Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-25
RICHMOND TEAM IN SHAPE.

Manager We1ls's BIuebirds VIII
Give a Good Account of Themselves.
The Richmond Bluebirds having been
actively engaged in practice for the past
three weeks. are now in frst-class con-
G.toa for the opening Of the season, and
viii undoubtedly give good account Of
themselves VIXEN they line up against the
Lancasterians. who VIII open the season
here tomorrow afternoon.
The grounds at BrOad-Street Park are
e. excellent condition; the diamond is
fast and the field IS almost as smooth
O. d ballroom floor. thereby making IL
possible for the men on the teams
PLAYING here 20 DO their work without
being interferei with by obstacles in
tho shape o. hills and valleys, as has
been the case IN years past
Altogether, Manager Wells has seven
teen players under contract-twO catch
els. six pitchers. four inhelders, and
i've Outfellers. Foster and Schabel, the
two catchers. have demonstrated their
ability 10 the satisfaction Of all con-
Ceuel ana there is every probability
that they will be retained during the
ontire season. IN the pitchers depart
Ielt Schmidt, Flynn, Chcsbro slim
nell and Stultz have shown of 10 ex-
ce-cut advantage. and Lever, who IS
Set 20 make his appearance, is said 10
D. good man In every respect.
Some little dissatisfaction is expressed
concerning the inheld. but there Is rea-
son % believe that the quartette cover
ing that territory viii do their work
vel. and viii not let Richmond suffer
FOR failure on their part 10 perform the
duties assigned to them. Wells has de-
monsIate4 In past seasons that he Is
e. exceedingly clever Businessman. ana
be i5 Indispensable 10 the team. 1t being
ueoc aary hat be shall q all times be
in the game. Berte, though he didn't
DO so well at short, Us q capable inhelder
and he ls covering second bag in moss
lra'seWorthy fashion. Kahn Is making
f. lrst-cass impression I'M the short-held,
aud as soon as he gets settled down in
mis- position Will give good account OF
himself brownie Elberleld Is by long
odds tho favorite on the team. Ills work
al third IS exceedingly refreshing. and
he plays his position Ike O. veteran.
tn the Ouloll Richmond has Il Quin-
tctte 81 men from which 10 select. Har-
grove Is easily STAR ana he will sure
j. look after centre-garden during the
season. The other two positions have
not been decided upon. but Elsey and
bhOlta viii contest for leftneld, and
Mari and Maizena, VIII fight Tor the right
k|.t.AaAAf aAAA AHNA arc AAAlA ~ rDOA 4iNiAfAE
and any two OF them would 10 doubt
prove worthy If selected.
So much for the teams fielding ability
As 90 their hitting qualities. much can
D. said. There are no phenomenal bats
Mcn on the club. but there are a num-
Der Of men in al the departments who
arc capable wielders OF the ash. and who
can bc depended on 20 hit the ball.
Foster ard Schabel are both good hit
tiers. ana in the pitchers box there isn't
man among the six who cannot hit
above the average. IN the inhold the
htlefs are not Of the best Wells al
ways averages up wei in the season,
ana Kahn has shown wonderful improve
mont with the stick. His base-running
qualifications would recommend him.
even though he didn't hit the ball Berte
s. only a fair hitter, but when he does
land, hc drives the ball away out into
the Outheld Elbcrfed Is a clever bats
man. and while he may not hit as hard
Or as frequently as some others, he gets
Dds first base about as often az the next
one. lie uses his head and eye when at
DE bat. and doesn't mind getting nit by
siow ball when opportunity offers.
HargrOve IS unqucstiOnably the best
hffcr on the team. and he IS good one;
b1t Mari, ShOlta, Maizena,, and Eisey are
also good battcrs. and no matter who
Wells selects for the outfield from his
bunch, he will have a good lot OF hNteTs.