The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-01-19
BASE BALL.
The PortIands' New Manager.


The PRESS some time ago informed the lovers
of the national game that Portland would have a
good team the coming season in spite of the fact
that apparently nothing was being done by the
association. 1t also said that thorough going ball
men were at the head of the Portland Association
men who knew their business-and that what
was done would be done Systematically. Our
statement was denied by certain parties
and laughed at by others but we repeat our pre-
diction that we shall have a fine team and think
we have authority for saying so.
The first move in the direction of securing a
team has been made by the Association, and yes
terday they received the contract duly signed
which secures to them Mr. Harry L. Spence of
New York, who will manage the team and play
second or third base. either of which positions,
it is said, he can fill finely. Mr. Spence last sea-
son managed the Toronto Ont, club, giving up
the position of assistant cashier in r. III. Macy's
store in New York to accept the position. After
the season closed he returned to his former stua-
tion-in Macy's store, where he now Is. He was
in the city short time ago. looked the ground all
over and expressed great satisfaction at the out
look for the coming season. His record last sea-
son was Fielding 894; batting, 273 In 1877
he played in the Columbus, o.. club; in 1878 with
the Springfield, Mass, club; in 1879-S0-S1 was in
business in 1882 with the Atlantics of Brooklyn,
N. Y, in 1888 with the Easton and Lancaster,
Pa, clubs; in 1884 played second base on the
Saginaw, Mich, club, the Northeastern League
champions, where he made a fielding average of
1922 and batting average .265. He has nerer
been released from any club Of 'chieh he acds a
member.
We give few extracts from letters received by
the Association, concerning Mr.. Spence:
TErnn II n Ranproft late ms nj thn rO1yi.
denceS.
know of no one better fitted to fill the position
of manager of your team. He is a reliable gentle
man and ball player.
[From Harry Wright, Philadelphias.]
In all my business relations with him (Spencel
when manager of the Toronto club, have found
him honorable, capable and gentlemanly. In my
opinion would consider him capable person for
manager.
[From John F. Morrill,, Bostons]
He used to be good third baseman. and he has
had experience enough with players, &C., to make
a good manager
[From Robert Ferguson, Philadelphias.J
Mr.. Spence has all the qualifications for man
ager-experience and education l presume if
you give him entire charge of your club, he will
manage it to your satisfaction.
[From VIM. MACPHERSON, Toronto.l
| take great pleasure in recommending him
(Spence) as a manager and player. Coming to our
town when base ball was dead. and having to con-
tend with our national game, lacrosse, he organ
lZeu our cluD. assisted IN FORMING canadian
league, and brought US out so we could pay ten
per cent on our Investment. He played second
splendidly and batten AL. He is a gentleman both
on and OFF the field sober and good worker.
Mr.. Spence says he can secure two good bat
teries who are at present disengaged. AS batters
theyare exceptionally good and with one excep-
tion are fine base runners. He also says he is in
receipt daily of letters from players and can pick
from among them team strong in every depart
ment-batting, fielding and base running-one
that would play in harmony and to win, and
would bring no discredit upon our city or club by
their conduct or connections while off the
diamond.