When Rube Waddell arrived in St. Louis after spring training in French Lick, Indiana in 1908, The Pittsburg Press reported:
“(The) Crazy pitcher gives St. Louis inaugural sample of his peculiarities.”
Rube Waddell
The paper said when Waddell and the rest of the Browns got to town they stayed at St. Louis’ Planter’s House Hotel:
“When it came time to retire, about 10 o’clock, Waddell and (Bill) Dinneen found they had both been assigned to room 608.
“Dineen said he wanted a room to himself because of a boil on his knee. Then Waddell got on his dignity and stated he wanted a room to himself anyway and must have one. The clerk demurred and took the position that (Browns) President (Robert) Hedges had ordered the men to double up while at the Planters.
Waddell told Dineen he could have the room by himself, if that was the case, as he intended to move. He went upstairs, packed his suitcase and went to the Empress Bar on Walnut Street. Waddell decided he had a grievance and was also certain he was thirsty.
“He satisfied the thirst in an orderly manner, and, then to make himself useful, he ordered the bartender from behind the mahogany and held down the job for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, word had been sent to Hedges and (Manager Jimmy) McAleer, and scouts located Waddell.”
Baseball History Daily 
Leave a Reply