Evening star., 1899-03-30
ONLY ONE SICK MAN
Washington Ball Players in Good
Condition at Hampton.
IKFIELD WORKING TOGETHER WELL
Pitching Staff Much Stronger Than
Last Year.
CURRENT SPORTING NOTES
of The Evening Star.

Correspondence of The Evening Star.
HAMPTON, Va. March 30, 1889.
The sun shone beautifully this morning,
but the wind was blowing a gale, making
1t too cold for outdoor exercise.
Ed. Dunkle is the only man on the hospital
roll. He was taken quite Ill yesterday
morning, and continued 80 throughout the
day. He was much better this morning
and will be back in the game tomorrow.
The New InfeId.
Harry Davis will have no trouble with
his leg this season. He does not experience
an ache or pain, and says it is as strong as
1t ever was. His fast running and speedy
movements verify his opinion. Mercer is
one of the most indefatigable workers and
hustlers on the nine. He is generally the
first man on the ground and the last to
leave, and plays ball all the time Farrell
is working hard to get into condition, and
is coming fast. He takes his regular turn
behind the bat, and is hitting the ball hard
and timely. Mcclure is fit to go into the
game tomorrow. 1t requires little practice
for him to get into perfect condition. Hulen,
Padden and Davis cooperate Hike clock
work. This trio, l predict, will be as
strong any in the league. They are in
teiiigent fielders, fast on their feet and adj
will bat at 300 clip.
The boys are getting the system down fine.
Gettman, Slagle and Freeman in the out
field are putting up a fast and artistic
article of ball, that will be a pleasure to
spectators Freeman is near place
hitter as any man in the business. He will
hit any ball that comes over the plate, and
he has regular storage battery of oase
ball sense,
Crettman is making wonderful improve
ment in his stick work. He is becoming an
expert bunter. something he could not do
last season, and is making more line hits
classical
stick artist. He does not swing hard at
the ball, but meets it squarely with all his
weight, generally sending the sphere be-
yCnd the reach of the feders. His bunting
is highly scientific He will give Freeman
a hot race for a batting average.
Little Slagle is becoming accustomed to
the new situation. and is close student of
league tactics upon the ball field He is
very quiet and unobtrusive. yet when nee
essary has opinions of his own and the
courage of his convictions. He is an earn
est and energetic player, and is destined to
make a record in the league.
Latham coaches everybody. from the
manager to the water. boy, and keeps the
in and outfielders full of ginger, besides
catering to the visible inclnations of the
spectators. 'Lath' is whole circus.
Pitching staff Seems Stronger.
If Mr.. Irwin's pitching department should
not prove strong enough he may reinstate
Mercer and put Casey at third, and the lit
tie 1rishman can play the position ''out of
sight" This arrangement would strengthen
the pitching department without weakening
the infield. At the same time Mr.. Irwin
would regret the necessity of withdrawing
Mercer from third base as he is too val
liable man to keep out of the game even
for single day.
The pitching staff is much stronger than
it was last season. Weyhing will be just
as strong as he was Dinneen is in better
condition, and will be able to take his turn
from the start. When in condition he is
star. Baker will do better work this sea-
son. and much is expected from Dunkle
while Frank Kilien always does good work
Taken as whole, the pitching department
is not by any means weak.
The boys have been figuring on their sea-
sons batting averages, and have placed the
following players in the 800 class: SIagle
Hulen. Freeman. O BTien, Davis and Mer-
Ger, with Mcclure. Casey, Farrell Gett-
man and Padden in the reasonable prob
ability department. Among the pitchers
who are above the average hitters are Kill
len and Baker. Arlie Latham is liable to
bat around the three hundred mark He is
one of the best men in the business to get
TO first base. as he is a scientific bunter
AID Il good batter.