Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-08-08
TOWNSEND BECOMES POPULAR.


Delaware Pitcher Almost IdolIzed by
Philadelphia Fans.
John Townsend, the Delaware base
ball pitcher. has jumped into popu-
larity by his great work in the box for
the Philadelphia National League Club
at Brooklyn, N. Y.,yesterday week, when
he shut out the Brooklyn team, ard he
Is now almost idoized by the Quaker
City fans. The Philadelphia I.edger's
report of the game gives Townsend
great credit. 1t says:
THE first time that Townsend
pitched in Brooklyn he did not amount
to very much. The wise men on the
bleaohers guyed him and other men
who thought they were wise, said he
never would amount to very much,
Today he walked out on the diamond
at Washington Park and pitched the
Brooklyns to a standstill, while the
wise men sat with mouths agape and
marveled that such thing could hap.
pen. Townsend's case is simply an
illustration OF what can be done by q
manager of some shrewdness aud a
youngster with some brains. He was
kept on the bench Tor while until lie
got command of the ball and knew
what he was doing and now he gives
promise of being one OF the best out
this year in the new brigade. The
champions got three hits this after.
noon, and those who saw the game
were of or inion that they were lucky
to get that many. In fact, two of the
three might have been put downas
scratches and no one would have felt
worse because such a discrimination
had been made. The Brooklyns tried
to bunt and tried to chop the hall in
cidentally trying to hit it cafe, and
they could-not get anything that looked
like live base hit. The Phillies' first
run was scored at the start. Wolyerion
and Flick hit safely, and after the
mighty Delahanty had struck out Nc
Farland raped the ball on the muse to
centre tor base and run came hcme
Ia the eighth Dalhem made low throw
OF Townsend'a grounder. Thomas saori-
heed and Wolverton hit fer base,
sending Townsend homs. The last run
was made by the Phillies in the ninth,
Win one out Jennings got hit and
went to third on a wild pitch. Hall.
man flied out to Kee,er and Jennings
scored. The Brooklyns never we're near
enough to run to have any credit for
trying to make one. T"
The Record report of the game con.
tanned the following: 1.-THE new system
OF riding to the grounds ia open
carriages was adopted, aud the ride
seemed to do Johnny Townsend good,
for he.pitched magnificent game, allow
ing brooklyn but three hits, one Of
which was on the scratch order. Donu
van, too, pitched good game, but
could not be expected to win out when
the team behind hun failed to score a
run. The visitors played splendid ball
behind Townsend, especially Jennings,
who saved Gross couple Of errors on
splendid pick-ups of short bounds.
Brooklyn was only dangerous in the
first inning, when they got three men
on the bases with two out. McCreery
hit to Townsend and was out at first,
After this they never got a man to
third base, SO effective was the work of
the lad from Townsend, Del. I"
During the game Townsend was at
bat three times, made one of the three
runs, one put out, two assists and no
errors. He struck out seven of the
Brooklyn batters.
Townsend is just as good with the
gun as he is with the ball. said
Sergeant of Police Edward Evans, after
reading about the young pitchers
latest achievement. 'Oh, yes, :" he
continued, " know young John Town
send, and fine fellow he is, too. They
have fine farm near Townsend, which
il the Townsend homestead, and every
fall l go dowr there and John and 20
cunning, John is a good marksman
and can hit anything in sight In the
way of game, il he gets half chance, !"
Pitcher Townsend is native of Town
send, the town having been named in
honor OF his family. His father, John
Townsend, is in business in this city.