The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-05-19
BASE BALL.
THE B1DDEFoRD-poRr1AND GAM

THE BIDDEFoRD-PoRTLAND GAME.
To the Base Bali Editor of the Press:
There is very general feeling amongst lovers of
athletic sports in Portland that such l-adysed and
incorporate criticism of the local base ball club as
that which appeared in this mornings Argus should
not be permitted to go unchallenged. No person
familiar with the national game is likely to be i'm
posed upon by structures Of this kind, but many
people who know nothing about base ball feel a
lively interest in the Portland club as the repre-
sentative nine of the city, and regularly follow its
fortunes in the newspapers. For the benefit of
these readers the injustice of the reflections in the
Argus report this morning ought think to be
pointed out.
The report is ushered in by the title, "An igno-
minious defeat of the Portlands.' Upon reference
to the subioined score. find that the Portland
club was beaten by only run; that it made only
two base hits less than the Biddeford club and that
the errors of the two clubs footed up eractly alike
Obviously there nothing ignomin ious about the
general result of the game. Let us glance, then at
some of the individual scores. We find that the
Biddeford catcher had three passed balls Ia passed
ball is an error; the Portland catcher only two
The Biddeford pitcher made four wild pitches the
Portland man but three; on the other hand, the
Portland pitcher struck out four men, while his
opponent struck out but three. The only double
play OF the game was made by three of the Port
land men.
The Argus report says of the second inning. in
which the Biddefords made six runs: ''Watson
persisted in pitching wild balls which it was i'm
possible for Wheelock to catch" Yet, Wheelock,
as We have seen was credited by the Argus reporter
report goes on to say Long played his usual game,
which was very bad" Long had eight chances
five of which he accepted putting two men out, and
assisting in that process three times. This. it is
true is not first class playing but it cannot Justly
pc called very bad" especially in view Of the
tSs fScs n t6H argus report negects to mention
familiar, his regular place being third base. An
other matter, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS by your report
at all events unn0ticed, was the superb work of
Phillips and Clark on first base and at shortstop
both OF whom played without an error.
The Portland club was beaten at Biddeford be-
cause it was outpayedvery slightly, it is true, but
justitiG. G.
Portland, May IS.
Yesterdays National League Games.
AT NEW YORK.
DssEoits DsE Ssrs. .:....S ...S S29S 9-l2 9
AT PHILADELPHIA.
Phiiadelphias .......s Q 3 Q o o 6
No games at Boston and Providence on account of
rain.
Other Games.
At Amherst-Harvard I5, Amherst 8.
At tPittsburg-Athletics z, Pittsburgs 0.
DoINGs ON THE DIAMOND.
The new uniforms for the Portland Reserves are
expected to arrive to-day.
The Saccarappas will use last years uniforms
which are in good condition.
Saturday the Auburn team played the Pine Trees
on the grounds of the latter at Kent's Hill. The
score was Is to in favor OF the Pine Trees. Both
mines played rather poor game. with bad muffs
and few brilliant plays.
The Bowdoins and Colbys meet at Brunswick
Wednesday, and hard fought game will ensue
The M. 5. Q. nine play the Bowdoins at Brunswick
Friday, and the Bates at Lewiston Saturday,
The Resolutes of Bonny Eagle played the Grove
villes on the latters grounds, Saturday and de-
feated them by score of 23 to 19. The game was
a long and hard fought one. q. B. Lane acted as
umpire.
The Mun1oy Reserves have accepted the challenge
OF the Rivals to play game of ball the Eastern
Promenade.
Mr.. Frank K. Barnes, centre fielder of the Port
lands has asked for his release and says he is done
With ball playing for the present. His many friends
VIII exceedingly regret to have him leave the team,
1or ne Is good player; but for various other
reasons they respect him for the course he has
taken. Every person who knows Frank, knows
that he is strict teetotaer and his reputation as
perfect gentleman is untarnished.
Inc Portlands leave for Brockton tonight by the
Boston boat If pleasant, but il stormy they will
leave on Tuesday mornings train. We hope they
may win game or two during their absence. The
CLUB Will return Saturday noon and play the Bidde
fords here in the afternoon.
Mr.. 4. q. Selee of Lawrence has been appointed
regular umpire, with g. A. Flaherty of Portland as
substitute with full power.
Foster of Philadelphia has signed with the Haver-
hills. and will pitch in todays game if he arrives
in season.
McGlinchy has been regularly released from the
POrtlands.