STL All Sports

While Larry Gilbert, popular manager of the old Nashville club, was noted for the consideration he showed his players, he found that it didn't always payoff to be nice to them. There was a pinch-hitter on his club who was cordially disliked by the fans. Gilbert found it necessary to use him once, and wishing to keep the fans off the poor guy, the manager left the dugout with him and accompanied him on the walk toward the batter's box. As soon as the two men stuck their heads out on the field, the hooting and yelling began, and the noise from the stands got louder and louder as they neared the plate.

"Don't mind' em," said Gilbert soothingly to the hitter. "You know how fans are. You just smack one on the nose and you'll hear those howls change to cheers right away."

"You got it all wrong, boss," answered the pinch-hitter. "They ain't on me at all. They're giving you the bird for having the nerve to use me!"