Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-08-03

Browns There IL probably not another
man in the business who is qualified with
these two great players. a. leaders, al
though there are perhaps Aozen others
who have won distinction ~ Gid captains
although they have n0t reached the ex-l
allied rank Of sGeneraI.-
What IL the reason Of this marvellous
growth Of the National game: How come
30 many thousands Of dollars invested In
its development How sre thousands Of
men enabled To earn livelihood ss play
and all stations Of life watch the games
or eagerly sean the newspaper reports Of
them: Why IL she so-called army Of
eranks increasing 70 rapidly and drawing
it, recruits from 20 many sourcsss
These are questions which even the
most philosophical Of staid-minded eiti-
zens may we'll ask himself They relate
TO phase 81 national life that ia By no
mean. unimportant even though it comes
under the general head Of sport"
| To US the chief attraction Of base ball
appears TO lie In Its mznliness. II calls
for the exhibition Of that fine ply steal de-
veIopment and yigor. which has always
been admired by active, energetic peoples
in all ages. Again 1t Is an intelligent
game, calling not only for fine ply steal
abilities, bu, also for active minds and
cool heads. The most successful players
are almost without exception men of
brains a. well an Drawn. Another strong
element in the popularity Of the game ia
It's perfect fairness. 1t Is and has Away.
been played purely upon its merits.
People who have attended such contests
have had the feeling that such struggles
were bonafide ones and that the contend
ing teams strained every nerve to win.
The conduct Of the game has been excel
lent. Gambling and pool selling, which
have been the bane Of horse trots and
aquatic sports, are not permitted on on
about the grounds OF any Of the leading
ball clubs.
The success Of the players, their popu
larity with the public and the amount Of
their salaries are dependent upon tn.
name they make for themselves by actua
good work upon the field. They have
thus every possible incentive to duty, ant
also the constant knowledge that failur'
to play good ball will surely lose then
their situations. With such system IL
vogue crooked work ia practically impos
sble, hence the great reputation for hon
esty which this game has won.
Again there il nothing coarse or un
gentlemanly allowed at these games
Men can attend them with their wve
and children Ia the full assurance tina
: nothing will transpire to make them re
greet their Attendance. Again nothini
} stimulates local feeling more than tn
pride which is felt In first class repre-
sentative ball team. Here, If no whcr
else, the citizens are united. There ar
no lines Of creed or party but one and al
! rejoice in the successes which the HON
team manfully wins upon the diamond.
Base ball is prominently Democrat
game. The large audiences came from
all stations OF life; the rich. the poor
the famous and the obscure, meet here o.
} common ground in the enjoyment of
common pleasure. Here are no distine
tons Of rank or station, but one and al
! enjoy the vigorous manly contest alike
We are not surprised to find that some o
the most eminent officials mt Washington
are among the frequent patrons Of tn
games there and we do not doubt tina
! they find in the excitement of the game
most beneficial rest and change from tn
duties Of their positions.
The ball field furnishes a whoesom
outing for thousands who are unable t.
leave their business long enough to EMO
the country or the sea shore. Merchants
: doctors, lawyers, ministers. and al
classes of business men, feel that the
can find n most wholesome change an
rest by slipping away from the worrie
! and cares of their work. for an hour o
or two and watching a first class bal
/ game. II never saw game till last sea
son" said prominent lawyer recently
but am quite regular attendant now
! enjoy the game. 1t gives me complet
: change. While | am on the field dro
, all thoughts Of my work and give m
whole attention to the play. The tim
passed at the games is genuine vacatio
to me and am frank to say that my al
: tendance upon them has done me good. -
Our National game affords a good ven
t for the pent up energy and enthusiasm o
, our active, energetic population. Tn
American people crave q certain amour
of excitement. and in no way can thi
craving find a more wholesome satisfa,
ton than upon the ball field. We trus
that the growth Of this sport may be i
, the right lines. That all its influence
may be- noble, and that It's strong hol
upon our people may yet increase man