STL All Sports

Charley Gehringer, considered the greatest of second basemen, never had very much to say in the long years he spent with the Detroit Tigers. In fact, it was almost impossible to get a word out of the mechanical marvel, on or off the field. Nor did he care much to listen to anybody else make unnecessary conversation.

Gehringer roomed with the Detroit pitcher, Chief Hogsett. The two men were well matched, for the big Indian was as much of a clam as his roommate.

The two were having breakfast together one morning. A deep silence prevailed. Then the Chief leaned across the table. "Charley," he said, "please pass the salt."

Gehringer stiffened and then looked accusingly at his companion. "You could have pointed," he said, and went on with his breakfast.