhand throwing, as it oftens saves time and gets the ball ahead of the runner. Underhand throwing is absolutely necessary, especially when sending the ball to the plate on the return of the ball from the catcher on a double steal. If the ball is thrown low, it would be useless to try for the man at the plate after straightening up, so the idea is to return the ball underhanded on the run. This, too, requires a heap of practice. In making a double play to first I take my cue from the man who sends me the ball and when getting my sign I turn and let her go without any regard of the man coming down; let him take care of himself. Take the ball in front of the base and step into the diamond as you throw to first for the double. Never throw the ball without some chance to get your man unless in extreme cases. I protect myself from the runners by turning my hip in their direction well braced. A collision under these circumstances gives the runner the w^orst of it and he is not likely to repeat. How to Play Base Ball. 89 I never injured a ball player intentionally. It does not pay, as the profession is one that a man can remain in for a long time if he avoids being injured and takes care of himself. I catch a thrown ball when possible about shoulder high, as this gives you a good position to throw from and there is nothing of more advantage than always being in position to play ball. I have seen some pretty plays made by scooping the ball and tossing it back to the shortstop covering second for a force-out. This was where there was no chance to stop the ball and throw. It was much the same as playing the ball with a tennis racket, being sure to get a good aim for the man waiting on the base. This play has been nearly perfected by Tom Daly and Ritchey of the Pittsburg club. I trap a ball very close to a perpendicular position, if anything with the heel of my hand slanting toward the field, in this way preventing the ball from rolling up my arms. To field ground balls one should practice as faithfully as a billiard player while perfecting masse shots. As the ball must be played clean at all times, whether on the run or standing still, the short pickup is everything to a second baseman, and unless the position comes natural I would advise a player to try some other position. Never try for long distance throwing or send the ball into the air, as it puts your throwing arm in danger and the chances for a good salary less. JENNINGS Ready to hit v ftile the man on the base runs. Takes the bat up to sv-rre of meeting the ball squarely. Good form. Hoiv to Play Base Ball. 91 HOW 10 Play Thrrd Rose BY JAMES COLLINS First of all a third baseman must be a good thrower. Next he must have the knack of taking a ball between bounds, and thirdly he must be ever on the alert and fearless, for no man has the hot shot to handle as the third baseman. A clever batsman that can bunt and hit out will keep you guessing at third base. I play quite deep for all and come in with the pitch, if I see any signs of bunting, unless I have been tipped off by the catcher to keep back for a hard drive. I always cross in front of the shortstop for the slow grounders as I can get to them first, I usually take a wide ball with one hand, as it gives a better chance to get into position to throw. A player should have his mind made up before the ball is pitched as to which base he will throw. In fact, a player should never take his mind off the game. Slow grounders to my right I take up with one hand and throw to first without getting into position, as deliberate work will lose the man. Trapping a ball is the most scientific department of base ball, and no player has more difficult work in this line than the third baseman. A very slow runner will sometimes allow you to play an ugly grounder on a long bound, taking chances that it jumps and gets by. The best way to play all kinds of ground balls is to be on the move and trap them just as the ball is about to come from the ground, being well over the ball, with the side of the hands close together in such a position that the ball will have no chance to come up and can be scooped, when not held, the first time. I believe in giving the runner a fair show to reach third and never block a player off, unless t have the ball. I never force a runner outside his proper latitude, as there is great danger of 92 How to Play Base Ball. injuring a base-runner mailing close connections for home. I think a player will last longer and be of more value to his club who plays the game without an idea of putting his fellow player out of business. This has been my rule and I have yet to find a player attempting to do me an injury. A player's reputation counts, and a player injured is an expensive adjunct to a ball team. Base-runners come into third feet first, head first and throwing twisters, as it is usually a close call and players seldom attempt to steal third unless runs are scarce and desperate chances are called for. Mindful of this a baseman is often apt to drop a finely thrown ball. I should say, first, be sure of the ball and be care- ful to hold it after colliding with the runner. With a chance for a force-out at second the ball should be thrown for the bag at a medium pace, trusting the second base- man to get there. When trying for a double play with a fast man at the bat is is well to put extra steam on the throw to second. 1 want to know the kind of ball the pitcher is about to deliver ; that is, whether a curve or a straight ball, as it improves one's ground covering at least twenty-five per cent. Third baseman should be about as careful as the pitchers in starting out in the spring, for a lame arm is a hard thing to get rid of and without the arm in the pink of condition a third baseman will carry a big handicap. BY LAVE CROSS A third baseman should love to face the hottest kind of drives from the bat, for unless a player has the knack as well as nerve he should never locate at the third corner of the diamond. I always play my man coming in for the weak hitters and playing deep for the drivers with an eye to the hunters, as you must be on the move to gather up a slow bunt, and get it to first in time. I play the balls to my left with one hand, practi- cally gathering up the ball while on the run changing it to my How to Play Base Ball. 93 right hand, and by continual practice I have found the way to get the ball to first while on the move. A fast drive gives you the time to pick up the ball— should you only partially stop it— while one must be quick going after a fumble, yet it pays to be sure, for it's quite hard to keep your eye on the runner and on the ball you are trying to pick up at the same time. A third baseman should continually practice throwing across the diamond to first base from every possible position. I place a good deal of confidence in my left hand mitt, and when making dead sure of a bound, often smother the ball. The best way, however, is to get the ball on the short pick-up, unless where you have a slow man going to first and the ground is good, so that you can depend on bounds. I handle bunts with one hand, nine times out of ten. You must pick up the ball on the dead run, and can reach the ground with one hand where you could not use two without losing valuable time. In touching a man at third one should drop back with the ball and swing low and at full length, for the runner may take a wide slide and get away, even when you have plenty of time. Don't be afraid to touch your man, as base ball is not a dude's game. With a man at first and looking for a force-out, I size up the speed of the runner and let the ball go to second without hesitation, leaving it to the second baseman or shortstop to cover the base. With men at second and first I depend on the shortstop to cover third, when I go in for a bunt or slow ball, and by a little life one can often get a slow runner coming over from second on a force-out, as the runner is seldom looking for a play of this kind. When you get a man betvv^een bases keep him on a run and throw the ball to the nearest man, as runners are often lost when the ball is thrown to the fielder nearest the base. This play should be practiced until every man knows what part to How to Play Base Ball. take in the mixup, for there is nothing more humiliating than to lose a man after having him trapped. I work with signs from the catcher and know when he is about to throw the next ball to the base to try and get a man napping. I never move for the base until the ball is nearly to the catcher, and then look for the throw right over the base. The man coming back will invariably slide to the base, so that there is little danger of hitting the runner with the ball if kept waist high. Underhand throwing is a necessity for a third baseman. My advice to young players is practice and keep the arm in condi- tion by refusing to make any extra long throws. A third baseman must keep his mind on the game every in- stant, like no other position, for no one can back up or help out the man at third. For this rea"son, too, a player should block every ground ball passing to his right, even with no chance of getting his man, for a grounder along the line at third means two bases. It requires natural trappers and accurate speedy throwers tc make good at third base. Ho7V fo Play Base Rail . c^^ HOW to Play Shortstop BY HERMAN LONG The shortstop should be a first-class thrower from long and short distances, and from most any kind of a position. I play the position very deep, well to the right for a left handed batter, figuring that the third baseman will come across for the slow grounders. I always watch closely the signs given by the pitcher and catcher, as it enables me to cover more ground. An out- curve to a right handed batter means the ball will go to the right of second base, while a straight ball is likely to come fast td short or third base. Taking a ball on the run near or past second base should be done with one hand, and the throw to first made carefully, as the ball will raise when thrown on the run and it is out of the question to steady yourself. A grounder coming with extra speed should be played care- fully, while a slow grounder must be handled on the run and chances taken on a pickup between bounds. I pay little attention to keeping my heels together on a ground ball, depending wholly on my hands as the outfielders will pre- vent an extra base should the ball break through. I watch the catcher for signals as to when he intends to have me cover second for a thrown ball, but one should be careful about leaving the position before the ball is on the way to the plate, in this way preventing the batsman from knowing who will leave a place open for a ground ball. I want the catcher to throw the ball at the base taking chances on having it taken care of by either the second baseman or shortstop. The shortstop should always cut right for second base on every ball hit to the left of the pitcher, and should cover the base on the throwdown from the catcher with a man on first g6 How to Flay Base Ball. and third base, as the second baseman will be in a better position to return a short throw to the plate if the man starts for home. Shortstops rmi the greatest risks of being injured by covering second base on a throw from the catcher to get a runner trying for a base. The shortstop has very little chance to block the man off and must make the play by swinging the ball low and while going back, as the runner is sure to go wide of the base. Never go after a man the second time, for the umpire is usually in sympathy with the fielder who handles the ball in good style. This is a feature of shortstop work that requires a great deal of constant practice and a heap of nerve, for once a fielder is shy of the runner he will make a poor man to throw to. A weak third baseman is a big handicap to a shortstop. I go for every fly hit to the short outfield, as you never know just how much ground you can cover when you start. The outfield- ers knowing that you are after everything will help you by calling out, as a shortstop cannot afford to take his eye off the ball long enough to see if another fielder is headed for the same place. I go to meet the throw from a long hit, as time is gained by handling the ball twice when the throw is too far to line the ball home. In throwing to the plate the ball should always be sent low, as extra speed will cause it to rise; while, should the throw be short, if it is on a line, it may answer the same purpose and get the runner. I never could get too much good lively practice in fielding, and believe in fast preliminary work by the infield before a game, and a chance to measure the distance to first by a throw when there is time as the game proceeds. A shortstop must practice underhand throwing, as no other position is called on for the variety of throwing as is the short- stop. My advice is practice, practice, practice. How to Play Base Ball. 97 How to Pl,wl^^ No person shall be allowed on any part of the playing field except the players in uniform, the manager of each side, the umpire and officers of the law. No manager, captain or player shall address the spectators. (See Rules 75-77 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) iTii "Rfill The Spalding Official League Ball is used in regulation games, but for players fifteen years old or younger, the Spalding Official Boys' League Ball, made same as the National League Ball, only slightly smaller in size, should be used, for it better fits the boy's hand and prevents straining the arm in throwing. (See Rule 14 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) The Reduladon Bat l^^ ^=" """^^ "I"?/ .''^■■°""'^ and not to exceed 2%. inches in diameter at the thickest part. Spalding Trade Marked Bats are made to suit all ages and physiques, and are strictly in accord- ance with of^cial regulations. (See Rule 15 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Redulatton Gloves The catcher or first baseman A \yf*^^ ^^^^ wear a glove or mitt of any una IfllllS sizQ., shape or weight. Every other player is restricted to the use of a glove or mitt weighing not over 10 ounces and measuring not over 14 inches around the palm. Spalding's Trade Marked Gloves and Mitts are regulation weight and size and are used by all the champion players. (See Rule 20 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Players' Uniform . <^=""" ^^^""^ by players not dad •^ in a regular uniform are called "Scrub" games, and are not recorded as "Match" games. Every club should adopt a regular uniform, not only to enable the players to properly play the game, but to distinguish one team from the other. (See Rule 19 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Spalding' s Athletic Library, |>^II]Xil)er and T^^o teams make up each con- T» lAi £ -ni test, with nine players on each Positions of Players 3;^^. The fielders are known as the Pitcher, the Catcher, the First Baseman, the Second Base- man, the Third Baseman, the Shortstop, the Left Fielder, the Center Fielder and the Right Fielder. None of these is required to occupy an exact position, except the pitcher, who must be within the "Pitcher's Box" when pitching the ball to the batter, and the catcher, who must be within the "Catcher's Space" behind the batter. (See Rules 16, 17 and 18 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Substitute Players ^ '"^"'."' """''" °! '"^'t •^ tutes in uniform should always be on the field ready to take the place of any disabled player. • (See Rule 28 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Choice o£ Innings — The home dub shall have the — P,4 « ---,4 1 1 r choice of innings and shall decide t* itneSS Ot t leld tor ^n the fitness of the ground for Play beginning the game. (See Rule 29 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) General Defines the meaning of the technical terms, ^^ -, ,4 "Play," "Time," "Game," "An Inning," DeiinitlOnS ««a Time at Bat," and " Legal or Legally." (See Rules 78-83 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) A-o -i 1 ^* -, r^^w^^ The game begins with the Regulation Game ^^,j^^^ «j ^^^ ^«^ .^^ ^^^.^.^^ and the first batter of the opposing team in his "box" at home plate. If it is not possible to outline a box it should be remem- bered that the batter is never allowed to step over the plate to strike at the ball, and that he must not run forward to exceed three feet to strike at it. The umpire may take his position at his option, either behind the catcher or the pitcher. He judges all balls and Spalding's Athletic Library, strikes, decides all outs, decides whether the ball is batted foul or fair, decides as to the legality of the pitcher's delivery, and, in fact, has complete control of the game. His decisions must never be questioned, except by the captain of either team, and only then in the event that there is a dispute as to the correct interpretation of the rules. The team at bat is allowed two coachers on the field, one oppo- site third base and one opposite first base, but they must never ap- proach either base to a distance closer than five feet, and must not coach when there are no runners on the bases. Whenever a player is substituted on a nine, he must always bat in the order of the man whose position he is called upon to fill. A player may be substituted at any time, but the player whose place he takes is no longer eligible to take part in the contest. A game is won when the side first at bat scores fewer runs in nine innings than the side second at bat. This rule applies to games of fewer innings. Thus, whenever the side second at bat has scored more runs in half an inning less than the side first at bat, it shall be declared the winner, provided the side first at bat has completed five full innings at bat. A game is also won if the side last at bat scores the winning run before the third man is out. In case of a tie game play continues, until at the end of even in- nings, one side has scored more runs than the other; provided, that if the side last at bat scores the winning run before the third man is out, the game shall terminate. (See Rules 22-27 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) p«^ Vi*«r^ "R lo«i When the pitcher delivers the ball he riicning i\uies ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^ j^j^ feet in contact with the pitcher's plate. Whenever the ball, after being pitched, goes over any por- tion of the home plate, between the batter's knee or shoulder, it must be called a strike whether the batter strikes at it or not. If the pitcher fails to deliver the ball over any portion of the plate, or if he delivers it over the plate above the shoulder or be- Spalding's Athletic Library. low the knee, it is called a ball if the batter declines to strike at it. At the beginning of each inning the pitcher is allowed to throw live ball's either to the catcher or an infielder for practice. If the pitcher makes a motion to deliver the ball to the bat and fails to do so, or feints to throw to first base when oc- cupied by a runner, and fails to complete the throw, the um- pire must call a balk. A balk is also declared when the pitcher makes a motion to throw to any base without stepping directly toward that base ; when either foot of the pitcher is behind the pitcher's plate when he delivers the ball ; when he fails to face the batsman in de- livering the ball ; when either foot is not in contact with the pitcher's plate when delivering the ball ; when he purposely delays the game by holding the ball ; when he makes any motion to pitch while standing in his position and does not have the ball in his possession ; when he makes any motion with any part of his body corresponding to his customary style in pitching and fails to deliver the ball; when he delivers the ball to the catcher when the latter is outside of the catcher's box. When a pitched ball hits the batsman, or the umpire before the catcher touches it, the umpire must declare it a dead ball and no base runner can advance. If a foul strike, a foul hit not caught, dead ball or a fair hit ball touch a base runner, the ball is not in play again until it is held by the pitcher standing in his position. A block ball is a batted or thrown ball that is touched by a person not engaged in the game. The umpire must so announce it and runners may advance until the ball is returned to the pitcher in his position. After that they continue to advance at their own peril. If the blocked ball be held by a spectator or be kicked away from a fielder by a spectator, the umpire may call, "Time," and hold the runners at the bases where they were when he called, "Time." (See Rules 38-51 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Spalding' s Athletic Library. Ratting Rules Each captain is privileged to look at the batting order of his opponent, and both batting orders must be furnished the umpire. After the first inning the first batter in each inning is the player succeeding the man who completed his time at bat in the in- ning before. A fielder always has the right of way over a batter to catch or handle the ball. Any legally batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first, or home and third base, or that bounds on fair ground to the outfield past first base or third base, or that falls on fair ground beyond first base or third base, or that touches the person of a player or the umpire on fair ground is a fair hit, A ground hit that first strikes fair territory and rolls out of the foul line between home and first or home and third is a foul hit. Any legally batted ball that settles on foul ground is a foul hit, except that a ground hit rolling from foul to fair territory between home and first or home or third and remains there is a fair hit. A foul tip is the continuation of a strike which has just been touched by the bat and shoots directly to the catcher's hands. A bunt hit is a legally batted ball tapped slowly to the infield which remains on fair ground. If a bunt rolls foul it must be called a strike, whether the first, second or third strike. Any hit going outside the ground is fair or foul, as the umpire judges its flight at the point at which it passes beyond the limi- tations of the enclosure. Any hit going outside the ground be- yond a distance of 235 feet entitles the batter to a home run. If the batsman strikes at a pitched ball and misses it, the umpire must call a strike. If a ball passes over the plate at the proper height the umpire must call a strike whether or not the batsman strikes at it. A foul tip, caught by the catcher, is always a strike. A foul hit, whether a fly or a ball bounding to any part of foul ground, is a strike unless the batter has two strikes. After two strikes the batter may foul the ball without penalty un- less he be caught out on a foul fly. Spalding's Athletic Library. All bunts rolling foul are strikes. If the batsman strikes at the ball and misses it, but the ball hits him. it is a strike. If the batsman hits the ball with either of his feet out of the batter's box, it is .a foul strike and he is out. If a batsman bats out of turn, and it is discovered before the ball has been delivered to the succeeding batsman, the man, who should have batted, is out, and no runs can be scored or bases be run on the play made by the wrong batter. If while the wrong batsman is at bat, the mistake is discovered, the proper batsman may take his place, but he must be charged with the balls and strikes that have been recorded against the wrong batsman. In a case of this kind the batters continue to follow in their regular order. If a batsman be declared out because of a wrong man batting for him, and it be the third out, the player first at bat in the next inning shall be the one who would have been at bat had the players in the preceding inning been put out by ordinary play. The batsman can be called out if he fails to take his place within one minute after the umpire has called for him. A foul fly caught by a fielder retires the batsman, providing the fielder does not use his cap, his protector, or any illegal con- trivance to hold the ball. I.f the ball should lodge in the catcher's protector by accident, and he should secure the ball before it falls to the ground, it has been ruled that this is a fair catch. Whenever the batter attempts to hinder the catcher from field- ing or throwing the ball, he is out. If there is a man on first base, unless two are out, the batter is out when three strikes are called, whether the catcher holds the ball or not. If there is a man on first base, unless two are out, the batter is out when three strikes are called, whether the catcher holds the ball or not. The batsman is out on the third strike if the ball hits him and base runners must not advance. Before two men are out, if the batsman pops up a fly to the Spalding' s Athletic Library. infield, with second or first, or second and third bases occupied, the batsman is out if the umpire announces it an infield hit, and the umpire must make an instantaneous decision in order that a double play may be prevented and the base runners may be pro- tected. After the batsman makes a fair hit on which he is not put out, he must touch first, second and third base and the home plate in regular succession to score a run. No base runner can score ahead of the men who precedes him in the batting order if that player is also a base runner. The batsman must run to first base immediately after four balls have been called, as well as after a fair hit has been made. If the batsman is hit by a pitched ball, and the umpire is satis- fied that the batsman did not purposely get in the way of the ball, he is entitled to go to first base without being put out. Should the catcher interfere with the batsman in striking at the ball, the batsman is entitled to first base without being put out. The batsman who hits a fair ball that strikes the person or clothing of a base runner is entitled to first base. After the third strike is called and missed by the catcher, if the batsman interferes with him he is out. Any fly ball legally hit by the batsman and legally caught on fair or foul ground is out. Three strikes are out if the catcher holds the ball. In case he drops it, but picks it up, and touches the batsman, or picks it up, and throws to first base ahead of the batsman, the latter is out. Should the batsman make a fair hit and in the last half of the distance between home plate and first base run more than three feet outside of the line he is out, except that he may go out of the line to avoid interfering with a fielder trying to handle the ball as batted. This rule is construed rather liberally owing to the great speed with which runners go to first base. (See Rules 38-51 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Spalding's Athletic Library. Base Running Whenever the umpire sends the bats- ■p I man to first base on balls, or being hit nilies ^y ^ pitched ball, or being interfered with by the catcher, all runners on bases immediately ahead of him may advance a base without being put out. Runners on the bases may take the next base without being put out whenever the umpire calls a balk. A pitched ball, that passes the catcher and strikes the umpire, or any fence, or building, within ninety feet of the home plate, entitles each runner to advance a base. If a fielder obstructs a base runner, the runner may go to the next base unless the fielder has the ball in hand to touch him out. A base runner may advance a base whenever the fielder stops or catches the ball with his cap, glove or any part of his uniform, detached from its proper place on his person. The base runner shall return to his base, without being put out, on a foul tip, or foul fly not legally caught by a fielder and on a hit bounding foul. On a foul strike the runner must return to his base. On a dead ball the runner must return. If it be the fourth ball and a runner be on first, he is bound to advance. If there are runners r'nead of him, on second or third, they, too, must advance in regu1 .r order. If by accide-/: the umpire interferes with the catchers throw or a thrown tall hit the umpire, the runner must return to his base and cannot be put out. If a pitched ball is struck at and missed by the batsman, but the ball hits the batsman, the runner returns to his base and cannot be put out. In any of the above cases the runner is not required to touch any intervening bases to reach the base to which he is legally entitled. Whenever the runner is on the way from first to second, second to third, or third to home plate, or reverse order, he must keep within three feet of a direct line between bases. If he runs out of line to avoid being touched by a fielder he is out. However if a fielder is on the line trying to field a batted ball, the runner Spalding's Athletic Library. may run behind him to avoid interference, and shall not be put out. Interference with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball re- tires the runner, unless two fielders are after the same hit, and the runner collides with the one whom the umpire believes to have had the lesser opportunity to get the ball. The runner is always out at any time that he may be touched by the ball in the hands of a fielder, unless the runner is on the base to which he is legally entitled. The ball, however, must be held by the fielder after he has touched the runner. If the run- ner deliberately knocks the ball out of the fielder's hands, he shall be declared out if not on base. If the runner fails to get back to base after a foul or fair fly is caught, before the ball is fielded to that base and legally held, or the runner be touched before he can get back to base b^ a fielder with the ball in his hands, the runner is out, except that if the ball be thrown to the pitcher, and he delivers it to the batter, this penalty does not apply. If a base should be torn from its fastenings, when the runner strikes it he cannot be put out. If a runner is on first, or runners are on first and second, or first, second and third, and the ball shall be legally batted to fair ground, all runners are forced to run, except in the case of an infield fly, previously referred to, or a long fly to the outfield, and may be put out at any succeeding base if the ball is fielded there and properly held, or the runners may be touched out between bases in the proper manner. After a foul fly is caught or a long fly to the outfield is caught base runners have the privilege of trying for the next base. A base runner hit by a legally batted ball in fair territory is out. The batsman, however, must run to first base, but may be put cat if it is possible to do so. A runner on first base, who is forced by the batsman, may leave the base, but shall be allowed to return, if not forced out at second, and the batsman be fielded out at first. No run can be scored when a base runner is hit by Spalding' s Athletic Library, a baited ball nor can a runner advance from second to third or first to second. A runner who fails to touch a base in regular or reverse order, when a fair play is being made, is out if the ball be properly held by a fielder on the base that should have been touched, or the runner be touched out between bases by the ball legally held by a fielder. A runner is out if after "Play" has been called by the umpire he fails to return to the base that he occupied when "Time" was temporarily called, providing always that the ball in the meantime has not been delivered by the pitcher to the batter. When the batter runs to first base, he may overrun the base if he turns to the right after passing it. If he turns to the left he renders himself liable to be touched out before he gets back to the base. If before two are out. and third base is occupied, the coacher at third base shall attempt to fool the fielder by pretending to run home, thereby drawing a throw to home plate, the runner on third base shall be declared out. If one or more members of the team at bat gather around a base for which a runner is trying, thereby confusing the fielding side, the runner trying for the base shall be declared out. If a runner touch home plate before a runner preceding him in the batting order, if there be such a runner, the latter shall lose his right to third base. The coachers must confine themselves to legitimate directions of the base runners only, and there must never be more than two coachers on the field, one near first base and the other near third base. One run shall be scored every time a pla3^er has made the legal circuit of the bases before three men are out, provided that a runner who reaches home, on or during a play in -which the third man is forced out, or is put out before reaching first base, shall not be entitled to score. Any special ground rules shall be understood by both team Spalding'' s Athletic Library. captains and the umpire. The captain of the home club estab- Hshes the ground rules. A player who makes a legal hit to fair territory is entitled to as many bases as he can advance without being put out. If a fielder is unable to get the ball until the batter has completed the circuit of the bases it is called a home run providing no fielder makes a misplay in handling the ball. The same rule applies to the making of a three-base hit, a two-base hit, or a one-base hit — better known as a single. (See Rules 52-59 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Umpire's Duties l,}"^ "•""''' '''" "',' """"''^r '° *^ call a draw game, whenever storm interferes, if the score is equal on the last even inning played. However, if the side second at bat is at bat when a storm breaks, and the game is terminated, and this side has scored the same number of runs as the other side, the umpire can call the game drawn without regard to the score of the last equal in- ning. Under like conditions, if the side second at bat has scored more runs than the side first at bat, it shall be declared the winner, all runs for both sides being counted. A game can be forfeited by the umpire if a team refuses to take the field within five minutes after he has called "Play"; if one side refuses to play after the game has begun ; if, after the um- pire has suspended play, one side refuses to play after he has again called "Play" ; if one side tries to delay the game ; if the rules are violated after warning by the umpire; if there are not nine players on a team after one has been removed by the umpire. The umpire has the right to remove players for kicking at de- cisions or for behaving in an ungentlemanly manner. Only by the consent of the captain of an opposing team may a base runner have a batter of his own side run for him. The choice of innings is given to the captain of the home club. If two clubs happen to be playing from the same city the choice of innings may be determined by tossing a coin. Spalding's Athletic Library. Play may be suspended by the umpire because of rain and if rain falls continuously for thirty minutes the umpire may termi- nate the game. The umpire may call "Time" for any valid reason, but not until the pitcher is in his position with the ball in his hand. In case of serious accident this provision is usually waived, the ball being fielded as quickly as possible to some point to hold the runners. (See Rules 60-74 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) Scoring Rules Each side may have its own scorer, and in case of disagreement, the umpire shall decide, or the captains of each side may agree upon one scorer for the match. (See Rules 84-86 of Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide.) SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL GUIDE. WHAT A BASE BALL PLAYER NEEDS The first requisite of a ball plajt^r is, of course, the ball and bat. The Spalding Official League Ball has been used exclusively by the National League, minor leagues, and by all intercollegiate and other associations for over a quarter of a century, and is beyond all ques- tion the most perfect base ball that has ever been produced. It is backed up by an absolute guarantee to last through one contiuHous match game without ripping or losing its shape. The Spalding Of- ficial League Ball is sold by all first-class athletic goods dealers throughout the country, and the price is $1.25 each. For boys' use especially, there is a smaller size, called Spalding's Official Boys' League Ball, which combines all the qualities of the Official ball, and is just as carefully made. It is especially designed for junior clubs (composed of boys under sixteen years of age), and all games in which this ball is used will be recognized as legal games, the same as if played with the Official League BalL The Official Boys' League Ball rosts 75 cents. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL GUIDE. Other balls '.vhlch give good satisfaction are the Doul)lo S'-ara Ball, $1.25; 'Varsiiy League, $1.00; luterbcholastic I>eague — a smaller size of the 'Varsity — 50 cents, and so on down in price. Every team, how- ever, ehould practice with the official ball, thereby accustoming them- selves to its use when called upon to play match games. In selecting a l)ase ball hat care should be used to select a properly l)alanced bat of only the best material and worlimanship; the wood should be dried for a number of seasons out of doors in order to insure the proper resiliency and driving power, and should be of a correct model to properly balance according to the needs of the particular batter using that bat. This of course will vary according to the different styles of batting. A. G. Spalding & Bros, have facili- ties for producing the finest bats in the world. They have a corps of experts who devote their entire energies to this particular subject. Only second-growth ash of upland timber is selected, and after it has been carefully seasoned for at least three years, it is then worlied up into bats, and any wood which shows any imperfec- tion is thrown out. The Spalding bat experts are familiar with every model used by any player of note in the country, and all of these models are incorpo- rated in the line of bats turned out by this house. In the regular line of bats, without question, the best is A. G. Spalding & Bros.' "Gold Medal" bat, each one of which is tagged with a certificate showing the weight, length, size and inspection, and is an absolute guai-antee that it has passed the most rigid inspection and is perfect in every detail. The Gold Medal bat includes the models of every prominent batter in all of the leagues. The timber is thoroughly seasoned for from three to five years and fully guaranteed. The Spalding Gold Medal Bat is made with a tape-wound handle or a plain handle, in men's sizes, for $1.00 each. There is also a Boy's Gold Medal Bat, in plain handle only, at 50 cents each. Another good bat is called the "Mushroom," owing to the peculiar formation of the handle, which utilizes a principle by which a bat of the same weight is made many times more effective than the ordinary style under certain conditions, and as an all-around bat many prominent pro- fessional players testify to their appreciation of the good points of its construction. They say: "Both balance and model are perfect." The knob arrangement at the end of the bat enables a more even distribution of weight over PLAIN* the whole length than is possible under the old TAPED. construction, and for certain kinds of play the bat is practically in valuable. John J. McGraw, Manager of the New York club, w^orld's cham- pions, says: "For a long time I have been trying to find a bat that w'ould balance when choking. Not until I used the Mushroom Bat, have I found a bat that was up to my idea. It is used exclusively by the New York players." SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL GUIDE. James J. Callahan, of the Chicago American League club, says: "In all my experiencu as a hall player I have not found a more satisfac- tory bat than the Spalding Mushroom Bat. The timber is the best I have seen and the balance and model are perfect." Wm. Gleason, Captain Philadelphia National League club, says: "No bat has given me such good service as the Spalding Mushroom Bat. Quality and balance are perfect." Charles A. Comiskey, President of ftie Chicago American League club, says: "The Spalding Mushroom Bat receives my hearty endorse- ment. My experience as a ball player enables me to thoroughly ap- preciate its good qualities." James F. Slagle, John Evers, F. L. Chance, J. Kling, J. McCarthy, Joe Tinker, Dr. J. P. Casey, D. Jones, of the Chicago National League club, all say that they have never used a more satisfactory bat. The price of the taped or plain Mushroom is $1.00. __ Spalding's Trade Marked Bats rank next to the Mushroom Bat in point of excellence and are made with the greatest care and thuruughly teasoned. They are as follows: The "A. G. Siialding Autograph" bat, 75 cents; Wagon Tiiugue ash bat. League quality, special finish, ■spotted burning, 5U cents; Black End Axle- ree bat, finest straight grained ash, tape-wound handle, 25 cents; Black Band bat, extra (juality •^h, 25 cents; Junior League bat, extra (piality «y/ 1900 SPALDING OFFICIAL BOYS' LEAGUE BALL MADE with horsehide cover, rubber centre, and wound with wool yarn. Same as our Official League Ball in every respect, except slightly smaller in size. It is especially designed for junior clubs (composed of boys under sixteen years of age) , and all games in which this ball is used will be recog- nized as legal games, the same as if played with the Official League Ball. Warranted to last a full game. No. IB. Each, 75c. :DQz 1=. S\ A. C. SPALDING & BROS. 'New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London. England Hamburg. Germany The Spalding 'Varsity League Bal Regulation size and weight, fine selected horsehide cover, rubber centre, all wool yarn and far superior in material and workman- ship to any of the various imitations of our Official League Ball. Warranted to last a full game without loosing its elasticity or shape. C: No. X. Each, $1.00 z=:=D Spalding Intsrschoiastic League Ball Same quality as the 'Varsity League, but smaller in size. War- .. ranted to last a full game. jj ^ — No. XB. Each, 50C. = ^ c=J) A. C. SPALDING & BROS. (U, New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOB. SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 ^G= Spalding DoubleSeam Boll spaldihg^j DOUBLEJEAH' ^" 5oz. 9111/ Made with the same care and of the same material as our League Ball ; the double- stitch is used in its construction, rendering it doubly secure against ripping. Every ball is wrapped in tinfoil and warranted to last a full game. No. 0. Each, $1.25. Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Son Minneapolis Baltimore . Kansas City New.Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal. Canada London. England Hamburg. Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /^^^i GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS riof^lj) j PARIS 1904 nNo*^/ 1900 Spalding Professional Ball Full size ball. Made of carefully selected material throughout, and warranted first-class quality. No. 2. Each, 50c. Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. Tl A. C. SPALDING & SROS. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany fHIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDINC ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /^^^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS r( jPftiWllbji PARIS 1904 \Xp>/y 1900 =51) G= Spalding Fielders* Mitts The easiest, most pli- able and best made fielders' mittever made. Molded brown calfskin face; extra full thumb, laced; leather lined and strap-and-buckle fast- ening at back. No. 3C. Each, $3.00 Spalding ''Black Lea- ther'' Fielders' Mitt. Made of specially tan- ned black leather and similar in quality other- wise to No. 3X. No.3XR.Each,$2.50 MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. O f ^ A. C. SPALDING & BROS. (L^ New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cmcmnati Montreal, Canada London. England Hamburg. Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 =THE= SPALDING MUSHROOM BAT Patented Aug. 1, 1905 G- N this bat a principle has been utihzed which makes it many times more effective than the ordinary style under certain conditions, and as an all-around bat we have received many letters from prominent professional players testifying to their appreciation of the good points of its construction. They say: "Both balance and model are perfect, " and we oth these points of construction have been brought as near to per- fection as it is possible for human ingenuity to go. The knob arrangement at the end of the bat enables us to get a more even distribution of weight over the whole length than is possible under the old construction, and for certain kinds of play the bat is practically invalu- able. It is this feature which appeals to the up-to-date player, and even with nothing else to recommend it, the bat would be an acquisition for any player anxious to make a good record. Only the very best quality of air- dried timber has been used and every on^ is carefully tested by an expert before leaving our factory. We recommend it heartily to our customers, feeling certam that they will find in the combination of good qualities which it possesses something which they have sought for in vain elsewhere— a perfect bat. No. M. Mushroom Plain Bat, Special Finish. . . Each, $ 1 .00 No. MT. Mushroom Taped Bat, Taped Handle. . . " ! .00 For a longtime 1 have been trying lu hn.i a bat that would balance when choking. Not until 1 used the Mushroom Bat have I found a bat that was up to tny idea. This bat is used exclusively by the New York players. Yours truly. JOHM J. McGRAW, Manager New York Baie Ball Club. I have not found a more salistactory base ball bat than the Spalding Mushroom Bai. The limber is the best I have seen, the balance and model of the bat is perfect. Yours truly. JAMES J. CALLAHAH, Manager-Caplatn Chicago American Lea^e Club. oom Ba have played prolesjion, vice as the Spalding ^ lahty and balance are perfect WM. OLEASOn. Captain fhtladelphia National Lt-ugu B^ie Bait Club. The Spalding Mushri , Batr My experience as ball player enables me to thoroughly appr ciale IIS good qualities. Yours truly. CHAS. A. COMISKET, President Chicago American League Clu In all our experience as base ball players wt have not found a bat more saiislaclory tlie Spalding Mushroom Bat JAMES F. SLAOLE JOHH EVERS F. L. CHANCE J. KLIWO J. McCARTHT JOE TINKER BR. J. P. CASEY B. JONES O! Chicago National League Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. ==5 A. C. SPALDING Sl BROS. (U. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /^^^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS l15^i£!!i|,)i PARIS 1900 Spalding ""^ Trade-Marked Bat>s Since 1877, when we introduced the Spalding line of trade-marked bats, they have been recognized as standard by players to whom quality is a consideration. Wherever possible, we have improved both style and quality from time to time, and the assortment as now made up comprises absolutely the most up-to-date and thoroughly trustworthy styles that can be produced. The timber used in their construction is seasoned from two to three years before using, thus ensuring not only a lighter and stronger bat, but also retaining the life quality and driving power of the natural wood. SPALDING MEN'S BATS /^^t^^^^WZ'ii^X^^^^*;^ AUTOGRAPH BAT, Superior quality, fine polish ' ^ ^ finish. Each, 76c. No. 3-0. Spalding Wagon Tongu^Ash Bat, League quality, special finish, spotted burning 60c. No. OX. Spalding"AxIetree"Bat,fineststraightgrainedash;tapewoundhandle. . " aSc. No. 2X. Spalding Black Band Bat, e.\tra quality ash " a6c. SPALDING BOYS' BATS No. 3X. Spalding Junior League Bat, extra quality ash, =>pui,.eJ ouii.ii.s. . . Each, a6c. No 2XB. Spalding Boys' Bat, selected quahty ash, polished. and varnished; antique finish \. . ... =. « . • _; 'Oc- NO. lO. Youths' Bat; good quality » ^ „ .j • " 6c. V^ii) Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports, ti _J) A. C. SPALDING & BROS. g ^ New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /<^^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS rloBiLOlNb)") PARIS 1904 \X;?r>y 1900 ^ CF (( Decker Patent'' Mitt Tl^ =0' ^ADE with face, sides and finger-piece of velvet tanned brown leather and back of selected asbes- tos buck, well padded and double row of stitching on heel pad, with the addition of a heavy piece of sole leather on back for extra protection to the hand and fingers. Strap-and-buckle fastening at back. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS No. OX. Each, $3.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. J ^ A. C. SPALDING & BROS. (U. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany SpoMlng Amofeur Milt \ jy|ADE of extra quality asbestos buck, perspiration proof, extremely tough and durable. A very popular Mitt. Strap-and-buckle fastening at back, MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS No. A. Each, $1.50 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sport A. C. SPALDINC & BROS. [New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany Spalding Youths' Mitt \ PATENT LACE BACK Superior quality youth's mitt. Made with extra quality white buck face and finger-piece, extremely tough and durable ; well padded ; reinforced and laced at thumb and double row of stitching on heel pad ; strap-and-buckle fastening at back. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS No. AB. Each, $1.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. ^ A. C. SPALDING Sl BROS. (U. I New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE , ,p^_^„v ST. LOUIS r(\PALDlHL)' GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 Spalding No. 4 Mitt Men's size. Improved style. Face and back of asbestos buck; extra heavily padded ; rein- forced and laced at thumb joint and double row of stitching on heel pad. No. 4. Each, 50c. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Spalding Junior MiLt> PATENT LACE BACK Most popular mitt made ; face and back of asbestos buck ; well padded ; laced thumb. No heel pad. No. CB. Each, 25c. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. (U, q A. G. SPALDING & BROS. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City NewOrleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London. England Hamburg. Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /Sr^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS (\O^HIi)") PARIS Spalding No. OA Mitt Extra large and heavily padded. Velvet tanned brown leather face and special tanned leather finger- piece and back. Extremely well made, and double row of stitching on heel pad. Strap-and-buckle fas- tening at back. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS No. OA. Each, $2.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. A. C. SPALDING & BROS. (U. I New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco I Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans [Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany Spalding No. O Mitt, Face, sides and finger-piece made of velvet tanned brown leather and the back of selected asbestos buck, well padded. No heel pad. Well known for reliability. Strap-and- buckle fastening at back. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS=: No. 0. Each, $2.50 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports =3(7 A. C. SPALDING & BROS. (t^ New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco I Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans I Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal. Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /^^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOWS nyMd PARIS 1904 \<^^y 190© ^ (5=3: X^ ^C? Spalding ^'League** Mitt U. Made of special gray tanned leather, very soft and pliable, heavily padded, and without heel pad. An old favorite. Strap-and-buckle fastening at back. No. 5-0. Each, $4.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports U ^ A. G. SPALDING & BROS. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London. England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOB. SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 C?cp- -SI Spalding No. 5 Mitt, Improved style ; face and back made of asbestos buck ; laced thumb ; well padded and double row of stitching on heel pad. No. 5. Each, 25c. NIADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Spalding No. 7 Mitt, Face of asbestos buck ; can- vas back ; good size and well padded. No. 7. Each, 10c. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports A. C. SPALDING &. BROS, ^, • Cf T rallies Denver San Francisco New York Chicago g^.V^olp KanllsCity New Orleans Qa s HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /^^^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS njtoN^b)") PARIS D^ ='Spaldii\g^ Dollar Mitt PATENT LACE BACK n^ S IS — = Men's size. Made throughout of good quaHty oil tanned leather. Reinforced and laced at thumb ; strap-and-buckle fastening at back. No heel pad. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS No. D. Each, $1.00 Send for Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sporta S XXS A. C. SPALDING & BROS. 2^ New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /£S^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS (\5f^|i)') PARIS Spalding Youths' Mitt PATENT LACE BACK pf' — ~- ^v ^WW^^W. J9 ■ ■•■\0'^^^^A %\ H^lk ^^k ^^^m ^^aa wiiiiii'T^^^^B BlliH in IhIIH lilillli'lli^^ BP liiiw ^^fcii^ P|bB )L w Superior quality youth's mitt. Made with extra quality white buck face and finger-piece, extremely tough and durable ; well padded ; reinforced and laced at thumb and double row of stitching on heel pad ; strap-and-buckle fastening at back. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS No. AB. Each, $1.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. .=J A. C. SPALDING & BROS. HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPAtDINC ATHLETIC GOODS D G= GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 Spalding's Inlielders' Gloves Men's size glove. Made of good quality oil tanned leather, well finished and exceedingly durable. No. XS. Each, $1.50 C=D A good all-around glove, im- proved style. Made of good quality white tanned horsehide, well padded and leather lined. No. X. Each, $1.50 A popular price professional style full size glove. Made of good quality asbestos buck, padded correctly. No. 13. Each, $1.00 Made with Web of Leather between Thumb and first Finger RIGHTS AND LEFTS Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports J SPALDING &, BROS. (U. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England ^Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDmC ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ..^^ ST. LOUIS nSMtjC 1904 W-'— ^ GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 Spalding Youths' Size Iniielders* Gloves Our best youths' glove, professsional style, made throughout of selected vel- vet tanned buckskin. Quality of material, work- manship and style same as our No, PX best men's glove ; an article of par- ticular merit, with web of leather between thumb and first finger. No. PXB. Each, $2.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. A good youths' size glove. Made of fine quality white tanned horsehide. Sim- ilar in material, work- manship and style to our No. X men's glove, with web of leather between thumb and first finger. No. XB. Each. $1.00 Made in Rights and Lefts A. C. SPALDING £c BROS. (U. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE / ?^^^JH^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS r 5Piwj)i(|l)" PARIS 1904 \ y;^:^yy 1900 fr Spalding Men's Size Infielders' Cloves =^ Made in professional style, with no heel pad and extra heavily pad- ded around edges and well up into the little finger. Material same as in No. 15. Made with web of leather be- tween thumb and first finger. No. I5L. Each, $1.25 Made in Rights and Lefts A well made glove, improved style. Made of extra fine quality brown leather, well padded ; double row of stitching on heel pad. Made with w e b of leather between thumb and first finger. No. 15. Each, $I.OO J ^ A. C. SPALDING & BROS. (U New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /^^^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS r(ol''^'-''"l|j)i PARIS 1904 \^H^^^ "**° =^ G= ==^ -^DG- Spalding Youths* Size Infielders* Gloves Professional style glove, well made of soft tanned white leather, heavily padded around edges and at wrist. A first-class article in every way. Made with web of leather between thumb and first finger. No. 14. Each, 50c. ^ Youths' size. Made of as- bestos buck and well padded; double row of stitching on heel pad. Good quality throughout ; with web of leather between thumb and first finger. No. 18. Each, 25c. A professional style youths' glove ; made of asbestos buck, without heel pad, and nicely padded at wrist and around edges Made with web of leather between thumb and first finger. No. 19. Each, 25c. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. — O P ^ S) A. C. SPALDING A BROS. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOK. SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 (T Spalding Men's Size Infielders' Gloves ==^ Made of good quality soft suede tanned white leath- er, leather lined, nicely padded ; double row of stitching on heel pad. Made with web of leather between thumb and first finger. No. 12, Each, 75c. *i^ A good glove, full size, improved style. Fine quality soft tanned white leather, nicely padded ; double row of stitching on heel pad. Made with web of leather between thumb and first finger. No. 1 6. Each, 50c. MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Send for Spalding's (Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. ^ A. G. SPALDING & BROS. ^=, New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOB. SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE f.1 ST. LOUIS 1904 GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 =^ G= ==^ V Made with Web of leather between Thumb and First finger. SPALDING PROFESSIONAL INFIELDERS' GLOVE Our best Infielders' ^^ Glove is made up on lines suggested by prominent players, and the buckskin used in its construction is the finest we have been able to obtain. It is heavily padded around edges and extending well up into the little finger with fine quality felt. Has no heel pad, but is made extra long to pro- tect the wrist. We have spared no expense to make this absolutely the best Infielders' Glove ever made. No. PX. EACH. $3.00 "DLACK leather, pro- ^ f essional style. Quality of material and workmanship, also general design similar to No. PX. An abso- lutely highest quality Infielders' Glove. No. RX. EACH, $3.00 Made in Rights and Lefts ^ A. C. SPALDING & BROS. ^=^ New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore KansasCity NewOrleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati London, England Hamburg, Germany Montreal. Canada HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 =D G= Spalding Sun Protecting Mask This mask is used by practically all catchers on league, col- lege and semi-professional teams. The patent sun shade protects the eyes without obstructing the view. Mask is made throughout of finest steel wire, extra heavy black enameled. Fitted with molded leather chin strap, hair filled pads and special elastic head band. No. 4-0. Each, $4.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. SPALDING & BROS. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco) Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans I Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal. Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR. SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS Spalding AmaLeur Mask Bright Wire Same size and gen- eral style of the League mask. Sub- stantially made and warranted perfectly safe. No.A. Each,$LOO Spalding \ Boys' Amateur Mask ' Bright Wire Exactly same quality as our No. A mask, only smaller in size. An ab- solutely safe mask for boys. No. B. Each, $1.00 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. A. C. SPALDINC & BROS. EL^sr- '^Ti^'k^^- ^s=JiEg;li HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 Spalding Neck Protecting Mask Careful players realize the val- ue of the neck protecting at- tachment with which this mask is fitted. The arrangement is made so as not to interfere in the slightest with free move- ments and it affords absolute protection to the neck. Finest steel wire, extra heavy and black enameled to prevent re- flection of light. No. 3-0. Each, $3.00 Spalding Regulation League Mask Made of heavy, soft annealed steel wire. Well finished and reliable in every particular. BLACK ENAMELED No. OX. Each, $2.00 BRIGHT WIRE No. O. Each, $1.50 Send for Spalding's Complete catalogue of all Athletic Sports. -^ .=5) A. C. SPALDING &, BROS. ^ New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cmcmnati Montreal, Canada London. England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE f«l ST. LOUIS 1904 GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 Spalding Special League Mask Black Enameled For the ordinary player there is no mask more suit- able than our League style which is made on our special form as approved by the best players in this country. Extra heavy and best annealed steel wire black enameled. Fittings of best quality throughout. No. 2-0. Each, $2.50 Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. ^ A. G. SPALDING & BROS. ^^' New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900 ^ No. L SPALDING YOUTHS' MASK BRIGHT WIRE Well padded. No head or chin-piece. No.C. Each, 50c No.D. Each, 25c SPALDING REGULATION MASK BRIGHT WIRE Made in same style as our Amateur mask, but without head or chin-piece. Warranted. No. L. Each, 75c. No.C No.D Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. ^ ^ A. C. SPALDING <&, BROS. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco I Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Canada London, England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /C ST. LOUIS 1904 A GRAND PRIX HI,)') PARIS 1900 =v) G= No.DX First. Basemen's Mit>t> Men's size; a good article at a moderate price; made of oak tan specially selected lea- ther, laced all around; double row of stitching on heel pad, a very easy fitting mitt. Strap-and-buckle fast- ening at back. No. DX. Each, $1.50 No. EX First Basemen's MILL An excellent mitt for boys ; made of good quality white leather, laced all around; double row of stitching on heel pad, suitably padded and will give very good service. Strap-and-buckle fastening at back. No. EX. Each, $1.00 MADE IN RIGHTS AND LEFTS Send for Spalding's Complete Catalogue of all Athletic Sports. A. C. SPALDING Sc BROS. _ (U, New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cmcmnati Montreal Canada London. England Hamburg, Germany HIGHEST AWARDS rOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE ST. LOUIS 1904 Spalding No. 5X Fielders' Mitt An exceedingly good mitt at a pop- ular price : the face made of white tanned buckskin, brown leather back ; laced thumb ; constructed throughout in a most substantial manner ; strap-and-buckle fasten- ing at back. No. 5X. Each, $1.00 Spalding Boys' Fielders' MiLLs A substantial mitt for boys : made throughout of a good qual- ity brown cape leather, well padded and laced thumb, and without doubt the best mitt of the kind ever sold at the price. No. 6X. Each, 50c. Made of asbestos buck, well padded and substantially made; laced thumb. No. 7X Each, 25c. Made in Rights and Lefts ^ A. C. SPALDING eel Lockers are usually built with doors perforated full length in panel design, with sides and backs solid. This prevents clothes in one locker from coming in contact with wet garments in adjoin- ing lockers, while plenty of ventilation is secured by having the door perforated its entire length, but if the purchaser prefers we perforate the backs also. Illustrated Catalogue sent on requests CHURCHILL & SPALDING 470 Carroll Avenue CHICAGO, ILL. ATHLETiq iLKRARY(3 ^ KO. 13— HOW TO PLAY HAND BALL. By tb»' wuild's cliamplon, Michael Egan, of Jersey City. Tliis book has been rewritten and bronght up to date In every particular. Every play is thor- oughly explained by text and diagram. The numerous illustrations consist of full pages made from photographs of Champion Egan, shc-ving him in all his characteristic attitudes. Price 10 cents. NO. 14— CURLING. A short history of this famous Scottish pastime, with instructions for play, rules of the game, definitions of terms and dia- grams of different shots. Price 10 cents. NO. 23— CANOEING. By C. Bowyer Vaux. Paddling, sailing, cruising and racing canoes and their uses; tvith hints on rig and management; the choice of a canoe; sailing canoes; racing regulations; canoeing and camping. Fully illustrated. Price 10 cents. i NO. 27— COLLEGE ATHLETICS. | M. C. ]V nrphy, the well-known athletic trainer, now with Pennsylvania, the author of this book, has written it espe- cially for the schoolboy and college man, but it is invaluable for the athlete who wishes to excel in any branch of athletic Bport. The subject comprise the follow- ing articles: Training, starting, sprint- ing; how to train for the quarter, half, mile and longer distances; walking; high and broad jumping; hurdling; pole vault- ing; throwing the hammer. It is pro- fusely illustrated with pictures of lead- ing athletes, and has been revised for the season of 1906. Price 10 cents. NO. 29- PULLEY WEIGHT EXERCISES By Dr. Henry S. Anderson, instructor in heavy gymnastics Yale gymnasium, Anderson Normal School, Chautauqua University. In conjunction with X ehest machine anyone with this book can be- come perfectly developed. Price 10 cents. NO. 55— OFFICIAL SPORTING RULES. Contains rules not found in other pub- lications for the government of many sports; rules for wrestling, cross-country running, shuffleboard, skating, snowshoe- ing, quoits, potato racing, professional racing, racquets, pigeon flying, dog rac- ing, pistol and revolver shooting. Price 10 cents. NO. 87— ATHLETIC PRIMER. Edited by James E. Sullivan, Secre- tary-Treasurer of the Amateur Athletic Union; tells bow to organize an athletic club, how to conduct an athletic meeting, and gives rules for the government of athletic meetings; contents also include directions for building a track and laying out athletic grounds, and a very instruc- tive article on training; fully illustrated with pictures of leading athletes in ac- tion. Price 10 cents. P ATHLETIC J LIBRARY NO. 102— GROUND TUMBLING. By Prof. Henry Walter Worth, who was for years physical director of th« Armour Institute of Technology. Any boy, by reading this book and following the instructions can become a proficient tumbler. Price 10 cents. NO. 104— THE GRADING OF GYMNAS- TIC EXERCISES. By G. M. Martin, Physical Director of the Y. M. C. A. of Youngstown, Ohio. It is a book that should be in the hands of every physical director of the Y. M. C. A., school, club, college, etc. The contents comprise: The place of the class in physical training; grading of exer- cises and season schedules — grading of men, grading of exercises, season sched- ules for various classes, elementary and advanced classes, leaders, optional exer- cises. Nearly 20© pages. Price 10 cents. NO. 124— HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST By Robert Stoll, of the New York A. C, the American champion on the flying rings from 18S5 to 1892. Any boy who frequents a gymuAsium can easily follow the illustrations and instructions In this book and with a little practice become proficient on the horizontal and parallel bars, the trapeze or the "horse. "^ Price 10 cents. ^^y^ ~ ^ NO. 128— HOW TO ROW. i By E. J. Gianninl, of the New York A. C, one of America's most famous amateur oarsmen and champions. This book will in'struct any one who is a lover of rowing how to become an ex- pert. It is fully illustrated, showing how to hold the oais, the finish of the stroke and other information that will prove valuable to the beginner. Price 10 cents. NO. 129— WATER POLO. By Gus Sundstrom, instructor at the New Y'ork A. C. It treats of every de- tail, the individual work of the players, the practice of the team, how to throw the ball, with illustrations and many valuable hints. Price 10 cents. NO. 138— OFFICIAL CROQUET GUIDE. Contains directions for playing, dia- grams of important strokes, description of grounds, instructions for the begin- ner, terms used in the game, and the official playing rules. Price 10 cents. NO. 140— WRESTLING. Catch as catch can style. By E. H. Hitchcock, M.D., of Cornell, and R. F, Nelligan, of Amherst College. The book contains nearly seventy illustrations of the different holds, photographed espe- cially and so described that anybody who desires to become expert In wrest- ling can with little effort learn every one. Price 10 cents. yvTHLexiti ) library/ NO. 142— PHYSICAL TRAINING SIM- PLIFIED. By Prof. E. B. Warm an, the well- inown physical culture expert. Is a complete, thorough and practical book •where the whole man is considered — brain and body. By following the instructions no apparatus is required. The book is adapted for both sexes. The exercises comprise directions as follows: how to Btand; how to sit; how to rest; breath- ing; exercises for the fingers, wrists, el- bows, shoulders, neck, hips, knees, ankles; a word about the muscles; the arms and thighs; shoulders and chest; waist; sides; back and abdomen; bowing; bending; twisting; the liver squeezer, etc., etc. Fully Illustrated. Price 10 cents. NO. 143— INDIAN CLTJBS AND DUMB- BELLS. Two of the most popular forms of home or gymnasium exercise. This Jiook is ivritten by America's amateur champion club swinger. J. H. Dougherty. It is clearly illustrated, by which any novice can become an expert. Price 10 cents. NO. 149— THE CARE OF THE BODY. A book f.hat all who value health Bliould read and follow its instructions. By Prof. E. B. Warman, the well-known lecturer and authority on physical cul- ture The subject is thoroughly treated, fis a glance at the following small por- tion of the contents shows: An all- around athlete; muscular Christianity; eating, diet— various opinions; bill of fare for brain workers; l)ill of fare for muscle-makers; what to eat and drink; a simple diet; an opinion on brain food; ■why is food required? drinking water; nutrition — how food nourishes the body; a day's food, how used; constituents of a day's ration — beefsteak, potatoes, bread, butter, water, germs of disease, etc. Price 30 cents. NO. 154— FIELD HOCKEY. To those in need of vigorous and tealthful out-of-doors exercise, this game Is recommended highly. Its healthful attributes are manifold and the interest of player and spectator alike Is kept active throughout the progress of the game. The game is prominent in the sports at Vassar, Smith, Wellesley, Eryn Mawr and other leading colleges, i Price 10 cents. NO 156— THE ATHLETE'S GUIDE. How to become an athlete. It contains full instructions for the beginner, telling how to sprint, hurdle, jump and throw weights, general hints on training; in fact, this book is one of the most com- plete on the subject that has ever ap- peared. Special chapters contain valu- able advice to beginners and important A. A. D. rules and their explanations, while the pictures comprise manv scenes of champions in action. Price 10 cents, ATHLETIC N LIBRARY mkMJgi d-4 d-4 NO. 157— HOW TO PLAY TENNIS. ■ A complete description of lawn tennis; a lesson for beginners and directions tell- • ing how to make the most important 1 strokes; styles and skill of the experts; the American twist service; how to build and keep a court. Illustrated from photographs of leading players in ac- tion. Price 10 cents. NO. 158— INDOOR AND OUTDOOR GYMNASTIC GAMES. Without question one of the best books of its kind ever published. Com- piled by Prof. A. M. Chesley, the well- known Y. M. 0. A. physical director. It is a book that will prove valuable to indoor and outdoor gymnasiums, schools, outings and gatherings where there are a number to be amused. The games de- scribrd comprise a list of 120, divided into several groups. I'rice lu cents. NO. 161— TEN MINUTES' EXERCISE FOB BUSY MEN. By Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick, Director of Physical Training in the New York public schools. Anyone who is looking for a concise and complete course of physical education at home would do well to procure a copy of this book. Ten minutes' work as directed is exercise anyone can follow. It already has had a large sale and has been highly recom- mended by all who have followed its in- structions. Nearly KiO pages of illustra- tions and 100 of text. Price 10 cents. NO. 162— BOXING GUIDE. For many years books have been issued on the art of boxing, but it has remained for us to arrange a book that we think is sure to fill all demands. It contains over 70 pages of illustrations showing all the latest blows, posed especially for this I book under the supervision of a well- | known instructor of boxing, who makes a specialty of teaching and knows how to impart his knowledge. They are so | arranged that anyone can easily become J proficient. A partial list of the contents include: The correct position; clenching the fist; gauging distance; the first prin- ciples of hitting; the elements of de- fence; feinting; knockout blows; chin punch; the blow under the ear; the fam- ous solar plexus knockout; the heart blow; famous blows and their origina- tors: Fitzsimraons' contribution; the Mc- Coy corkscrew; the kidney punch; the liver punch; the science of boxing; proper position of hand and arm; left hook to face; hook to the jaw; how to deliver the solar plexus; correct delivery of a right uppercut; blocking a right swing and sending a right uppercut to chin; blocking a left swing and sending a lett uppercut to chin, etc., etc.; hints on training, diet and breathing; how to traia; rules for bosing. Price 10 cents. Athletic LIBRARY/* t NO. 165— THE ART OF FENCING. This is a new booli by Regis and Louis Senac, of New York, famous instructors and leading authorities on the subject. Messrs. Senac give in detail how every move should be made, and tell it so clearly that anyone can follow the in- structions. It is illustrated with sixty full page pictures, posed especially for this book. Price 10 cents. ^ I NO. 166— HOW TO SWING INDIAN CLUBS. By Pr*^ B. B. Warman, the well- known exponent of physical culture. By following the directions carefully anyone can become an expert. Price 10 cents. NO. 167— aUOITS. By M. W. Dfshong. The need of a book on this interesting game has been felt by many who wished to know the fine points and tricks used by the ex- perts. Mr. Deshong explains them, with illustrations, so that a novice can readily understand. Price 10 cents. NO. 170— PUSH BALL. Played with an air-inflated ball 6 feet in diameter, weighing about 50 pounds. A side consists of eleven men. This book contains the official rules and a sketch of the game; illustrated. Price 10 cents. , NO. 174^DISTANCE AND CROSS- COUNTRY RUNNING. By George Orton, the famous Univer- Bity of Pennsylvania runner. Tells how to become proficient at the quarter, half, mile, the longer distances, and cross- country running and steeplechasing, with instructions for training and schedules to be observed when preparing for a contest. Illustrated with numerous pic- tures of leading athletes in action, with comments by the editor on the good and bad points shown. Price 10 cents. NO. 177— HOW TO SWIM. By J. H. Sterrett, the leading author- ity on swimming in America. The in- structions will Interest the expert as well as the novice; the illustrations were made from photographs especially posed, showing the swimmer in clear water; a valuable feature is the series of "land drill" exercises for the beginner, which is illustrated by many drawings. The contents comprise: A plea for education in swimming; swimming as an exercise and for development; land drill exer- cises; plain swimming; best methods of learning; the breast stroke; breathing; under-arm side stroke; scientific strokes — over-arm side stroke; double over-arm or "trudgeon" stroke; touching and turning; training for racing; ornamental swimming; floating; diving; running header; back dive; diving feet foremost; the propeller; marching on the water; ewimming on the back. Price 10 ceuts. ^ /athletic Inlibraryi -^% 3S*0 NO. 178— HOW TO TRAIN FOR BICYCLING. Gives methods of the best riders when ■ training for long or short distance races; a hints on training. Revised and up-to- date in every particular. Price 10 cents. NO. 180— RING HOCKEY. A new game for the gymnasium. In- vented by Dr. J. M. Vorhees of Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, that has sprung into instant popularity; as exciting as basket ball. This book contains oflicial rules. Price 10 cents. NO. 182— ALL-AROUND ATHLETICS. Gives in full the method of scoring the Ail-Around Championship, giving percen- tage tables showing what each man re- ceives' for each performance in each of the ten events. It contains as well In- structive articles on how to train for the Ail-Around Championship. Illustrated with many pictures of champions in ac- tion and scores at all-around meets. Price, 10 cents. NO. 185— HEALTH HINTS. A series of articles by Prof. E. B. Warman, the well-known lecturer and authority on physical culture. Prof. Warman treats very interestingly of health influenced by insulation; health influenced by underwear; health influ- enced by color; exercise, who needs it? Price 10 cents. NO. 187— ROLLER POLO GUIDE. Edited by J. C. Morse. A full descrip- tion of the game; oflicial rules, pictures of teams; other articles of interest. Price 10 cents. NO. 188— LAWN HOCKEY, TETHER TENNIS. GOLF CROaUET, VOL- LEY BALL. HAND TENNIS, GAR- DEN HOCKEY, PARLOR HOCKEY, BADMINTON. Containing the rules for each game. Illustrated. Price 10 cents. NO. 189— RULES FOR GAMES. Compiled by Jessie H. Bancroft, direc- tor of physical training, department of education. New Y'ork City. These gamrs are intended for use at recesses, and all but the team games have been adapted to large classes. Suitable for children from three to eight years, and include a great variety. Price 10 cents. NO. 191— HOW TO PUNCH THE BAG. By W. II. Rothwell ("Young Ced Clarke; the earmarks of a ball player, by John J. McGraw; good advice for players; how to organize a team; how to manage a team; how to score a game; how to umpire a game; base ball rules inter- preted for boys. Price 10 cents. NO. 207— BOWLING ON THE GREENr OR, LAWN BOWLS. How to construct a green; necessary equipment; how to play the game, and the official rules as promulgated by the Scottish Bowling Association. Edited by Mr. James W. Greig. Illustrated. Price, 10 cents. NO. 208— PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND I HYGIENE. V This is the fifth of the Physical Train- m ing series, by Prof. E. B. Warman (see J> Nos. 142, 149, 16fi, 185, 213, 261). A glance ^ at the contents will show the variety of subjects: Chapter I — Basic principles; longevity. Chapter II — Hints on eating; food values; the uses of salt. Chapter 111— Medicinal value of certain foods. Chapter IV — The efficacy of sugar; sugar, food for muscular work; eating for strei.fth and endurance; fish as brain food; food for the children. Chapter V — Digestibili+y; bread; appendicitis due to flour. Chapter VI — Hints on drink- ing — water, milk, buttermilk, tea, cofifee; how to remain young. Chapter VII— Hints on bathing; cold, hot, warm, tepid, salt, sun, air, Russian, Turkish, cabinet. Chapter VIII — Hints on breathing; breathlessness, heart strain, second wind, yawning, the art of yogi. Price 10 cents. ATHLETIG ')LIBRARY/ NO. 209— HOW TO BECOME A SKATER. Contains advice for beginners; how to become a tiguie skater tlioroughly ex- plained, with many diagrams showing how to do all the different tricks of the best figure skaters, including the Mo- hawk, with all its variations; Q's, for- ward and backward, inside and outside; the crosscuts. Including the difficult Swedish style; inside and outside spins; the grapevine, with its numerous branch- es, and many other styles, which will be comparatively simple to any one who follows the directions given. Profusely illustrated with picturt^s of prominent skaters and numerous diagrams. Price 10 cents. NO. 213—285 HEALTH ANSWERS. Contents: Necessity for exercise in the summer; three rules for bicycling; when going up-hill; sitting out on summer nights; ventilating a bedroom; ventilat- ing a house; how to obtain pure air; bathing; salt water baths at home; a substitute for ice water; drinking ice water; to cure insomnia; asleep in two minutes; for those who ride wheels; sum- mer outdoor exercise; profuse perspira- tion; danger of checking perspiration; dress, hot weather, etc., etc. Price 10 cents. NO. 214— GRADED CALISTHENICS AND DUMB-BELL DRILLS. By Albert B. Wegener, Physical Di- rector Y. M. C. A., Rochester, N. Y. Ever since graded apparatus work has been used in gymnastics, the necessity of having a mass drill that would har- monize with it has been felt. For years it has been the established custom in most gymnasiums of memorizing a set drill, never varied from one year's end to the other. Consequently the be- ginner was given the same kind and amount as the older member. With a view to giving uniformity the present treatise is attempted. Price 10 cents. NO. 217— OLYMPIC HANDBOOK. Compiled by J. E. Sullivan, Chief De- partment Physical Culture, Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and Director Olym- pic Games, 1904. Contains a complete report of the Olympic Games of 1904, with list of records and pictures of hun- dreds of athletes; also reports of the games of 1896 and 1900. Price 10 cents. NO. 218— ICE HOCKEY AND ICE POLO. Written by the most famous player in Canada, A. Farrell, of the Shamrock hockey team of Montreal. It contains a complete description of the game, its origin, points of a good player, and an instructive article on how game is played, with diagrams and official rules. Illustrated with pictures of leading teams. Price 10 cents. /ATHLETIC \UBRARY NO. 233— JIU JITSTT. A complete description of this famous Japanese system of sdf-defence. Each move thoroughly explained and illus- trated with numerous full-page pictures of Messrs. A. Minami and K. Koyama, two of the most famous exponents of tlie art of Jiu Jitsu, who poseil i spe- cially for this book. Be sure and ask for the Spalding Athletic Library book on Jiu Jitsu. Price 10 cents. NO. 234— SCHOOL TACTICS AND MAZE RUNNING. A series of drills for the use of schools. Edited by Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick, Director of Physical Training in the New York public schools. Price 10 cents. NO. 236— HOW TO WRESTLE. Without question the most complete and up-to-date book on wrestling that has ever been printed. Edited by F. R. Toombs, and devoted principally to special poses and illustrations by Georges Ilackenschmidt, the "Russian Lion." It shows the champion in many poses, and also contains a special article on "Training," in which he gives good advice to beginners. The book also con- tains in addition many full pages of poses by Tom Jenkins and other famous wrestlers. Besides showing accurately how to secure each hold and fall, the book also contains official rules for all styles of wrestling. Be sure to ask for the Spalding Athletic Library book "How to Wrestle." Price 10 cents. NO. 237— ASSOCIATION FOOT BALL. A complete and up-to-date guide to the "Socker" game in the United States, containing instructions for playing the game, official rules, and interesting news from all parts of the country. Illus- trated with numerous pictures of lead- ing teams. Price 10 cents. NO. 238— MUSCLE BUILDING. By Dr. L. H. Gulick, Director of Physical Training in the New York pub- lic schools. A complete treatise on the correct method of acquiring muscular strength. Illustrated with numerous full-page engravings. Price 10 cents. NO. 239 — OFFICIAL INTERCOL- LEGIATE A.A.A. HANDBOOK. Contains constitution, by-laws, laws of athletics and rules to govern the awarding of the championship cup of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of Amateur Athletes of America, the gov- erning body in college athletics. Con- tains official intercollegiate records from 1876 to 1905, with the winner's name and time in each event, list of points won by each college, and list of officers of the' association from 1889 to 1905, in- clusive. Price 10 cents. athletic ^library/ NO. 240— SPALDING'S OFFICIAL FOOT BALL GUIDE. Edited by Walter Camp. Contains the new rules, with diagram of field; All- America teams as selected by leading authorities; reviews of the game from various sections of the country; 1905 scores of all the leading teams; records of etc., and is an encyclopedia in itself. Price 10 cents. NO. 241— OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE A.A.U. OF THE UNITED STATES. The A.A.U. Is the governing body of athletes in the United States of America, and all games must lie held under its rules, which are exclusively published in this handbotik, and a copy should be in the hands of every athlete and every I club officer in America. This book con- tains the official rules for running, jump-' Ing, weight throwing, hurdling, pole vaulting, swimming, boxing, wrestling, etc., and is an enclopedia iu itself. Price 10 cents, t ^ NO. 242— HOW TO PLAY FOOT BALL. Edited by Walter Camp. The con- 1 tents embrace everything that a beginner wants to know and many points that an expert will be glad to learn. The pic- tures ar.i made from snapshots of leading teams and players in action, with com- ments by Walter Camp. Price 10 cents. NO. 243— OFFICIAL BASKET BALL GUIDE. Edited by George T. Ilepbron. Con- tains the revised official rules, decisions on disputed points, records of prominent teams, reports on the game from various parts of the country, and pictures of hundreds of players. Price 10 cents. NO. 244— GOLF GUIDE. Edited by Charles S. Cox. Contains records of the important American golf events since their institution, short ac- counts of the state of the game in vari- ous parts of America, portraits of prom- inent players, and revised rules of the game. Price 10 cents. NO. 245— OFFICIAL Y.M.C.A. HAND- BOOK. Edited by G. T. Hepbron, the well- known athletic authority. It contains the official rules governing all sports under the jurisdiction of the Y.M.C.A., a complete report of the physical direc tors' conference, official Y.M.C.A. scor- ing tables, pentathlon rules, many pic- tures of the leading Y.M.C.A. athletes of the country, official Y.M.C.A. athletic rules, constitution and by-laws of the Athletic League of Y.M.C.A., all-around Indoor test, volley ball rules; illustrated. Price IC^ cents. e^/*^>* /ATHLETId kUBRARYl NO. 246— ATHLETIC TRAINING FOR SCHOOLBOYS. This book is the most complete work of its kind yet attempted. The compiler is Geo. W. Orton, of the University of Pennsylvania, a famous athlete himself and who is well qualified to give in- structions to the beginner. Each event in the intercollegiate programme is treated of separately, both in regards to method of training and form. By fot lowing the directions given, the young athlete will be sure to benefit himseR. without the danger of overworking as many have done through ignorance, ren- dering themselves unfitted for their task when the day of competition arrived. Price 10 cents. NO. 247— COLLEGIATE BASKET BALL GUIDE. The official publication of the new Collegiate Basket Ball Organization. Contains the official rules, collegiate and high school records, all America selec- tions, reviews of the collegiate basket ball season of 1904-5, and pictures of all the prominent college teams and indi- vidual players. Edited by Harry A. Fisher of Columbia. Price 10 cents. NO. 248— ARCHERY. A new and up-to-date book on this fas- cinating pastime. Edited by Mr. Louis Maxson of Washington, D. C, ex-Na- tional champion. Contains a history of archery from its revival as a pastime in the eighteenth century, to the present time, with li^t of \\inners and scores of the English Grand championships from 1844; National Archery Association of the United States winners and scores; the several varieties of archery; instruc- tions for shooting; how to select imple ments; how to score; and a great deal o interesting information on the game. Illustrated, Price 10 cents. 'NO. 249— HOW TO BECOME A • BOWLER. By S. Karpf, Secretary of the Ameri- can Bowling Congress, and one of the best posted men on bowling in America. Contents: History of the sport; diagrams of effective deliveries; how to bowl; a \ few hints to beginners; American Bowl- ing Congress; the national champion- ships; how to build an alley; how to score; spares — how they are made. Rules for cocked hat, cocked hat and feather, quintet, battle game, nine up and nine down, head pin and four back, ten pins — head pin out, five back, the Newport game, ten pin head, pin game, duckpln game, head pin game. New England candle pin game. Illustrated with por- traits of all the prominent bowlers. Price 10 cents. i I ATHLETIC ; library/, m AL- NO. 250— OFFICIAL ATHLETIC MANAC. Compiled by J. E, Sullivan, Chief De- [lartment Physical Culture, Louisiana I'uichase Exposition, and Director Olym- |iic Games, 1904. I'he only annual pnb- Mcation now issued .that contains a com- plete list of amateur best-on-records; complete intercollegiate records; complete English records from 1866; swimming records; interscholastic records; Irish, Scotch and Australasian records; reports of leading athletic meets; skating records; important athletic events and numerous photos of individual athletes and leading athletic teams. Price 10 cts. NO. 251 — CANADIAN" FOOT BALL GUIDE. Edited by Frank D. Woodworth, Sec- retary-Treasurer Ontario Rugby Foot Ball Union. The official book of the game in Canada. Price 10 cents. NO. 252— HOW TO SPRINT. A complete and detailed account of bow to train for the short distances. Every athlete who aspires to be a sprinter can study this book to advan- tage and gain a great deal of useful knowledge. Price 10 cents. NO. 253— OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE. This is the oflaeial handbook of the Public Schools Athletic League, which embraces all the public schools of Greater New York. It contains the otiicial rules that govern all the contests of the league, and constitution, by-laws and otlicers. Edited b.y Dr. Luther Halsey i^lulick, superintendent of physical edu- cation in the New York public schools Illustrated. Price 10 cents. NO. 25*— BARNJUM BAR BELL DRILL. Edited by Dr. R. Tait McKenzie, Di- rector Physical Training, University of Pennsylvania. Profusely illustrated. I'rice 10 cents. NO. 255— HOW TO RUN 100 YARDS. V>y J. W Morton, the noted British I .bampion. Written by Mr. Mortoa | iluring his recent American trip, iu 19u5, • ■s|iecially for boys. Mr. Morton knows ' I ow to handle his subject, and his ad- < .ce and directions for attaining speed, will undoubtedly be of immense assist- I i nee to the great majority of boys who lave to rely on printed instructions. Many of Mr. Morton's methods of train- i'.g are novel to American athletes, but I Is success is the best tribute to their, \ .'rth. Illustrated with photographs of Mi-. Morton in action, taken especially fur this book, in New Y^ork City. Price l« cents. (Ready in March.) /athletic Slibraryi NO. 256— OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCI- ATION. Edited by W. A. Hewitt, of Toronto. Contains the otticial rules of the Associ- ation, constitution, rules of competition, list of otlicers, and pictures of leading players. Price 10 cents. NO. 258— INDOOR BASE BALL. America's national game is now vieing with other indoor games as a winter pastime. This book contains the play- ing rules, pictures of leading teams, and interesting articles on the game. Price 10 cents. NO. 259— WEIGHT THROWING. By James S. Mitchel, Champion Amer- ican weight thrower, and holder of American, Irish, British and Canadian championships. Probably no other man in the world has had the varied and long experience of James S. Mitchel in the weight throwing department of athletics. The book is written in an instructive way, and gives valuable information, not only for the novice, but for the ex- pert as well. It is replete with lifelike illustrations of Champion John Flanagan throwing the hammer, Dennis Horgan, British and Irish champion shot putter, and others. Price 10 cents. (Ready in May.) NO. 260— OFFICIAL BASKET BALL GUIDE FOR WOMEN. Edited by Miss Senda Berenson, of Smith College. Contains the official ] rules of the game as revised by the Executive Committee, October, 1905, and articles on the following subjects: Games for women, by E. Hitchcock, Di- rector of Physical Training, and Dean of College, Amhurst College; condition of women's basket ball in the Middle West, by W. P. Bowen, Michigan State Normal College; a few suggestions about the actual playing of basket ball, by Agnes C. Childs, A. M., Smith College; psychological effects of basket ball for women, by Dr. L. H. Gulick. superin- tendent of physical training In the schools of Greater New York; physi- ological effects of basket 'lall, by Theodore Hough, Ph. D. ; significance of basket ball for women, by Senda Beren- son; relative merit of the Y. M. C. A. rules and women's rules, by Augusta Lane Patrick, director of physical train- ing, Montclair (N. J.) High School; A » Plea for Basket Ball, by Julie EUsbee Sullivan, Teachers' College, New York; diagram of field. Illustrated with many pictures of basket ball teams. Price 10 cents. /WTHLETId^ LIBRARY/ AA. m ^ NO. 261— TENSING EXERCISES. By Prof. E. B. Warman, and uniform \Yith his previous numbers on Scientific Pliysioal Training (see Spalding's Ath- letic Library Nos. 142, 149, 166, lisn, 208. 213). The "Tensing" or "Resist- ing" system of muscular exercises is the most thorough, the most complete, the most satisfactory, and the most fascina- ting of systems. Only forty minutes are required to take all the exercises. The illustrations comprise nearly 70 photo- graphs. (Ready in May.) NO. 262— MEDICINE BALL. This book is not a technical treatise, but a series of plain and practical exercises with the medicine ball, suitable for boys and girls, business and professional men in and out of gymnasium. Lengthy ex planation and technical momenclature have been avoided and illustrations used instead The exercises are fascinating and attract ive, and avoid any semblance of drudgery Edited by W. J. Cromie, physical directqi Germantown (Pa.) Y. M. C. A. (Ready in May.) kTHLETIO ^UBRARYv NO. 265— SPALDING'S LAWN TENNIS ANNUAL. EditiHl by H. P. Burchell, of the New I Y'ork Times. Contents include a report nf i every important tournament played in 1905, embracing the National Champion- ship, sectional and State tournaments; invitation and open tournaments; inter- collegiate and interscholastic champion- ships; women's national championships; Canadian and foreign championships; in- door championships; official ranking for each year from 1885 to 1905; laws of lawn tennis; instructions for handicap- ping; decisions on doubtful points; regu- lations for the management of tourna- ments. (Ready in April.) NO. 266 — SPALDING'S OFFICIAL CRICKET GUIDE. Edited by Jerome Flannery. The most complete year book of the game that has ever been published in America. It contains all the records of the previous year, reports of special matches, official rules and pictures of all the, leading teams and individual players. (Ready in April.) An Encyclopedia of Base Ball A TTENTION is called to the numbers of Spalding's Athletic Library on this and opposite page, embracing the greatest collection of books of instruction for playing the various positions in the game ever published. These books are entirely nev^ and up-to-date, and contain the latest methods of play. Each number is complete in itself and is profusely illustrated. Be sure and ask for Spalding's Athletic Library. For detailed description see following numbers : No. 257 Ready Aprill. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL GUIDE. Tlie leading base ball annual of the country, and the official authority of the game. Edited by Henry Chadwick, the "Father of Base Ball." Contains the official playing rules, pictures of all the teams in the National, American and minor leagues ; official averages ; reviews of the season in all the professional organizations ; college base ball ; early history of the game, and a great deal of information. i KO. 219— READY RECKONER OF BASE BALL PERCENTAGES. To supply a demand for a book which would show the perce»ntage of clubs with- out recourse to the arduous work of fig- uring, the publishers have had Mr. J. B. Foster, Sporting Editor of the New York Evening Telegram, compile a book which answers every requirement, and which has met with" the greatest praise for its accuracy and simplicity. No follower of the same can afford to be without it. '^:m NO. 223— HOW TO BAT. The most important part of ball play- ing nowadays, outside of pitching, is batting. The team that can bat and has some good pitchers can win base ball games; therefore, every ijoy and young man who has, of course, already learned to catch, should turn his attention to this department of the game, and there is no better way of becoming proficient than by reading this book and then con- stantly practising the little tricks ex- plained therein. ^ATHLETIC LIBRARY/ NO. 224— HOW TO PLAY THE OUT- FIELD. 'I Compiled especially for the young Iplayer who would become an expert. The best book on playing the outfield that has ever been published. There are just as many tricks to be learned, before a player can be a competent fielder, as there are in any other posi- tion on a nine, and this book explains them all. Illustrated with numerous page pictures of leading outfielders. Price 10 cents. s^h.^ NO. 225— HOW TO PLAY FIRST BASS'" No other position In a ball team has shown such a change for the better in recent years as first base. Modifications, in line with the betterment of the sport in every department has been made at Intervals, but in no other department have they been so radical. No boy who plays the initial sack can afford to over- look the points and hints contained in this book. Entirely new and up to date. Illustrated with full-page pictures of all the prominent first basemen. Price 10 cents. NO. 226— HOW TO PLAY SECOND BASE. There are so few men who can. cover second base to perfection that their names can easily be called off by anyone who follows the game of base ball. Team owners who possess such players would not part with them for thousands of dollars. These men have been inter- Fiewed and their ideas incorporated in this book for the especial benefit of boys who want to know the fine points of play at this point of the diamond. Illustrated with full-page pictures. Price 10 cents. , NO. 227— HOW TO PLAY THIRD BASE. ■ Third base is, in some respects, the I most important of the infield. No major league team has ever won a pennant without a great third baseman. Collins m of the Boston Americans and Leach of 1 Pittsburg are two of the greatest third * basemen the game has ever seen, andt their teams owe much of the credit for pennants they have won to them. These men in this book describe just how they play the position. Everything a player should know is clearly set forth and any boy will surely increase his chances of success by a careful reading of this book. Illustrated. Price 10 cents. NO. 228— HO'V TO PLAY SHORTSTOP. Shortstop is one of the hardest posi- tions on the infield to fill, and quick thought and quick action are necessary for a player who expects to make good as a shortstop. The views of every well- known player who covers this position have been sought in compiling this book, and it is offered as being the most com- plete book of its class ever produced. Illustrated. Price 10 cents. ^-ik. /athletic Nlibraryi NO. 229— HOW TO CATCH. Undoubtedly the best book on catching that has yet been published. Every boy who has hopes of being a clever catcher should read how well-known players cover their position. Among the more noted ones who describe their methods of Dlay in this book are Lou Criger of the Boston Americans and Johnnie Kling of the Chicago Nationals. The numerous pictures comprise all the noted catchers in the big leagues. Price 10 cents. NO. 230— HOW TO PITCH. ' A new, up-to-date book. No boy can afford to be without a copy of it. Edited by John B. Foster of the Evening Tele- gram (New York). The object of this book is to aid the beginners who aspire to become clever twirlers, and its con- tents are the practical teaching of men who have reached the top as pitchers, and who have had experience. Price 10 cents NO. 231— HOW TO COACH; HOW TO CAPTAIN A TEAM; HOW TO MANAGE A TEAM; HOW TO UMPIRE; HOW TO ORGANIZE A LEAGUE. A useful guide to all who are "inter- sted in the above subjects. Jimmy Col- ins, manager-captain of the Boston Americans, writes on coaching; M. J. Kelly of the St. Paul champions, on captaining; Al Buckenberger of the Rochester team, on managing; Frank Dwyer of the American League staff, on umpiring; Fred Lake on minor leagues, and the editor, T. H. Murnane, Presi- dent of the New England League, on how to organize a league. Price 10 cents. NO. 232— HOW TO RUN THE BASES. The importance of base running as a scientific feature of the national game is becoming more and more recognized each year. Besides being spectacular, feats of base stealing nearly always figure in the winning of a game. Many a close contest is decided on the winning of that little strip of 90 feet which lies between cushions. When hits are few and the enemy's pitchers steady, it becomes in- cumbent on the opposing team to get around the bases in some manner. Ef- fective stealing not only increases the ef- fectiveness of the team by advancing its runners without wasting hits,_ but it serves to materially disconcert the enemy and frequently has caused an entire opposing club to temporarily lose its poise and throw away the game. This book gives clear and concise direc- tions for excelling as a base runner; tells when to run and when not to do so; how and when to slide; team work on the bases; in fact, every point of the game is thoroughly explained. Illus- trated with pictures of leading players. Price 10 cents. WAY 29 1906 HIGHEST AWARDS FOR SPALDING ATHLETIC GOODS GRAND PRIZE /^^ GRAND PRIX ST. LOUIS ' iPALOI^Ib ') PARIS 1904 \v.-^«/ 1900 ^ G= ^XF BOYS Spalding store nearest to you Send yoTir name and get a free copy of Spalding's Spring and Summer Catalogue. Contains pictures and prices of everything new in Base Ball and all other Athletic Sports. Address the See list of cities below. iJC^r^ ^ A. C. SPALDINC, & BROS. ^=. New York Chicago St. Louis Denver San Francisco Boston Minneapolis Baltimore Kansas City New Orleans Buffalo Philadelphia Washington Pittsburg Syracuse Cincinnati Montreal, Can. London, England At tlie Louisiana Pur- chase Exposition, A. G. Spalding & Bros., in com- petition with the world's makers of Athletic Goods, received a Special Award (superior to the Grand Prize) consisting of a Gold Medal, for the best, most complete and most attractive installation of Athletic Supplies and Gymnastic Apparatus shown at the World's Fair. In addition, A. G. Spalding & Bros, were also awarded by the Grand Jury a Grand Prize for their exhibit of all kinds of Athletic Implements and Athletic Wearing Apparel. At Paris, 1900, in competition with the world's makers of Athletic Goods, A. G- Spalding & Bros, were awarded a Grand Prize for the finest and most complete line of Athletic Goods. Grand Prize, Saint Louis. 1904 Grand Prex, Paris, 1900 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Of flCIAL LEAGUE BAli CENu,^ COUNT .O^'" pi