The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-26
NOTES OF THE DIAMOND.

Sockalexis the Pen,tIscot Indian. who mixed
atbIe7ics with the curriculum established by Holy
Gross College. and who graduated from that in
stitution OF learning to the baseball diamond, and
for a time distinguished himself as centre and
ripht fielder of the Cleveland Club, is now up
against adversely good and lard. This change
in his condition brought about by the
Indians love of liquor. He is today occupying
a Migrants quarters in wOrkhouse, with notn.
ing to brighten his future save the memories OF
ylOries that gilded his earlier life. Since his
pulsion from the diamond on account OF excessive
intemperanee, his downfall has been rapid ana
complete. few days ago he was found IN com
pany with other tramps. hungry, dirty. ana H.
clad, ''ehastly spectre of his former self, 50
far gone that he even boosted Of his degradation
The baseball public Of Philadelphia are sore'y
disappointed that the club, which short time
since promised so nuch is now fast slumplng
1t was ever thus, with the Phillies. They lack
the elements that characterize winners They are
either very good very bad, and have been I'M
able to strike 4 happy meClum Ihere Is no
union in the team, consequently their strength Is
impaired. Ed Rogers, with many past regretfui
experiences may finally realize that before he
will be able to give his patrons a pennant WIN
ming club that he must reorganizc his team ana
dispense with the services of some Of the 90
starers who have ever been incubus upon
the clubs advancement. and who have no anol-
tion outside Of a big salary.
The impression that baseball is on the decline
Is palpably ERRONEOUS, there are more leagues
clubs successful operation lu1h ever
before. 1t is not within the province Of any or
ganizatior OF men. either by concerted misInan-
agemeut otherwise, TO destroy the nation 5
popular sport. The game is steadily advancing
in interest, and the personnel OF the players Is
improving. The Of 1904 viii find clubs in
Washington and Baltimore worthy the support Of
the people Of these cities. and these clubs viii
be under the jurisdiction and immediate control
( OF a national league.
..The PLAYERS Protective Association IS 70,
meeting with the generous favor thai was expect
ed. The wise heads OF the diamond are not en-
thusiGstic in its support, realizing that such an
organization would meet with opposition from
baseball magnatcs that would most certainly re
suit in a general reduction Of salaries There IS
not player in twenty who desires revo-
cation OF the reserve rule. They realize that 1t
! is the life Of the game. There are doubtless
( some Objectionable features connected with 1t
which ought to be modified, but these evils can
: be romeded and will be if efforts in a prooer
! spirit made. 1t will be wisdom upon The
/ part OF the players to let well enough alone.
The many baseball reporters throughout the
country who declare that the National League has
/ lost money during the season. simply indulg-
! ing in opinion not supported by facts or rea-
s0nAbie conclusions. The magnates are not in the
habit Of sending out copies OF their balance sheets
/ for publication which would be the only evil
dence OF the true condition OF affairs. The opin-
ions of those who in position TO form a
reasonable conclusion is that with the possible
! exception Of two clubs handsome profits upon the
/ seasons business have been made.
I 1t is not probable that Andrew Ere oman, with
! an annual income OF about 10000, would resign
/ his position president Of the New York ClHb
! with a salary OF $1,000 attached accept the
: al half as much even assuming that President
| Young should retire, matter that he has not
| considered and which would lie orposel BY almost
! every member OF the League.
The work Of Van Hsltr,n during the season has
| been a surprise to all flndom The veteran has
never during his professional life played in fin T
| form or more skillfully than during the present
] season. His powers Of endurance are remarkable.
! There does not seem to be any evidence ot let.
. Down anywhere in his makeup. His batting and
fielding arc the daily features Of the Giants play.
lie appears to he good for many more seasons.
Tom Lotus management of the Chicago Club
has been great improvement over his immediate
PREDECESSOR and Is SAID 10 b. highly satisfactory
10 the owners Of the club. lie j. fine judge oi
bali players and thoroughly couvyrsant with the
game, and wItAai pos5-sses executive AFFINITY OF a
nigh c!dr-
The American Association Will petition tine
/ National League TO refrain from making drafts
| from that organization. It is not probable that
the League will yield TO the request. II would
induce similar demands from other organizations.
Another objection would come IRON miner j. aguG
PLAYERS as it would curtai their opportunities 70
! get into the National League.
when Hr.hcs and McJamcs quit IIanlon, it wa.
! thought that MS pitching department would he
| permanently crippled, yet with McGInnity and
! nous pitchers has not been seriously felt.
Jack DOYLE TO longer mOnopolzts a column in
| the sporting papers. Except when he has a scrap
| with an umpire or player he Is seldom MN
! tened.
There will be more hustling next spring to So
cure tas-beens from the big League than there
| will he TO secure young phenoms from the minoI
! ranks.
Since Mugsy McCraw has assumed control OF
the club the Cardinals PIE playing much bet
ter game OF ball 1t a case OF too many
captains.
Mercer has made mrah better record in the
pitchers box this season than formerly. Had lac
been properly supported he rould have wen sev'
eral games that were lost by careless and Indir
| feront work Of the folders
Mcclure has not yet delivered his baseball val
| cdictorv His statement that this is his last sea
! son in baseball will be accepted joke. When
| Mack quits the business it will he d clear cas-
| of inability to throw to bases or TO hit.
There are several amateurs about Washington
that are good enough for first class minor league
| ranks and it IS only question OF time about
| their getting there.
The philadelphia Club has been source Of
| big profit its Owners, but an awful disappoint
| mont to the Quaker fans
Jim Hart, with all his eccentricities, IS great
big hearted, generous man. rs many OF his fient'
can tastiiy.
It i, almost a sure thing that any story Of
Sensational character that emanatcs from Pitts
burg is a fake pure and simple.
I, ffsfn