A Twist on the Hidden Ball Trick, 1909
Jack Fournier had a favorite story that The Chicago Daily News said he told so often that “fellow members of the White Sox give the warning ‘Capron story’” every time he retold it.
Fournier
Fournier was playing first base for the Portland Cubs in Northwestern League in 1909 while former college football star George Capron was playing for the Seattle Turks.
“A Seattle runner was on first when Capron came to bat. He rapped a hot grounder down to (Phil) Cooney, who was at short for Portland. The latter whipped the ball to second, forcing the runner and then the ball was relayed to Fournier.
“Capron had crossed the bag and was making his turn back by the time the throw reached Fournier.
“Jack tossed the ball up and down in his glove as Capron came up. ‘Can you beat that Capron?’ said Fournier ‘the ump called you out.’
Capron, known for his temper on the field, became enraged and ran towards the umpire who standing near second base.
“Fournier was right on his heels and didn’t catch him until they covered half the distance. He tagged the amazed Capron with the ball.”
Asked if Capron was angry, Fournier would deadpan, “Well, rather.”
An Umpire’s revenge
In 1907, long-time American League umpire Jack Sheridan told a story that appeared in several newspapers, including The Chicago Evening Post, about how he quieted a “Chronic Kicker,” Fielder Jones of the Chicago White Sox:
Jack Sheridan
During the previous season, Chicago was playing the Detroit Tigers when Jones got on base:
“Charley O’Leary, the Tigers shortstop brushed Jones’ leg with the ball as he was sliding into second on a steal. Sheridan called him out and Jones kicked; said he didn’t feel the ball touch him. Sheridan told O’Leary to make him feel it the next time. A few innings later Jones got on and again attempted to steal. This time, O’Leary jammed the ball onto Jones’ head.”
Fielder Jones
Sheridan said after the shaken-up Jones was called out and recovered from the blow:
“(He) walked to the bench without a single protest.”
A Pitcher’s Plea, 1898
After not playing professional ball in 1896 and 1897, Matt Kilroy returned to the major leagues with the Chicago orphans in 1898.
A decade later, Revere Rodgers of The Washington Evening Star said Kilroy, who won 46 games in 1887, “was in the game long after his arm went back on him.”
Matt Kilroy
He also had another talent:
“As a baseball player Matt was real classy, but as a poker player he was king, and the Chicago bunch in those days was the most rabid pasteboard handlers then traveling over the circuit.
“Kilroy was lucky with the cards, his skill was marvelous, and he must have done well judging from a conversation at the time he was handed the customer ten days’ notice (of his release in August 1898) by Manager (Tom) Burns.
‘”Oh, say, Burns,’ cried Matt, when he received the notice, ‘allow me to stay with the club. You won’t have to give me a cent of salary, and what is more, I will pay all my traveling expenses, and help the club out at the bat or in the pitcher’s box.’”
Burns told Kilroy he could earn “three hundred a month in the Eastern League.”
“I know,’ said Kilroy, ‘But you see I like the poker game the boys play here.”
Baseball History Daily 
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