Evening star., 1899-04-14

hlilen, p. CTOSS, IS.
Paddon, 2b Piatt, p.
All the clouds that surrounded the mag
mates for several weeks past have been
cleared away and the season opens with
every prospect of being highly successful
There are four clubs which can justly lay
claim to be considered possible pennant
winners, and these and four more others
will make hot fight for first-division hon
ors. There is just enough certainty about
certain of these second-division teams to
add uncertainty to the situation. BY COM
mon consent the Cleveland team is given a
rock-ribbed title to tail-end honors. The
followers Of the game in certain cities
who have been hungry for first-class ball
for years should have their wishes fulfilled
this year. Two of these are Brooklyn and
st. Louis Both of these cities will be rep
resented by teams which are among the
strongest in the league. A revival of in
terest In the game should occur in both
these cities.
Since the close of last season there have
been changes in the base ball situation
which are likely to be confusing to those
who have not followed the news of the
game closely. During the winter months
four teams practically changed places
First of all, the Baltimore and Brooklyn
owners pooled issues Baltimore last year
mad team which finished second in the
championship race, but, as has happened
before. when city has had too much of a
good thing the team was not given the
support 1t deserved. Brooklyn had one of
t'iS POoi1St teeiliS Ill the league, Judging
from results. and naturally drew poorly.
Inc deal between these two clubs should
result IN drawing, big crowds to the Brook
lyn grounds, while Baltimore in time should
bnation
Another switch of teams involved st.
Louis and Cleveland. Both were poorly
supported last year, St Louis because of
poor playing ability and Cleveland. de-
spite It's great strength, for entirely differ
ent reasons: ThS gearfthe new st. Louis
team mas been: strengthened at the ex- I
pense OF the old Browns AS the latter
finished last in '9S. and as their resources
nave been drawn on for three or four of
their best players, it is but natural to ex-
pect little of Cleveland this year.
THESE changes should benefit not only the
cities OF Brooklyn and St Louis, but should
also make the race for the pennapt much
MOI, more interesting; In addition. Boston and
They are in the first class. If not A class
all by themselves. OF course a dark horse
Is always to be expected. This very uncer-
Ialnty Is one of the charms of the game
In all sections of the country Chicago
Louisville and Washington are looked upon
as having the first claim to be considered
as worthy OF furnishing the surprise.
After witnessing the workings of the balk
rule IN the Washington-Georgeto game
last Wednesday. President Young of the
National League Immediately started a
II all vote among the magnates to have the
RUE changed and as result the obnoxious
portions are knocked Off The rule at first
read:
ANY motion made by the pitcher to de-
liver the ball TO the bat or to a base with
out delivering it is a balk"
The rele as amended by President Young
will read:
Amy motion made by the pitcher tn de-
liver the ball to the bat or first base with
out doing SO is balk."
The adoption of this amendment will take
nany difficulties out of the way of the UNI
ha Day haff 10, cob
AS predicted in last evenings Star, Presi-
cent Young has decided to draft Arie
Latham into his force of uTnpires and he |
Will be assigned to help Umpire Enslie dur
ing the season. Latham is one of the
brightest men that ever donned a uniform,
ana he should be a success from the start |
He is thoroughly familiar with every detail |
OF the game, and there is no gainsaying the |
fact tnat Arlie possesses the necessary
nerve and Judgment to make a good rum
Jouett Meekin. the New York twirler, has
nnaiiy come to terms with Manager Day,
and yesterday placed his name on q con-
tract for the coming season. Rusie and Sey-
mour are still holding out, and the future |
Of the Giants has blush tinge. as Doyle, |
Davis and Tiernan are still out of the game
through injuries or sickness
Ready for Challenges.
The South End base ball team defeated
the Boston House team Sunday by % to Q.
South Ends battery Chapple, Gately and
Chapple; Boston House battery, Waller, |
Shea and Tolson. The South Ends would |
like to hear from teams whose ages aver
age twenty years. Send challenges to Man.
ager B. P. Doyle 1342 ~ street southwest.
The Third St Paulsl base ball team de-
feated the Third Boundary Stars by "a to |
20 The Third St., Pauls would like to hear
from teams averaging under ten years.
Address T. Hurney, or v. Roche. 1925 V
street northwest. r.