"Sam" Barclay (Harry is supposed to have been his baptismal name) was
one of the great ball players of the long ago, and the shadows of the
drama that wrecked his life are, therefore, interwoven with the world
of sport, and even with the career of Charles Comiskey, "the master of
the White Sox."
Barclay, a trim and graceful fellow, came into prominence twenty years
ago and played with Pittsburg and St. Louis. At St. Louis he was under
the command of Comiskey, who therefore knew him well, and was always
interested in his doings.
On two or three occasions quarrels over the contracts of Sam Barclay
nearly wrecked organized base ball. He was a wonderful second baseman,
and one of the fastest and most scientific players of the day.
In 1889 Barclay's knee went back on him, and, while he regained full
use of the leg, he was never fast enough to play his former game. He
also began to take on flesh, and was glad to retire from the diamond.
[Illustration: HOME MCDONALD BUILT FOR HIS FIRST WIFE HARRISON ST. AND
ASHLAND BLD.]