St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-02-01

enough for them, and they have in
vented an indoor game with which to
keep up the interest during the winter
months. The first indoor game was
played in st. Paul last night at Armory
hall, and about 400 people, braved the
playful blizzard in order to be intro
duced 10 the new game. The teams
were made up to represent the Twin
Cities, and the game was the first OF
series to be played alternately in the
cities Oh Saturday nights. 1t IS eX-
pected the game will grow in favor and
that the presence of so many old-tlme
favOriteS of the local diamonds will
eventually make it very popular.
Indoor ball differs very slightly from
the regular game; it is outdoor ball in
miniature, and requires really more
agility and activity. The ball is seven
teen inches in circumference, stuffed
with hair. and, consequently, without
elasticity. The bat is one and half
inches in diameter and weighted with
lead. In order to drive the ball any
distance it is necessary TO strike it fairly
in the center. AS rule, the most Won
derful gYratiOns are made, the ball
striking the floor and going off at lncon-
ceiVable tangents. 1t seemed impOsSi-
Bile to meet it fairly in the center, and
of course fouls were innumerable. The
bases are twenty-five feet apart and the
auditors sit in circle about the small
diamond, as. it is seldom the ball is hit
out, and when it is no damage can be
done. About the only changes i'll the
rules are the following:
Out on foul tip.
A hit bali is foul or fair, depending
Oh where it first strikes and not where
it goes afterWard.
A base runner must keep his foot on
the bag until pitched ball reaches the
catcher's hand or is batted out He MAY
Overrun the bags, but must carry them
with him.
These few changes were readily I'M
derstood, and with Banning and Mat
tocks as umpires the game proceeded.
OF course there was sport without limit,
and the audience alternately laughed
and applauded. The players soon APP
preciated the fact that a good bunt beat
a strong hiT, and there was closing i'll
of fielders until the ShOrtStOp and right
fielder played closer than the pitcher,
and even then a swift runner with
quick start could beat the ball to first.
Occasionally a square push would send
the ball to center field, and two bases
would result. But the principal sport
was in seeing the old-timers at play, land
to hear them greeted with familiar cries.
Jack Crooks was given the old Hoo!
hoo" so familiar to the diamond, while
the presence of Cyclone Jim Duryea
and Walter Wilmot strlkingly called to
mind st. PauPS old victorious team, in
the palmy days. When Werricll came
to bat he was, as usual, greeted with:
PUT her over the fence, Joe" while
the usual laugh followed anything like
all exhibition of temper by Duke.
ST. Paul played the stronger game
from the start and outplayed Minneap-
oils at every point. The quickness of
foot exhibited by Mccarthy, Wilmot,
Viau and Painter giving them adj
vantage. Still. Minneapolis took the
lead and looked the winner for time.
In the second inning Minneapolis made
a triple play, which Crook pronounced
the first ever made at indoor ball. st.
Paul runners were on second and third,
with none out, when a fly was hit to
Powell; lie caught it with one hand and
both runners were nipped before they
could return. In the seventh st. Paul
went 70 the front. Several hits were
made and Duke lost his head, holding
the ball and turning helplessly about
while two runs we're scored. Two more
were added, and then three piled up in
the eighth and ninth, while the visitors
were shut out The score is as follows: