New-York tribune., 1901-08-18
SPORTS IN ENGLAND.
CRICKET THE MOST POPULAR GAME-AN
ARMY OF PROFESSIONAL PLAY E-iso
THE PAY THEY RECEIVE

probably excited the envy of many basepai !
players on this side of the Atlantic The pro-
fessonal ball player is good for only short term
of seasons in comparison with the period during ;
which the expert at the English game may nope =
retain a high place on the active list; and
whereas, the one hand. the former. his use
fulness being gone, is as a rule thrown aside and
left to his devices. the latter by his many i
years of service seems to establish claim upon /
his patrons which is usually recognized at the i
close of his career in some substantial fashion /
The lot of the first class professional cricketer !
is from many points of view an enviable one |
His County" having secured him for its eleven. J
pays him a fair annual salary. in return for !
which il acquires the title to his services in ali
county matches. There liberal allowances /
for games. and enthusiastic spectators FIRE
quenty regard exceptional feats in the field, or
with bat or ball. by making a collection fos the
fortunate player with the result of handsome
sums being realized. The proceeds of the bene-
fit game, when many years of faithful service |
shall have earned an honorable retirement are
usually sufficient to purchase an annuity
adequate to all the benefciary's simple wants
| Indeed there seems to be a bond of union
among cricketers. uniting the wealthy and gen
erous patrons of the game in the common love
of sport with the humble votary who. other
wise lacking the means and leisure to follow
his bent. avails himself of his natural pro-
nciency as a crieketer 10 combine pleasure and
profit in ideal fashion. This bond insures TO the
poor man the protection OF the rich long after
mighty deeds performed at the wicket have
ceased to be more than a pleasing memory old
players love to fight their battles again.
and To recall the catch that decided such q
game or the long stand that bafIed every will /
OF the versary's bowlers and changed an inn
pending defeat into a glorious victory
/ Intercounty cricket in England is organized
upon basis quite different from that upon
which the arrangements OF the baseball leagues
in this country are conducted. No man can play
on a county team unless he is a native of the /
county or is qualified by not less than tw"
/ years bona hde residence The result of the /
| operation of this rule Is that county takes q
/ local pride in its representatives. to an extent |
/ which could not be expected under a system
which would give player unrestricted liberty |
/ tn sol his services each season To the highest
/ bidder In each county there always en-
thusiasts of means and leisure who interest
themselves in the cricketers and are always on /
/ the lookout for promising colts" as aspiring I
( professionals are styled Occupation and social I
/ rank do not seem 10 be considered in the selec-
/ tion of "a team and every grade Of society NAV |
be found represented in an English county /
/ eleven showing that cricket is after all . truly /
| democratic game.
\ In England the line between the amateur ami [
| the professional cricketer the gentlemen I
and players" is clearly Drawn although 20 Httlt
/ practical purpose \ place Il county team Is !
J sought after by the eaTTs eagerly as 10y /
the village cobbler's boy and no favCr is show q.
/ II n man plays well enough ana cannot afford /
| TO play without remuneration he receives re
/ muneration and becomes player" Yorkshire. I
| at present the champion county Of England is /
captained by Lord Hawke. but eight of the team
! are professionals. Lord Hawke holds the office (
| of captain on account of his fitness for the post
| and not on account of his noble birth, although |
| everything being equal. patrician would pTo5-
| ably be preferred To plebeian in most cases.
Many county eIevens To- which amateurs belong
are captained by professionals.
| Mention has already been made cf the fact
| that successful players at times HberaIly /
rewarded on the ground 10y collections made I
among admiring spectators. IL : related that
on one occasion IA purse of 100 sOvereigns tSs'hp (
was the recognition which "A brilliant innings [
| met with: but this exceptionally large /
sum Contributions the hat Usually take .
the form of silver. and the player is usually eN- j
tremely we'll satisfied when the sixpences. shil- |
lings and half crowns combine to make up /
| comparatively modest "tenner
Some counties and clubs make a practice of
paying talent money 10 their professional, play
ers Payments under this head made ac-