Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-09-29

Winding Up of the Base Ball Cham
piOnship Season.

piOnshtp Season.
Tomorrow winds up the championship
base ball season Of 81, and in about two
weeks hence President Young will be able
to promulgate the official averages of the
players. 1t is understood that the records
will show decided improvement in the
batting department of the game, while the
fielding has not been below the standard of
late years. The handicap placed upon the
pitchers has had a good effect upon the
game generally, the result being plenty of
hard hitting and sharp fielding, the most at
tractive features Of the sport. The rule de-
claring foul bunt a strike has also worked
to good advantage as IT is in a measure
something Of a concession to the pitcher,
1t prevents men like John Ward, Latham.
Paul Radford, Duffy, Mccarthy, McGraw and
Childs from attempting to overwork an op-
posing pitcher by succession Of foul hits.
When Star reporter called at league
headquarters yesterday President N. e.
Young was engaged In approving the con-
tracts OF two new pitchers and a second
baseman. with the Washington club. for
next season. He also had before him the
contracts Of several new men recently
signed by the Cincinnati club. Among the
latter was pitcher from the western
league, named Frank Foreman. Mr.. Young
pondered over the last-named player and
ordered whether It is the same Frank
Foreman who was once considered a great
pitcher in Cincinnati Baltimore and Wash
fngton. 1t may be that the veteran, after
grazing on the western prairies for the past
two years. has taken a new lease on life,
and proposes to blossom out next spring
In the Junior pitchers department" Of the
league. d.
What are the latest developments in the
new base ball association. Mr. Young?'
Our people," he replied ARE not dis
turbed by the efforts being made to form a
new association. We know from practical
experience that it requires large pile of
money to establish a new base ball associa-
ton. The opening UP of new parks, the se-
curing of players. and the many other ex-
penses that enter into the business demands
heavy outlay of cash, without any pro-
spect OF quick return The league has la
bored hard and earnestly to reach the posi-
tlon II now occupies, and so far as We are
ape 20 ascertain there Is but little II any.
ers at the present status of the league
During the past week l have received a
large number of contracts from some of the
pest men IN the league showing their ankle
ty and willingness to be identified with the
les que next season. This is the best indica-
ton that the players are not going to stray
untried fields"
The fall meeting of the league will be
held In New York about the middle of
november. The principal business to be
considered Is the closing up Of the accounts
and the awarding Of the pennant to the
Baltimore club. 1t is probable that the
business affairs of the league will be dis
cussed, but the reported changes in the
membership will not be taken up until the
following spring meeting. Then the i'm
portant features are considered and dis
posed of, such as amending the rules, adopt
Ing the schedules and perfecting the organi-
zation, should any repairs be necessary.
The fall meeting Is usually Of but little i'm
portance, and no sensations are anticipated
at the coming meeting
Umpire Belts will be retained on the
league staff. He is generally regarded as
one of the greatest finds in the umpiring
line since the palmy days of Gaffney. By
the way, 1t is understood that Mr. Soden of
Boston was instrumental In securing lone
more chance" for Gaffney. He was in the
depth of despair. and declared that he
would make any sacrifice, personal or finan-
cial, to be restored to duty. Mr.. Soden
vouched for him, and he was reinstated
and ordered to Pittsburg. A petition, signed
by many Of the best players in the league
was also sent to Mr.. Young, urging the
restoration of the king of Umpires."
None of the Washington players make
the capital city their home, hence they are
not likely to return here after the season
closes. 1t was reported that Abbey and
Setback intended to play on the professional
foot ball team which Mr.. Wagner is going
to put into the field AS their names do
rot appear among the players ordered here
for practice, 1t Is probable that they are
not going to put on the canvas jacket this
fall. Abbey and Setback are put up for
foot ball playing, but they prefer base ball.