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came to view Brother Matthias as a father figure, a role model whose approval mattered more than anyone else's. Baseball became the central organizing principle of George's life at St. Mary's. He played as often as possible, on the school's teams and in pickup games with other boys. His reputation as a player spread beyond the institution; local teams and college players would sometimes come to St. Mary's to compete against the school's best players, and George was always the one they wanted to face. The Many Positions of a Young Phenomenon George's early baseball experiences were marked by constant experimentation with different positions. He started as a catcher, a position that required toughness, quick reflexes, and a strong throwing arm—all qualities George possessed in abundance. Catching in the early twentieth century was a brutal occupation; catchers wore minimal protective gear and had to stand up to the constant punishment of foul tips and collisions at the plate. George thrived on the physical challenge, and his enthusiasm for the position earned him respect from his teammates and opponents alike. As he got older, George was shifted to pitcher, where his arm strength and competitive temperament could be fully utilized. He developed a devastating fastball that seemed to explode out of his hand, and he worked tirelessly to master a curveball that would fool even the best hitters. The Xaverian Brothers were increasingly certain that George had what it took to become a professional pitcher, and they began to make inquiries about possible opportunities. But George's hitting was equally remarkable. From a young age, he displayed power that seemed improbable for someone his age. He hit baseballs farther than boys much older and larger, sending them over the outfield fences of St. Mary's fields with breathtaking regularity. Brother Matthias encouraged his hitting development, recognizing that George's power was a special gift that could take him far in the game. By the time George reached his mid-teens, he was perhaps the best all-around player in the history of St. Mary's. He was both a dominant pitcher and a fearsome hitter, capable of beating teams with his arm, his bat, or both. His reputation had spread throughout Baltimore, and he was discussed as a possible professional prospect by local baseball enthusiasts. The Unique Swing That Would Change Baseball One of the most significant contributions Brother Matthias made to George's development was the refinement of his hitting style. In the early twentieth century, baseball hitting was generally characterized by a restrained, controlled approach. Hitters were taught to make contact rather than to swing for power. Bunting, slapping the ball to the opposite field, and hitting to advance runners were valued more highly than hitting home runs. Brother Matthias recognized that George's natural power set him apart from other hitters. Instead of trying to restrain George's swing, he encouraged him to unleash it. He taught George to stride into the ball, using his powerful lower body to generate momentum and bat speed. He emphasized a big, looping swing that would maximize George's ability to generate power. The swing that Brother Matthias helped develop was revolutionary for its time. George did not choke up on the bat like most hitters; he held it at the very end, extending his arms for maximum leverage. He took a massive stride toward the pitcher, shifting his weight forward and generating incredible bat speed. His swing was long and sweeping, but it was also remarkably consistent—he rarely swung and missed, even though he swung for the fences on nearly every pitch. This approach to hitting was controversial. Many coaches and