Indianapolis, April 1, 1902
Two teammates were warming up on the sidelines before an exhibition match-up between the Philadelphia and the Cincinnati Reds. The game’s outset looked bleak, as the dark grey clouds rolled in overhead. The Reds were in town for a series against their “farm team” the Indians and was a convenient stop for the Phillies on their way back to Philadelphia. The ball beat leather between throws and took faster pace and grew in volume as if a battle behind the hills was getting closer. For both players, this spring was indeed a battle to make the limited 16-man roster. Both of them, pitcher
Frank Corridon and left-fielder
George Hildebrand, came from opposite sides of the country to fill gaping holes left in Philadelphia after a number of last year’s starters jumped to the American League. They had something to prove to resurrect their stumbling careers. They came cheap and both knew they were just as expendable.
George Hildebrand, of San Francisco, California, took to the cooler climes of Toronto after an extended season in the California League with his hometown Wasps. He saw very limited action in a reserve role, the sun good for his complexion but not for his wallet. Sold north, Hildebrand at 23 was wise beyond his years, he knew the game in and out but couldn’t either get a break or the chance to prove it on the diamond. He hadn’t much chance either to chum with the rest of the fellows on his new team- he quietly observed their motions, noted their demeanors and tried to replicate some of the veterans’ actions. Frowning a bit, he knew the Phillies only had the venerable but touchy “Ee Yah” Hughie Jennings to emulate with the rest of the team new and green like himself. As they threw, the field was becoming a little muddy after yesterday’s rain and today’s continuing ight sprinkle. It dampened his spirits even if he was getting his first start of the spring.
Frank Corridon, of Newport, Rhode Island, was a relief ‘specialist’ for St. Paul of the newly reformed American Association last year. “Specialist” was an unkind misnomer for pitchers – entering a game in relief meant you either didn’t have the stuff to start or the stamina to finish one. Corridon had the stuff, but he was still young and was adjusting to life on the road in unfamiliar places. His young body hadn’t filled in yet and he struggled to keep a steady pace whenever he pitched. With St. Paul, he was 6-8 in 39 games, all in relief, with 11 “saves”. His 2.96 ERA was serviceable and he didn’t embarrass himself in the box, but he wanted to start. That was his ticket to the National League. Unsatisfied with his role, he was excited to learn that Toronto of the International League purchased his contract that fall. Renewed with enthusiasm, he kept in shape over the winter but strained his thigh while conditioning back home. Now healed, he was invited to travel south for spring training with the Phillies, but saw no action until the return trip. Today though, he was starting. On Fool’s Day…