Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-08-31

PITCHER AkIHO Ii ILAishsoNs
TWho is twirling the sphere in such great foriu
for the Baltimores.
ness, representing an equal number OF
cities. Besides there are almost as many
more organized into state and sectional
leagues, while the amateur and semipro-
fessional clubs, which are located all over
The Union, will run up into the hundreds,
If not thousands.
Up to the 18th of August the so and
more clubs controlled by the national
agreement had played 2,s6S championship
games. These clubs employ 700 players,
whose combined salaries will foot up tho
enormous sum of 81 900, 600. Who will saT
that the American people are not willing
to pay beautifully for sport which they
know 10 be honest and on the level?
Baseball rs {; business, however, is not
sinccurc The game is uncertain, and the
stars arc more than uncertain. There Is
no living civilized being so hard to con-
troll as the average baseball player. Tho
New York and Boston clubs have exam
pies of that truisn this season. 1nsubor-
dination and incompetence have put both
clubs out Of the pennant race just as they
Were entering into the closing games az
home, by which money should be made.
These indiscretions of the stars have cost
their clubs many thousands of dollars.
1t is no secret that the great Rusle, by
an inordinate use of liquor during this
season. has lowered his usefulness and de-
stroyed whatever chance the New Yorls
may have had to win. Earlier in tho
season, while at Baltimore, he was fined
800 for dissipation, and for time he put
check upon his appetite. Lately he fell
again, and his club practically dropped!
out of the race But he is not alone in
that respect. Nearly every club of tho
major League has a player or several OF
them who give trouble by indulging
their fondness for the use of liquor in eX-
cess.
How weak human nature must be
among baseball players when men of Ru-
sics valued abilities slowly commit pro
fcssional suicide! Baseball biography i.
filled with brilliant instances of men who
have sacrificed popularity, prosperity, an
extended career on the diamond and even
life itself for the mere qualification of Il
love for drink. Ramsey, Deasley, Flint,
Lew Brown, Fred Lewis, Sweeney, Bur
dock and scores more whom could name
cut short their career on the diamond be
cause they would not give up the pleasures
of the cup. Even poor, genial Mike Kelly
might be alive today sharing honors with
Arson had he not, for some years before
his career ended. given way to the thirst
which may be relieved, but cannot be
ouenched.
Arson should be a modal for every vouno
man who enters the baseball profession
For more than 20 years he has drawn goot
salaries as a ball player, whereas ten year,
is beyond the limit of moro than two-third,
Of the stars who rise and set. And N,
one knows how many more wears the vet
eran will wear the harness. Three of hi,
ribs were unhinged recently bv a pitched
ball, but he is on duty again with his 9th
er side presented to the foe.
What is the secret of Anson's baseball
| longevity? He is temperate | do no
mean temperate alone in the use of liouors
but otherwise. Ball players as rule, arr