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Newspaper
Wakefield Advocate
Location
Wakefield, Michigan, United States of America
Date
Dec 22, 1917
Page
14
The piece recalls Connie Mack leading calls for rule changes to abolish shine pitches and other pitching tricks. It notes debates on pitching rules, mentions Ed die Cicotte disputing the shine ball claim, and suggests changes may surface as winter discussions unfold.
University of Missouri athletes blame a blown starter pistol for a delayed start at a special high hurdle relay in Philadelphia. Bob Simpson won the race in a surprisingly slow 15:25, nearly a world record pace but not credited due to the faulty timing.
Dave Shean of the Reds is not a formidable hitter in batting averages but contributed many RBIs during Mutty's term.
Ed Sweeney formerly catcher for the Yaokees, now assigned to the Three Hundred and Forty third Infantry at Camp Prunt.
Major league club owners plan a 140 game schedule and a five month contract for players May 1 to October 1. A $5000 six month deal would drop to $4167, reducing payrolls by about 15 000 to 20 000 per club and saving the majors over 300 000 in total.
The national basketball rules committee adds an end zone two feet behind each basket expanding play area and requiring substitutes to report to scorer and referee on entry. The timekeeper's whistle becomes the official end of play to reduce referee whistle delays and ensuing disputes.
Joe Choynski and Tex Dunn recall Peter Maher as the fiercest puncher in heavyweight history. Maher knocked down Bob Fitzsimmons in New Orleans, with Fitz surviving a first round knockdown before Maher finished him in the eleventh.
Indiana baseball star Jack Leary joined the United States Navy becoming the first American Association player to enlist for service. Manager Jack Hendricks received the telegram confirming his decision after Leary showed a long standing desire to serve during the season. His brother's guard service and his mother’s expectations influenced the timing of his enlistment.
Veterans flood back into baseball football tennis golf racing boxing and other disciplines as nations born from war demand experience. From Bob Fitzsimmons to Eddie Plank and Hans Wagner to Joe Hineman at ninety two the piece highlights aging champions still chasing fast pitches and titles while old records and new comebacks unfold.
John Zander of Sweden is officially recognized as world champion after running the 1500 meters in 8 54.7. The previous record holder was American runner Kiviat with 3 55.8 set during the Stockholm Olympic games in 1912.
Football, track, swimming, rowing and other stars from colleges nationwide join a long list for the new army. Boxing lags behind with few enlistees. Only Jack Dillon and Willie Ritchie have world wide fame ready to go. Benny Leonard and Jess Willard say they are ready but show less ardor.
Tom Hickey, a Santa Clara University baseball player whose services were sought by Connie Mack and other major league managers last spring, has enlisted at an army training camp for the war. He has been made a sergeant and hopes to work up to a commission.
Grover Cleveland Alexander of the Phillies matched Christy Mathewson by winning 20 games in three straight seasons. He then went 30-13 this year, 33-12 in 1916, and 31-10 in 1915, the Phillies’ pennant year.
Bradley Hog of the Los Angeles club in the Pacific Coast League won his 16th straight decision, finishing the season with a string of consecutive victories.
Proceeds from the Liberty Golf Tournament conducted by the United States Golf Association during the summer for the Red Cross amounted to 872 37h. On Independence Day 485 clubs from every state except Idaho Nevada New Mexico and Oregon held Red Cross competitions. Allegheny Country Club near Pittsburgh led with 4269 dollars, followed by Columbia Club near Washington 2090 dollars. Apawamis Club Rye and Country Club of Detroit each raised 1690 dollars.
Fred Mollwitz, who lost a Reds spot after Hal Chase joined, was sent to Kansas City by the Cubs and is likely to anchor the Pirates at first base next season. Vic Saier's broken leg heals and Mitchell must decide between Saier and Merkle as options. Saier finished the season at first for the Cubs while Merkle played in the outfield.
Cincinnati fans were shocked by Garry Herrmann being elected president of the Reds. The surprise comparison likens the astonishment to Willie Hoppe winning a billiard game, underscoring the unexpected leadership choice.
Major league teams intend to retrench for 1918 with small spring camps as finances tighten and war uncertainties loom. Several clubs drafted few players in 1916–17, and many draftees may be returned. Overall, about 160 players were acquired and likely under 50 percent will report to spring training than in prior years.
Tom Connolly, dean of American League umpires, rose from a Natick shoe factory background after emigrating from Manchester England in 1880s. He learned baseball late but became one of the game's ablest officials through study and persistence despite lacking playing experience.
Captain Joseph J. O'Hare a former West Point football player and aide to Brig. Gen. John A. Johnston has been appointed assistant chief of staff in charge of athletics at department camps. He graduated last year.
Former Federal league official Lloyd Rickart resigns as secretary of the Toledo club. He will be succeeded by Phil Bresnahan, brother of manager Roger Bresnahan.
The University of Minnesota will give its portion of net proceeds from intercollegiate sports until August 1, 1918, to the Red Cross fund. This supports relief efforts during the war period and mirrors broader wartime charitable actions.
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