George Schepps Remembers Art Fletcher and Others

George Schepps, 95, witness to nearly a century of the game that has consumed much of his life, styles himself as “baseball’s oldest living batboy.” Rightfully so. At the age of ten in 1908, Schepps began jerking bats for the Dallas Giants of the Texas League. Coincidentally, Art Fletcher, one of the most distinguished graduates of the storied old circuit, was the shortstop and an early hero of an impressionable youngster.

Described as “great on both offense and defense,” Fletcher would further his claim to extraordinary skill during an 11-year run as shortstop for John McGraw’s New York Giants, in the process playing in four World Series. By 1923, Fletcher had become manager of the futile Phillies and survived four complete seasons. Next, as a coach for the New York Yankees, he was in the pin stripes from 1927 to 1945, except for an 11-game stretch in 1929 when serving as interim manager upon the death of Miller Huggins.

Schepps, with brother Julius, purchased an interest in the Dallas club in 1920. By 1938, they had acquired controlling interest. After two pennants, a three-year vacation enforced by all-out war, and a thrill a minute for Dallas fans, the Schepps sold to Dick Burnett as the 1948 season opened.

George, later owner of Greenville (Big State) and Corpus Christi (Gulf Coast), for SABR members has selected his all-time squad of Dallas Texas Leaguers. Of course, Fletcher is an honoree as utility infielder.

Others include: Al Vincent, manager; Jim Riley, 1b; Les Mallon, 2b; grey Clarke, 3b; Johnny Lipon, ss; Rhino Williams, Randy Moore and Hack Miller, outfielders, with Hal Lee as utility; Ned Cronin and Josh Billings, catchers; and Snipe Conley, Slim Love, Hank Oano and Sal Gliatto, pitchers.