Sultan of Swat (1920); Spit Ball (1905); Screw Ball (1926)

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   Some baseball stuff that I tried to copy yesterday.  From NEW YORK TIMES full text.

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SULTAN OF SWAT

"We are the Sultans of Swing."
--Dire Straits, also some chess players back in 1978

   Paul Dickson's BASEBALL DICTIONARY gives no date for this nickname of Babe Ruth.

   28 June 1920, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 18:
   While the Sultan of Swat had been dormant in the early innings, his brother Yanks were the same.

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SPIT BALL (SPITBALL)

   Paul Dickson gives a Peter Tamony citation from 13 May 1905.  That's close.

   26 January 1905, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 8:
   The foul strike rule is likely to remain, and there will be no attempt to handicap the spit ball pitcher.

   7 February 1905, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 7:
   In speaking of the spitball Mr. Pullian says it is simply a freak in pitching and is much overrated.

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SCREW BALL (SCREWBALL)

   Paul Dickson has 7 October 1928.

   9 October 1926, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 1:
   He (Grover Cleveland Alexander--ed.) defied the Yanks to molest his fast ball, his screwball, his perfect control.

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THE BIG SHOW

   Paul Dickson gives no date for "the big show," meaning the major leagues.  It was used in the baseball movie BULL DURHAM.

   8 April 1910, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 10:
   ...most of whom are sure to go back to the minors and get a few seasons more baseball knowledge before they join the big show.

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OUT BY A MILE

   Paul Dickson gives no date.

   3 October 1926, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 51:
   When he finally made up his mind and hastened to third, he was out by a mile as he slid in on his chest and got his uniform all dirty.

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AMAZIN' METS; MIRACLE METS

   2 May 1962, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 41:
   "The amazing Mets are in an amazing slump," Stengel said.

   17 October 1969, NEW YORK TIMES, pg. 60:
   ..."Miracle Mets"...

(I POSTED EARLIER CITES!  I GET TO KEEP THE MONEY!!--ed.)