The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-04-22
THE GRAYS At PRACTICE.
Nine Of the Team at Adelaide Park
Yesterday Afternoon.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE,
But the Ground Was Not I'm the Best
shsps-The New Players showing Up
Remarkably Well Kiiroy, Campion
and HannIvan Expected Today.

II the weather had been made to order
yesterday afternoon it could not have
been more OF an ideal day for the first
practice of the ball team at Adelaide
park. The heavy rains had made the
diamond heavy so that there was no re-
bound to the ball aud the players could
not get around in IA lively manner as
they will later though. they showed good
speed and some excellent fielding
There were nine players ami candidates
on the ground, Petit, Cooney, Sullivan,
McKeogh, Mccormack, Martin. Dono-
hue, Cannon and young player whom
one OF the stockholders recommended.
None of the cutfield had shown up and
the practice was almost all confined to
the inield.
McKeogh and Donahue alternated at
first. Cooney aud Martin alternated at
second and short, aud Mccormack COW
cred third base. The work Of Cooney
will need no description. he has been
seen here before anu Il now In splendid
trim which Is guarantee that he will
play first-class ball this season. He made
many Sne stops and throws, especially. in
double play style.
Martin handed himself in way that
Pleased the OnIookers
and Manager Burnham as well. He has
the knack of getting in front Of every
ball that comes to him before he touches
IL except In case Of the most difficult ones
which Is a very strong point in favor OF
an infielder. Then. too, his throwing is
excellent both TO second base for double
plays and to first. He seems to bs a nat
ural player, and if he develops into n
good batter Is reasonably sure OF posi-
tion for y time at least.
McCormack's work at third was of the
gilt-edge and circus style, he making
many fine stops and pick-ups. His arm,
however, Is not In the best condition,
and he saved IL as much as possibl by
not throwing fast to first
Petit also took turn at second base
aud showed that he had played the posi-
tion before. Donahue gave gooa ex-
hibition OF throwing TO second which
BODIES Ill to base stealers. Mckeough Is
known to be good thrower and 1t is
possible that this pair OF catchers may
play the season out together.
The players came in to bat q little
later aud Sullivan, Cannon aud Martin
tossed up the balls TO give the team a
chance TO hit' the ball. There We're no
home runs, and good deal OF this kind
OF practice will DO necessary.
OF the new players, Donohue Is known
to be light hitter, Mccormick made u
tair record in the New England league
Like and Old Timer.
Cannon also promises to become good
sticker II given proper attention.
The new pitchers rules bothered some
what even In practice. A temporary
plate was placed co., feet from the home
plate and IL was found that none of the
players thoroughly understood its use.
The pitcher must stand with both feet
in front Of the plate, which Is twelve
inches long by four wide. While deliv-
foot In contact with the plate, aud the
pitchers In practice had much difficulty
In getting accustomed TO it.
This rule will probably be productive
of much trouble this season as it will be
almost impossible for an umpire TO watch
the pitchers foot and arm at the same
time. Manager burnham thinks that
some kind OF an electrical signal might
be arranged so that the instant the loot
touches the plate a bell wou d ring and
there would be no doubt In the mind OF
the umpire or of the base runner.
There were forty or fifty persons out to
the grounds yesterday TO see the boys
practice. and general satisfaction seemed
to prevail over the showing OF those on
the field. The men were ordered to re-
port at 10 o'clock this morning for fur
ther practice, when It was expected that
others of the team would be present.
Campion was understood to be on his
way TO Providence. where he would ar
rive in time for the game aud Manager
Burnham telegraphed to Hannivan aud
kilroy directing them TO report in time
for the game winch they will no doubt
do. The team went out TO Adelaide
park this morning and took u good prac-
tice to get into shape for the afternoon
game The diamond was In much better
shape than yesterday.
Yesterdays Games.
At Charlottesville. Va.-Bostons. "a;
University OF Virginia, Is.