Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-04-02
THE OUTLOOK BRIGHT
That the Cities Of the Kennebec Will
&c Represented in N. {. League,
Mr.. Waller W. Burnham Visit; The Civ and
Receives Much encouragement.

uent tnat the people Of Aupusta AFRO
anxious to take advantage of the favor
able opportunity which makes il nossib,e
lor the city to secure, free of expense. a
FRANCHISE in the strong New England
League, which now has teams in Bangor
Lewiston, Portland, Brockton. New Red
lord, Fall River and Pawtucket. With
THIS line circuit our citizens will be en-
aDied to see better ball paying than has
ever yet been witnessed at the capital
AS result of yesterdays canvass, and
what was found to be the condition of
Affairs here, it was deemed advisable to
form stock company, Incorporated under
the laws of Maine, with non -assessable
stock. To organize with a capital stock
Of $4,000, with shares at $50 each would
seem to be the proper mode of procedure
Stockholders following the usual custom,
to be allowed the free privileges of the
ground, including the grand stand, at all
of the games
The plan for the schedule of games is to
play IL games, IS Of which will be played
in Augusta and Gardiner, if suitable
arrangements for grounds can be made in
that city
Mr.. Burnham called upon Hon. George
E. Macomber, treasurer of tho Electric
Road, last evening, and received assur-
ances that that company would do its full
share in assisting in the support of a team
that will be a credit to the city. A num-
Der of other gentlemen assured Mr.. Burn.
ham of their hearty interest in seeing Au-
gusta up with the times and of their will
ingness to give good ball team financial
support.
MIR. Burnham is one of the most cxper-
fenced base ball manager in the business.
HI is a native of Portland, and in 1884
first fitted up the grounds in Portland
which are now used by the league team in
that city He conducted the Portland
team Of that year sing handed as a purely
business enterprise, ard in spite of the
predictions of a large number of croakers,
made it gratifying financial success.
This was the first professional club known
as the Portlands The following season
Mr.. Burnham went to Lawrence, winning
the championship of the New England
League. In 1886 he managed the Meri-
dens for portion Of the season, and
finished with the Boston Blues, who were
hopeless tailenders when he took charge
of the team The following year he sue
cceded in landing the team in second
place
| In 1888 he managed the Worcesters in
the New England League finishing second
within three points of the Lowell team,
which won the championship. The fol
lowing year the Worcesters were in the
| Atlantic Association under the manage
ment of Mr. Burnham, and won the
championship. In 1890 he went to New
| Haven, which club was also in the
| Atlantic Association, and where he again
succeeded in landing the championship.
| In 1891 he was again at New Haven I'M
til the club disbanded in August. In 1892
be went to Providence and, under the
double championship season, he won the
first penant In 1898 he was again with
the Providence club, which team was very
unfortunate in a number of accidents to
its best players, preventing good finish
In 1894 Mr. Burnham was engaged in
business pursuits and took no part in base
ball affairs. During his connection with
base ball Mr.. Burnham has always repre-
sented his clubs at league meetings and
has probably organized more clubs in
minor leagues cities than any other man
ager in the business. He enjoys wide
acquaintance with players,
1t is important that whatever is done IN
regard to base ball in the cities OF the
Kennebec should be done promptly.
There is to be a meeting OF the New Eng
land League In Boston, Wednesday alter
noon. and it is very desirable that the
best possible report shall be made OF the
nropress of matters in this section.
With strong teams IN large cities, with
which visiting games will be played, an
interest will lie developed which has been
heretofore unknown. Mr.. Burnham feels
very confident that the outlook for the
support of strong team in Central Maine
is very encouraging.
1t must be borne in mind that games
played in the New England League will
be under the national agreement. Players
cannot be taken during the season, and
strong players developed and wanted by
the large leagues are subject to selection
at the close of the season at the rate of
$500 for each player SO selected. The
chances for revenue from this source are
always good with well managed club.
Mr.. Burnham will remain in the city
today and will be pleased to meet and
confer with gentlemen interested in the
game, and answer all questions in refer
ence to the existing condition of affairs.