The San Francisco call., 1898-07-21

ly demonstrated in that great Stockton game, for a team to occasionally play superior ball; and the present standing of the same team, In slight manner, adds to the veracity of my opinion that teans cannot play steady and winning ball with out practice.
 The San Franciscos were a long timo in agreeing with me on this point. They were proVokingly persistent in adherfng to the methods employed by them at the out set, which consisted of one simple rule play any old kind of ball and get the money"
 Whether 1t was the awful drubbinh they received at the hands of the Sand Crabs last Sunday or the fact that peo. l am unable to state; yet the fact remains that the San Franciscos have finally con. descended to practice.
 They not only condescended, but really did turn out to a man on Tuesday aftet- noon and worked like demons.
 This little piece of news will no doubt shock some of their supporters, and l might have done better had I conveyed the news more gently, but 1t was beyond me to remain silent longer, and the relieI resulting, 1 assure you. is astonishing. own troubles in this article, and that by the way, is something l regret exceed ingly.
 That the San Franciscos are practicing certainly is news of a cheering nature.
 The fans as well as myself have long wished for 1t, and now that it is reality an opportunity of gaugfng the merits of the team and its probable standing is as- sured This, however, must be left open for brief period, or at least until we are certain that the team intends a pursuance much, however If the team continues to practice at least two days out of the week and secure the services of another good pitcher their chances of bringing up the tail end will no longer be looked for.
 I was so taken up with their game that I spoke to their manager and asked him Tr.1 fry ing of his team. Practice he said; nothing more. I came to the conclusion that to win games my team must prac- tice, and so called the boys together and told them so. l at the same time told them that they must meet at my office twice a week and that I would have car grounds. I also placed fine of 8 on any one failing to put in an appearance; and another thing. l went with them to the grounds and saw that they dId practice. The results you have seen"
 This version of the teams improvement should speed them on. There is no reason in the, world why they should not
 Last Sunday they were shut out by them and no one was in better position to understand the reason and to see the wonderful improvement than myself If the reason was not fully understood MT. Swanton's statement should convey it. if the managers of the. San Franciscos would adhere to his policy they would be good team and a drawing card If they are not ambitious enough to take these steps in the hops of improving the team. self pride should spur the boys on
 One days practice is far from being sufficient. A team must practice con least two days of the week should be devoted to it. Don't give up ye Blue Ribbons" now that the important work is on. Stick to it, and it won't be long before big crowds will be in attendance whenever you play. You were just on the verge of destruction. Yet providence has ungratefuI by practicing once or twice and then giving up. And when you do practice be sure that every man is placed in his proper and permanent position Put players in certain positions and keep them there Don't be changing around. 1t demoralizes a team and spells a player Hurrah for the Blue Ribbons.
 Advances made furniture and pianos with