May 30, 1926 Billings Gazette, MT- He's Still the "Kid" But has Dropped the "Tabasco" Actions; Here's Why
He's Still the "Kid" But has Dropped the "Tabasco" Actions; Here's Why
By NORMAN E. BROWN
Kid Elberfeld, one of the most celebrated figures ever to grace a baseball field, is managing the Chattanooga club of the Southern association this season. "Bet he's the same old 'Kid,' you will probably remark, if you knew him in the old days. But he isn't.
Elberfeld was known once affectionately by the title of the "Tabasco Kid" because of his fiery temper. And oh, what a peck of trouble that "pepper" drew him. During his 17 years in the big show -he played with New York, Washington, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Brooklyn - he "exploded" frequently, Usually his spite was vented against the umpire. He was known as a professional "umpire baiter." The arbiters came to know him. At the first word Elberfeld found himself banished from the game. He came to draw the term "rowdy." Johnny Evers was just such a type. And both of them were equally smart, sagacious baseball men, quick in thought and action, But the "Kid" is tamed now. And why?
"Well, you see I've half a dozen youngsters," says Elberfeld. "I don't want them to keep On reading about their dad being a 'rowdy' or hear folks talking about me that way. It takes some of the sport out of the game, but I've got to cut it out." Elberfeld broke into the big leagues as an infielder in 1899 with the Cinci Reds and the very next year drew attention by jumping to the Detroit club.
For three years he starred with that club at short, his fielding and speed on the bases being his main assets, and then decided to play with the New York Giants, Had not baseball peace between the two leagues been declared at that time he probably would have won his greatest honors with the famous old Giants. As it was he was sent back to Detroit and then awarded to the Yankees. For seven years he starred with the Gotham outfit, then played two years with Washington and one with Brooklyn before drifting out of the big show.
Elberfeld's ability as a fielder is attested to by his feat of accepting 12 assists, Sept. 2, 1901, which performance set an American League record.
As a batter Elberfeld never was counted a heavy hitter. His lifetime average was around .270. But he was a fast man getting away to first and therefore a good sacrifice hitter. And he had the gentle art of waiting out pitchers down to a fine art. On Aug. 1, 1902, for instance, he drew five bases on balls in one game - placing him in the select list of two or three others who have accomplished such a feat.
By NORMAN E. BROWN
Kid Elberfeld, one of the most celebrated figures ever to grace a baseball field, is managing the Chattanooga club of the Southern association this season. "Bet he's the same old 'Kid,' you will probably remark, if you knew him in the old days. But he isn't.
Elberfeld was known once affectionately by the title of the "Tabasco Kid" because of his fiery temper. And oh, what a peck of trouble that "pepper" drew him. During his 17 years in the big show -he played with New York, Washington, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Brooklyn - he "exploded" frequently, Usually his spite was vented against the umpire. He was known as a professional "umpire baiter." The arbiters came to know him. At the first word Elberfeld found himself banished from the game. He came to draw the term "rowdy." Johnny Evers was just such a type. And both of them were equally smart, sagacious baseball men, quick in thought and action, But the "Kid" is tamed now. And why?
"Well, you see I've half a dozen youngsters," says Elberfeld. "I don't want them to keep On reading about their dad being a 'rowdy' or hear folks talking about me that way. It takes some of the sport out of the game, but I've got to cut it out." Elberfeld broke into the big leagues as an infielder in 1899 with the Cinci Reds and the very next year drew attention by jumping to the Detroit club.
For three years he starred with that club at short, his fielding and speed on the bases being his main assets, and then decided to play with the New York Giants, Had not baseball peace between the two leagues been declared at that time he probably would have won his greatest honors with the famous old Giants. As it was he was sent back to Detroit and then awarded to the Yankees. For seven years he starred with the Gotham outfit, then played two years with Washington and one with Brooklyn before drifting out of the big show.
Elberfeld's ability as a fielder is attested to by his feat of accepting 12 assists, Sept. 2, 1901, which performance set an American League record.
As a batter Elberfeld never was counted a heavy hitter. His lifetime average was around .270. But he was a fast man getting away to first and therefore a good sacrifice hitter. And he had the gentle art of waiting out pitchers down to a fine art. On Aug. 1, 1902, for instance, he drew five bases on balls in one game - placing him in the select list of two or three others who have accomplished such a feat.
