The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-26
TIME FOR COL. OVERTON.
HE CAN SAVE THE COMING SUMMER
FROM DULLNESs.
The Baseball Spirit OF the City in the
Beef Tea, and Inviting the Jeers and
Guying of Sister Cities-What Fall
ia Here, oh, Weeping Countrymen.

1t is really too bad, but Memphis doesn't
appear to be over-anxious for baseball
during the coming spring and summer
Perhaps this is the feeling Of the inhab-
itants now, because of chilly weather and
crowding business duties, but certain it is
that there will be change OF sentiment
ere long, when it is too late.
Throughout the history of baseball in
this country, even before such an organ
ization as the Southern League was
dreamed Of, Memphis has sustained her
ball team. Away back in the '7Os
she had one that made the big
guns hustle, winning from the
Piltsburghers one OF the greatest games
on record, and on the latter's own grounds.
Then came Il period of lukewarmness for
the sport, not only here, but pretty much
over all the country, though some OF the
larger Eastern and Western cities kept it
alive. When the general revival came,
and the new South determined to see
what there was in it as an anlidote for the
discomfort OF summer, all eyes were
turned toward Memphis as the city from
which the most enthusiastic corporation
could be expected. 1t was a safe reliance.
The same enterprise, pluck and persever-
ance that characterized her people in
every laudable undertaking was thrown
into the baseball venture, and it
rushed forward with n whoop. Everybody
| patronized the games, and when the local
team scored a victory in strong contest,
there was great rejoicing among the entire
populace.
But times have changed, and with il the
sentiment for baseball. Either that, or
| the boys have lost their grip on the capac.
| ity 10 sustain 1t. For several DAYS past ei-
forts have been made bypartes, for whom
there is no lack OF confidence, to raise by
small subscriptions 20, 900, an amount that
would suffice to guarantee a team through.
out the season. Despite the fact that S25
gives the subscriber a season ticket 10 the
games, and also the rightsand privileges Of
irregular shareholder, the canvass is dscour.
agngly slow and tedious New Orleans,
Mobile, Birmingham, Nashville, Chalta-
nooga Atlanta and Charleston are in the
ring TO stay, getting excellent teams to-
gethcr while Momphis-yes, Memphis,
with all it, pride and love for baseball
Is in the beef tea, hopelessly, so IL seems.
She is doomed 10 receive the dcrisive
jeers and offensive guying Of her sister
cities in the South, particularly those
enrolled as Southern League members.
Is this because the boys have not the
S2j TO put into il? Not much. II q due
to the failure 10 read the basis Of the
subscription, or the troachorous memory
that allowed il To escape. They must
look upon II rs donation, to which
no string is attached This Is all wrong.
and an injustice to their business intelii.
gencc. All signs point TO one OF the most
successful seasons in the history OF base
ball. The cities composing the Southern
League are leaders OF the South. Finan.
cial backing under the 81 200 limit, is
ample. There will be no such thing ~
collapse on that account Every city is
bound to go through and will experience
no difficulty In doing 20. Amateur clubs
are not contemplated. Hundreds Of ex-
cellent players are ready 10 accept South
crn League terms at the drop OF hat, and
Manager Wood could touch ,the wires and
have twelve Of them here by the end OF
the prcscntlwcck.
Nourishing their fond ambition, those
public spirited gentlemen who have been
giving their time 90 the cause OF bringing
this city up 30 the scratch, will continue
yet day Or two longer. They cannot be
expected, however, 10 see every man In
the city, and those who feel like coming
20 the front may do 20 by iolephoning Mr..
jules Rozicr Right here Il might be well
to suggest that u Col. John Oyorton, Jr.,
could bo induced to put his broad and
powerful shoulders 10 the wheel the whole
business could be speedily aud handsome.
ly settled. lie has iondncss for base
ball, knows enough about IL to umpire
game satisfactorily, and hc might be On.
listed In the canvass