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| Ganzel might have read this comment in the Sporting Life: "If pitcher Doc Newton's reports about Chase's ability to cover first base are true, the Yankees will not need Ganzel this season." Ganzel purchased the Grand Rapids team of the Western League and paid the Yankee management $3,000 for his unconditional release. Chase's debut in major league baseball came against the Washington Senators in a two game series played in April, 1905. The Yankees won both games by scores of 2-1 and 4-0. In the first game, Chase was one for four with a double. Chase was an original in his play at first base. Before him, charging in on bunts was uncommon. This fiery defensive style was the unforgettable characteristic of Chase's game. At the beginning of his career, he only lacked a good batting eye to complement his fielding. Clark Griffith and teammate Willie Keeler had tried to help Chase with his batting but gave up. Chase found batting help from an unlikely source. Kid Elberfeld, a career .271 hitter, the scrappy shortstop for the Yankees, would tutor him. Chase eventually found great success using a short bat like Elberfeld did. Elberfeld gave good advice, and Chase would compile a lifetime batting average of .291. He certainly adopted a unique method for choosing his batting timber, one not without health hazards. The secret was revealed as Chase had a splinter in his tongue one day: Bystander: "How did you get that in?" Chase: "Well, I'll tell you. I was downtown this morning sampling some new sticks. I can tell a new bat by tasting the wood." In his debut year of 1905, Chase batted .249. The next year, he knocked the ball at a .323 clip. Bat tasting had worked. Chase became the bona fide star and drawing card for the fledgling New York crew. New York's American League fans soon adopted a favorite son and Chase became a popular figure both on and off the field. Due to his spectacular fielding, Chase became known as "Peerless Hal" and "Prince Hal." |
