The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-05

An arrangement or no little interest
to Young Mems Christian association
members was made yesterday where
by the association obtained the lease
of the Scranton Base Ball association
for Athletic park. The term of the
lease is indefinite. BY it's provisions
the base ball people surrender all own
ership and interest in the grounds and
buildings, the latter becoming the alb
solute property of the Young Mems
Christian association and will be known
as THE Y. NJ. c. A. Athletic Park"
The deal had been under way for
over a month and its favorable con-
clusion is chiefly due to John II.
Brooks. Although he was a member
of the base ball association he has for
years been closely identified with the
Young Mems Christian association and
is particularly active in it's athletic
affairs. The transfer of the lease is
the finish of the game career of the
base ball organization, which lost a
considerable amount of money in try
ing to maintain base ball in Scranton
on the footing of honest sport, but had
to suCcumb to the spirit of money
getting, which even overshadowed pro-
fessionallsm in the other clubs of the
Eastern league. If professional base
ball again finds its way to Scranton a
new location will have to be found for
grounds.
Since the recent fire which totally
ruined the Young Mems Christian as
sociation building, its gymnasium work
under the direction of A. +. Kennedy
the physical director, has been con-
tinued to much disadvantage in the
building occupied by the railroad
branch of the association on Lacka-
wanna avenue The classes have been
composed of members OF both asso-
Citations.
VERY OPPORTUNE TIME.
The new arrangement whereby the
association gains a permanent grounds
for field sports comes at a very OPP
perfume time. 1t offsets the fear that
the membership would diminish and
the active members lose interest in the
association on account OF the destruc-
tlon of their building.
After April / the members of the
gymnasium will discontinue their work
in the Railroad gymnasium and start
with Professor Kennedy to train for
the Field Days, that will be held dur
cd that two Field Days will be held,
one for the city of Scranton, and one
under the auspices Of the Amateur
Athletic union.
Following are some of the events that
will he decided: 100 and 22O-yard DASH
es, 440-yard race, putting the 16-pound
shot, throwing the 16-pound hammer,
running high and broad Jumps, 22O and
120-y yard hurdle race, and a relay race.
The grounds will be used for base
ball. foot ball. basket ball. hand ball,
lawn tennis and cricket, and other field
sports and track sports. The present
base ball field will be improVed; ten
mis- courts, a cricket crease marked out,
and hanGhall courts, vaulting apparat-
us, etc, erected-in fact, everything
| necessary to a first-class open-air 9TH
letic field will be supplied. The neces-
sary arrangements will be made under
| the direction Of the gymnasium COM
mittee. w. r. McClave, chairman;
F. W. Pearsall, Thomas r. Brooks and
| w. G.. Parke. Their plans will large
| ly depend On the advice of John H.
Brooks, in whom the association recog-
nizes its leading and most competent
| athletic member.
THE FIELD GYMNASTICS.
Professor Kennedy, who has so sue
| cessfully conducted the gymnasium
| classes in the old building, will have
charge of the field gymnastics and ath-
| letic sports in these grounds. He has
| had many years experience in work
| of this kind and his leadership insures
the success of the undertaking The
work carried on as planned by the as
| sociation will hold the interest of the
| present members, and will attract
| many new ones. The grounds when
| improved to suit the special needs OF
the new work will be second to none
| in the country. Their nearness to the
central city adds to the value of the
gift, and they go ahead of most asso-
Citations in this respect.
Tickets which have admitted men,
| bers to the gymnastic classes will en-
title holders to the privileges OF the
grounds. Mr.. Frank tke secretary in
| charge of the city association, expects
| to issue many new tickets, and will
furnish information in the matter
1t is probable the directors of the
| association will take some action in
| acknowledgment of so valuable a gift
from the base ball association. They
were pleased beyond measure when the
transfer of the lease was consummated
How liberal the Delaware, Lackawan.
ma and Western company, which owns
the land, has been, is not known as the
particulars of their position in the mat.
ter could not be ascertained. 1t is be.
lieved, however, that the company
leases the grounds for a consideration