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played, though on a poor field. Being very mich interested in athletic sports,
he subsequently expressed his readiness to provide for the purchase and
preparation of a suitable athletic field for University sports. The sum

given by him for this purpose amounted to twenty-five hundred dollars. With
this money, the twelve ani one-half acres now knows as McCook Field was
purchased from ex-Governor Robinson, and the northwest moreae was graded,
sub-dratined and fenced, and the grand-stand was batt, i] ‘the generosity of

a Governor Robinson also should be recognised in this transaction, as he

accepted in payment for the tract @ sum--twelve hunired dollars--equal to
about half itssreal value. A resolution of the Board of Regents of October 16,
1891, thanks exeGovernor Robinson for his 'gift of six acres of ground to be
used as dhietic grounds’. ”

One more quotation in this line will surely be enough. This is from the »
December issue of the Oread Magazine, of 1919, Tradition Number.

"McoGook Field was added to the campus in the early nineties. It was the
gift of John J. McCook of New York City who was asked to deliver a commencement
afdress at K. U., about 1890. He was given an honorary degree at the time and
likewise witnessed a game of baseball, played under the umpirage of Professor
M. W. Sterling. That same night the announcement was made that McCook had
given $1500 to be used for an athletic field. Later he contributed $1 ,000* to
complete the fund found to be necessary. Therg 1s still some doubt as to
whether it was the degree or the game tht won the field. MoCook said he was
highly pleased with the athletic spirit of 3
he said about the degree."

   

x. U.; no one recalls exactly what

Now, Dr. Allen, I have positively no recollection of having umpired a
baseball game during this period, and I now enter an absolute disclaimer of
any intent on my part to manage thd” : tvage’ of the game in question in such