The Evening critic., 1884-12-16
LOCAL BASEBALL,
The Nationals TO Enter the Amerl-
can Baseball Association.
BRIGHT PROSPECTS.
Only Temporarily In the Eastern
League - Improved Grounds and
Better Arrangements Washington
to Attain Higher Position.

The lovers OF basebell may feel assured now
that thcy Will have an opportunity OF seeing
our homo club--the Nationals cross bats next
season with the best clubs OF tho country.
Tho Nationals will enter the American Associ
alton, all reports TO the contrary notwlthstand-
Ing.
When Manager scanlon returned from Now
York the other day, aud the announcement
was made that no failed to got his club Into
the American Association and had Joined the
Eattern League, there was a feeling OF great
disappointment In baseball quarters here.
That feeling should DO allayod now, as Mr..
sconlon knew his business and did not want
70 get ON top OF tho Capitol and yell what he
had accomplished whllc In New York.
Afeporter OF THE CRITIC met n gentleman
who was present at tho meeting OF the Ameri.
can Association in tho Riggs House this morn.
"wll tho Nationals enter the association
this soaeonY' he asked.
"ob, yes. You see there was a perfect I'M
derstandlDg among the delegates that the
Metropolitan Club OF New York should remain
IN characterization for certain period and
then consolidate with the Brooklyn Club, tho
Nationals then 10 drop In and tako their place.
You VIII see In q few weeks that the Metro
politan Club Will quickly drop out and the
deal VIII then Just as quietly be accom-
Manager scanlon was oil smiles when a ro
porter entered his place OF business this morn
ing. Before the scribe conld put single ques.
eivn " NV bSuiui paoophhlst tho iattoh AaHly
yelled out, "You can say II is dead sure
thing thai tho Nationals Will get into the
American Association"
"What was your object In Joining the Eastern
League?"
TO this rather impairment question Mr..
Scanlon answered that he did not care at
this limo TO talk on the subject. He would
cay, however, that tho coming ball season IS
going TO DO very brilliant one, and Washing
ton people Will be perfectly satisfied with tho
record tho Nationals make. Mr.. Scanlon fur
ther said that tho ball grounds Will DO greatly
improved In many particulars, aud IL tho old
cor'stepie can BIO removed they VIII be OK
tended
The season will be opened on the 9th OF April,
when the Nationals Will play two games with
the Yales; one on the date named aud one on
the 9TH. Then will follow three games with
tho Providence nine-9th, 10th and 18th OF
April.
The National nine Will be composed OF the
following: Gngus, pitcher; Fulmor, catcher;
Martin Powell, first base; Evers, second base;
Morrissey, third base; McOlelland, probably
at short; Hoover, left field; Baker, centre
field; and Abncr Powell, right fold.
Another heavy batter will be added to the
nine, but as yet he is "dark horee." Paul
Hines 10 tired OF playing with the Providence
Nationals 1.-The can obtain his release.
Mr.. Moxley was asked this morning II he
would reorganize the Washington Club. He
eaid that II was by no means certain that the
club would not BIO put on its feet again. AS
yet no arrangements had boon made looking
10 reorganization. Yet the matter had been
considerably talked of. 1t appears at this
writing, however, that Washington VIII shave
only one club this season.