Errand boy and Swede Risberg
My Grandfather, Gene Camozzi, was born in San Francisco and grew up playing baseball on the city's many sandlots. His older brother, Emile, like most boys of that era also loved baseball. He wasn't able to "run in fast company" like his little brother. Nevertheless, Emile would play for Shreve and Company team. It is interesting to note that an infamous member of the "Black Sox" once played for the Shreve team. A newspaper clipping from Emil's scrapbook tells how Emile helped a young Swede Risberg get started in organized baseball.

Errand Boy Paves Road to Fame for "Swede" Risberg


But for an errand boy's recommendation "Swede" Risberg, White Sox infielder, might never have played professional ball. "Swede" will be in the world 's series next month against the Giants.(1917)

Amil(Emile) Camozzi , lived in the same neighborhood as "Swede" Risberg, down in the North Beach district, and Amil was working for Shreve & Co., and at the time playing baseball every Sunday with the Shreve team. Only on July 4, 1912, Joseph C. Brookover, who was managing the team, arranged a game at Winters and needed a youngster who could play any place in a pinch. "Say, Joe, I know a big "Swede" down our way that can play any place," spoke Amil. "He can smack the apple, too, believe me."

Brook over took the "kids" recommendation and Risberg was taken along as utility man. One of the regulars missed the train and "Swede" got a chance to bust into the game, and, of course, there's no use in making note of the fact that "Swede" walloped out four base knocks and made a sensational one hand stab, saving the game in the ninth inning.

But anyhow, the "Swede's versitility appealed to young Camozzi and his recommendation paved the way for "Swede" to break into the mid-winter league with the Shreve team and later sign with the Vernon Tigers, and now, as stated, he is about to get a slice of the world series money.

***

Swede is now and forever regarded as one of "the eight men out." To see his stats visit baseball-reference.com

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