Rossman was the first baseman for Tiger pennant-winners in 1907 and 1908, adept at
laying down a bunt so that Ty Cobb could streak from first to third. However, a peculiar
emotional quirk shortened his career: he couldn't throw the ball when he became excited.
Runners would lead off first to draw a throw from the pitcher, then run to second
when Rossman froze.
(JK)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»July 25, 1908: With the Highlanders leading the Tigers 3–2 in the 8th, Detroit scores two runs on a Ty Cobb triple. With lefty Claude Rossman the next hitter, New York's new manager Kid Elberfeld moves righty pitcher Jack Chesbro to 1B and replaces him with first baseman Hal Chase. Chase allows a fly ball that scores Cobb, then goes back to 1B and Chesbro resumes his spot on the mound. It is Chase's only pitching appearance as the Tigers win 5–3.
»September 25, 1908: Detroit's Ed Summers pitches two complete-game wins over the A's, winning the opener 7-2 The 2nd game is a 10-inning battle with another rookie Biff Schlitzer that ends 1-0 on a Claude Rossman drive for an inside-the-park home run. Summers allows just two hits. With the White Sox idle, the Tigers move to a half-game out of first.
»October 2, 1908:
In Detroit, the Tigers score two runs in the 9th to edge the Browns, 7-6. Ty Cobb scores the winning run, but is practically carried across the plate by Hugh Jennings. Cobb had been held at 3B by the umpire who believed Claude Rossman's double had gone into the crowd. Cobb argued that it had not, and Jennings later reminded Cobb to, "score first, argue later." The Tigers remain in first by a half-game.
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