The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-05-24

Shreveport hit the ball at the proper
time while Birmingham failed to connect
when hits were needed. That tells the story
of another disastrous defeat at the rate OF
10 to 1 and the Coal Barons take another
step toward the bottom of the percentage
ladder with Chattanooga leading by
neck.
The knockers were out IN full force yes
terday and attested their disgust for the
nome team by continuously blowing small
horns The faithful went after them
with vigor for awhile and the scene In
the bleachers furnished by this contest
was more interesting than the game. AS
the Coal Barons gradually went to pieces
the starch was taken out of the thirty
third degree rooters and the field was left
to the knockers. No word OF protest
could be offered.
1t was the saddest day in the history OF
West End park. Men who I'd gone
there day after day for two years gave
I'D in disgust and before seven innings
had been played a small stream OF rams
began winding their way out OF the
grandstand. Another inning swelled the
stream in exit and before the last man
was out in the ninth more than half OF
the spectators had left the park.
Crowd Grew Listless.
Even the most ardent rooter seemed to
take no interest In the game, and in
dreamy way the crowd looked over the
field. caring not for victory or defeat. Al
ter an hour of playing even Goodenough
rank decisions could not arouse these
erstwhile faithful fans. The last flicker
ing hope for success had disappeared, and
with saddened hearts 500 'faithless fans"
orawled into the cars and in subdued
tones told how the rcighty had fallen.
new face was seen in the infeld. but
even his youth and energy could inspire
no life and ginger. His name is Steele,
and he once played shortstop for Annis-
ton and Sewanee University. With the
exception of little stage fright at first
this young amateur did beautiful work at
short, but over-anxiety cost him an
error and once prevented him from maxi
ing a double play With a little coaching
Steole would make good man. At any
rate the management cannot afford to
overlook such a chance at this stage of
tho game.
Put Out by Umpire.
Daddy LaRocque waxed wroth at UNI
pire Goodenoughs decisions in the first
inning, and notwithstanding the business
of his claim, Mr.. Goodenough showed him
to a vacant seat on the bench, and
thlther the second baseman went Lipp
was called to second, but he missed the
first grounder that came his way, and
Billie Smith was called in from center
field to try his hand In the infield. He did
good work considering his unfamiliarity
with the position, but Daddy was sadly
missed.
Both sides got in the game at the start
but there was nothing doing in the run
getting line until the third inning, when
Shreveport made two runs. MCGUIRE was
hit by the pitcher and went to first
Fisher, next up. hit to Wilhelm, who
threw wild to Steele. both men being SAFE
Prout followed with a sacrifice, advance
ing the men, and Bennett hit safe to CEN
ter, scoring them both The next two |
men were easy outs and the Knockers |
were given a chance to express their joy. |
In the fifth Birmingham made her only |
run and gave the real rooters a chance to |
yell. Frank Smith hit safe to left and on |
Sorber's strike out stole second. Blue |
went to first on Benefits error, but |
Goodenough called Steele out on strikes |
These decisions were something awful |
and Halter raised big kick, but 1t didn't |
go. Wilhelm was next up and hit a hot |
one over third base, scoring Smith. Billie |
Smith cracked a liner over second base |
but Prout had just started to cover the !
bag and robbed Billie out of what looked |
like a sure hit.
Some Rank Umpiring.
In the sixth Shreveport got two more |
runs on two hits. a base on balls and |
some rank umpiring. { Wilhelm for the
first time in his life showed his temper |