luck, which they would do. Mack even sent him out to coach first base in one road game against the Giants; but the umpire required Mack to recall Van Zelst to the dugout. During the five years that Van Zelst served as batboy, the Athletics won four pennants and three World Series. Death Van Zelst's constitution was never robust; Athletics players kept an eye on his physical condition during road trips. In the winter of 1915, he was diagnosed with Bright's disease and died in March after a two-day illness. See also Li'l Rastus References 1895 births 1915 deaths People from Philadelphia Deaths from nephritis Major League Baseball team mascots