The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-03-31
THE HUSTLERS AT WORK
STEADILY GETTING INTO FORM FOR
TIE GAMES THIS WEEK.
Talk with Manager Wells ~ TO the Condi-
tion snd Prospects OF the Isam-Cofn-
ineuts on the Players.

work In the way of running, shoihs
Throwing, catching and the IKE, has
demonstrated TO the men how sun ahe
clumsy n player can become during 'h'
winter months.
rriticisms OF the several players and
their work should not be INDUCED In yet
Lovers OF the game naturally enough
are ipclined 10 depreciate the EFFORTS OF
the men. and 10 Judge from what they
see on the ball grounds at this prema-
ture stage OF the proceedings IL mus'
be taken into consideration that TOT siA
months the players have done no WORK
on the grounds. Their muscles are sun
aud the violent exercise all OF a suddeh
makes n heavy strain on them for a
while IL will be n week or two yet be-
fore they can overcome the soreness and
heavy tax upon their muscles. In con-
versation with several OF the players
yesterday they said they felt the ef-
fects OF the work very seriously at pres
ent, and Il would be several days before
shey tould get themselves In normal
physical condition. Until they have had
time 10 grow accustomed TO the heavy
exercise all criticisms should be withheld
Give the men chance. They supple
Ynent the preliminary work on the
grounds each afternoon with a half-mile
run. This helps TO make their limbs
flexible, and TO strengthen their muscles.
IMPROVEMENTS Al THE PARE.
Work at West End Park has been pro-
crossing nicely OF late. and within the
next week all the improvements decided
upon Will be completed The double fence
is nearing completion. and the grounds
will be rolled again, and the finishing
touches put on in few days. One Of
the most serviceabe innovations. and
one which was badly needed last year.
will be the fence 10 keep the grounds
clear This fence VIII be erected in
front OF the grand stand and bleachcr-
les. and will be provided with a barb
wire arrangement on top so as 10 pre-
vent people from climbing over. II will
extend all the way around the in-feld. II
II the purpose of the MANAGEMENT 10 ex-
clude everybody from the field except
the players and umpires. They have de-
cided to admit no one else under any
circumstances.
The scorers quarters will be located on
the top of the grand stand. just a little
10 the left Of the home plate 1t will be
a box-ltke arrangement seven by six feet.
ana VIII be covered with wire netting In
front. IL will be provided with desk
for the reporters and will be reached bv
means OF staircase which will lead
from the grand stand through trap
door. This will enable the scorers TO Sc
cure view of the entire field. and also
spare Them the annoyance OF being in
terfered with durin gtheir work.
INDIVIDUAL COMMENT.
During the past week the men have
been put through a vigorous course of
preliminary training. They have all been
trying hard TO overcome the Introductory
soreness, and are gradually getting into
shape for steady work.
Gibson is beginning TO show I'D we'll
His throwing to bases is quick and ac-
curate. He will be one Of the hardest
hitters in the League. He will do most
OF the catching. Foster will assist him
behind the liver-pad Freddy" will
spend most OF his time. however. i'm
right field He is beginning to get Back
10 work again. HIS stiffness is steadily
: Wearing -ortr-and The "Sorrel-top Duke
of Fulton" is getting accustomed to the
work.
Allen gives fair promise as a twirIer.
He has creditable record, and good re-
suits are expected Of him.
Flynn is at present I'm better phvsi-
car shape than any Of the pitchers He
halls from Mobile, where he puzzled
many OF the best htters in the Southern
League during his connection with that
club. FLYNN has very good speed. which
is expected TO be well develoned His
control OF the ball is above the standard
rev days more will find Tannyhii
ana Dinsmore in fairly good form. They
- expected TO strengthen the home
teams box little later on.
rms is Dinsmore's first season out. He
played with the Kensington, Pa. team
last year-an Independent organization.
twirler.
Wells the popular manager OF the cmb
VIII alternate with Gibson occasionally
Jake's regular place. however. will be al
the hrst bag, which he will doubtless
cover with high degree of credit He
understands the game, and will look after
the interests of the Hustlers, whether
they be at home or abroad.
TWO CLEVER BAsEMHN.
II Is thought that Hall will develop
into a phenomenal second baseman. He
is quick as a flash. handles himself in
an active. business-iike way, and covefs
wonderfully large territory. One of the
noticeable features of his work is his
quick return of the ball TO other fielders
His throwing is admirable. He has judy
mont and keeps a cool head. Hall was
considered the Hardest thrower in the
Blue Grass League when he played with
the Frankfort. Ky. team.
Third base will be covered by Meow
an. Like Hall. he is a star player. He
runs WELL slides the bags IKE connois-
seur, and makes phenomenal pick-ups.
lie Is strong. active, and will be a clever
hitter MCGOWAN accepts many chances,
and possesses wonderful power as a
thrower
Berte fields his position at short stop
creditably. He handles himself quickly
ana covers great deal of ground. on
double plays he is especially clever.
Berte will make fairly good hitter. ard
Is fast man on bases.
In lett field Barley Kahn will be seen.
KAN has lost none OF his old time activ-
ity ana cool-headedness. His hitting
ability and shrewd base running Is well
Known TO Richmond cranks. Kahn is ey-
pected to MI his position with mucb
credit.
Groves halls from Cincinnati. He will
no seen regularly In centre-feld Groves
covers much ground and handles him.
self well. IL is thought that he will he
the equal OF Gettinger i'm every respect
The team. as whole, are expected TO
snow that they understand the game
thoroughly. and there is every indica-
lon that they will play winning ball.
They are one OF the most orderly. we'll
behaved and gentiemanly teams seen I'm
Richmond for many day. MIR, William
j. Gardner, chief clerk at the Licking
ton Hotel. where the team is stopping.
said yesterday the men were the moyt
quiet, well-behaved set Of ball PLAYERS
that ever stopped at the Lexington.
JAKE WELLS TALKS
When / interviewed Jake Wells yAs-
terday In regard 10 the condition and
prospects OF the club. he said: III was
very careful In the selection OF the team
Many first class players applied TO me