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Schalk spent almost his entire career with the Pale Hose, beginning in 1912; he played just 5 games for the New York Giants in 1929 before retiring. Nicknamed "Cracker," since he resembled a cracker box when viewed from behind, he was considered to be an exceptionally skilled defensive catcher, a so-so hitter and very fast on the base paths. He "called" good games from behind the plate, apparently able to get pitchers to throw their best. Schalk was the other half of the battery for four no-hit games by various Chicago pitchers during his career. Ty Cobb thought highly of Schalk, naming him as the catcher on his (Cobb's) personal, all-time, all-star team. Schalk was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955.
A feat of some notoriety took place in 1925 when Schalk caught a ball dropped from the top of the 462 ft. Chicago Tribune tower. 'Cause he could, I guess.
Denny Gill
Chugiak, Alaska
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