 To make some extra money, Humphreys also began singing in clubs, smokers and benefits.At age 15, he was a bartender and later became a mascot of the old Nonpareil Athletic Club where he was originally introduced to boxing.It was while performing at Gus Maisch's "Little Casino" in 1888, a popular establishment near New Bowery, that he agreed to be a last minute replacement as the night's official ring announcer when the regular man was unable to appear.