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Jack Coombs, Chief Bender and Cy Morgan, Assisted by Kathryn and Violet Pearl
"Learning the Game" opens with the two girls on stage. Kathyrn is the owner of the ball club but knows nothing about the game. Violet knows "all about it" and is acquainted with the players. The men enter in spotless uniforms. There is some kidding at the expense of Kathryn and Morgan sang "Mr. Dream Man." The pitchers then demonstrated pitching methods. Each man gave a short explanation before pitching the ball into a net in the wings. They finish with a good number, "The Base-Ball Glide," all singing. Both songs are by Harry Von Tilzer. The encore is a dance with the girls and Morgan really dancing. At the finish, Bender did a miniature war dance which brought great laughter and applause. Each pitcher made a speech at the curtains, as did "Rube" Oldring who was in the audience.
The applause that greeted the players was veritable thunder. The act took eleven curtains on Monday night.
John R. Robinson picked a peach when he signed the pitching heroes of the World's CHampion Athletics, Coombs, Bender and Morgan. He also chose the proper support, Kathryn and Violet Pearl. Moreover, he was very wise by having George Totten Smith construct the vehicle. The sketch would probably stand alone without the big names attached to it. Morgan surprised everyone with his really good singing voice. The act should prove on the the season's biggest novelties and one of the best drawing cards.
Source:
Variety 24:10 (11/11/1911)