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SPALDING From Photograph taken in San Francisco in November, 1679 SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY Group I - No. 225 HOW TO h PLAY FIRST BASE ^ New York AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING COMPANY 21 Warren Street Oopyright, 1915, by American Sports Pablishing Compaoy JUL 23 19/5 Spalding's Athletic Library. HOW I REGARD FIRST BASE PLAY By Ed Konetchy, Compared with some of the other positions on the infield, first base is undoubtedly an easy proposition. But don't let any imagine that it is a snap. Indeed, th^ job has been growing harder for the last few years until the clever first baseman will need all the speed, the arm, and the head he can press into service. The popular conception of the first oaseman is a man who does nothing but catch balls thrown to him. Consequently the youngster who is looking for the sport of ball playing with the least work, devotes himself to practicing catching and when he can hold a thrown ball securely, he believes that he has mastered first base play. But he will find that even on a fast amateur team he will have another guess coming. , It used to be the case that when the first baseman of a profes- sional team became disabled the manager stuck in any old person on the job — the catcher in all probability, because he could catch a ball. It made no difference whether he was fast on his feet, the catcher went to the post and was accepted as the best sub- stitute first baseman as a matter of course. But it is no longer the case that a makeshift is acceptable to big league managers. Well known major league clubs have been hunting for several years for a really good first baseman. That they have discarded several players who a few years ago would have been deemed all right in every necessary particular, is evidence of what I have just said — that the post is becoming more difficult, for much more is being annually required of the first baseman than ever before. The chief reason for this growing list of requirements for up- to-date first base play is caused by the increased bunting being 4 Spalding's Athletic Library. done. They tell me that there is not so much bunting now as a dozen years ago and that bunting is a lost art, and yet I know that for the last few years bunting has been steadily on the increase in comparison with the use made of that form of "inside batting" when I first broke into the profession. The bulk of the strain of handling bunts falls upon the first baseman. He does not handle all of them, of course, but he must be on the watch- out for them and the fact that one may be placed in his terri- tory at any minute keeps him on a high notch of tension and necessitates a perfect understanding between him and his pitcher and his second baseman. Now let's see what a good first baseman can make aut of his position. You'll say that the prime requisite will be the ability to catch and hold a ball thrown to him. Right you are — that is the "A" of the job. No boy or young man can play first base unless he is able to hold a thrown ball that comes to him per- fectly, at least 999 times in every 1,000 chances. No "mufifers" need apply. But balls that he is required to catch do not always come to him perfectly, nor are they always thrown to him. The fielders have an unpleasant knack, at times, of handing them over low, either just skimming the ground — the kind that have to be "dug up," or of sending 'em to you on a bound more or less awkward. Don't kick with your comrades about their throws — bad throws are all in the game. Just make up your mind that you will dem- onstrate your ability to grab every ball that comes to you, no matter how thrown — every ball that can possibly be grabbed, and some of the others that seem impossible. The first baseman should always have in mind reaching out. It helps himself and it helps the thrower a whole lot. Never stand like a graven image waiting for the ball to come to you. On perfectly thrown balls on a line, even, reach out for them and grab them the second before they would have come to you had you stood straight. In reaching for low throws, reach so that the ball will come to you on the least awkward hop possible. To judge this requires practice, but everything in Base Ball requires practice and the Spalding's Athletic Library. best results are obtained by not only getting frequent practice, but making that practice systematic and with a view to the fea- tures you need coaching in most — those upon which you are weak and which will be of the greatest advantage to you. Then there are other catches you will have to make that are not thrown balls. You must be on the watch-out for pop flies toward you and short right field flies. But from a mechanical standpoint they should give no trouble. The principal feature in connection with flies of any kind on which there is liability to get mixed up with another fielder is to have an understanding as to which shall get the ball. Then the, others should leave the field clear for him to do his work. The first baseman will find he is expected to take pretty nearly all flies that he can reach. The belief that he is as sure a catch as can be found, that he has the larger glove in which to "smother" the ball and the freedom the first baseman usually has from , other plays has caused custom to dictate that he shall make the catch nine times in ten. If he sees a ball he can take and knows that any other player is within range, let him call that he will take it until he is sure that his intention is understood. Such signals should be given by the players engaged in the play — others on the side lines or on the bench have no business mixing up. But the players should never keep their mouths shut when in danger of collision. Let the man who knows that he is going to catch the ball make the other fellow understand and keep on until he gets it. It is just as much incumbent upon the other fellow to keep out of dangerous proximity. Now going after flies sometimes requires speed. Going after bunts pretty nearly always requires speed. So the aspiring young first base man should develop every bit of speed he has in him. No ball player in any position is as much use if slow as a faster man would be. Speed of feet often develops speed of the brain, too — something absolutely essential in Base Ball. The next point is throwing. You needn't imagine that the first baseman has no need of a good arm, or that he seldom has to throw. If you are tempted to doubt the assertion, look at the official average tables and note the number of assists piled up 6 Spalding's Athletic Library. by some first baseman. Practice throwing if you have a good arm. If you haven't a good arm, you will never make a first class first baseman. Don't be discouraged if you are unable to throw accurately when you begin. I say that from experience, because I couldn't hit a barn door at twenty feet when I first tried to throw. My brother took me. in hand and made me practice systematically. In your throwing, use the overhand style, giving speed to the ball with your wrist Now as to the position taken, play deeper for a left-hand bat- ter than for a right. The reason for this is obvious. The left- hand batter has a tendency to hit toward right field and if a hot hit comes your way, you want to be in the most advantageous place to handle it cleanly. The right-hand batter has the ten- dency to hit toward left field, so you need not be so keen on expecting any chance from him. The fact is, however, that you should study every batter. You should get to know them and where they may be expected to hit. Once you know the peculiar- ities of every batter who is up you can place yourself to the best advantage. • Get in close touch with the pitcher who is working, with regard to covering the bag. If you know that he will cover for you, you can afford to play deeper than if you don't know what your pitcher may be depended upon for, as far as fielding duties are concerned. When a runner is on first base, give him the outside half of the bag. Straddle it, with your left foot against the bag and your right reaching out toward second base. This will make the runner come up behind you and in trying to get in, he will give you more opportunity to swing back your hand and make the tag. In the handling of bunts, a perfect understanding is necessary with both the pitcher and the shortstop. Nothing shows up a team so much as leaving first base uncovered. You may be able to make wonderful plays on bunts, but what does it profit if no one is at first base to receive the throw thus made possible? When fielding your position, study out the possibilities the batter may make possible and know what you must do with the. Spalding's Athletic Library. 7 ball if it comes to you so that on the instant you can do that thing. The first baseman who has to look around to see what is the best possible play when the ball gets to him, will never be of any account. Seconds are most appreciable intervals in Base Ball and the first baseman who loses a second will never make good. Be ready to get the ball away the moment you get the opportunity and to get it away to the spot where it will be most effective. The left hand first baseman is much in favor these days and he has the manifest advantage of having his left arm in instant readiness to throw to that portion of -the diamond where most throws are to 'go. He does not have to lose time in turning his body. However, all of us cannot be left banders and there is no need for the right-hand thrower to feel that the slight advan- tage the southpaw has is of great consequence. A few brains and their use will more than overcome any mechanical benefit that can be scared up. Study and think and practice. Any youngcter who develops a good arm, a good head and a good pair of feet will make his mark at first base and enjoy playing the position. HAL CHASE Spalding's Athletic Library. A CHAT ABOUT FIRST BASE By Hal Chase. Every young player, who thinks about base ball, either as an amusement or as a possible means to gain a sum of monev for educational purposes, or something of that kind, should always bear in mind that the first thing to do is to find whether he is adapted to the position that he is trying to play, and if he is satisfied that he can play better in that position than in any other on the field, then he must practice to perfect himself in the requirements of his place. It is a great deal better to be a first class first baseman than it is to be a second class shortstop, I know that some players avoid first base because they think that it is too slow for them. I presume that is because they haven't learned the new school requirements in first base. The old theory that a first baseman was to be expected to do little more than catch the ball, when it was thrown to him, or run down foul flies is done away with in modern base ball. It will never be expounded again. Men who have made a study of the possibilities of the posi- tion realize now that a first baseman is quite as important an infielder as any man who is on the diamond. In the first place, he is expected to look after the left hand batters. Most of them, as a rule, slash the ball toward right field. Frequently it comes exclusively in the first baseman's ter- ritory and as the number of left hand batters is increasing every year, it is evident that the duties of the first baseman must in- crease in the same ratio. Base ball evolution has made the sacrifice bunt one of the most important plays in connection with the work of a club which is trying to make a run. The first baseman is one of the prin- cipal figures in this play, whether the batter happens to be a 10 Spalding's Athletic Library. right hand hitter or a left hand hitter. Batters of both types are so expert in these days that they can place the ball in either direction. So the first baseman must be on the alert to capture the grounder and retire somebody. If he misses the play the work of the batter is equivalent to making a base hit. When the old fellows were first basemen there was but little of that sort of play. Imagine Anson fuming and fussing at some tricky batter who was trying to bunt the ball in his direc- tion, and rest assured that he would have fumed and fussed had it taken place when he was playing, because he was a great stickler for hitting the ball out and did not foresee that the present method of batting ever would attain such prominence in the national game. When it is considered that this play is now one of the most formidable of the team at bat it is evident that the first baseman must be active, alert and as quick to grasp the possibilities before him as the batter is to try to advance a runner by his maneuver- ing. There is plenty of room for skilled first basemen in the major and minor leagues at the present time. There never will be a day when the chance will not be open to the player who can show that he can check sacrifices, and occasionally double up runner and batter by the smoothness with which he handles infield grounders. It is evident, of course, that the greater the reach a first base- man has, the better he will be for the team with which he is connected. Reach is good for two things: It stops wild throws, which are always to be expected when the ball is sent away in a hurry, and it knocks down line hits. It is astonishing to see how much good is accomplished by a man with a long reach in the way of catching or breaking line hits. As a rule, when these hits get away, they go to the limit of the field and that means anything from a two base hit to a home run, probably the latter wherever the grounds will permit. With so many games decided by small scores, as is the case now, it can be seen that the first basemen who is fast enough to Spalding's Athletic Library. II prevent home runs, or even two baggers, is doing a great deal of good for his team if there happens to le men on the bases. Some infielders are very poor throwers, in that they never expect to do better than to get the ball within the radius of first base. That means the first baseman with one foot on the bag must be ready to catch the throw to his left, or right, or perhaps dig it out of the ground in front of him. In fact, a first base- man will have plenty of that to do even when the infielders are all fairly accurate with their throws. The play, which now demands the most of first basemen, ex- cept catching the ball when thrown to-the base, is that which kills the attempt of the batter to sacrifice. This play can better be accomplished by a left hand first base- man than a right hand first baseman, because the left bander the moment that he picks the ball up from the ground is almost invariably in a position to throw quickly and accurately to second base. It is better to check the runner who is trying to get from first to second, than it is to retire the batter who is trying to make the sacrifice, and it is also possible ndw and then to make a double play and retire both men. If a runner is on first, and it is quite evident that the batter means to sacrifice, I usually play close up to the base line or above it. Even if I thought that the batter would not sacrifice, I would hug 'the base line, rather than go back, for it would be out of the question to do much of anything with the ball, ex- cept to retire the batter, if the first baseman played behind the line to stop it. Sometimes when both the runner and the batter are known to be very fast runners, it is well to play well toward 'home plate, to the left of the pitcher, trusting to smother the ball the moment that it leaves the bat. If the pick up is made very quickly, and the first baseman is an accurate and certain thrower, it is safe to say that he will beat the runner to second base by at least ten feet if he handles the ball well. It doesn't matter much how fast the runner may be, this combination is fatal to him if everything works smoothly. 12 Spalding's Athletic Library. Of course an awkward bound, a momentary fumble, a slip by the shortstop in getting up to the bag, or something of that kind, may stop the play on the runner, and when that takes place there will be little difficulty in getting the batter at first base if the second baseman has performed his part accurately. The play is spoiled as a sacrifice killer, but the batting team has done no more than advance the runner, so the first baseman played part of the effort correctly. There is nothing unusually difficult about this method of play- ing for the sacrifice, but it is absolutely essential that the first baseman shall work very fast. He must have natural speed, and in addition to that, all the perfection which may be attained by practice. I have tried in practice to throw the ball to the second baseman, almost without looking, in order that I might gather an intuitive idea as to how to shoot the ball away from me in- stantly that the runner might be put out. In receiving throws at first base there is a little more danger to the left hand first baseman than to the right hand player. His catching hand is on the inside of the play almost invariably. A right hand player can keep his left foot on the base, stretch far inside and make one hand catches to stop wild throws. A left hand first baseman, who can catch fairly well with his right hand, has the same privilege, and perhaps has about as much advantage in a way, for he is catching the ball with his gloved hand. But still it is not a wholly natural pose for him. If the ball comes outside, to the left of the baseman in front of the runner so that it is between the base and the runner, the baseman is put in a dangerous position because it is natural to him to back up the catch with his left hand, and the greatest care must be exercised to avoid collisions. Every first baseman must learn to shift quickly from one foot to the other. It is well as a rule to play rather deeply when there is no prospect of the batter making a bunt. There are some points on the infield which must be covered by the pitcher in these days. In his way he is about as important among the infielders as any man who plays on a team. Spalding's Athletic Library. 13 The first baseman cannot be expected to do much with bunts when there are no men on the bases. If he is drawn in too close a good batter will cut the ball past him like a flash. There are batters who can swing the ball into right field with a rush, and every first baseman must be prepared to look after them when they are at the plate. By playing deeply the first baseman is able to cut off many a grounder, which would surely get past him and roll to the out- field, if he tried to field his position too closely to the base line. Slow runners are as easily retired from a deep field as from a shallow field, and fast runners are usually snap hitters and send the ball so rapidly toward the outfield that the baseman by a quick recovery is able to throw the ball to first base, covered temporarily by the pitcher, so that it beats the batter. The first baseman must work with the pitcher, and it is al- ways advisable that both of them have a perfect understanding as to the manner in which the batter shall be watched as well as the runner. There is a possibility of much excellent team work between a good first baseman and a good pitcher. If both of them are alive to the batter's possibilities and know thoroughly how to watch for him, it will take the best of his intelligence to get away from the traps which will be set for him. The pitcher and the first baseman work in harmony when there is a runner on the base. More and more is it becoming necessary to hold the runners as closely to first base as possible, that they may not obtain a lead on the catcher, and steal second, and a competent first baseman, by careful attention to his work, will frequently have the runner guessing as to what the next play may be with the ball. 14 Spalding's Athletic Library. THEORY OF THE PLAY By Fred Tenney, Formerly First Baseman of the Boston and New York Nationals. Once there was a time in base ball when there were experts who played, and experts who devoted their time to writing about the game, who said that it was a physical handicap for an in- fielder to be left handed. It is true that there have not been very many left hand in- fielders. Count them up and it will take a great deal of re- search to locate a score. Yet among them will be found some players who have made a great deal of history in our national game. I was engaged by Boston to catch. I did not have a great mainy opportunities to catch because there were good catchers in those days for Boston, and somehow the older players and the manager seemed to think that it was better to stick to the old fellows, especially in view of the fact that Boston .was a cham- pionship factor in the big league race most of the time. There came a day when it was- evident that Boston would need a new first baseman. It was suggested to me that it would not be a bad idea if I tried for first base. I did, and was given the position. I could not change from left hand to right and I determined that I would prove that a left hand first baseman could play the position quite as well as a right hand first baseman. I had not been the regular first baseman of the Boston team very long be- fore I was more than delighted to hear that I was not only successful, but that I was proving daily that the left hand first baseman is more of a success than the right hand player, and I believe now that it is generally accepted that all things being equal, managers would prefer the left hand first baseman to the right hand first baseman. Spalding's Athletic Library. 15 So there is one instance where the theorist was beaten out by the practical side of the game. If there are any young ball players who are desirious of playing base ball and playing it well, and who feel that they are qualified to play first' base, my advice to them is to go ahead and play for all that they are worth. We shall probably have to grant that the second baseman, the shortstop and the third baseman would better be right hand players, but when it comes to first base the left hander is naturally better equipped for the position because his throw- ing arm is on the right side of the diamond. The right hand first baseman's throwing arm is on the wrong side of the dia- mond. On any kind of a ground hit on which the first baseman is compelled to run forward before he picks up the ball preparatory to throwing it to first base it is safe to say that if he gets it cleanly, when he recovers and stands erect, he will be in a bet- ter position to throw to second base than the right hand first baseman. The latter must make a sort of half turn and some- times he must make a whole turn. The left hand player grasps the ball, straightens himself out, and shoots it on a line to the second baseman or to the shortstop. It is not necessary to enter into any argument to convince young players or old. Even if you happen to be a right hander get out some day and try for yourself. Although you may not be able to throw the ball with your left arm., because of lack of practice, you will ascertain the moment that you have the ball in your hand, that it is a great deal easier for a left hand first baseman to shoot it around the infield and especially to his right than it is for the right hand first baseman. The left hander saves time, and time frequently makes put outs with the same facility as good plays. Once there was a second baseman in the league who was left handed. He labored with exactly the same handicap as the right hand first baseman. Almost every time that he fielded the ball he had to make a half turn toward first base to get the i6 Spalding's Athletic Library. runner. The time that he lost in making that turn was fatal when there happened to be a sprinter at bat. If a first baseman is placed under any handicap when he is left handed, it may result now and then when he is trying to get a throw at first base which looks as if the ball will cross the runner. The right hand player is usually able to keep in- side the bag and by doing so keeps out of danger. The left hand player in reaching for the ball is apt to cross the base and when he does so there is always a chance of a collision. To obviate this it is well for all left hand players to practice faithfully catching the ball in the right hand, which is gloved. When I first began to play first base I was not wholly sure of my right hand. Now I have about as much faith in it as I have in my left. I have worked day after day in making what might be called an underhand back hand catch, securing the ball on the run when it is returned quickly to me from second base, and it is seldom that I miss it with the present excellent gloves in use. It has been customary to discourage some of the young play- ers who are naturally left handed, and I maintain, that unless they wish to play at second, or on the left side of the infield they should not be discouraged, but should be made as perfect as possible. There is no handicap to an outfielder who is a left bander. Some of the very best ball players in that position are left banders. Almost without exception the long throwers are left banders. I am sure that any base ball manager would be very glad to have Speaker of the Boston Americans, who is a left bander and accurate in his throwing. The coming first basemen of the United States may not all be left banders, but I am willing to make a prophecy that all the left hand first basemen who really try to improve, and who play the national game to the best of their effort, will rank among the very high class ball players of the United States. This is one position on the infield in which the left bander has as much right to assert his supremacy as the right bander may have to assert supremacy at second base. Spalding's Athletic Librarj, 17 HOW TO PLACE YOURSELF The regular position for a first baseman is about ten feet iiside of the bag and the same distance to the rear of a Une drawn between first and second, unless the base line is skinned and the other portions of the diamond are covered with grass. In this latter case field back just far enough to get a grounder before it leaves the skinned surface. This covers the ground toward second not taken care of by the second baseman and yet enables you to prevent hits getting between yourself and the bag. There is but one standard position for a first baseman while waiting for a batter with the bases vacant. Face the batter and lean slightly forward on the toes with the hands on the knees. This will enable you to get a quick start either for first in order to cover the bag on a throw or to field the ball. Balance yourself evenly so as to be able to get a quick start toward second or first as the case may demand. Watch the pitcher and get a start when he delivers the ball so as to get in motion. If you are standing still when the ball is hit sharply it is likely to get the jump on you and get past before you can get to it. In fielding grounders there are several things to look out for. Be sure to get your glove firmly on the ground so as to pre- vent the ball from forcing its way under your fingers. A first baseman seldom has to field a ball with one hand and, when possible, always use both. Many of the chances sent toward 'first are hard enough without making them more so by trying for a spectacular play. In fielding any kind of a ball always squeeze it hard or it may twist out of your glove. When the ball comes to you on the ground keep your knees together and your body low so as to block the leather in case it should get past your hands. Even if the latter happens this will save you som? disastrous consequences. i8 Spalding's Athletic Library. In making a catch always try to place yourself in a position for the next play. In a good percentage of the cases this will be a run over to first to tag the bag. The pitcher should cover first or in some cases the second baseman, and in case they do it is best to make a toss to first. It costs you nothing to give the player covering the bag an out, while you take the assist. It is better to make the assist even when the out could be made with ease by yourself. The only exception to this is when the man covering the bag is unreliable in taking throws and in that case try hard to get the out yourself. In case the bag ii not covered and the decision is close a slide will frequently save the day for you when you would otherwise fail. First basemen have an opportunity to distinguish themselves on flies but a failure to handle them correctly will just as surely lead to censure. Most of the chances offered in this line are on foul flies and speed and a good eye are needed. Practice catch- ing fouls before games. Make a batsman give you flies instead of confining his attention to grounders. The easiest flies ,for the first baseman to get are those just outside of first or in toward the home plate. The hardest to handle are the ones directly back of the bag. These latter must be taken while running with the ball and with your back to the latter. On fair flies just inside the base line or further over toward second, care Is necessary in order to avoid a collision with the second baseman. On flies in far enough for the catcher to get to the ball, he should be allowed to handle the chance owing to his large glove. The advantage in this direction, how- ever, is with the first baseman in comparison with the other fielders. In handling flies at first watch out for a steal when there are men on the bases. Stolen bases on a catch by the first baseman are more probable than on any other member of the team ex- cepting the outfielders. Many fouls are caught with the back turned to first and going away from the latter. A quick turn is almost impossible to make and a fast base runner can get well started before the baseman is in a position to throw. .' Spalding's Athletic Library, I<^ FIELDING THE POSITION So far fielding in general has been dealt with, but now we come to the work which pertains more especially to first base. The first and foremost problem a first baseman has to solve is: taking throws from the fielders. A study of the infielders will do much to help you in this. Some fielders throw a ball which is easy to handle even though it comes over fast, while others put such force behind their throws that the first baseman is almost knocked off his feet. Throws from nearly every position have their peculiarities- The easiest ones come from second base owing to the shorter distance the second baseman has to throw. Hard and high throws come mostly from the shortstop. From third base the throws are- most likely to be wide or low. Throws from the catcher are hard as a rule and most of them hurried. The pitcher is the one most likely to cause the first baseman trouble, however. His throws are at short range and come quick and hard. With an erratic pitcher it takes hard work when a man is on first. With a fast man at bat there is more likelihood of a poor throw than otherwise owing to hurried fielding. In fielding do all you can to steady your assistants. Face the way the ball is coming with your hands extended as a guide to the fielders. On a slow throw extend yourself as far toward the ball as you can without getting both feet off the bag. On a wide throw, in toward the plate, reach in toward the diamond so as to leave space behind you for the base runner. Unless you do he will collide with you and spoil your catch. In reaching for wide throws behind the bag this danger need not be figured on to such an extent. If forced to pull your foot off a few inches in getting the ball do not put your foot back on the bag after the man is safe. This will give the play away to the umpire every time, when a good bluff may result in the runnei being called out. 20 Spalding's Athletic Library. High and low throws must be handled with judgment. If the throw is not so high as to force you to take your feet off the bag, go after it with both hands. You can reach higher with one hand than with two, however, and it is better to make a one hand catch with your feet on the bag than to get the ball with both and be forced to jump. If you get the ball at all you are also sure of an out, while when you are forced to jump the runnel* may get to base before you come down. When forced to jump for a ball try to catch it in such a way that you will light on the bag. In case of very wild throws where it is impossible to get your man, try hard to stop the ball no matter how you do it as the object then is to pre- vent the runner from getting extra bases. Low throws must either be waited for or smothered. If the ball bounds far enough from the bag to come up higher than your knees the chance should be easy to handle. When the ball hits in close to the bag go after it just as it hits and before it has time to get started upward. When the ball is right up in front of you knock it down with your glove and pick it up. If the runner is not too close, a step away from the bag will frequently make a hard chance an easy one, but in taking such a risk jou must judge the speed of the runner correctly. As in the case of the high throw make your out if possible, but under any cir- cumstances make the stop even if you fail to get your man. A good glove will prove of the greatest aid in handling hard trhances. There is no excuse for a first baseman who does not. provide himself with one. No restrictions are placed on the first baseman's glove as to size and shape, but if the latter is too large it will be unwieldy to handle. As most of the work at first is in the stopping of throws, a mitt is best. One with lacing around the edges is to be preferred as the padding can then be arranged to suit yourself. If properly padded the ball should stick without trouble even when making one-hand stops. Good shoes are also an important item and the best you can afford are none too good. See that the spikes on your shoes are firm and sharp enough to give you a good hold. Spalding' s Athletic Library, PLAYING FOR BATTERS So far we have given the batsman but little consideration and here is where brain work tells. A close study of the batsman is necessary to play a first-class game. With practice most anyone can become a good mechanical player but few master the finer points. A careful study of the game,' the batsman and your own pitcher are required for this. The first thing to notice is whether the batsman is right or left-handed. This will make all of the difference as to where he is likely to place a hit. With a left-hand batter and a slow pitcher or with a right-hand batter and a fast one the first base- man has more cause to look for hits than if the reverse condi- tions exist. With a slow pitcher the latter is likely to pull the ball around toward first when batting left-handed, but the hardest chances come with a fast pitcher and a right-hand batter. Different curves and different styles of pitching also produce different fielding conditions. Fast pitching with the ball straight over the plate produces chances which are easy to handle unless the ball is hit too hard to stop. A straight pitched ball is generally hit without skew or twist and it requires less care in handling than any other kind. When a pitcher is using curves and breaks and getting hit at all hard the fielders have their troubles. Bad bounds and breaks are to be looked for then. The ball is almost certain to have a certain amount of rotary motion and this causes bad bounds and sharp breaks. No rule can be laid down for fielding such hits and much judgment and experience is necessary in handling them properly. Even the best players are sometimes fooled, so do not get discouraged in case you make a break. Try to study out for yourself the reason why you make an error and whether 22 Spalding' s Athletic Library, it was the pitching, peculiar batting or irregularities in the dia- mond which caused it. No two diamonds are exactly the same so far as fielding is concerned and the quicker you find out the ground around your position the better off you will be. By studying out causes for your failures, you will lay up a store of knowledge which will prevent many mishaps in the future. In placing yourself for the batter you should know some- thing about the man you are playing for. It is safe to play closer in for a fast man who places the ball than a heavy hitter, though the first baseman has less latitude in this respect than the shortstop or third baseman. When fielding back for a heavy- hitting batsman take care not to get so far onto the grass along the base line when you are playing on a diamond with skinned base lines, that the ball will bound bad on leaving one surfact for the other. In fielding always keep yourself in position to make the next play. A word in regard to bunting is in order here. The first base- man does not have to handle as many bunts as the pitcher, third baseman or catcher but he is forced to take one now and then. Most of his chances of this kind come on bunts which are hit hard enough to get them past the pitcher and the important point is to know where you are going to throw. Either the pitcher or second baseman will cover the bag but they may have to do it on the rim, so be careful to make the toss in such a way that they can handle the ball. Bunts directly down the first base line are the hardest to handle owing to the quick turn necessary and you should field in such a way as to make the turn with as little loss of time as possible. The most important thing of all is to play the ball and neve£ let the ball play you. Spalding's Athletic Library. 23 PLAYING FOR BASE R.UNNERS First base is one of the hardest on the diamond to take care of, with a man on base. In order to prevent a steal with a man on first the baseman must hold him close to the bag. The moment a runner gets a long lead off the bag he is sure to steal as the catcher has but one chance -in a hundred of catching him. A perfect understanding between the first baseman, pitcher and catcher are necessary to keep the runner close to the bag. Signals between the three are necessary and they may be made in any way so long as they are simple and can not be read too readily by the opposing players. The stricter enforcement of the balk rule on the pitcher has made it much harder than formerly to prevent the runner from getting a lead off first which will make a steal practically certain. It is all the more imperative to hold the runner close to first if you have a weak throwing catcher behind the bat. Once on second a single will score a fast runner while he is not likely to get beyond second if on first unless the ball is nit to right field. Therefore work hard to keep your man on first. With a runner on first you are working more for the man at that point than for hits. Govern yourself by this. The runner will get as far off first as you do. Stay closer to the bag on this account than when the bases are empty. When the pitcher de- livers the ball you can move out a step if you think the batsman is likely to put the ball well inside the bag. Do not get too far away, however, or a hit may be sneaked past you just inside the bag. The second baseman plays further over toward first when you are forced to hold a man at that point and he should get hits which are too far out for you to reach handily. When the ball is not actual'ly being pitched to the batter, keep working the base runner. If he takes too much of a lead while 24 Spalding's Athletic Librdry, the pitcher is winding up signal the catcher and the latter will pass the sign to the pitcher unless you can signal the pitcher direct. Then make a quick dash for the bag. Do not tire the pitcher by asking him to make too many throws, however. Sometimes a runner will be caught napping if you make a start toward second and then make a quick jump back past him to the bag. If possible, work your way around the base runner and try to induce him to get a good lead ahead of you toward second. If you are standing on the bag the runner will sometimes stand a few inches away from the latter, A quick throw will catch him napping unless he has his wits about him. With a left-hand pitcher the throw to first to catch a runner napping is easier and it is possible to hold the runner closer to the bag. One of the best tricks to catch a man off first is worked .with the assistance of the second baseman. The first baseman takes a long lead off first drawing the runner with him. Then the second baseman sneaks around behind the runner and makes a dash for first. This play depends for its success upon good signal work. Always be sure the catcher has signaled for an out ball before the play or the batter is likely to send a hit through the place left vacant by the second baseman. The pitcher must do all that he can short of balking to lead the runner and batter to believe that he is going to deliver the ball. With a good catcher a throw from the latter occasionally will keep the runner in check, especially if the catcher can snap the ball fast and signals the pitcher for a pitch well up and out. The trick of the second baseman taking the throw to first can also be worked with the catcher doing the throwing. With a man on first always watch out for a chance to make a double play. If forced in for the ball on a hit or over toward second the best way in most cases is to throw to second and force the man there, hustling back to first to take the return by the second baseman or shortstop. This play is particularly ef- fective with a slow man batting and even if the double fails you catch the man nearest the plate. Spalding's Athletic Library, 25 CHANCE ON THE POSITION First base is a position that is requiring more brain work right along and it has increased greatly in difficulty in the last ten years. More qualifications are required of a first base- man to-day than formerly and headwork is considered among the first. Besides this a first baseman, must bat hard and run the bases well. He must understand how to advance a man on base and play team work both with his bat and in the field. Hence, the position is not the easy one some persons who have never given the matter any study imagine. The main fault with young players is that they do not give attention enough to headwork. li they have good height and reach and can play a good mechanical game that is all they think is required of the position. This is all wrong. Headwork and snap on the part of the first baseman puts life into a team and the finished points which come only with study and prac- tice are the ones which tell in the long run. Avoid being onlf a mechanical player and try to make yourself an active, hustling member of the team. The first baseman is on one of the danger points of the dia- mond. Throws if unstopped at that point, are more likely to do serious damage than those to any other place on the team. On throws from shortstop, third baseman and pitcher, there is no chance to back him up, and if the ball gets past the first baseman the runner is sure of third, if not of home. On throws by the second baseman a good catcher will prevent the runner from getting around; but even here a miss is likely to prove costly. A first baseman is in a position to save more errors for his team mates than any other man on the team. Never shirk a bad throw even though it will not count as an error against you. That is the worst thing you can do as it will 26 Spalding's ^tnletic Library, cause your fielders to lose confidence in you. Even if impos sible to make an out, try hard to stop the ball and save the extra bases that will be gained if you fail to do so, A conscientious player who is out for the good of his team even at the sacrifice of himself is the one who will succeed. Study your fellow players carefully so as to know their pe- culiarities and be in a position to protect their weak points. Have a good underr,tanding especially with the catcher and pitcher. An understanding with the other infielders is of but little less importance as the first baseman must work with them more than any other player on the team. In conclusion, play clean, hard ball. Never give up and play the hardest you know how even if your team appears hopelessly beaten. There frequently comes a change in luck when a game appears to have been lost which ultimately leads to victory, and you can not foresee when it is coming. Therefore keep trying. Cutting the Corners of the Home Plate may be all right for some pitch- ers, but they **take a chance," and that is how some base ball goods are made^something is skimped — a chance is taken. Spalding Base Ball Goods are made to a standard — the stand- ard of satisfaction — and noth- ing is left to chance. Managers, Players and "Fans" should send for a copy of the new Spalding Catalogue for 1915. It contains pictures and prices of everything used in the national game. Mailed free from any Spalding store (for one nearest to you, see inside front cover). The Spalding' 'Official National Leag'ue" Ball PATENT CORK CENTER Adopted by The National League in 1878 and is the only ball used in Champion- ship games since that time and, as made now with Patent Gjrk Center, has been adopted for twenty years more, making a total adop- tion of fifty-four years. This ball has the SPALDING "PATENT" CORK CEN- TER, the same as used since August 1,1910, without change in size of cork or construction. Same ball ex- actly as used in World Series Games of 1910. 1911. 1912 1913 and 1914. No.l Each, - - $1^5 Per Dozen, $15.00 Each ball wrapped in tinfoil, packed in a separate box, ernd sealed in accordance with the latest League regulations. Warranted to last a .full game when used under ordinary conditions. THE SPALDING "OFFICIAL NATIONAL LEAGUE" BALL HAS BEEN THE OFFICIAL BALL OF THE GAME SINCE 1878 Spalding Complele Catalogiie ol Athletic Goods Mailed Free. PIMFT ATTENTION GIVEN WilNY COMHONICATIOI' THUS A.G.SPALDING in the following Models. Mention name of placer when ordering. ""^ S^ TSk— S AUTOGRAPH MODEL .SltoSSo Untth 35 i CT^^^-^^^^^y' AUTOGRAPH MODEL Well bsUnced. com- paratively lightweight, with sufficient wood to give splendid driving power. Weights from 36 to 40 ounces. Length 34': in. Very small handle, and balanced so that results. Weights from 37 to 41 ounces. Length 35 inches. ,, . J ^ AUTOGRAPH ^L„.^S ^.....J^ ^ , MODEL ^ Solendid modeL AUTOGRAPH MODEL Clarke, improved in balan, length. Weights from 39 Length 34'^ inches. AUTOGRAPH MODEL Different model from that formerly used by AUTOGRAPH MODEL Short bat, large lunded end. Weights from LenglhJI2^< in. AUTOGRAPH MODEL Short bat, small handle, but body Weights from 38 to 42 ounces. AUTOGRAPH Length 32 inches. e''o?S.e'-be.t We caTi also supply OH ^,^,,^ ^^. Medium specialordersDonlin, ^ ;st and lightest bat JSed by any profe*- surface. Equally suitable for the full sWing v./a'^co, ivc^.ci c*..v. „onal player, speclly adapted to small and for the choke style of batting. Weights EverS ModclS. or l.ght men. We.ghU from 35 to39ounce.. '/rom 40 to 45 ounces. Length 34 inches. Length 31 mches. SPALDING SPECIAL MODEL BATS We can supply on special orders Model Bats same as we have made for the most famous batsmen on National and American League Teams. MEYERS. New York. National League ..... Model M BAKER. Philadelphia OLDRING. Philadclphi, PASKERT. Phil • • ■ SPEAKER. Bosi THOMAS. Phila WHEAT. Br. League Model S rrican League . . . Model T League ..... ModelW CALLAHAN. Chicago, American League . . . Mode C DAUBERT. B.ooklyn. National League . . .-. Model D .fLETCHER-New-Yorl-NaiiofmlLea^ue . . . Mod"^ £ IHEflZOC. Cincinnati, NalionaTLeague .... Mode H LUDERUS, Philadelphia. National League . . . Model L The original models from which we have turned bats for the above players we hold at our Bat Factory, making duplicates on special order only. These special order hats do not bear the Players' Autographs. We require at least two weeks time for the execution of special bat orders.

lin. 40to45oz. Model S8-34 in. 39to44oz. Model SI 2-33 in. 40to44oz. Spalding Professional Improved Oil Finish Bats No. lOOP. The Spalding Professional Improved Oil Finish as used on this line is the result of exhaustive experiments and tests conducted in our bat factory, with the assistance of some of the greatest professional players. The timber used is identical with that in "Players' Autograph" and "All Star" models. Each, $1.00 Furnished in any of the following twelve models— Mention model number when ordering LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT Model PI— 31 in. 35 to 39 oz. Model P5— 34 in. 40to44oz. Modal P9— 34-^ in. 40 to 45 oz. Model P2- 33 in. 38 to 43 oz. Model P6 -35 in. 40 to 44 oz. Model PI 0—34 in. 38 to 42 oz. Model P3-33 in. 39 to 44 oz. Model P7— 34 , iii. 39 to 43 oz. ModelPll— 35 in. 45to50oz. Model P4-33 in. 36 to 40 oz. Model P8— 34^4^ in. 38to43 oz. ModelP12— 35 in. 40to45oz, Spalding Black Oil-Tempered Bats No. lOOD. These bats are tempered in hot oil and afterwards treated with a special process which darkens and hardens the surface and has exactly the same effedt as aging from long service. The special treatment these bats are subjected to make them most desirable for players who keep two or three bats in use, as the oil gradually works in and the bats keep improving. Line of models has been very carefully selected. Timber used is the snme as-in our "Players' Autograph," "All Star. " "Professional Oil Finish" and Gold Medal lines. . , Each, $1.00 Furnished in any of ihe following twelve models — Mention model number when ordering LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT Model Dl^-31 in. 35 to 39 oz. ModelD5-34 in. 40to44oz. Model D9—34>:.in. 40to45oz. - Model D2-33 in. 38 to 43 oz. ModelD6-35 in. 40lo44oz. ModelDlO— 34 in. 38to42oz. Model-D3-33 in. 39 to 44 oz. Model D7— 34 in. 39to43oz. ModelDlI— 35 in. 45 toSOoz. • Model 04—33 in. 36 to 40 oz. Model D8— 3434 in. 38 to 43 oz. ModelD12-^3S in. 40 to 45 oz. Spalding Gold Medal Natural Finish Bats No. lOOG. Models same as our "Professional Oil Finish," but finished in a high French polish, with no staining. Timber is same as in our "Players' Autograph,". "All Star," and other highest quality lines, and models duplicate in lengths, weights, etc., the line of Spalding "Professional Oil Finish" styles. . . . Each, $1.00 Furnished in any of the following twelve models — Mention model number when ordering LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT Model Nl -31 in. 35 to 39 oz. Model N5-34 in. 40to44oz. Model N9— 34>iin. 38to42oz. ModelTS. 33 in. 45to50oz. ModelTl2. 35 in. 40to45oz. Spalding New Special College Bats No. lOOM. An entirely new line, special new finish; special stain and mottled burning; carefully filled, finished with best French p«lish. Wood is finest second growth Northern ash, specially seasoned. Models-are same as w-e have supplied to some of the most successful college players. '...... Each, $1.00 Furnished in any of the following twelve models — Mention model number when ordering LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH WOGHT CENQTH WEIGHT Model Ml. 31 in. 35 to 39 oz. Model M5. 34 in. 40 to 44 o<. Model M9. 35 in.' 40 to 45 oz. ModelMZ. 34'n. 37 to 41 oz. •Bollle shape. SpaWing bats improve with age if properly cared for. Bats made specially to order should not be used for at least thirty {-30) days after they are finished, to give ample time for the oiled finish to thoroughly. harden. Players should make it a rule to have two or more bats in reserve at all times. Spalding Trade-Mark Bats No. 75. Wagon Tongue. Most popular models, Hght antique finish. One dozen in crate (assorted lengths, 30 to 35 inche No. 50M. Mushroom. „:rrrl.. Special finish. Invaluable as an_all-around bat. . Each, 50c. No. F. "Fungo." Hardwood. 38 inches long, thin model. Professional oil finish. . Each, $1.00 No. 50W. "Fungo." Willow, light weight, full size bat, plain handle Each, 50c. No. SOT. Taped "League" ash, e.xtra quality, special finish Each, 50c, No. 50. "League," ash, plain handle. No. 25. "City League," plain handle. and weights, 36 to 42 ounces). _ Each, 75c. No. 50B. "Spalding Junior," special finish. Specially sel- ected models; lengths ^ and weights proper for younger players. . . . Each, 50c. No. 25B. "Junior League," plain, extra quality ash, spotted burning. . . . Each, 25c. No. lOB. "Boys' League" Bat, good ash, varnished. Ea., 10c. 50c. 25c. HOLD BAT PROPERLY AND STRIKE THE BALL WITH THE GRAIN. DON'T BLAME THE MAKER FOR A BREAK WHICH OCCURS THROUGH IMPROPER USE OR ABUSE. Spalding Complete Catalogue ol Athletic CoodsJHailedFree^ ^ PBOMPT ATTENTION GIVE KTANY COMMUNICATIONS, .^^,„__ ADDBESSED TO U< ■=*<•! -I ^g ! A.G.SPALDING &, BROS. U£Bi rCOMPlETEUST OF STORES OH INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THIS BOOK f>Tice: effect January 3. 191,5. SubiccI ,o chaug. wUhou, notice. For Canadian pnc» «. .p^cial Canadian Catalogue ^^^^H iftitao SPALDING CATCHERS' MITTS No7ll-0. "Tlie Giant." Heavy brown leather roughout; laced back. "Stick-6n-the-hand" .p-and-buckle fastening, i. Each, $10.00 No' 10-0. "'^?.?^»»s?.??;=»"-Patent. Molded. Pace. Brown calfskin. King Patent Felt Pad- ding. Laced back, "Stick on-the-Hand" strap- and-buckle fastening. - .*,**.' Each, $9.00 Nc'lO-OP." •"«^?,?^Ps.?f?S)!**"'. Same as No. IQ-Oi but patent perfopated palm. Each, $8.00 No.. 9-0. ".Three-and-Out':. Patented Molded face; hand formed pocket* Brown calfskin; tfair felt padding; patent laced back; leather Strap and brass buckle fastening.^ Each, $8.00 PIo. 9-OF. Patent "Perforated 'i Palm. Other- wise same as No. 9-0. . . . Each, $8.00 No. 8-0.* "Olympic" Palm specially prepared leather. Back and side special brown calfskin. Leather lace. Leather, bouftd^edges. Hand Stitched, formed padding. 'X E.a^B^ $_7.00 No. FO; "Foxy.'' Bfown^calfslcin. Patent combination shaped' face: hair felt padding. Fox Patent Padding Pocket.* Extra felt sup- plied with mitt "Stick on the Hand" strap- and-buckle fastening. - ."~ . Each, $7.0Q No. 7-0.' "Perfection." ►Brown calfskin. Patent combination shaped face; hair felt pad- ding.t Patent laced back and thumb; leather lace, r ^ .» . . ^ Each. $6.0a No. 6-0. "Collegiate." Molded face. Olive colored leather. King Patent Felt Padding, patent laced back and thumb. Each, $5.00 No. OG. "Conqueror." Semi-molded face. Brown calf, black leather boun_d ; leather laced; Heel of hand piece felt lined "^ Each, $5.00 No. S-0. "League Extra." Molded face. Buff colored leather, patent felt padding; Heel of hand piece felt lined. . , ^.- . Each, $4.00 No. OIC "OK Model." Semi-molded, brown horse hide face. Felt padding, red leather edges. Heel of hand piece felt lined. Ea.,$4.00 AU Styl** Made in. Rights and Leftfc When Ordering for Left Handed Player* Specify "Full Kighl." PB0MPTAmNTION6IVEN TDANY COMMUNICATION TOPS A.G.SPALDING iicc» in e^ecl January 5, ,l9lj3j §^j^ 19 fhgngt igUlmu} Qoljcs, fff QansHfn pti^ JC£ JCcf/sl C0>9^en_&(;^ci A ^ No. 3X SPALDING INFIELDERS' GLOVES No. 3X. "Semi-Pro." Gray buck tanned leather. Large model. Correctly padded; welted seams. Leather lined throughout Each, $2.00 No.4X. "Association." Brown leather.speciallv treated. Popular model. Padded little finger, and leather strap atthumb. Welted seams; full leather lined. Ea.,$2.00 No.3XR. "Amateur." Black tanned leather, padded, large thumb. Welted seams. Leather hned. Ea..$2.00 No. XL, "Club Special." White leather, padded on pro- fessional model. Welted seams. Leather lined. $1.50 No. XLA. "Either Hand." Worn on right or left hand. (Pat. Sgpt. 12, 1911), White tanned leather, correctly padded. Welted seams. Full leather lined. Each.$1.50 No. 11. "Match." Professional style. Special tanned olive colored leather throughout. , Welted seams; cor^r rectly padded. Leather lined. .'^ . . Each, $1.50 No. ML. "Diamond." Special model. Smoked sheep- skin, padded. Full leather lined. . . Each, $1.50 No.XS. "Practice." White velvettannedleather. Welted seams; inside hump. Full leather lined. Each, $1.25 No.lS. "Regulation." Men'ssize. Brown tanned leather, padded. Welted seams. Palm leather lined. Ea.,$1.00 No.l 5R."Regulation." Men'ssize. Black tannedleather, padded; inside hump. Palm leather lined. Each,$1.00 No. 10. "Mascot." Men'ssize. Olive tanned leather, padded. Popular model. Palm leather lined. Ea.,$1.00 No. X. "Special." Men'ssize. Oak tanned brown lea- ther. Professional model. Leather strap at thumb, padded. Welted Seams. Leather lined. Each, $1.00 No. XB. "Boys* Special." Boys' professional style. White leather. Welted seams. Leather lined. Ea..$1.00' No. 12. "Public School." Full size. White chrome lea- ther, padded; inside hump. Palmleatherlined. Ea.,75c. No. 13. "Interscholastic." Youths' size. Oak tanned brown leather. Professional model. Leather web at thumb; padded. Weltedseams. Leather lined. Ea.,75c. No. 12R. "League Jr." Full size. Black tanned lea- ther, lightly padded, but extra long. _ Palm leather lined. Welted seams, inside hump. . ', Each, 75c. No.l6."Junior."Fullsize.Whitechrome tannedleather, lightly padded. extra long. Palmleatherlined. Ea.,50c. No. 16W. "Star." Full size. White chrome leather. Welted seams; padded. Palmleatherlined. Ea.,50c. No. 14X. "Boys' Match." Youths' professional style. Special tanned wine colored leather, correctly padded and inside hump. Palm leather lined. . Each, 50c. No. 17. "Youths.'" Brown smooth tanned leather, padded; inside hump. Palmleatherlined. Each, 50c. No. 18. "Boys' Own." Oak tanned leather, padded; inside hump. Palm leather lined. . .^, Each, 25c. All SlyU. Made in Rights an<5 Left.. When ordering for Left Handed Player. Specify "Full Right." • Snaldino Complete Calalognc ol Athletic Goods MalledFrcg;_^^__^__^ A.G.SPALDING &, BROS. PROMPT MENTION GIVEN TO ANT COMMUNICATIOKSL , ^^..,___,^,_,___.__,_^___, ADDRESSED TO OS p* *•! =!=>=» I >^^»i^^-^^'-*»^»*""' ICaMPlETE LIST OF STORES OHINSIDE FRONT COVER OF THIS BOOK nw In cffc,lJan,ory 5. 1915. SuiJf" '<» f/"""*' "•"«»" '»"'«• ^^ <^''"^""' """ *" """' ^'"""'"'" ^'"'^*'"*^ NO.BXP Uo, CO NO.DX I SPALDING BASEMEN'S MITTS No. ABX. "StickK>n.the.Hand." Calfskin. Laced, except thumb and heel. Special strap " Stick -on- the-Hand" with buckle at back. ( . Each, $5.00 No. AAX. "First Choice" Broken-In Model. Spe- cially prepared leather. King Patent Padding. Lea- ther lace. Strap reinforcement at thumb. Ea.,$5.00 No. AXX. "Good Fit." Brown calfskin, bound with black leather. Leather laced. .. . Each, $4.00 No. BXS. " League Specij^I." Brown calfskin, bound with brown leather. Leather laced, except at heel ; leather strap support at thumb. Ea. , $4.00 No.AXP. "'^»«5»tP^.f. ??!=«•" White tanned buck; leather lacing. Leather strap support at. thumb. King Patent Padding. . . . , . Each, $4.00 No. BXP. "'^»«SW*3f.??P«-" Calfskin; leather lac- ing. Leather strap support at thumb. King Patent Padding * . Each, $4.00 No. CO. "Professional." Specially treated calfskin. Padded, leather laced, except at heel. Each, $3.00 No. ex. "Semi-Pro." Smoke colored leather face, irown leather back, laced all around, except at heel^; padded at wrist and thumb. • . Each, $2.50 No. CD. "Red Oak." Tanned brown leather; red leather binding-. • Laced, except at thumb and heel, leather strap support at thumb. .♦.•» Each, $2.50 No. CXR. "Amateur" Black leather face, back and lining. Padded; laced, except at heel. Each, $2.00 No. CXS. "Amateur." Special tanned brown lea- ther. Padded; laced, except at heel. Each, $2.00 No. DX. "Double Play" Oak tanned leather, laced all around, except at heel; padded. Each, $1.50 No. EX. "League Jr." Black smooth leather, |aced all around, except at heel. Suitably padded. Ea.,$1.00 All M!tt» described above, patented Auguit 9, 1910 King PatentPaddingonNoi. AAX,AXP,BXP,Pat.June 28,1910 " League Extra" Pitchers' and Basemen's Mitt No. IF. Face of tanned leather; balance of brown calfskin. Without hump. Leather laced. Ea^$3.5Q Spalding Fielders* Mitts No. 2MF. " League Special." Brown calfskin face and back; has finger separations of leather, extra full thumb, leather web; leather lined. Ea., $3.00 No. 5MF. "Professional." Olive leather, padded; finger separations ; f el 1 1 i ned ; leather web. Ea. , $2.00 No. 6MF. "Semi-Pro." White tanned buckskin; leather finger separations; leather lined; large thumb: well padded, and leather web. Each, $1.50 No. 7MF. "Amateur." Pearl colored leather; finger separations; padded; web thumb. Each, $1.00 No. 8F. "Amateur." Black tanned smooth leather; padded; leather lined; reinforced and laced at thumb. Strap-and-buckle fastening. Each, $1.00 No. 9F. ." League Jr." Boy's. Oak tanned leather, padded; reinforced and laced at thumb. Each, 50c. AH Styles Made in Rights and Lefts. When Ordering' ^Left .«• Handed Players Specify "Full Right." - V tTTENTION GIVEN ^U*1 CUMMUNICATIONSI >DDRESSEDTflUS A.G.SPALDING 1 O CA Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team Suit, ^l^imOKt Spalding "^93!^\f.f^^^" Uniform No. OA, Sin^e Suit, $14.00 | -i e/\ . Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team Suit, * •* »^^ Spalding "League" Uniform No. 1 Single Suit, $12.50 i f\ f\f\ Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team. . , . . Sliit, 1 v.Vli Spalding "League" Uniform No. 1 A. . . . Single 'Suit, $11.50 00 Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team Suit, J/.vfv Spalding "Interscholastic" Uniform No. 2. . . Single Suit, $9.00 *j CA Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team Suit, • .OU Spalding "Minor League" Uniform No. M. . Single Suit, $9.00 y e/\ Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team Suit, • 'O" Spalding "City League" Uniform No. W. . . Single Suit, $7.50 /» /\/\ Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team Suit, D.UU Spalding "Cluh Special" Uniform No, 3. . . Single Suit, $6.00 r A A N«t price toxlubs ordering for Entire Team ' Suit, O.UU Spalding "Amateur Special" Uniform No. 4. . Single Suit, $4.00 o e/\ Net price to clubs ordering for Entire Team, ..... Suit, O.Ovf Spalding "Junior" Uniform No. 5 Single Suit, $3.00 o ef\ Net price to clubs ordering nine or more uniforms. . . Suit, £f*J\3 Spalding " Youths' " Uniform No. 6. Good quality Gray material -i f\f\ No larger sizes than 30-in. waist and 34-in. chest. . . Complete, l.vlU ABOVE UNIFORMS CONSIST OF SHIRT, PANTS. CAP, BELT AND STOCKINGS. SPALDING BASE BALL SHOES No. FW. •"»^»^,W»sff?l=*" Kan- garoo uppers, white oak soles. Hand sewed; strictly bench made. Extra strong_soft laces. . Pair, $7.00 Owing to the lightness and fineness of this shoe, it is suitable only for the fastest players, but as a light weight durable shoe for general use we recommend No. 30-S. Size* and Weight* of No. FW Shoes Size of Shoes: 5 6 7 8 9 Weight per pair: 18 18^ 19 20 21 oz. No. 30-S. '^Sprinting." Kangaroo uppers, white oak soles. Built on our running shoe last. Lightweight. Hand sewed; bench made. ' Strong laces. P&ir. $7.00 No. O. "Club Special." Selected satin calfskin, substantially made. High point carefully tempered carbon steel pl^es hand riveted to heels and soles. Pair, $5.00 No. OS. "Club Special" Sprinting. Similar to No. 0, but made with sprinting style flexible soles. (Patented May 7, 1912). . .' 'Pair, $5.00 No. 35. "Amateur Special." Leather, machine sewed. High point carefully tem- pered carbon steel plates hand riveted to heels and soles. Pair, $3.50 -k $39. 00 Doz. No. 37. "Junior." Leather; regular base ball shoe last. Plates hand riveted to heels and soles. Excellent for the money but not guaranteed. Pair, $2.50 * $27.00 Doz. Juvenile Base Ball Shoes No. 38. Made on special boys' size lasts. Good quality material throughout and steel plate3. Furnished in boys' sizes, 12 to 5, inclusive, only. . . Pair, $2.00 Spalding "Dri-Foot" prolongs the life of the shoes. Can, 15c T/if pn'i-fs printed in italics opposite items marked with if zvill be quoted only on orders for one-half doLer. pj-.i s cr more at one time. Quantity prices NOT allou;edvn items NOT marked with if i PROMPT AHENTION GIVEN laANY COMMUNICATION ADDRESSED TO US A.G.SPALDING&BROS. STORES IN ALL LARGE CITIES ICOMIUTEUST OF STORES ON INSIDE FMNTCOVEB OF THIS BOM ef eel January 5, 1915. , Subject to change without mlice. For Canadian prices see sptciat Canadian Colologue,^ Itliiffiiiiliili/Jiilli^^— I^M^ ARANTEES QUALITY Spalding cial body strap Each. $10.00 _ R«u3P«o. Catcher8'_Body Protectors '^"Vi'^^i '"a"^'''^.**^'' ^°' '"'''"«^- Patented June .No. 4-0. InHated ityle. Strong tan covering. Spe- 22. 09; Aug. 24. 09. Canvaa cover, laced at sides. cial shoulder padding, laced to permit readjustment permitting readjusting of padding as desired. Spe-. of padding as desired and special body strap. (Pat- ented Nov. 24. "03). . . . .. ._Each. $10.00 Spalding Catchers' Body Protectors No. 2-0. "Minor League." Cover of durable material. Made in best manner. Inflated. Full size. Each. $7.50 No. 0. "City League." Slightly narrower than No. 2-0. Covering of durable material. Inflated. . Eath, $5.00 No. M. "Interscholastic" Well made. Inflated. . " 3.50 No. 2. "Youths'." Good size. Inflated. . . " 3.00 Spalding Umpires' Body Protectors Give length ud width when ordering Umpirei' Bodr Protectors. No. L. Inflated. Large size, best quality. Same as supplied to most experienced major league umpires. Each. $10.00 No. LS. laflated. Special light weight, very large air passages and without any breaks or hinges. Soft rubber tube instead of regular inflating valve. Not carried in stock; supplied on special orders only. . Each. $10.00 No. R. Inflated. Correct model. Cover of good material. Flexible inflating tube Efech. $5.00 Spalding Leg Guards for Base Ball Catchers No. 33. As supplied to Roger Bresnahan and to other prominent league catchers. Knee guard of molded sole leather; leg piece padded with reeds; light and strong; special ankle pads as protection from spikes. Covered with special quality white buck dressed leather. Pair. $6.50 Spalding Catchers' Leg Guards No. RB. Plain style, fiber leg piece, not ribbed. Leather padded at ankle and knee Pair, $5.00. Spalding Uniform Bags Convenient roll for packing uniforms in a manner which will not wrinkle and soil them; with separate compart- ments for shoes, etc. No. 2. Bag leather; well made. . . . . Each. $6.00 No. 1. Best heavy canvas ; leather bouhd, double leather shawl strap and handle ■ Each, $3.00 No. 6. Brown canvas roll; leather straps and hsmdle. " 1.50 I No. 5. Combined Uniform and Bat Bag. Similar to regular uniform bags, but with extra compartment to carry one bat Best canvas, leather bound. . . . Each. $4.00 I No. 4. Individual Uniform Bag. Best quality brovm can. ( vas ; two leather handles ; strap-and-buckle fastenings. . ' Holds suit, shoes and other necessary articles. Each, $Z00 Spalding Bat Bags No. 2. Heavy waterproof canvas, leather reinforced at both end<;andleather handles; holds, 12 bau. . Each, $3.50 No. 3. Similar to No. 2. but holds only 6 bats. " 2.50 Spalding Individual Bat Bags No. 01. Good quality heavy leather bat bag, for two bats; I used by most league players. Each, $4.00 •jk' $43.20 Doz. ' No. 02. Extra heavy canvas ; heavy leather cap at both ends. Each, $2.00 •>£?/.i(?Z)^^ctt U) ejftcl January 5, I9lji.' Sukj LIVERPOOL. ENGLAND BIRMINGHAM. ENGLAND ? MANCHESTER, ENGLAND BRISTOL. ENGLAND ) EDINBURGH. SCOTLAND GLASGOW. SCOTLAND ATLANTA ST. PAUL LOUISVILLE DENVER NEW ORLEANS DALLAS MONTREAL. CANADA TORONTO, CANADA ^D PARIS, FRANCE ^D SYDNEY. AUSTRALIA Idin^ & Bros, and where ell of Spaldmos • are located in the follow, ng cittes NEtnrORK CHICAGO SAff FRANCrsCO CHICOPEE. MASS. BROOKLYN BOSTON PHILADELPHIA LONDON. ENG.