Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-07-05

DO<A4ASg Wy SAAlAe9 cNAASA O'SA@ON
The first series OF games in the Inter
state League will soon be completed,
and Fort Wayne. beyond a reasonable
doubt, will finish in first place. The
Farmers struck killing pace at the
outset, and when the remaining teams
had been so far strengthened that they
were in shape TO win an occasional
game, the Indiana club had such lead
that all interest in the pennant race was
practically destroyed. But new mate
rial has been secured, irrespective OF
expense, by several of the managers,
and the work of the clubs during the
past two weeks indicates that the
Farmers will not have such a walkover
in the second series of games. Toledo
is not any stronger than Wheeling or
Washington, yet, exclusive of the holt
day games, the Ohio team won two and
lost two games to Fort Wayne, this
week, on the home grounds OF the lat
ter team. This would indicate that To-
ledo, at least, is not outclassed. The
fact Of the matter is, that while all the
clubs have been wedding out their weak
players and filling vacancies with
stronger material, Fort Wayne has
stood still, so far as the playing ability
of the club is concerned. And again,
the work of the Farmers lately has not
been characterized by that degree of
good luck which enabled the team to
win a number of very close games.
Wheeling may yet finish in second
place, but it is altogether unlikely.
In the second season Wheeling, Toledo,
Washington and New Castle will each
be in position to give the Farmers a
tussle for first honors.
The work of the home team on its
trip cannot be said to have been entire
ly satisfactory, owing TO its apparent
inability TO make good showing
against the Western teams. Only three
games were won in that section, but
since coming east and getting several
new players, the work of the team has
shown a great deal of Improvement.
The club left in second place and came
home third. Three straight victories
from Washington at Washington made
this possible. The work OF the club in
those games was the best on the trip.
Washington has strengthened wonder
fully. A comparison of the present and
past work of the club will show abund-
ant reason for the excellent showing
made by the Little Senator'S in the
West. Wheeling won nine and lost
twelve games. Two games were pro-
tested, and were thrown out at the
meeting Of the League directors, but
this action was afterwards reconsider
ed, not because it was felt that it was
an injustice to the opposing teams, but
on account of the possible bad effect up
on the two weakest clubs in the organlZ-
alton. With these two games thrown
out, as they will be, the record OF the
team will be nine games won and ten
lost-certainly not bad showing
away from home and a remarkably
good showing when all the facts in
connection with the trip are taken into
consideration. There will be games
on the home grounds now until the first
season closes. and Wheeling will take
two out of every three games played.
1t is unfortunate that with the excel
lent material composing the local club
it has not done the good team work of
which the players are capable. This
fact is due to several reasons, the prin-
cipal one being dissatisfaction among
the players with each other and with
the management. On the trip McHoo-
verter was released. This was a wise
move. Darrah was also allowed to go.
On this action opinions differ, but all
concede that the scrappy captain was
decidedly off in his work this season as
compared with last, and as compared
with the average of the team. One OF
the outfielders is decidedly sore, and,
under the circumstances, cannot be eX-
pected to play as good game as his
ability would lead the fans" to expect.
The new material will strengthen the
team beyond a doubt Whaling is a
powerful fellow and clean fielder.
Although not sure batter, he Will
manage to keep up with the team in
hitting. Babb is a fast infielder and a
good hitter, and when he is placed per-
manently will put up better article OF
ball than he has yet shown. The play
ers are being shifted about every day.
This may be necessary, but the man
abement should place the men regular
ly as soon as possible, as experience
proves that only then will they play to
the best advantage. 1t is to be hoped,
for the success of the club, that there
will hereafter be harmony among the
players. and between players and man
agement, as this is essential to good
work.
There have been very few local
events TO interest cyclerS il the racing
line. In Martins Ferry there was a
road race for young riders, and it prov
ed very successful. The heavy rain
Yesterday iaterfered with the racing at
the picnic at the Fair Grounds. Con-
sui Gsiger reports still further increases
in the membership in the l.. A. w in
this State. One batch OF applications
from Charleston numbered 25, and they
were all acted upon fzvorably. The
total membership is now upwards OF
$50. When Mr.. Geiger was elected
Consul there were about So. He de-
serves credit for the manner in which
he has worked up interest IN the organ
ization. 1t Is now question of a short
time until a State division is formed.
Sharkey is the newest star in. the pu-
gilistic armament, ami there has sell
dom been greater interest in the result
of any fight than that which centers in
his coming bout with Corbett. If Cor
bett is bested. Sharkey will have won