The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-09-02
Abuse ShOWered on the
(. Baseball Umpire.
The Latter Can Stop it if He
Knows His Business.
Mr.. Curry Knows His Authority and
Isn't Afraid TO Use II.

decent people at Adelaide Park. He came
10 town a stranger, but in the first send
of ne demonstrated that he knew what
was proper and right and showed that
he had realizing sense of his responsi-
bility to players and spectators.
lie, OF course, made mistakes Every
umpire does, but be didn't stop TO ex-
plain them TO anyone because explana-
tions do not count. A large proportion
OF baseball patronage comes from the
hoodlum element and not much in the
way OF consideration or courtesy is ex-
pected from a sizable part OF the bleach
ers and not inconsioerable part of the
sitters in tho grand stand.
This element is as variable as a weather
vane. One day player or an umpire
may be In the greatest favor and the next
"a hours may reverse It's position and the
unlucky chap may be the victim OF all
sorts OF abuse.
This unlicensed freedom OF the base
ball public has had it's evil effects. Play
ers grew TO the belief that they ought TO
get even for personal suffering and this
belief was the dawn OF misery for the
umpire.
The public burden was not enough;
the players must get in their deadly
work. And 80 it went on from bad to
worse until the matter became one for
serious consideration. There were lots OF
decent people VINO admired the game for
the games sake, and they wanted TO see
1t played decently. They did not care for
disgusting spectacles in the way OF
wrangles over points of play that made
no difference TO the final outcome. Fair
and square baseball was worth the price,
but child's play, abuse and profanity
could not be tolerated.
There began TO be falling of In
patronage and dump-heap baseball was
alleged to be the cause. Then the mag
mates councilod together and President
Young OF the National League informed
umpires that they were not required 10
tolerate abuse, rowdyism and monkey
shines on the field in plain view of de-
cent folk. They were masters OF tho
ied under the rules governing the ma
tional game, and so long as they were,
competent baseball authority would back
them up. Now and then an umpire Is re-
leased because of lack OF capacity, but
the instances are comparatively few and
far between. Fines and other penalties
were established and thraldom for judges
OF the game seemed TO be nearing it's
close.
1t would have ended forever II every
umpire had the material in them which
composes Mr.. Curry's back bone. I'm
fortunately, however, the umpire stand
ard was not raised TO the position antici-
patcd. This was due TO themselves
They allowed players with mole muscle
than brain 10 evade penalties and permit
ted themselves TO talk back to their tor
mentors OF every degree. "Back talk" Is
responsible for a good deal OF bother on
the field and on the grand stand and
hleaehers. Now any sensible patron or
player knows that when an umpire says
"out" there is no getting away from 1t.
and there is no reason in making the
least digestion. Out it is. The decision
cannot be changed. No amount OF abuse
or expostulation will avail. The same in
telligence also tells everyone concerned
that ''tbreo strikes, striker out"
cannot be altered, even II
the ball didn't come within
two feet of the plate and no amount OF
bat throwing, "sass," dagger looks or
curses can change that ''siriker out"
IL would be ever SO much better 10. suit
nit to the decisions like gentlemen and
make a complaint to the baseball
authorities, which must respect proper
protest from an authoritative source IL the
Lie OF the great pastime is to be- pre-.
served. nurtured and made profitable ms
we'll as agrees BILE. IL isn't necessary for
six or eight men to rush NJ an umpire rs
though tney were going to murder him
just because be makes wrong decision.
The rush and the murder impression DO
not alter anything. 1t only delays the
game.
Ii has been noticeable many times that
players size up the umpires ana get at
sort OF understanding OF the amount OF
blackguardism that will be meokly
allowed.
II 1t Is going to be a dog fight, all
right, but II II is going 10 be baseball, let
1t come IN the way it ought to in every
department.
The grand stand, bleschers, players
aud umpires can all contribute their
share to this great American game,
which affords more genuine, inspiring
and agreeable outdoor pleasure to the
greatest number Of people than all the
others comtinsd
Dir. Curry's way, II encouraged, will
no. be necessary great length OF time,
for the great bulk OF professional base
ball players are intelligent, solf.respect.
ing men. Indeed, the character OF the
players now engaged is the strongest H.
lustration Of the stride professional base
nall has taken since the Cincinnati Red
Stockings made the worlds record.
Theories OF cure may be discussed at
leagth by physicIans, but the Sufferers
want quick relief. and One Minute CouVh