Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-06-19

Manager Burke OF the Colbys States
his Side OF the Matter.

CoLsr USIsERsrr,
WatefvilIe, Me-, June II, 1890.
Editor K.ane5ec Journal:
There has been considerable discussion
going the rounds of the press relative to the
postponed game in the Maine College
League between Colby and Bates, and If
you will kindly allow me the coarsesies of
your columns will endsavor to place be
fore the public the actual conditions Of the
case.
The game in question vas scheduled for
Lewiston on Wednesday. MAY II. and the
Colbys appeared At the appoi tied hour upon
the Bates College diamond full Of confidence
and determined TO win their fourth conse-
eutive victory. Captain Wagg of the Col
bys sent his men into the field and began
TO practice. but the Bates men startled him
with the announce nent that the grounds
were 10 an unsuitable condition and posi-
lively refused to play ball. little rain
which had fallen furnished this pretext
But the obvious reason for postponement
vac the demorslized condition Of the Bates
nine which vas incApacitated BY the TEN
porsry absence of Captain Day and posi-
bly, others. The Bates realized that conte ct
that day meant inevitable defeat for them
and the Colbys indignant and disappointed
were compelled to return TO Watafville.
But the Colby boys were still anxious to
play the postponed game and made repeated
attempts TO arrange q game with the Bates
in Lewiston on May 90 date which was
peculiarly opportune because Colby and
Bates were to play league game in Bruins
wick on the following day. The Bates
offered no objection to this date but tele
graphed ct the last moment their inability
to arrange the game. They were undoubt-
eddy influenced in their decision by the
prospective departure of Parsons to ST.
John and the consequent weakening of the
Colby club. Thus vhile'the Colbys did all
IN theirspoSes to settle this game satisfac-
torily during the league season the Bates
thv arted all their earnest efforts.
And now when the league season is end
ed, when three of Colbys strongest men
are away and the expense of bringing then
back would be enormous when preparation
for final and tedious examinations require
the concentrated energies Of the Colby
student, when commencement orators and
class parts must be. prepared, then Bates,
with three games to her credit and three to
her discredit. dsshes desperately into the
Associate Press columns of our Dailies
demanding that their postponed game be
played. At their meeting last May the
managers of the Maine College League
adopted tine rules of the National League,
and for the purpose of obtaining an authen
ticated decision the managers of the col
lege telegrsphed N. K. Young, President
of the National League, regarding postponed
games and received the following message
in reply;
WAsHINeToN, ID. c.. June II, 1890.
To J. f.. Burke
The date of the last scheduled game ends
the season. All unplayed games on that
date are simply of.
(signed, N. Il. You've.
This is sufficient proof that Colby has
won the championship for the season of
1890, and we sincerely trust that all may
agree that she has won it honestly and hon
orably. Yours sincerely,
J. +. BURKE.
Manager Colby Base Ball Club.