The times., 1897-03-28

Brooklyn for ninth place.
AS satisfactory was the advancement
of the local club in the pasttwo years, there
is every reason to believe that the end is
not yet, and that the close OF the season
now so near at hand, will witness them
still higher upon the rungs of the ladder
leading to the pennant. Theteam is evenly
balanced aud perfectly harmonious. There
are no "sore spots, nor disgruntcd play
ers. 1t is a concrete body, fired with am
bition and eagerness to push Washington
to the front rank in the race.
Again, the club is strongly fortified in
positions, where in previous years it has
been lamentably weak. There are two
good catchers and corps of pitchers that
cannot be weakened by accident or sick
ness unless such visitation should come
all at once. The infield is intrenched by
the presence OF such emergency men as
Farrell, Wrigley, and Smith, and in case
of accident to either Selbach, Brown, or
Lush in the outfield, Charley Abbey will
he on hand TO jump in and don the glove
Of the disabled player. Therefore, the
misfortunes of previous seasons cannot
occur again, unless an epidemic OF in
jury and Illness should prevail. or course
this is possible, but hardly probable.
The following are the players and their
positions for the season: Pitchers, Mer-
Ger. Maui, King, McJames, Norton, Ger
man, AShe and Swain; catchers, McCiuire
and Farrell; first base, Cartwright; sec
ond base, 0'Brien; shortstop, DeMontre-
vile; third base, Reilly; left field, Sci
bach; centerfield, Tom Browni right field,
Lush: Smith and WrigIey, substitute in
fielders, and Charley Abbey, outfield.
or this collection all are well-knOwn
to local patrons, with the exception of
Reilly, Swain and Ashe, the latter being
two young pitchers who will have their
first trying-out in the big league at Ma
tional Park Reilly, while never having
worn a Washington uniform before, is
true and tried" Lacquer, and is sure to
become strong favorite. He is an ag
gressive, hard-working player, and OF the
Tebeau, Joyce, Doyle order, and is a
fighter for the hts Of his club to the last
ditch
MT. Schmelz viii have absolute manage
ment of the club this season and will make
the supreme attempt OF his managerial
career, covering a number of years spent
continuously In the business, 10 speed the
team to the front Mr.. SchmelZ is in per
feet accord with his men in every way,
and under such happy condition of af-
fairs the fans can expect the most sat
isfactOry results.
Manager Schmelz will again have Tom
Brown, the fleet-footed centerfielder, as
his chief lieutenant Brown was made cap
tain of the club last season after Joyce
went to New York, and proved decided
success in the arduous position
Tom possesses baseball acumen in a
large amount, and has the quick percep-
ton and executive ability necessary To "a
commander of men either in large or small
numbers. Personally, he is exceedingly
popular with the patrons OF the park, and
this, combined with his generalshp and
his qualifications as player and run
getter'' will render him a valuable leader,
and under his direction the Senators are
sure to prove winners from the tap of the
bell.
Standing then, on the threshold of the
new season, it would seem that every
thing augurs well for the Washington Club.
The summing up shows progressive OWE
bI5lllp ohN WY PS'SohiN'
of the team is all that could be desired
To the praise Of the MessrS Wagner, it
is said that when they came to Washington
they found little to encourage them. They
had purchased a franchise that was all
but begging on the market, and received
lot OF players, who. as whole, were most
mediocre. In the four years elapsing they
have succeeded in giving the Capital
substantial reputation in the baseball
world by gathering together team thatif
not a pennant- winner, is always dangerous
in game, and in addition they have placed
at the command of local patrons of the
sport the only first-class accommodations
In the way of grounds and buildings ever
afforded in the city.