The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-02
FIRST PRACTICE GAME
Eagles Get Out and Show
What They Can Do.
SEVERAL GOOD PLAYERS
Quartette of Pitchers Who
Will TWirl.

| The Wichita Eagles reported yesterday
| to Manager Alexander and in the after
! noon practised on the diamond at Ath-
letic park Although the day was cloudy,
damp and cold the boys as a whole
showed up wei land the general express
sion Of the two hundred spectators was
most favorable
Mr.. Alexander had the players take
sides and practise. He gave the pitchers
instructions not to put any speed in their
throwing on account Of the chilly wealth
er, this rule was adhered to by all ex-
cept Pennybaker who could not resist the
temptation to show the batters how it
was done.
The first days practise can not be taken
a criterion Of the worthiness and ca
pabilities OF the players but in a measure
they can be sized up. The fans came to
the conclusion that Patterson, who is
booked for first base. will have TO show
that he is from Texas and occasionally
feel the ball. His practise game yester-
day was altogether too slow. He let
grOunders pass, missed thrown balls and
could not hit the ball. He made most
unafovrable showing with the fans. They
were rather generous in their comment
and did not criticise him TO the extent of
asking that he be not allowed TO play in
the opening game but If he does not show
himself in better form Manager Alexan-
der will be asked. if he keeps him. to
games with the Kansas City Blues. In
baseball phraseoiogy, he does not handle
himself right.
The player to get in and win with the
fans was Nichols who played right field.
He is nothing but a youngster but the
way he lined the sphere out, threw and
ran bases made a most decided hit with
every one. He is booked for a place on
the regular team and If he keeps up the
gate he established yesterday he will be
favorite with the amusement-loving
public.
Chetum of Kingman, who is signed to
catch, did good work. There is none of
the grand-stand play about him. He gets
right down to business and can be count
ed on. He seemed to connect with the
ball the few times he got a chance to hit
at it.
AS for the twirlers-the mainstays of
any ball team-they showed up in a most
gratifying manner. None of them let
loose on account of the cold
weather except Pepnybaker, who ought
to have been fined for his indiscretion.
He pitched three innings and threw as if
ol,o &.
eddy a good pitcher. but the weather and
the fact that he has not played any be-
fore this season combined with the hitting
his delivery received did not make the
impression that was expected. He is all
right. has good speed and curves, but
he is inclined to play to the stand TOO
much. He will have 10 take better care Of |
his arm ilh e wants to last half a season. |
Charles StraWn is too well known to the /
Wichita public to need an Introduction. |
He took care not 10 overwork yesterday, !
but let the fans know that he would be |
on hand during the season. He had good /
eoHtro, OF the ball and his famous drop !
call s IS good as e-er. He is getting In |
srend d condition and will pitch one of |
The games with the Blues. Mr.. Manning !
IF the Blues wanted TO sign him bur /
o:rawr did not want to leave Wichita. |
He is expected to do great work.
SEWERS. the big left-handed pitcher. was /
another to get into the good graces Of /
he spectators. He worked out easy, sent /
he ball over the plate and gave the play
,rs a chance TO line EN- out, but some /
Tow the sphere went up in the air and |
vas taken care of by some fielder. At the
oat and on the bases he showed the cranks
hat he had been there before. Mr.. Sew
rs viii pitch the first game against the
5lues and he is expected to win his game
Ie is q gentlemanly young fellow, of fine
physique and will undoubtedly be one of
he favorites of the fans.
1achard pitched one inning and displayed
,reat discretion. He took care of himself
-et showed to the spectators that he g
asst getting into condition. He is quite
veil known here having played on the
Id Clipper team who won the state cham
,ionship in SO. He at that time being
he mainstay of the team. II he gets
anywhere near his original form he will
,e a formidable obstacle TO opposing
cams. on account OF his hitting ablll-
les he will likely be put IN the field when
lot pitching.
Gwinn, short and stocky of build. show
d them how first base should be played.
"