STL All Sports

While Jake Ruppert owned the New York Yankees, one of his best scouts, Paul Krichell, discovered what he thought was a fine young prospect who also happened to be a preacher. He signed the boy to a contract, paid him $1000 on the spot, and then' told him to report to one of the Yankee farm clubs.

Time passed and the promising rookie didn't show up. Inquiries failed to locate him anyplace. Colonel Ruppert sent for the scout and demanded an explanation. None was forthcoming.

"Look what you've done," mourned Ruppert. "You spent $1000 of my hard-earned money and what do I get for it? Eh, tell me!"

"Well, Colonel," answered the scout carefully, "there's always good will, you know. After all, the kid who's got your thousand bucks will sure be praying for you!"