Stealing First

[DOUGHBOYS]

1908 was the middle of the dead ball era. There were few home runs. Most home runs at the time, were inside the park jobs.

Frank Baker, who started his Major League career in 1908 would be called 'Home Run' Baker later because he could hit the ball over the fence more than a handfull of times during a season.



But, this isn't about Home Run Baker. 1908 was a game of speed and bunching hits together. It was about bunting. Imagine every team playing 'small ball'.



Germany Schafer was the clown of baseball at the time. He would later have a routine in vaudeville.

On rainy days he would pull up some galloshes over his spikes and go up to the plate with an umbrella rather than a bat.

The fans would howl.

Schafer was the typical player of the day. Speedy, crafty, taking an extra base whenever possible.



On one day in 1908, he did something that dispells a myth and that will never be accomplished or most likely, even tried again.



Schafer was on first base with a speedy teammate on third. Schafer took off for second base, hoping that the catcher would throw down so that the runner on third would have a chance to steal home.

The catcher did not throw the ball.

Disappointed at the failed tactic, Schafer took off on the next pitch....back to first base where he slid in safely, again, without a throw.

On first, Schafer announced to the ballpark that he would re-steal second base and dared the catcher to throw him out.

He took off again, sliding safely into second base again.

But disappointed.

The catcher did not throw down and the inning ended with neither runner scoring.



On this day, Schafer put to rest the old adage that 'you can't steal first'.

He also is the only player to steal the same base twice.

Also, the only player to steal three bases in an inning without scoring.



The fact of the matter is, though, that although Schafer lobbied for the three stolen bases after the game that day, he was only credited with one by the official scorekeeper.



In 1920, when the rules were taken out of the dead ball era and into the rules we have become familiar with, a rule was passed that a runner cannot go back to a base that was previously occupied. The Schafer rule.



The next time you see the old 'you can't steal first base' line.

Think of Germany Schafer and smile or laugh.

Being a one time clown in baseball, he'd like that.

[Ando]

Dan,



If Tony Campana didn't try that on Monday, just give him a week or two. Old Man Schafer gots nothin' on Campana!



It warmed up in the Midwest last weekend. I spent Memorial Day morning cutting the grass. Thought I'd grab the couch and some Cubs Holiday baseball in the afternoon. Made a comment to a friend that I can't believe I'm watching Cub baseball with Rodrigo Lopez pitching, Blake DeWitt in LF, and some Campana guy in CF running all over the place like it's a Little League game.



My conclusion: My body better get used to this heat so I don't get suckered into that again this year!

[Winston's Empire]

Dough... Finally getting around to catching up on your writing! You remain BY FAR my favorite baseball read on the net pal!

[Ando]

Another alias?