After rain prevented a June 1899 game between the Reading Coal Heavers and Wilkes-Barre Coal Barons of the Atlantic League, The Reading Times said “the handful of rooters that gathered,” had a good time in spite of the weather:
Baseballists of Note
The Wilkes-Barre boys are a jolly lot and, while the rain was falling (performed) a vocal concert by a quartet composed of (Billy) Goeckel, (Bill) Clymer, (Cy) Vorhees, and (Reading’s) Eddie Murphy. The boys sand ragtime melodies, sentimental songs and selections from various operas in splendid shape. Murphy, it was learned, is one of the sweetest tenors this old town has met for a long time. Goeckel has an excellent bass voice, while Clymer sings a clear baritone. Vorhees’ voice is a cross between a falsetto and a soprano, but at any rate he can make himself heard.”
Baritone Bill Clymer
And there was more:
“Wilkes-Barre’s mascot pup, ‘George,’ also contributed to the amusement of the crowd by chasing balls thrown in the diamond. Captain Goeckel claims ‘George’ can beat Clymer to a standstill hunting up grounders at short.”
George’s performance managed to improve his image in Reading; a month earlier after Wilkes-Barre had defeated the Coal Heavers 5 to 4 with a run in the in the ninth, The Times quoted a fan who was convinced the mascot was to blame:
“Hang these dog mascots; they’re always Reading’s hoodoo.”
Despite the “hoodoo” George was alleged to put on opponents, Wilkes-Barre was three games behind the league-leading Richmond Bluebirds on August 6 when the financially troubled league disbanded.
Baseball History Daily 
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