The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-07-17
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
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
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; 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, a 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, 1--WE
can take the great world in our arms"
Alas! it was only baseball that l 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.
a veritable man of muscle. At his feet
lay heap of small bits of wood, three
feet long and taPered to one end. Oc-
casionally this broad-chested giant
would gravely touch them with one
foot. He appeared to be keeping
guard
1t was a 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.
l, too, felt the electric thrill as group
of bright creatures flashed before me.
"Ah, those beautiful boysr' 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 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 gorgeous leaves
futtering aimlessly hither and thither,
with suggesting of neighboring trees,
all made an enchanting scene. Sevreal
of the gayly uniformed young fellows
were already knocking balls about, and
| Immediately began to enjoy the game.
/ gazed intentlv, and by 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
considerable attention, which in turn
attracted 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 nonchalant man
ner suitable for themoment. Presently
| saw a boy in blue throw the ball to
another boy, who beat it back savagely
with his club, while third boy made
grab at it. Then brown went sail
ing along one of the little paths. How
gay and charming he looked; gracef I'll
as Apollo, swift as Mercury. l appre-
ciated all these airy evolutions as necess.
airy exercise before beginning the game.
My companions appeared somewhat
excited but retained passive expires
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 a keen look and whispered: "Why
don't you attend, they are playing SUI
perblypn Quick to obey the slightes
suggestion instantly assumed an eX
preston of pleased appreciation. "a
this rate baseball is worse than the
French Revolution, thought irri
tably. The incessant marching anC
counter-marchng of the facial organs
was fatiguing; especially as my face
was not reticule to be drawn an(
puckered at will. Meanwhile the Blue
stood at one station, the Athletes a
another clapping hands, each one stand
ing first on one foot then the other, lik'
turkeys in a poultry yard. At one cor
ner stood man holding blank book
who called out every few second
s'foul"
"A rude bit of candor," l thought
seven If they are like fowls he Nee
not tell them So"