Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-19

events. And now comes Philadelphia. There
is the most uncertain team in the lot. Judging
from appearances, Philadelphia has not any:
thing like first-class team; but il is worthy OF
remark that in baseball the uncertain lnyarl-
ably turns up. We can all remember the won
dertul performance of the Cleveland team IN
the carly part of ths season two years ago 1t
may be that PHILADELPHIA has q similar surprise
in store, but l don't think it very likely.
"ell. thon, it is easy to understand that rank
New York as the best team in the East and
Pittsburg the best in the West. and to reduce
the question to its narrowest limit don't hesi-
tate to say that New York is better than Pitts
burg. trust these opinions will suffice, and l
have expressed them simply because of the
week or SO. 1t may be that my entire calcula-
tionS will be upset, but what am arguing at
present is entirely based on paper" worth OF
each team. When they all get settled TO the
contest the complexion of each may be en-
tirely changed.
Some Very Good Prospects.
Whatever may have been the opinions of the
patrons of the game regarding the public in
forest In it think there is only one opinion 10
which we can come at present and that lie that
tho game is as much in popular favor to-day as
it ever was All tho chickering's and squab-
blinGs of the past are almost all forgotten
already and just as soon as the excitement OF
a close contest comes there will be no recollec-
tion of past unpleasantness at all. This augurs
hopes will be realized. The prospects
locally are very good, but Of course the
results may turn out to be very bad.
The PittsburC Club has much at stake
this wear: indeed, it has more than
it ever had. / am told that the estimated ex-
pcnses of the club for the year is about SS0,OOO
and that the salary list is about $4,000. These
enorm Gus figures and certainly considera-
BILE nerve is needed on the part Of the club
directors to take such a contract on hand. And
this reminds me of the shout that was sent up
Hat sHnN, alov roC
would all be cut down. Why, just as argued
then / argue now, VIE: That good players Will
always be able TO command good salaries. This
may be little divergence, but mention it
merely as 4 reminder We'll, what was going
to say is that $50 0G0 will take deal of hustling
for, and if the local club earns that amount of
money it will be doing very well indeed. If the
team turns out to be as good as we expect them
doubt expenses VIII be more than
cleared, but if they do nos fulfill expecta-
tions have notion that the name of League
ball playing in Pittsburg will, to very great
extent, be Dennis.
Mr.. Nimiol's Resignation.
cannot dispense with local baseball matters
without referring to the resignation of w. A.
Nimick from active baseball affairs Mr..
Nimick las SO long been identified with local
baseball matters that il is difficult to think of
club with which he has nothing to do. He has
had eight or nine years of very active work in
Pittsburg, and his career has not only been a
busy one. but also a very honorable one, He
has. with the club, gone through some very
dark times and over some pretty rocky roads,
but as far as know he has always filled all OBJ
legations. He is succeeded by Mr.. A. K
Scandrett; that is. Mr.. Scandrett has been
elected to fill Mr.. Nimick's place on the Board
of Directors. don't think that better selec-
tion could be made, because Mr.. Scandrett is
not only one OF the most enthusiastic workers,
but his knowledge of baseball affairs is very
great, indeed. He has l understand, been
given an interest in the club, and doubtless he
will prove that he is worth It.
Mr.. Spalding's Opinion.
Like many others 1 heard with extreme re-
gret of Mr.. Spalding's retirement from active
baseball work. 1t is needless for me to say that
he has been a very remarkable man, and has
done more for baseball than any other two men
in the world. In announcing his resolve to re-
tire he made some exceedingly interesting re-
marks. They should he carefully noted by
every patron and admirer of outdoor SD TT.
now reprint the following portion of them:
II have been connected with the National
League since its organization in 1876. and dur
ing that time no doubt have made many mis-
takes in recommending and urging matters in
connection with Its legislation, my motives
often misconstrued, and my action frequently
vet now retire with the con-
seriousness that have always tried to do that
which believed to be for the best Interests,
advancement, and elevation Of professional
baseball In my efforts in this direction my
thoughts have been, nrst, the national game
then the National League, then my club and
lastly, my personal interests, and If was to
make any suggestion to those VIII may become
with the management of our ma
tional sport, would urge them to follow a smi-
lar rule.
"The natural tendency of any professional
sport is downward and without strong, fear