The times., 1899-04-17
Standing of the Clubs

One of the most successful and au-
spicious inaugurations of a baseball sea-
son ever experienced by National League
magnates occurred on Saturday last, the
date scheduled for the opening of the sea-
son. The weather everywhere was propi-
tious, and the genial warmth of approach
ing summer induced thousands OF the ad-
mirers of the game to grace the occasion
with their presence. The total attendance
at the six games aggregated e3,614 paid ad-
missions. This is a very satisfactory and
substantial argument that the national
game is not in an advanced stage of deca-
dence. as has been SO often stated The
initial work of all the teams. from a play
ing point of view, was highly credtab.e,
and in some cases brilliant, when it is con-
sidered that the teams are not yet in their
best playing form. Continuous practice
and not weather is absolutely necessary to
place them upon the highest plane of ar
tistic excellence.
Surprises are always to be expected in
bah games, in fact, a game devoid of sur
prises would be tame and uninteresting.
Ii is the unexpected that is continually
happening that keeps up the interest in the
sport; therefore Saturdays exhibition
was no exception 10 the rule.
The remarkably exciting and splendid
ington Park, Brooklyn. Saturday viii ever
be memorable in the history OF the game
BY reason of the fact that the Brooklyn
team is an embryo organization, practical
ly speaking. made up il is true, of season.
ed material, but without sufficient expe-
rience in team work so necessary for COM
plete success, and the further fact that the
team had proved unsatisfactory in their
spring contests. il was generally believed
rf-ar - ,rt.o
playing together for many years and were
masters Of all the fine points and technique
of the game-only acquired by long practice
in team work-would win their opening
game hands down. Yet the unexpected
happened. Ten innings of sensational and
exciting play resulted without run TO
either side, the Bostons winning in the
eleventh by an unfortunate error made by
one of the Brooklyn stars. While the game
viii be recorded as a defeat for Brooklyn
at the same time il can be considered
victory. as the Bostons never put up a
stronger game. Nichols, their star pitcher
was in perfect form, as the score shows
that but four hits were made of his de-
livery In fact all of the Boston team
played in their usual brilliant style Ii is
therefore, remarkable that Hanlon's .'Su-
perbss- with their handicaps, should have
kept the hot pace cut out for them almost
to the finish
The Pirates of Pittsburg gave the Mill
Greek fans and rooters of Cincinnati an
unpleasant surprise, and in the presence
of Il. 600 spectators. defeated the red stock
ing athletes ny score OF ) to 2 This was
really surprise. as. the Cincinnatis are
notoriously the stronger club
The defeat of New York by Baltimore
was TO lave been expected, as the Giants
are in demoralized condition. They are
evidently destroyed their former vitality
No life, no ambition, no seeming hope for
the future characterized their play.
Chicago again defeated Louisville by
close score ST. Louis. was 10 be ex-
pected. easily defeated Cleveland by score
of 10 10 l.
The Philadelphia Washington game was
another close and exciting contest result
ing in the same score as upon the day
preyious-Philadelphi 6. Washington, s.
The friends OF the Washington team who
were present say that but for the erron-
eous decision OF the umpire in the ninth
inning. In deciding Hulen and Mercer out
on ball caught by Flick after 1t had
struck the ground, the Senators would
have won. Opinions of the play. of course,
differ. Yet the fact that Lajoie thought
the hit OF Hulen safe is evident. as imme-
diately after recovering the ball he threw
he believed that Flick had fairly caught
the ball there was no occasion for him
throwing ii home as Hulen and Mercer
would have both been oui-
But such is not only fate. but baseball
Manager Irwin has filed notice of protest,
and upon investigation the game may be
thrown out
The TWO games played by the Senators
have justified the good opinions that have
been expressed in their favor They have
established the fact that they are a fast
lot OF hustling ball players. and after they
rave had the necessary seasoning that
comes with the daily contests with the
veterans OF the diamond, they will be
much stronger than they are today
Frank Hough. in his philadelphia In
quirer Passed Balls" notes. has this TO
say OF them: Everything blew against
the Senator's All the close decisions were
against them
Make no mistakes on that senatorial
combination. they are a fast lot. and with
anything like good work in the box. they
viii win their share of games this sea-
SON." So mote IT be-