Hanson Wanted Sheehan for His Syracuse Team

HANSON WANTED SHEEHAN FOR HIS SYRACUSE TEAM But Joe, Released From Cleveland, is Through for Season; Deighan Still Considering Managerial Offer; Hyde Signs With Montreal By ABE COROTIS When Vic Hanson, nonpareil of college athletes, asked for and obtained his release from the Cleveland basketball club last month, one of the causes advanced by puzzled fandom was his inability to “get along” with the veteran Cleveland players. Another was the fact that he sat on the bench in a game or two while Joe Sheehan got the call to start. This led to the rumor that Hanson and Sheehan, ex-collegians, were enemies. Nothing could be further from the truth, as a matter of fact. Not only do Vic and Joe deny such allegations, but, by actions, they show them to be false. The writer sat with Hanson during the first half of the Cleveland-Phillies game at the Arena, when Sheehan started and the Syracuse alumnus did not get into the game until the second half. It was apparent that bench duty did not appeal to Vic. While he did not voice his feelings, it is only natural that a boy who has occupied the centre of the stage as has Hanson in school should resent being cast out of the spotlight. Replying to a query about Sheehan, Hanson was lavish in his praise of the Camden athlete, who had just graduated from Villanova College. “He’s a mighty good basketball player right now,” declared the great Vic, “and he has the makings of one of the best of them all. He is fast, can shoot, knows plenty about the game and is always willing to learn more. I’d like to be in there with him.” The conversation turned to Hanson’s college career. Then I suddenly asked him if he intended to stick with Cleveland; if he liked professional basketball. “Gonna’ Quit Tomorrow” “Oh, I like it all right,” he replied, “but I think I’ll quit. Yes, sir, I’m gonna’ ask for my release tomorrow and run a team of my own in Syracuse.” That was interesting news, if true. But I thought Hanson was just “letting off steam,” showing his resentment at being out of the game. Why should he quit? Vic was a big drawing card; Cleveland realized it and he was being paid handsomely. In the light of later developments, however, Hanson was in dead earnestness that night. He showed that he cares more about the game than the money, for in running his own team he is taking a gamble. At Cleveland he was sure of a nice income. Incidentally, Hanson sought Sheehan’s services for his team, but Joe preferred to remain with Cleveland. “If anything goes wrong here, just let me know and I’ll have a job for you,” Hanson told him. Last week Cleveland signed Elmer Ripley, and simultaneously Sheehan was given his release. Joe seriously considered joining Hanson’s Syracuse club, but at the last minute he changed his mind. “I guess I’ve had enough basketball for this season,” is the way he put it. “I’m going to get a job and go to work.” * * * Neil Can’t Make Up Mind Another well known basketball star has been in public print recently. Singularly enough, it is he who recommended Sheehan to Cleveland. Neil Deighan, a member of that great Camden Eastern League club of bygone days, who was with the Phillies in the American League last year, has been offered a position as playing manager for the Hagerstown (Md.) club in the Blue Ridge League. The husky Collingswood athlete formerly managed Madisonville in the Kitty League, and in his heyday ranked as one of the greatest catchers outside the major. Last year he gave up playing for the less strenuous duties of an umpire. Neil showed me several telegrams from Hagerstown, and the financial inducements were unusually good for a club of that class. But Deighan is undecided. “I don’t like managing a ball club,” is the way he puts ft. “And, besides, I have family ties here. I don’t seem able to decide what to do. I haven’t answered yet.” One thing, if Neil does decide to accept the offer, he will carry with him to Hagerstown the good wishes of hundreds of local players and fans. * * * Hyde Signs Contract Joe Hyde, another local baseball and basketball star, has returned his contract, signed, to the Montreal Club in the International League. Hyde, who, like Deighan, formerly played with Camden in the Eastern League and is now with Immaculate Conception’s court combination, caught for Jersey City in the International two years ago. He left the club and was barred from organized baseball. When Montreal purchased Jersey City’s franchise, efforts were made to have him reinstated, and they were successful. Whereupon a contract was offered Hyde, and he accepted. * * * Seibold Reinstated, Too Harry “Sox” Seibold, former Athletics twirler, who, after being blacklisted, pitched for Lou Schaub’s Camden club, is back in organized baseball, too. Seibold, who lives in Riverside, has joined Portland in the Pacific Coast League, the same club on which Freddy Heimach, Camden southpaw, pitches.