From the exhibition
Yale Murphy, the Great Short-Stop
Boxer, Billy · 1900

Yale Murphy, the Great Short-Stop
This *New York Five Cent Library* installment features a baseball story by "Billy Boxer, the Referee." The narrative follows Yale (nicknamed "Midge") Murphy, a small but talented seventeen-year-old short-stop on the village team of Southland, Massachusetts. Midge is exceedingly popular with the community and respected despite his diminutive stature.
The story centers on a match between Southland and the visiting Bridgewater nine. Local tradespeople have offered a handsome gold watch to the best-performing player. Midge carries a rose given to him by Rose Short, sister of his teammate Harry, which he views as a lucky mascot. The narrative includes pre-game preparations, fielding practice under Captain Billy Bunce, and the ceremonial arrival of the Bridgewater team, whom the hosts welcome with gunfire salutes. Neither team has previously suffered defeat.
Public domain, restored and presented by comicbooks.com public-domain