Will Lewis - Ambidextrous HS pitcher 1915

Ambidextrous Youth from Kinston Gave Griffith a Surprise

The High Point Enterprise (NC) 12 Aug 1915

According to a story in the Washington POst of yesterday morning, a young North Carolinian has exhibited something to Clark Griffith, manager of the Washington team, that the astute leader, dubbed the "Fox," admits he never witnessed before. The youngster who opened Griffith's eyes is Will Lewis, and his home is at Kinston. The story of young Lewis, an ambidextrous thrower, as it appeared in the Post, is as follows:

"Two young pitchers worked for the Nationals in batting practice yesterday: Brazil, from New Jersey came here upon recommendation from one of Griffith's friends. He is a left-hander and did not make a very favorable impression. He is tho return home today. The other youngster was Will Lewis, from Kinston, N.C. He is here on a vacation with his brother and is one of the freaks of baseball. Lewis went to the ball yard early and asked Manager Griffith permission to pitch to the batters.

Griffith was only too glad to grant his request. The players had all taken their turns with the exception of Altrock. Lewis had been pitching right-handed. When Nich came to t he bat he changed and shot a fast one over with his left hand. It immediately developed that Lewis was ambidextrous and before the game was called the players had a lot of fun with him. Lewis is said to possess quite a little stuff and is equally effective with either hand.

At the present time, he is a student at the Kinston high school and is to enter the University of North Carolina. His is 17 years old, weighs 155 pound and stands 5 feet 10 inches. He will pitch against the National in batting practice today and tomorrow. Griffith said last night that during his entire career he is the first pitcher he ever saw who could curve a ball with either hand."

Will Lewis is a son of E. B. Lewis, of Kinston, private secretary to Congressman Claude Kitchin and a brother to McDaniel Lewis, third baseman on the University of North Carolina baseball team this year.

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