The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1886-10-02
BASEBALL BOYS"
A Muddled Females Admiration
of Them and Their Game.

a AuA0xO0 = 04A4eoAC p &A~AAA&AA - SAOAA
of Them and Their Game.
Baseball is fashionable, it is anus
ing, it is remunerative. 1t is the rival
of picnics. matinees, skating Kinks and
literary clubs. OF course it must be
immense fun; but withal, it is only
boys simple play. Thus my soliloquy,
on our way to the baseball grounds.
1t was an afternoon IN autumn; one
of those enhancing days that awakens
the desire to sit quite still at the root of
. tree. with the dying leaves drifting
about, while one hears the soft whisper
of invisible beings. 1t was time to
dream of Heaven, If one is old, or of
love if one is young; . time to enjoy
the yellow sunlight. which is seen
neither in winter, nor summer, nor yet
in spring, but which comes always with
that rarest trick of nature, q Southern
Indian summer. What day to be
sacrificed to the national Juggernaut!
There, Twas not to read, or to mediate,
or make fine resolutions in reference to
. better life, or to indulge In sentiment
but to enjoy baseball.
How tempting the clear sky with its
hand-maidens of saucy white clouds
floating by! 1t was one Of the white
haired poets days when we feel. I'VE
can take the great world in our arms.
Alas! it was only baseball that was
about to take to my understanding.
An easy enough matter.
Upon reaching the grounds, the first
object of interest was an open space
with foot-paths regularly laid out.
Near one of these paths stood negro
man with arms barred to the elbow,
q veritable man of muscle. At his feet
lay a heap of small bits of wood, three
feet long and taPered to one end. Oc-
casiona1ly this broad-chested giant
would gravely touch them with one
foot. He appeared to be keeping
guard
1t was variegated crowd, . crowd
In the South Is usually variegated,
alternating white, yellow, brown and
black, like ribbon cake. About in
spots like islands in the sea, rolled and
squatted ubiquitous small boy, while
encircling the entire scene were car
riages filled with beautiful women in
gala dress whose faces beamed with
anticipated pleasure. The atmosphere
seemed charged with the spirit of joy.
], too, felt the electric thrill as a group
of bright creatures flashed before me.
"Ah. those beautiful boys!' / ex-
My friend answered pleasantly.
Those are the rival clubs, the Blues
and Athletes.
Perfectly equipped from the dainty
cap to the sandaled feet, each boy
seemed picture of Incompatible
youthful grace. The blue uniform of
the one contrasting with the brown OF
the other, the golden light of the Octo-
Der day, the handful of gorg eous leaves
futtering aimlessly hither and thither.
With suggesting Of neighboring trees,
all made an enchanting scene. Sevreal
of the gayly uniformed young fellows
werc already knocking balls about, and
/ Immediately began to enjoy the game.
I gazed intently, and by supreme
cnor. OF WIN ! uror c, ny .PPreciaslve
soul INTO my iace. clttlng thus. strong
in the expression of my face attracted
considerable attention, which in turn
attracted the notice OF my right hand
friend. he whispered hastiiy; "fou
need not look yet-she game mas mol
begun.
immediately from some mysterioua
source l summoned . nonchalant man
ner suitable Tor the moment Presently
saw poy IN plue .nr !. - tne oa.l q
another boy, who beat It back savagely
with his club, while third boy made
grab 1t 1t. Then . brown went sail
ing along one OF the little paths. How
gay ana cnarming ne looked; racei vi
Is Apollo, swift As Mercury. l aPpre-
cia'eo alitnese airy evoluuons as necess'
AIRY ex0rcBo DoLOfe Deglnnln& the game.