her than upon the proffered financial aid.

"In some respects Anson resembles a rough diamond, his brusque manner
and impulsive temper needing the keen polish of the refining wheel of
the conventional amenities of life to make his inherent worth shine
forth in its full brilliancy. Anson, too, reminds one somewhat of that
old Western pioneer, Davy Crockett, inasmuch as his practical motto is,
'When you know you're right, go ahead.' This latter trait was
conspicuously shown in the year of the players' revolt in 1890, when,
almost alone as a minority man, he stood by the National League in its
greatest hour of need, in opposition to the desertion of hundreds of his
confreres in the League ranks. In these prominent characteristics, we
say, Anson stands as the most unique player known in the annals of the
professional fraternity."

This is indeed praise from Sir Hubert, and I raise my hat in
recognition.

What I may conclude to do in the future it is hard to say, and if I
return again to my first love, base-ball, it will not be as a player,
but wherever I may be or whatever I may do I shall still strive to merit
the approval and good will of my friends--God bless them!

THE END.

AMOS RUSIE'S PITCHING.

Amos Rusie, who, for several years has probably come nearer being the
premier pitcher of the country than any other man, gives some ideas of
pitching to the New York Evening Journal. He says:

"In delivering a straight, swift ball, when my object is to obtain the
utmost speed at my command and to cut the plate, so that an umpire can
have no doubt as to its being 'over,' I grasp the ball firmly with the
two first fingers, with the thumb not clutching the ball too tightly. It
is not my intention to twist or curve the ball at those times, but to
catch the batter napping or else to prevent him from 'walking' to first.
I take one long preliminary swing to prepare the shoulder muscles for
the coming strain, and with my right foot firmly braced on the slab, I
lurch forward with a high, straight throw, the weight of my body adding
impetus to the ball.

"A slow ball when mixed up with great speed, is most effective if the
change of pace is so disguised as to fool the batter. It does not do to
telegraph your intentions or the ball will go soaring over the
bleachers--from off the old 'wagon tongue.' Exactly the same preliminary
motions should be gone through with as if to send in your swiftest ball.
For this delivery I h