June 1, 1916 - Daily Sentinal (Fitchburg, MA) - MARTINA'S AMBITION FOR "IRON MAN" TITLE MAY END HIS PITCHING CAREER
MARTINA'S AMBITION FOR "IRON MAN" TITLE MAY END HIS PITCHING CAREER
The World of Sports
Joe Martina
by Harold Johnson,
Ed Walsh's downfall in the heyday of his pitching career should have been a warning to young slabmen who aspire to the Title of Iron Men. The spitball king of other days now is a benchwarmer and slated to umpire next season. Joe Martlna, New Orleans boy, on the hurling staff of the Chattanooga. Southern association, club, is another example of an overburdened star who broke under pressure.
Performing under orders from Kid Elberfeld skipper of the Lookouts, Martina pitched seven games n the first 16 days of the season. From May 1 to May 13 he officiated in five engagements tolling with a sore arm. From April 14 to May 17 the Dixie youth worked in 13 games, winning five, losing two. relieving pitchers in three and being yanked from three.
"Be careful with that whip. Youngsster. You'll be able to make it earn you money when all this so-called glory is forgotten," was the advice of old-timers to the lad who quit his job as pilot of an oyster wagon to become a diamond luminary. But Martina ignored the tips and has virtually thrown his arm away.
Treatment may enable Martina to continue working in Class A company. Advices from Chattanooga, however, indicate that the youngster will not be of much service to that club again this year and just as as soon as the 15-day period on the ineligible list expires chances are he will be suspended for the balance of the season.
Elberfeld attributs Martina's sore arm to constant use of the spitball. At any rate it behooves young pitchers bent on winning fame as iron men to work only in their turn.
The World of Sports
Joe Martina
by Harold Johnson,
Ed Walsh's downfall in the heyday of his pitching career should have been a warning to young slabmen who aspire to the Title of Iron Men. The spitball king of other days now is a benchwarmer and slated to umpire next season. Joe Martlna, New Orleans boy, on the hurling staff of the Chattanooga. Southern association, club, is another example of an overburdened star who broke under pressure.
Performing under orders from Kid Elberfeld skipper of the Lookouts, Martina pitched seven games n the first 16 days of the season. From May 1 to May 13 he officiated in five engagements tolling with a sore arm. From April 14 to May 17 the Dixie youth worked in 13 games, winning five, losing two. relieving pitchers in three and being yanked from three.
"Be careful with that whip. Youngsster. You'll be able to make it earn you money when all this so-called glory is forgotten," was the advice of old-timers to the lad who quit his job as pilot of an oyster wagon to become a diamond luminary. But Martina ignored the tips and has virtually thrown his arm away.
Treatment may enable Martina to continue working in Class A company. Advices from Chattanooga, however, indicate that the youngster will not be of much service to that club again this year and just as as soon as the 15-day period on the ineligible list expires chances are he will be suspended for the balance of the season.
Elberfeld attributs Martina's sore arm to constant use of the spitball. At any rate it behooves young pitchers bent on winning fame as iron men to work only in their turn.