Evening star., 1897-03-26

attached the wire screen to ward off the
foul balls directly back of the catcher.
the entire front of the center stand, and
branch rods run off to the side, so that wild
balls will be scarce among the ladies the
coming season. Outside of the new screens
| utility, the frame will be pleasing inno-
vation over the clumsy affair that has
heretofore held the netting in place.
The right field bleachers are rapidly as
sumng proper shape. and in day two
will be completed. Several carpenters were
at work on them this morning.
Speaking of Stephen Ashe, one of the
Few pitchers, Mr.. Wagner says that when
he first saw him he remarked on the
mons. Ashe is tall, but compactly built
his body being big. while his limbs are
rather understood, and in connection with
the broad. high forehead. completes the
contrast with the successful prize fighter.
Ashe was born twenty-five years ago in
Thompsonville. Cohn., and up to three
years ago called that town his home He
began playing professional ball in 1894 with
the Amsterdam, N. Y, club of the state
league, and. although 1t was his first year
out, his record was a good one. In 1895
Ashe was secured by the Portland, Me,
club of the New England League and con-
tinued with the Yankees throughout the
season, obtaining many complimentary
notices for his work in the box. Last year
the Newport. r. l., club. also of the New
EnglanderS, snapped him up, and his good
work with this club was the recommended
ton that led, to MeSsrs. Wagner and
Schmelz going after him. What little has
been seen of Ashes work this season has
all the ear-marks of being first class and,
outside of his pitching ability, he uses the
bat in a way that pleases everybody around
the grounds. AS an in and outfielder Man
ager SehmelZ says, Ashe is above the ordi-
nary, and may develop valuable traits in
those lines.
Pitcher Carney Flynn was at the grounds
this morning, talking with Messrs. Wagner
md Sci 1Glv and !,
with the club. Flynn has been released out
right, Internationally, and will probably
be signed by the st. Louis club drift in
to the Eastern League. Flynn should be a
good man for minor league. on account
OF his two years experience with the major
league clubs.
Magnate Wagners mail was again heavy
this morning, but the longed-for missiyes
from King and Maui We're stil among the
missing. No anxiety is felt about these
players. but 1t would be graceful act for
both OF them to show their appreciation
OF past favors by getting into harness early
in the season with the rest Of the boys.
Base Ball.
Fred Clarke. left fielder of the Louisville
Base Ball Club, and who had refused 10
sign, yesterday reported for duty and sign
ed. This completes the team
William McGill, a former pitcher for the
Chicago Base Ball Club, has signed with
the st. Paus of the Western Association.
He will join his club at Cincinnati where
he will pitch the opening game on April
], In series with Buck Ewing's aggrega-
ton.
William Quarles died at his home at
petersburg yesterday afternoon from the
effects of a surgical operation Quarles
ieft petersburg in 1894 to play with the
Savannah, Ga, team, and finished up that
season with the Boston National League
Last season he was with the Scranton and
Wilkesbarre, Pa, teams of the Eastern
League Last summer he pitched for the
Petersburg Club
President Byrne Of the Brooklyn Base
Bai Club yesterday signed a promising
player. named McCauley, a catcher. The
Brooklyn club has not yet decided when it
VIII leave Its grounds for the coming sea-
son.