Huntsville gazette., 1881-08-20
The A. X. Wards.

Il The game between the A. K. Wards
and the Huntsville Reds. which was
noticed IN the GAZETTE last week,
was played for purse Of $500 $3.50
being put up by each side. There
was considerable betting by outsiders
on the result, who, OF course, exhlb-
tied their anxiety in the usual man.
ner. A part from this we saw nothing
in the behavior Of the spectators,
either colored or white, which was
not induced by pardonable local
pride. A city paper very unjustly and
sweepingly says. "The behavior OF the
eolored people upon the grounds was
extremely rude and insulting to their
guests" We understand that the
Wards expressed themselves as favor
ably impressed with their treatment
bv the colored people, their only
grievance being about the umpring
of the game.
The stakeholder has been notified
not to give up the money. The
Wards have employed an attorney and
propose to plead the gambling act.
Mr.. John McAlister denies the as
sertion that he was interested in the
game.
1t certainly would have been better
forthe Wards to have gracefully sub
mitted to their defeat, for the Reds
won in an open and fair contest. But
they give their side to the public in
the following communication to the
Nashville Banner
The A. K Ward Baseball Club accepted
a challenge from the Huntsville Reds few
,lays since to play match game of baseball
in that town, and on Tuesday last left here
for that purpose On their arrival at
Huntsville, they were met at the depot by
the rival club, and treated in a most bospi-
til manner until the time arrived for com
lnencing the game. Much to their surprise
they (the Huntsville club) selected an um-
pire without consulting the Nashville boys,
aud refused to make choice of referees to
whom any disputed points might be left.
The A. X. w. s demurred to the selection
of ali umpire who lived in Huntsville,
fearing that partiality might be shown their
opponents. However, they finally consen-
ted, at the same time saying that ii they
received half justice they wouldbe satisfied.
During the first three innings they We're
impres ,ed with the unfair ruling OF the UNI
pire who called the Wards out on strikes
when the ball WAS not pitched within one
loot of the home base the pitcher passing
the ball to the catcher regardless OF where
he stood, who having an understanding
With the umpire, stood In such position
, as to make i; impossible for the striker to
reach the ball with the bat. The umpire
seemed regardless of all rules OF the game,
and only intent upon deciding in such
ma ner as to make the result III favor OF the
| Huntsville Club upon which it was proved
that he had bet fifty dollars.
J Ia running bases his decision against the
| Wards was even more pate 1T, III two lustan
o9s being so Il ,grantlv unfair to call
forth the Indignant condemnation of IA
large majority of the respectable citizens
Of Hu tsville. The result Of such disgrace
fol proceedings was that the Wards served
notice on the stake hol lers not to pay over
the amount $780, for which they had agreed
to play, and engage an attorney to represent
them According to the rules of the game,
upon proof Of the umpire having money
pending on the result, decision is made
ia favor of the club, against which par
tiality is shown. The action of the Wards
was iudorsed by all impartial men on the
srund, the unanimous verdict of the white
men who had no money on the result being
that they were most disgracefully treated
-NdshuWe BaRner.