Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-05-10
PROSPECTS BRIGHT.
Maine Ball League Will Open Under
Best Auspices.
Directors Chosen, Saturday. Clubs Showing
Up Well Everybody Happy.

The special meeting of the Maine Bas,
Ban League, scheduled for Saturda,
afternoon, took place at Hotel North
with the following members present: w
IL. Long of Augusta. NJ. ]. Clarity OF
Lewiston; Elmer Woodbury. of Portland
Thomas Hough and Manager J. l.. Bacon
of Belfast.
President Woodbury. presided The
chief business on hand was the election
of board of directors which resulted as
follows: Chris Toole of Bangor; John
Quinn of Rockland and w. H. Long of
Augusta.
The matter of dispute in the case of
Thomas McDermott. the second baseman
whom Lewiston and Belfast both claim,
was left to the board of directors for de-
ci-ion, which has not yet been an
nounced.
1t was voted that the rain guarantee be
made $40 instead of $25; and that. in case
of postponement of game an umpire
would receive half pay. Nothing was
done in regard to u change of schedule
The outlook of the best season in
Maine for many a year, if not the best
that was ever known, is reported from
all sides. me managers present said
there is no longer any question about it.
the league is going to be a success. Each
man says he has the best in the entire
lot by far the best; and on that score
there promises to be some lively differ
ences later. That's what they're there
for.
IN nf
man well acquainted with the situation
all around, said that Augusta had some
choice men, and he had a strong idea in
his mind that Mr.. Long and his men
would be noted right up around the top
from the start off. Somebody's got to be
on top, and ''Bllly'' says he doesn't know
why Augusta hadn't better make a bid
for the place right away
The managers are generally congratu-
lating themselves on the late season that
is, on its commencing May 20. They feel
in the first place that they have been the
gamers, financially. by ii. as along in the
early part of May the weather is sure to
be too cold for large attendauces. ana the
rain often prevailing causes things to go
wrong generally. More than this Ii
hurts the players to open in too early.
All of the players are ordered to report
from Saturday to today, which will COM
mence a week of practice games in the
several cities of the league. These prac-
tlce games will be just enough to get the
players into gear; and they will be ex-
pected to put up fine article of ball
when the time comes.
The closeness of the teams, in regard
to distance. and consequent sharp com
petition will add greatly to the success
OF the Maine league.
Manager Bacon of Belfast. is very
happy to all appearances over the
prospects in his city. He has fourteen
men signed, and some very choice mate
rial is included. he says. He reports that
the people are red hot for the season
TO open. The new grounds are in fine
condition, and he claims the best in the
State. They are 400 feet in length by $50
in breadth. The grand stand will accom-
modate 800 people, and the grounds sur
rounding, together with the bleachers, all
the people in the State of Maine, The
grounds are very conveniently located
being close by the station and central
When the season opens, then, May 20
there will be Il great time. 1t ought to
he Il legal holiday