Identifier: howtoplaybasebal02murn (find matches)
Title: How to play base ball
Year: 1905 (1900s)
Authors: Murnane, T. H. (Timothy Hayes), 1852-1917
Subjects: Baseball
Publisher: New York, American sports publishing co
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: Sloan Foundation

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nly when a runner tries to stealis no sign given, and then all are watching the play and knowwhat is expected. Thus the catcher has to watch the pitcher and the basemen inaddition to the purely mechanical work of his position. Thisis to say nothing of the value of old and experienced men insteadying young pitchers and in indicating to them what ballsto try on batsmen with whose weaknesses they are familiar.Headwork and coolness count as much behind the bat as any-where except in the pitchers box. My method of steadying a pitcher is to first try to slow himup and let him get his bearings again. Walk down with the balland hand it to him, say something encouraging or offer adviceif he seems to need any. Stop to fasten your chest protector,adjust your mask, or tie your shoe, anything to gain time if thesituation is critical and the pitchers wildness only temporary.If the pitcher, however, shows a continued tendency to throwthe ball a little wide of the plate move to the other side, and in
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How to Play Base Ball. ji aiming for you he will send the ball over the pan. Often thesethings 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 willwant to try a certain ball or has an idea on the subject. Butafter working several games with the same pitcher you knowpretty well what he prefers to offer, and there is seldom a changeof signals. With Griffith I never use signals at all, except whenmen are on bases. He does not use extreme speed and has suchexcellent control it is easy to catch him. On the third strike Ilike 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 beready for a throw on an attempted steal. It is when men are on bases that the pitcher and catcherare put to the severest strain. The pitcher is offering the verybest ball in his category, and the catcher is at high tension toprevent stolen bases. Often a pitcher

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