“Before setting off to make his mark in baseball in 1887, Ed Delahanty went to his mother and announced, 'I'm goin' to quit you and play ball in Mansfield [Ohio].'

'Drat baseball,' shot back Mrs. Delahanty. 'It's ruinin' the family.'

In a final attempt to win her approval, Ed reminded his mother of the money there was to be made in the game.

'I'm comin' home with "rocks" in me pocket,' he said.

Mrs. Delahanty remained unimpressed.

'And many's the time ye've come back with rocks on the side of yer thick head,' she answered.”