The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-04-21
BASEBALL.
The Strength Of the Provi-
dence Grays Reviewed.

The Providence Grays met the National
League champions at Adelaide Park
yesterday afternoon In their opening
practice game of the season. They en-
of their formidable adversaries,
but they maintained remarkable
self-possession and persistency TO the
finish, and gave evidence OF possessing
good material with which TO cope for the
championship penuant. The team is COM
players, selected from professional and
professional talent, and under
watchful and experienced management
should develop into a well-discIplined
and effective organization. The strength
of the club last year was in its
fielding department.. Its weakness was
marked in the box and the lack OF team
unity and intelligent management resulted
In the loss of confidence on the part of
the players and the public. To remedy
these obstacles TO successful achieve
ment the association has been Teor-
ganized, and the board of control is COM
posed of gentlemen who are determined
TO profit by the experience of last year,
and merit the support and confidence OF
the patrons. Providence has dem
onstrated its value as a
strong baseball city. The inter
est in the game can be retained by pro-
gressive business methods and the en-
=
not attain championship distinction, yet
demonstrates its ability To rank with the
leaders.
The present team promises 10 be supe-
rior TO its immediate predecessor in field
ing and batting strength. The retention
of Rogers and Bassett as first and third
basemen and Cooney, who led the Eastern
League shortstops last year ensures pable
and united support. The substitution of
Stricker for Petit at second base strength
ems the key to the diamond, and at the
same time admits of the services of
trained and experienced captain. Pet
tits home position is in the outfield,
and his admirable exhibition yes
terday demonstrated the wisdom of the
transfer. Lyons covers the pasture in cap
ital style and Manager Murray's guar
dianship Of left field is prompt and reli-
exercise by the long distance
batsmen from the Hub, but
they covered the outlying territory most
creditably, particularly i'm the return OF
the ball to the infield. Sullivan. Miller
and Rudderham alternated in the box.
Miller is left hand twirler usually of
great speed, but he proved an
easier mark than his colleagues, due TO
one of those "off days" which is the expe-
rience oi the cleverest tossers. The re-
ceivership of both Dixon aud McCauley
was steady, watchful and supportive, but
lnelr skill IN DaSc-t throwing was not chlleu
into play. In the use OF the stick,
the nine were compelled to gauge the de-
livery of Nichols, Lovett and Staley. and
In the latter part OF he game they batted
with considerable freedom, but
from lack OF lively coaching
their base running was oftimes de-
fective and Improbable. To indulge in
any critical comment OF the first exhibi-
tion OF the team, individually or collec-
lively, would be manifestly premature.
Constant practice i'm the fine points OF play,
the sinking of individuality and concen-
tration OF effort, and the maintenance of
bearing and discipline are essential TO sue
cessful exemplication of the national
game. The nine met with cordial recep-
tion from more than 1000 patrons, and il
is hoped that the favorable impression
which they created will be emphasized as
the season advances. MART DAY.
The game may be briefly summarized:
The Bostons earned seven of their twelve
runs, secured total OF twenty two
base hits, including -four doubles and
two home runs. The home team
made eight singles and were unable to
earn either of their runs through loose
fielding by Long and Nash. They
accepted 80 out OF 80 fielding
chances, which is n most praises
worthy showing in the face OF such pow
erful batting. There were several finely
executed plays notable among which were
long running catches by Duffy, Murray,
Nash and Rogers. dsshing double plays by
Long, Lowe aud Stivctts aud The iaultlcss
Of "A = 10