STL All Sports

One of the ancient superstitions of baseball is that the player who sees a truck load of empty barrels before a game will get a lot of base hits. In the old days when the Chicago Cubs and the New York Giants (McGraw's Giants) were carrying on a fierce rivalry for the pennant, the two teams met for a crucial series. As the Giant team arrived at the ball park, a truck piled high with empty barrels went rumbling down the street.

"Oh, boy," chortled a Giant happily, "there goes a lot of hits for us today!"

Inspired by the unfailing omen, the Giants went out and slaughtered the Cubs. The next day, another truck load of empty barrels passed just as the Giants arrived for the game. It was a four-game series, and the New York players saw a truck full of empty barrels before each game. The Giants swept the series. Then, on the next day, a wizened little character appeared at the Giants' club house.

"Looking for someone?" asked a coach.

"Mr. McGraw," answered the little guy.

"He isn't here yet," said the coach. "Can I help you?"

"I want my dough," piped the little guy. "Mr. McGraw hired me to drive a truck load of empty barrels past here every day for four days
and I ain't been paid yet!"