Evening star., 1899-04-04

bunts well now. and instead of popping up
flies drives the ball out on line. In fact.
he is back to the batting form displayed
when he first came to Washington. Every
man on the team, says Secretary Robb is
taking an interest in the development of
team work and have confidence in their
own ability. As an illustration of this fact
it might be stated that several of the play
ers have already made wagers that the
Washington club will finish in the first
division
For the benefit of those base ball en-
thusiasts who still have kind remembrances
of Arlie Latham in their minds it may be
stated that the original base ball comedian
will be carried by the Washington club
throughout the season as utility man and
coacher. His coaching qualifications are
unique and valuable, and they have been
fully recognized by Manager Irwin. In ad-
dition, Latham is playing splendidly this
spring and he will prove valuable man to
take one of the players place in case of
sickness or injury. The fans" all over the
country will be rejoiced to learn that Arlie
Latham will return to the league game the
coming year, and as a drawing power he
will prove an attraction of the first class
As intimated by The Evening Star the
past week, there will be no change in the
National League playing schedule in COM
pliance with the request Of President Drey-
fus of Louisville. Returns from the vari-
Gus magnates, received by President Young
disposition
part OF a majority of the clubs composing
the league to repeal their action by which
the Louisville club was deprived of certain
Sunday games. Mr.. Young says the re-
quest for a poll was sent out Thursday
afternoon, and every member of the league
has had ample time to record his vote if he
desired. Under the circumstances the in
cident is closed and the schedule as adopt
ed in New York will stand.
Amos Ruse has decided that he will not
remain at home this year and take his
medicine because of his refusal to accept a
reduction OF 81 900 in his salary. He claims
If Mr. Freedman does not want him he
should be released, and on these grounds
he will institute suit against the New York
club at an early day. Rusie scared the
league moguls once before into his line of
thinking. but at that time Freedman and
Brush We're on good terms. Now it is diff
ferent, and the courts will decide whether
1t Is possible for a base ball magnate to
say whether a ball player shall or shall
not play ball at the formers figures
Pitcher Meelkin has Joined the New York
players at Charleston, S. c., but as vet his
name has not been placed to a contract
Seymour and RuSie are still outside the
fold. Geroni, the New York amateur. who.
it has been reported, New York secured TO
strengthen its pitching corps, will not pIay
with the Giants, according to a New York
Athletic Club official, following the advice
of his family and friends to keep out of
professional base ball
The Brooklyn and Baltimore clubs have
come together at Augusta, Ga, and as a
result of the consultation of Managers
Hanlon and McGraw Catcher Alex Smith
goes to the Brooklyns, while Short Stop
Magoon will play with the Orioles The
two managers have united in a protest tn
President Young against the new balk rule
as they claim 1t will be hard for umpires to
interpret 1t and Is a big handicap upon the
pitchers " |No