Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-05-03

The career of the Interstate thYs'far'
and especially the number of kicks
which have been registered during the
brief period of its existence, may fairly
be regarded as an indication that all
will not be plain sailing after the sea-
son is fairly under way. And the dis
turbing factor will be Mr.. ]. w. Gunnels
of Toledo. Gunnels is such a plausible
fellow that he succeeded in impressing
some persons with his apparent earn
estness and sincerity, on the occasion Of
the meeting held in Wheeling, which
resulted in the wind-up Of the league.
None OF the persons who were fooled at
that time, have any great degree of con-
fidence in Mr.. Gunnels at present, and
the opinion that he knew how the meet
ing would result before it was called to
order, has many warm supporters, and
appears to be justified by the subse-
uuent actions Of the Toledo magnate.
The Interstate project for which Mr..
Gunnels is responsible, owes its origin
to chagrin and spite, resulting from his
throw down by the Western League.
He conceived the idea then of having an
organization of which he would be
high-cock- -lorum and low-cock-a-high
rum. Different cities fell into line, but
when he showed his hand, they declined
10 accept his conditions. He then tried
to boss the Michigan league, and failing
in that was forced after hard fight to
accept the conditions imposed by the
Interstate, which was not yet dead,
despite his desertion. Toledo is
large city. the largest in the Interstate
in point of population, and the patrons
there may with reason ask for first
class quality Of base ball. There is
suspicion in certain quarters that MI.
Gunnels realizes that he cannot supply
this demand with the aggregation OF
third raters signed by Torryson. To-
ledo feels that it Is too big for the Inter
State. 1t is suffering from severe
case of swelled head. Toledo base ball
people might do we'll to keep an eye on
Wheeling, where they will see evidences
of more honest enthusiasm and oetter
playing, than they will ever see in 10
ledo. Some of the kicks made by Gun
nels are not only ill-natured but child
ish. and If he proposes to keep up the
campaign which he has started, he
should be called down, good and hard
and often.
When this review was written the re-
suit of the opening games was not yet
known in Wheeling This is immater-
ial. however, as it would be unfair 10
base an estimate Of the relative strength
of the different teams, upon the results
of the opening games. 1t is always GUS
tomarv TO do a little ante-season boast
ing about your home club, and some
times it does not tally well with results.
Taking all this into consideration Tor
the purpose Of ignoring 1t, the predlc-
ton is here made-paste it in your hats
We knockers!-that Wheeling will GER
material under Capt. Darrah's supervis-
The club has been selected from the
material undr Capt. Darrah's supervis-
ion. and is fast in fielding and strong in
hitting. These are two prime requl-
sites for pennant winners. But there
are others. Good pitchers are needed.
Wheeling has them. Ginger is indis-
pensable. That's where we are Sam
sons.
The National League race is fairly I'M
der way, with the Pirates in the lead, as
usual at this period. There is a feeling
however. that Pittsburg will keep up its
good work until the flag falls. Base ball
is uncertain at best and the man who
values his reputation as prophet will
be slow 10 make predictions. The
work of New York has not only been
disappointing to the lovers OF the game
In that city. but elsewhere in the coun-
try as we'll. The League might be
stronger with New York and Louisville
out of the race, as the only good purpose
which they are serving at present, is
fattening the percentages OF the other
teams. Philadelphia is strong this
wear and next to Pittsburg has the
greatest number of admirers in this sec
ton.
The sunshine and warm weather is
bringing out the wheelmen, and there is
a corresponding increase in interest in
cvcling. All the local clubs are looking
after the social feature at present, but
when the season is advanced will de-
vote more attention to racing. All will
have teams to look after their interests
in competitive contests, but the rivalry
PROMISES to be good natured through
ont as it should be. The first event OF
any magnitude, will be the House &
Hermann big road race in June, in
which all the crack riders in this section
of the country will participate. A more
extended notice of this event will be
found in another column.
During the week there have been no
changes in the standing of the different
| cluhs in the Musee tournament, and in
| fact there have been very few cham
nionship contests. Interest is tagging,
on account of the warm weather, and
| the outdoor attractions. 1t is likely
that when the season is finished, there
will he many unplayed games, which
will he contested only in cases where
the standing of club may be affected.
The South Side tournament at Mozart
park will open this week.
." JEPWORTH.