NUMBERED WITH THE DEAD
Frank S. Flint Is Dead Frank S. Flint, the ballplayer, died of consumption at 7 o'clock last night, at his divorced wife's residence on Twenty-fifth street. Flint has been at death's door for a week, and only his wonderful vitality kept him alive. He had wasted away to a mere skeleton, and during the last days of his illness was too weak to recognize his most intimate friends. A few months ago Flint's wife met him on the street, and, seeing then the stamp of death on his wan and wasted face, invited him to her home, paid all his doctor's bills, and nursed him tenderly to the end. Flint lost two brothers by consumption. Frank S. Flint was in his prime one of the leading pitchers (sic), if not the leading pitcher (sic), of the country. He was born in Philadelphia Aug. 3, 1855, but moved to St. Louis when a mere boy, and made his professional debut with the Red Stockings of that city, from whence graduated Tom Loftus, Jimmy Galvin, and other good ballplayers. Flint in 1875 caught for the Reds, doing brilliant work. In 1876 he was with the Stars of Covington, Ky., but the club disbanded before the season was finished and Flint went to Indianapolis. In 1878, Anson took from the Hoosier city Flint, Quest, and Williamson, and "Silver" remained with the Chicagos during the rest of his professional career. Flint has not played professionally since 1889, when he caught but fifteen games for the Chicagos. In the early days of the game, before catching paraphernalia was as complete as it is now, Flint was looked on as a phenomenon. In 1877, he caught 120 out of 121 games played by Indianapolis, and in 1878 56 out of 60 games with the same club. In 1879 he caught 74 out of 79 played by Chicago; in 1880, 82 out of 84 games; in 1881 77 out of 84 games; in 1882 73 out of 84 games; and in 1883, 85 out of 95 games. Then, as the seasons were lengthened, Flint began to catch less, but he was in active practice to the end of his ballplaying days. Flint's hands were a study. They had been knocked out of all shape by foul tips, and many a good story has been told at the expense of Flint and his deformed digits. |
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