Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-04-24
A REVIEW OF SPORTS,
Splendid Work Done During
the Week by the Teams
Of the League.
B4LLPLAYING ON SUNDAY.
An Exposure of the Alleged Knock
ing Out Scheme of Boxers
A VERY IMPORTANT STATEMENT.
The New Rule Relating to the Amateur
Athletes Discussed
BALLPLAYING ON SUNDAY,
A VERY IMPORTANT STATEMENT.
LEADING TOPICS AMONG TIE PUGILIsrs


ing the national game If anybody ever
had any doubts on the matter I'm sure the
scenes on Thursday should dispel them.
mention Thursday because the rain spoiled
everything and prevented one OF the grsndest
baseball turnouts there has ever been in
this country Despite the threatening
weather the streets were crowded with en-
thusiasts hours before the time fixed for the
parade to start 1ti safe to saw that there
were thousands of visitors in the city to sec
the opening game, and after all the trouble
and all the anticipation the rain vetoed the
proceedings
That rainy day was great loss to the
home club because there were not as many
at the first game by far as would have been
had the first game taken place as intended
But there is a consolation in the fact that
we in Pittsburg are prepared to support our
club with a generous hand if the team can
only perform as team anyway worthy of
support.
But in almost all cities where the new
League has a club there is a baseball en-
thusiasm that is exceedingly encouraging,
and if that interest can be maintained all
pect that all the II clubs ia the League will
make money. Some of them may lose, and
when the losing begins then will be the
time to test the new venture.
Work Of the Teams
Nobody can well grumble about the work
of the teams so far. Those whom the ma
iority of US were ever ready to despise have
demonstrated that they can play good ball,
and some of the teams that we expected to
do extremely well have fallen far short of
our expectations There are two teams in
particular that must cause US all to reflect,
viz, Cincinnati and Cleveland. Who was
there whoever thought that the Reds would
prove themselves superior to the Cleveland
ers? And they have done so in nv estima-
tion; indeed, do not hesitate to say that
so far the Cincinnati team have proven that
they are as good as any team in the coun-
try. And when we begin to analyze that
team we are sure to wonder why they
shouldn't be as good as any other team.
The great danger of the Reds lies among
themselves They are a combination of
many elements that are difficult to consoli-
date. Ii Captain Comiskey can succeed in
maintaining harmony among them there is no
fear of the Reds. But they are doomed If
they once get into the same sixes-and-
sevens condition that they were in last
year.
am free to confess that the Cleveland
team have so far been disappointment to
me. lad expected them TO be in the lead
from the start, and if they don't get we'll to
the front at once their show in the race will
be very poor one, because when all the
teams get fairly down to work the Cleve-
lands will not be among the best by any
means.
Anson's Colts, as we call them, are also
making a bad start, and it seems safe to say
that he and bis team will not make such
fight for first place this year. He needs
one or two more pitchers of frst-class abil-
fly, and without very great Improvement
in his team he cannot expect to beat Louis
vile in the race. The latter team continue
10 play an excellent game, and If they had
about two more good pitchers their chance
for tront-rank position would be excel
lent. The Browns are still among the
poorest.
In the East the Bostons are still the best
without any doubt, the New York team
have given evidence of being very shakey.
ard the Phillies have not vet proven that
they are as steady as the most of us thought
thev were. The Brooklyns will have to be
very lucky if they can keep a respectable
place in the first six, and there is apparently
no hope for Baltimore and Washington to
get there. Washington, by the way, seems
10 be doomed. There is irst-cass material
in that team, and yet they can make no
show. Arthur Irwin NAV make them sue
cessful II he does the Washington cranks
should be glad of him.
About the Home Club.
The home clubs prospects are still en-
couraging as far as playing ability is con-,
cerRed, but the wet weather has been very
discouraging from a financial standpoint
I'm sure the clubs directors deserve better
luck. They have made a big speculation,
and every lover OF the game must wish them
we'll But there is lots of time yet for them
to make q success of it.
The team are still d little weak in the out
field because of Hanlon's injury, and if
promising young PLAYER who can use the
stick to advantage can be secured, the sooner
he is signed the better All of us will be
pleased TO note the very good work that
Charley Farrell is doing, and NAV add that
we can all rest coatent now as to his ability
to take care OF his position.
1t is pity that Ehret is not getting into
form reader than he is, as much was ex-
pected from him. His absence has caused
the bulk of the work to tall on Baldwin
and Calvin, and it is unnecessary to remark
that they have done WELL Baldwin is pitch
ing in very good form, indeed, but be has
been very unfortunate. In his games our
sluggers have not slugged at all Still he
has fought bravely, and he is certainly one
of the gamiest pitchers in the country.
In talking about the local club 1 am re-
minded OF the Wood affair. There has been
q deal of unnecessary talk about that case.
The club wanted George Wood and could
not get him at the price offered Then
Baltimore signed him, and as soon as that
was done the Pittsburg clubs desire for
Wood became stronger The Pittsburgers
informed the Baltimore club that they we're
dealing with Wood, and the Baltimore Off |
cials appealed TO President Young. The |
latter asked Pittsburg to waive claim on |
Wood, which was done.
Now what is there in the simple little |
affair to make any noise about? The Pitts |
burg club officials certainly have a perfect |
right to accept and refuse whom they please
They pay the piper If these officials did |
change their mind about signing Wood; |
that is, if they decided they did not |
want him and subsequently found they did |
need him, what about it? Haven't they a |
right to change their mind on the matter? |
Certainly. 1t may have been a mistake to |
not sign Wood and it may not 1 don't |
think he would have done as much good as
expected. Everything considered, I do |
not rate MN any DcIteE lndn Sorhuiii, duo |
if the latter was playing regularly he might |
be much superior to Wood.
Well, it is to be hoped that our team will |
keen at peace with themselves and that bet |
ter weather will follow them. They will do |
very we'll if the pitchers keepin line. That |
is the important feature of the business
Sunday Ball Playing.
1t may not be unsafe to say that the ques-