Evening star., 1899-03-27


good of the game. Manager Irwin was in
the chair. who opened the proceedings with
some pointed remarks with reference to the
game in general, and ball players in par
ticular, concluding with some advice to the
players that was not only interesting, but
instructive. Whieitl Bas not so dramatic
classical tbat.lemployed by Hamlet
upon similar ocoasioRs but more after the
character and style aofo Polonius' advice to
his Son-practicalIaRehf uSeful-"The game
and how she should be played"-was dis
cussed from player 81 standpoint, and all
who desired to beI heard were given op-
portunity to express their opinions or sug-
gest remedies for the correction of evils
now prevailing in the base ball curriculum
The conference will doubtless result in the
Accomplishment of much good.
What Mr.. Irwin desired to particularly
impress upon the minds of his colleagues
was thorough and well-understood system
Of team work, Wikh9qtr which, the success
impossible, a system Of play that would be
characterized by fendfgetic and spirited
effort upon the pttrs Of all the men, that
would be pleasing and entertaining to an
audience and a credit and honor to- the
club. There was a harmonious community
OF opinion upon all questions discussed, and
Mr.. Irwins suggestions were unanimously
concurred in. There was no minority re-
port.
Among the things insisted upon by the
manager was that poker, crap, nightly
times not pertinent TO the business. or ger
name to the main question of base bah,
now before the public, should be expunged
from the record. And all attempts to amend
this resolution were ruled out OF order.
AIR. irwin continues enthusiastic over his
youngsters and is indulging in the conf
dent belief that his pleasant surprises will
turn out real winners.
Objection to BaIIs Rules.
The morning practice was decidedly tech
nical in its character. A game was played
with Il strict regard to all the technicali-
ties of the new rules, the balk rule receiv-
ing especial attention. And after fair and
honest test of its provisions it was agreed
by the players and enlookers that it will
prove one of the most serious handicaps to
the pleasure of the sport that the eccentric
genius of the rule makers could have de-
vised. 1t simply destroys the best work
OF the pitcher and makes his fielding a lost
art. A man who gets on first base can walk
to second base without let or hndrance.
a throw to second base by the pitcher to
catch a man going from first will enable
base runner at third to leiSurely come home.
The fear of balk simply prevents the
pitcher from watching the bases, which
gives the base runners the opportunity to
run bases at VIII. Should a pitcher desire
to throw to second base to catch a base
runner, he must turn around and step
directly toward that base before throwing
tiic ptli, Otiel Wise II lS Il Ddlh Ill tDlllS
this he discloses his design, and the man
on third base can easily go home.
If the pitcher delivers the ball to the
bat when the catcher is standing outside
the lines of the catcher's position-that is,
to the left right of the batter in order
to get the ball to make quick throw to
second base-it is a ballk.
All of these new balk rules will mean
constant wrangles between umpires and
players. in which the spectators will take
part. There are no two umpres, however
intelligent they may be, who Will construe
or enforce these rules alike.
The morning practice OF the senators
was spoiled by constant Wrangi1ng over the
balk rules. Not single pitcher went into
the box who was not guilty or their lnfrac-
ton, notwithstanding he was earnestly en-
deavoring to keep within the bounds OF
their prohibitions. In my opinion, one
weeks playing under these rules will force
their repeal.
This Weeks Games.
The Senators will play team of Indians
from the Indian school at Hampton Mon
day afternoon. A game to be played with
Yale is being arrangedtffor later day in
the week.
Everybody is hack in position except
O'Brien, and he is improving rapidly and
will soon be able tpsplay the outfeid jim
my Casey's work behind the bat. his throw
ing, hitting and fielding is briiliant 1ea-
ture of the aggregation jimmy Is also
a minstrel and regales all nightly with the
latest songs of sentiment and pathos
Mr.. Irwin will begin trying out his piten-
ing staff within the next week, ana VIII
find out what they have up their sleeves.
Baker is showing up well; MS controi IS
good and he has well-assorted repertoire
of swift and slow curves. MIR. Irwin, as
we'll as the players, has great confidence
in Baker. In addition to his pitching abil-
ity he is hard and timely hitter.
Dunkle may likely prove pleasant sur
prise. He has wonderful speed and fine
control. He has not worked any OF his
curve balls yet. He is a confident and
plucky member of the team. Killen is in ex-
cellent condition, and will pitch as well as
he ever did. Irwin's faith is fixed upon
Dinneen. and he does certainly promise
we'll. His arm is in perfect condition. and
his control Is very good. Gus Weyhing
came here in good condition. He had about
ten days practice before reporting. and
seems to be just as good as he was at the
close of last season.
There is not one of the old players on the
team who would exchange Padden for
Reitz, with 4 healthy greenback bunch on
the side. He Is almost, as quiet as Reitz,
and hustler from start to finish. He said
to me: with Hulen and Harry Davis, /
think 1 will improve my record this sea-
son.
AS between Latham and Davis. Irwin is
guessing Davis is the better fielder. !
Latham is the better all-around player.
Latham Is ar expert bunter and base rum
ner and brainy under all conditions, and.