Life, 1911-07-13 · page 26 of 44
Life — July 13, 1911 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This *Life* magazine article satirizes how dramatically amateur youth baseball has become more organized and "scientific" between the old days and the present era (early 1900s). The piece contrasts barefoot boys in overalls playing casually with modern junior players now sporting official uniforms, metal cleats, and professional infrastructure. The humor lies in nostalgia for simpler times—editors once prioritized the amateur baseball column over front-page news. The caricatured team names and player rosters reflect immigrant and working-class communities (the "Young Italian Cubs," "Defenbach and Schfdts"), suggesting this modernization reaches across ethnic neighborhoods. Illustrations show the evolution: from improvised play to regulated "reg'lar uniform." The joke targets modern American society's increasing standardization and professionalization of childhood recreation—a critique of progress itself. What once was spontaneous fun has become systematized.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Harold, —_—Bill,_—-Earney, John, P ast b. 2nd b, Baseball, Old and New How the National Game Among the Amateurs Has Advanced to a Really Scientific and Artistic Basis—Notes ie the golden days when we who now are dignified edi- tors used to read first of all the amateur baseball column, then, with a mild curiosity, turn to glance at the scare heads on the front page, the amateur as often as not was a small boy who played in overalls and bare feet, after tossing his straw hat into temporary retirement in a weed patch, We called it affectation in that era for a boy to wear a “ reg'lar uniform” and a professional cap. But in these times the youngest and the humblest has a baseball suit and a striped headpiece, and few will venture on the diamond without their tennis sneakers or a pair of old shoes with metal cleats. A glance at a column of modern amateur notes reveals other startling evidence of youth's progress in the national game: “Al Bentley would like to sign with any six or seven-year old team in the city as fielder. Call Grand 3934 Bell and ask for Al.” “The Boys’ Club of the Whitmore School of Rosedale, Kan., defeated the Maple Leaf Juniors 21 to 6. Any nine or ten-year old team wishing to get a game may talk with the manager over Home, Main 6150.” “The B, A. C’s challenge any twelve or thirteen-year old team in the city for a game Saturday. Call West 2000 and ask for Willie.” In overalls and bare feet Reg'lar uniform August, Hanky, gdb. ss. Dutch, Ralph, Me ee “The Greendale Blues would like to sign two left-handed pitohers or any other good twelve or thirteen-year old play- ers. Answer through the Star.” In choice of labels, as in dress and in enterprise, the new generation has advanced an amazing distance—from the old favorites, such as Blues and Browns, Cyclones, Sluggers and Giants to such distinctive team names as Rail Birds, Myste- rious Makers, Mutt-and-Jeffs, Lucky Grays, Green Bloomers, Yellow Jackets and Young Italian Cubs. Interesting names have a fascination for most Americans, There is a treat in store for all who will take the time to read amateur notes: “The Shawnee Ramblers have changed their name to the J. J. Fischers.” (And, oh, the pity of it!) “The Defenbach and Schfidts ea defeated the All Stars yesterday by the score of 7 to 4.” “St. Peter defeated St. An- thony by the score of 12 to 11. The pitcher for St. Peter was John Herish.” “Sam, bring Speck” Crystal Blues have organized for the season with the following players: Joe Danzo, Joe School, T. Lasson, J. Terrino, L. Cipola, T. Pa- sano, J. Pepper, T. Holmes, Otto Nigro, Steno Tomanto.” “The M., K, & T. Flyers would like to have a game Sun- day afternoon at 1.30 o'clock at Eighteenth and McGee streets. Answer through the Star, All players of the Flyers take notice. Sam, bring Speck.” “The Cub Juniors and the St. Roses will play at Eighth street and Quindaro Boulevard this afternoon. The Juniors “Main 6150" The home run of Abie