The record-union., 1891-03-09
SHORT HITS.
Notes of Interest to Baseball Enthusi-
asts in this City.
The Players Getting Themselves III
Condition-s"Jack'' Donahue for
Umpire-Other Matters.

| The members of the Sacramento ball
team, who have arrived in this city, have
been practicing at Snowflake Park daily
for the last week, and are getting them
selves in good trim for the opening game
OF the season, which will take place one
week from next Sunday. The men are
not yet in condition to play as sthey
| should, but they expect to have all the
kinks and stiffness out of their arms in
another week, and then the public will
have chance to comment on their abili-
| ties.
Manager McCloskey makes no boasts
| about the men he has selected, but it is
believed he has fine lot of players, and
he would rather not have the public come
to see the opening game, expecting to
witness an exhibition that will eclipse
anything they have ever seen in the way
Of brilliant ball playing.
II know L have a great deal to contend
WITH" said he to Il REcOnD- UNION re-
porter, "and many are rather put out be-
| cause Gld not sign some Of last years
players, especially Rcitz and Bowman.
l can only say in reply, that l could not
afford to pay them the money they asked.
They may be good players, and all that,
but it does seem strange to mo, that they
are still without situations. Ii they are
rated so high among the baseballists, why
haven't they signed before this with some
of the other teams? | have men who will
play with Sacramento this year who lave
received all the-way from six to ten offers
from other clubs. They seemed anxious
to see California, however. and decided to
accept my terms"
I 1T is learned that Ward and Hutchinson
will change positions in the team. Ward
will guard second base, and Hutchinson
will watch the territory around the third
cushion. Hutchinson is said to have u
line arm for throwing, and is very
active man.
The grounds are in fair condition, but
will be put in first-class order before the
I'D. 1t was admitted last year that the
Sacramento diamond and outtield were
the best in the State, and "John,"; the
keeper. has pride in his work and pro-
poses to retain4the reputation, if possible.
Lockers for each of the twelve members
of the club, will be placed in the dressing
4 room: The private boxes have been
newly papered and look quite neat.
Jack" Donohue has been appointed
umpire, and he and Sheridan will do the
referee work during the season. Ed.
Stapleton and Jim Mcdonald were
anxious to serve as umpires, but We're
not successful in obtaining the appoint
ment.
Win H. Young has been appointed
official scorer in Sacramento and J. II.
Stapleton will keep the points of the
games played in San Francisco. 1t is not
i learned as yet who will be selected as
scorers in San Jose and Oakland.
1t is thought that kid" Peoples will
be the favorite with the audience this sea-
son. McQrirk, the big first baseman is a
comical genius, and will no doubt make
lots of fun when his turn comes.
Every member of the Sacramento team
is said to be good coacher, so .ginger''
at least will not be lacking.
| Very little has been said concerning
McCloskey's ability as player, but those
who know him and have seen him in his
position say that he is cool and sure
fielder, very fast runner. and good
thrower.
France was expected here yesterday,
but if he arrived he had not made his
presence known up to last accounts.
Ward of the Sacramentos declares that
he will not play ball with the Oakland
team, and If Colonel Robinson succeeds
in compelling him to leave the Senators,
he will go East again. Robinson claims
he he's letters from Ward which when he
publishes them) will create small
sized sensation in baseball circles.