The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1867-07-26

Health and amusement /

Health and amusement
Being in search Of these commodi-
ties we joined a base ball club.
We had watched the game day after
day; had taken particular notice Of
all the points; had studied the rules
and explanations until we conld re-
peat them verbntum; bad applauded
all the fine playing, ut the same time
satisfied that it was so easy to do this
and that, in fact, was satisfied we
could make our mark as bailist.
Went out to practice.
Had position assigned to us on
the right flank rs skirmisher.
But here we did mt show off to much
advantage, and we were ordered to
close in.
We closed in, and were afterwards
called short stop.
We felt much better here as there
was some chance of having sonnet hing
to do. 1--WE wouldn't like loafing if we
ars playing b. 3D.
Prepared for catch. and got it
the ball was coming right at us
struck an attitude, and took the ball
handsomely on the point of our little
finger, from which it flew like light
ming to position directly under our
left eye, where it halted q moment and
then went to purgatory--us on the
top.
Here is where some of our amuse-
ment part of the game comes in.
But the amusement was for the
spectators, not us.
The captain said something abort
mullins or ''muggins, " we didn't dis
tinctly understand which, if we had
there would have been pugihstic en-
counter.
Our base of operations were again
changed, the captain sending us to
the first base.
Onr position here was indicated by
a small pillow filed with sawdust,
made on purpose for the convenience
of players who are tired.
We were tired.
And took a sitting posture.
The captain ordered us up.
We said pass"
We have since learned to say ''pass"
was asking him to pass the ball to- you
and we had no more than spoken the
mysterious word before the ball was
making directly for us.
We don't like to have things thrown
at us, and not wishing to get hit, we
played strategy and vacated the base,
letting the ball go where it had
mind to.
Then our position was changed
again, and were sent to catch.
We did better here.
Catching everything-but the ball.
Caught the devil from the captain,
and all sorts of mean and low remarks
from the outsiders.
Spectators should never be permit
ted on base ball field.
They most always get up more base
bawl than the players. Which amt
right.
After while our side got in, and we
had strike. On. B.-We had bee
receiving strikes ever since we com
menced.
Now we had chance to punish the
Lall.
Took the cue in our hand, and when
the ball came up we made for it and hit
4 it,
1t flew off and caromed on the red
head of the umpire, who said-"Fow-
OWL
This made us mad, as we were no
fowl, and told him he was no gentle
man to be calling us any such names.
But he didn't pay any attention to
it, and the ball came by again. This
time we hit it and run.
AS we reached the first pillow and
were about setting down to rest, the
boss yelled out: "Run your base"
This was an insult, we were bound
to resent, and putting our hands in
our pockets we took up a position
among the spectators, determined not
to play ball with any one who called
us foul AMI base.
We were afterwards induced to play
umpire some, however.
This disguised most every one, in
ciudinS us.
All sorts of good things were said
about us, such as: partial cuss."
Don't know nothin' about rules"
'Darned old fool, and such like com
pliments, pleasant to sensitive people.
The amusement part Of the game is
all with the spectators.
We don't know where the health is,
unless it is in a black eye. broken fin
ger, sprained ankles, and stiff joints
generally
We have resigned, and retired in MS
good order as possible.
Not any more base ball for