The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-07-15
BASEBALL BOYS"
A Muddled Females Admiration
Of Them and Their Game.

Baseball is fashionable, it is anus
ing, it is remunerative. 1t is the rival
Ofpicnics, matinees, skating Kinks and
literary clubs. OF course it must be
immense fun; bat withal, it is only ;
boys simple play. Thus my soliloluy
on our way to the baseball grounds.
1t was an afternoon in autumn: on
of those enhancing days that awaken;
the desire 10 sit quite still at the root OF
a 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; Il time to enjoy
the yellow sunlight. which is seen
neither in winter, nor summer, nor vet
in spring, but which cores always with
that rarest trick of nature, Southern
Indian summer. What a day TO be
sacrificed to the national Juggernaut,
There, | was not to read, or to mediate,
or make fine resolutions in reference to
better lfe, or to indulge in sentiment
hut 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, 'we
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 a negro
man with arms barred to the elbow,
a veritable man OF muscle. At his feet
lay heap of small bits of wood, three
feet long and taDered to one end. DC
casionally this broad-chested giant
would gravely touch them with one
foot. tie appeared to be keeping
guard
1t was n variegated crowd, a 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
squattcd ubiquitous small boy, while
cncircling 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 group
of bright creatures flashed before me.
''Ah, those beautiful boys"' l ex-
claimed.
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 a 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 dav, the handful of gorgeous leaves
fluttering aimleSsly hither and thither,
with Il suggesting Ofneighboring trees.
all made an enchanting scene. Sevreal
of the gayly uniformed Young fellows
were already knocking balls about. and
l Immediately began to enjoy the game.
/ ga2ed intentlv. and by Il supreme
effort of Will | drew my appreciative
soul into my face. Sitting thus, strong
in resolve to be amused. something
in the expression of my face attracted
attention, which in turn
the notice of my right hand
friend He whispered hastily: You
need not look yet-the game has not
begun"
Immediately from some mysterious
source summoned 4 nOnchalant man
ner suitable for the moment Presently
saw n boy in blue throw the ball to
another boy. who beat it back sayagelv
with his club, while third boy made
n grab ut il. Then a brown went sail
ing along one of the little paths. How
gay and charming he looked; graceful
as Apollo. swift rs Mercury. | appre-
ciated all these airy evolutiOns as necess-
airy exercise before beginning the game.
My companions appeared somewhat
excited but retained passive express
sion-I was not to be caught again
smiling orfrowning in the wrongplace.
This might have gone on indefinitely
but for my watchful guide, He gave
me keen look and whispered: why
don't YOU attend. they are playing SUI
perbly?" Quick to obey the slightest
suggestion instantly assumed an ex-
preston of pleased appreciation. rat |
this rate baseball is worse than the |
s.French Revolution, thought irri-
tably. The inceSsant marching and |
counter-marching of the facial organs !
was fatiguing; especially as my face |
was not reticule to be drawn and |
puckered at will. Meanwhile the Blues
stood at one station, the Athletes at
another clapping hands, each one stand
ing first on one foot then the other, like
turkeys in a poultry yard At one cor
ner stood a man holding blank book.
who called out every few seconds
s.foul"
IA rude bit of candor," 1 thought;
seven if they are like fowls he need
not tell them So"
He was doubtless a newspaper re-
porter. Standing on one foot seemed
to be restful prelude to some grand
coup d etat. So, eager to use my
newly acquired knowledge, whispered
to nv teacher: This is wasting time,
why don't they play?"
A half amused look from him and the
answer: They are half through the
game.
s.You do not mean" l began.
81 mean" he answered with elabor-
ate precision, that they have mover
ceased playing. "
/ then made a. mental resolve to in
terrogate my left hand guide. A