The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-05-04
FIRE TEAM WORSTED
A Practice Game of baseball at the
Park Yesterday.
SOME GOOD AND BAD PLAYS
II Is Quite Evident I hat ~ the An
aconda Boys Expect to Win
Out They Must prac-
tice Steadily.

F. W. condon's firemen's baseball team,
of whose ability as run-makers much had
been expected, were yesterday drubbed
quite numerically by picked-up team
of young men about town. 1t is true
that Mr. Condor did not have his entire
team in the field, but II is also true that
most of the men who filled the vacancies
were much better ball players than those
whom Mr. Condor left at home.
The purpose of yesterdays game was
to afford an opportunity to those who
think they can play ball to show their
abilities. II was expected that a sum-
cient number of good players would be
collected so that the selection of nine to
face the outside clubs would be easy.
Most of those who took part in yester-
days practice showed lack of training.
There were some who could be taught, by
patience and practice, TO play a good
game; there were also those who may as
well give IL up before they begin.
The fremen had, in addition to their
own men, Charlton as catcher. but for
whom they would not have made as good
a showing as they did. James Mcliale
at first proved himself to be a quick and
alert player. John Malloy. pitcher, was
hit rather hard. John Frinke at second
did some good work. A man whose name
could not be ascertained, playing at left
field for the firemen, made very clever
capture of a fly and a good throw to
first. This was probably the best play
of a day on which good plays were few
and far between.
A south paw gentleman i'm a corduroy
suit pitched for the picked nine His de-
livery was fairly quick and his balls were
speedy A straight. high ball seemed to
be about the only thing he had. but that
was enough to get the best of the fire
men. He should have been hit all over
the field. but he wasn't. Lack of prac-
tice and II seemed, at times, fear, swung
the bats of the firemen far below the
pitched ball. James McCloskey, an old
time professional player held first in a
oreditable manner. and Sam Maloney at
third made a few good plays.
Taken all in all, however. the game,
mere practice though II was. proved the
fact that proficiency can only come
through hard and steady practice. Those
who yesterday famed the air at the balls
of the gentleman I'm the corduroy would
make many long drive If but a little at
tention was given to their work. Many
wild throws and discouraging NUTS of
BEAUTIFUL short flies characterized the
game, and while there were bright plays,
they were the result OF luck rather than
skin.
The inevitable talking was INDUCED in
until the spectators ears rang with the
Spuilu OF empty SHOUTS. Inc men VINO
have played ball before could be easily
picked out yesterday by the absence of
unnecessary remarks on their part. 1t is
just as easy to play ball with ones mouth
shut as IL is to play to an accompaniment
of screams and screeches, the funny vir-
tues of which lie i'm the ludicrous efforts
of the person 10 make himself heard.
small boy who had been intently
watching the game at its close was heard
% raa RI laxT ala, Il.
Buttes dey'll have ter do better'n dat"
The boy was right.
meeting, II is understood, has been
called for Tuesday evening at the fire
station. The object of the meeting is to
organize the Anaconda baseball club. 1t
Is to be hoped that the meeting will be
largely attended.
The score OF yesterdays game was II
TO In favor of the picked team.
While the game of baseball was In
progress at the park few of the In
crosse players of this city knocked the
dust Off their sticks In a kick-about prac-
tice on the green in front OF the Cen
trail school house. w. A Fraser of ST.
Paul. who was formerly manager of the
famous Winnipeg team and in those DAYS
was one OF the crack players in Canada.
Joined In the sport There is an album
dance OF material for a good la crosse
team in this city and efforts will be made
in few days to effect an organization.
The Rod & Gun club enjoyed a pleasant
afternoon of social practice shooting at
blue rocks. Messrs Cowan Smith and
Wright of Butte were present and the
scores made were very creditable
The A. r. G. boys and others who
could borrow or rent bicycles enjoyed a
run down the valley or around the streets
OF the city. Messrs. Kaufman. Copinus
and Humber rode TO Butte and set out
to return. but were overtaken by a show
er and returned home via the evening
trains. The day was for the most NJ tho