- Knoxville Bible Class Honors Star Pitcher of St. Louis Cardinals.
- Boyhood Is Recalled
October 24, 1914 Age 23
By James Jerpe Pittsburgh Post Gazette
“I am proud that I was born and reared In Pittsburgh. Also, that I am a member of the Bible class of the First Methodist Protestant Church. I want to thank the pastor and my friends in this church for the honor they have shown me and I will continue my life in a manner that they will never regret their good will and confidence In me.”
Bill Doak is a great pitcher, but his frank and direct utterance of the above little speech at the conclusion of a reception In his honor last night made friends wonder if the popular Knoxville boy would not have been quite as much of a success in the clergy or on the public platform. Close to 200 friends, most of whom grew up with the Cardinal star, gathered in the First Methodist Protestant Church in Georgia avenue, Knoxville, last night to do him honor. At the tables were many prominent baseball players, club officials and writers. The Rev. Dr. A. E. Fletcher and others reviewed the life of the honored guest from the time he was a little boy pitching ball around the South Hills meadows, but also taking his regular turn In the Sunday school of the First Church.
The Rev. Dr. Fletcher Talks.
The Rev. Dr. Fletcher talked on what the men’s movement in churches had done for character and the uplift of sports. He referred proudly to a letter from Barney Dreyfus, In which the president of the Pittsburgh Pirates referred to Bill Doak as the type of character that will perpetuate the success and elevate the standards of America’s national game. Joseph N. Mackrell was toast-master and he warmed up nicely and went the nine-inning route.
A splendid musical and literary entertainment Interspersed the addresses made by Secretary Leslie Costans, of the Pittsburgh Pirates; Edward Ballinger, of the Pittsburgh Post, Umpire Harry Johnson, of the National League staff; James Jerpe, of the Gazette Times; State Senator Moore, and last but not least, Chuck Deal of the Boston World’s Champions, who was dragged to his feet after he had defied Toastmaster Mackrell or anyonelse to get him on his feet. Assistant Secretary Sam Watters of the Pittsburgh club, who is a member of the Bible class, read letters of greetings from Manager Miller Huggins, of the St. Louis Club; Manager McGraw, of the Giants; President Barney Dreyfus, of the Pittsburgh club, and a number of Doak’s personal friends; also a fine telegram from Gov. John K. Tener.
One of the big features of the evening was the recitation by Mr. Dorrington of a splendid poem entitled “Our Willie,” written for the occasion by George S. Applegarth of The Gazette Times. The verses recited Bill’s career from boyhood to the present time, when there is a dispute on as to whether he or Dick Rudolph ranks second to Bill James at the top of the National League list of pitchers.
Doak Makes Neat Speech
It was a proud night for the Rev. Dr. Fletcher, a true Christian sportsman: Ed. Porter and every member of the Bible class. The theme of several of his speeches dealt with the development of baseball stars in the South Hill’s region; emphasis being laid on what the church can and will do in the building of character for the uplift of clean sports. Doak was the las speaker. He didn’t stumble or falter, but he talked with a pleasing frankness and spoke his gratitude for what the minister and others present had done for him as a boy, as well as since he reached fame. The Rev. Dr. Fletcher followed him and imparted the news that only yesterday Bill Doak’s father had been stricken with a serious illness that may necessitate a hasty operation today, but it was the parent’s wish that his son attend the affair in his honor and his only regret was that, he too, could not attend.
Among the local ball players present were Joe Schultz of last year’s Rochester team, who goes to Brooklyn, and Al Mamaux, the young Pirate star, who proved such bad medicine for the Phillies all season. Mamaux entertained with a fine vocal selection. The National Quartet also sang several fine numbers and Messrs. Breeden and Prophater also gave pleasing renditions.
October, 1914 – 23-year-old Bill Doak. Cute dimples.
