The Washington times., 1902-04-24
Baltimore Bunch Fails to
Make Good in the
Opening Game.
CHAMPIONS DOWN THE TIGERS
Chicago Takes the Detroit
Aggregation Into Camp.
ST. LOUIS BEATS CLEVELAND
Enthusiastic Openings ALI Over the Cir
cuit-American League Teams Of in
a Bunch-Several Surprises Sprung
by Dark Horses.
Especial to The Washington Times,

. Especial to The Washington Times1
BALTIMORE. Md, April 23.-Not since
the days OF the big Four" when Balti-
more had monopoly of the pennant-win-
ming business. has a greater crowd turned
cut on opening day than that which Jour-
neyed 10 American League Park this af-
tcrnoon to see Napoleon Lajoie's Athletics
and McGraw's Orioles fight 1t out on the
weli-groomed Monumental City diamond
Despite the many rumors OF injunc-
tons that filled the air and the slashing
manner in which the Quaker hitters
knocked as high as a kite the aspirations
of the Birds and rooters as WE'LL the crowd
of over 10000 cheered itself hoarse at
every good play. while 1t rooted like mad
for the home team to get at 'em"
The Athletics riddied the old custom of
having the home team win, and romped
| away from the much-touted smuggling ag-
gregation as easily as a Thoroughbred
from field OF selling platers. They found
the ball early and landed on 1t often
| The day was an ideal one TO: the usher
| ing in of the national pastim,, while the
brisk wind that swept the field made it
| more pleasant for the players, who SEEM
ed to timber up wonderfully and to get
| in the game from the very beginning.
When the gates opened at 1 o'clock
thousands of people were surging in front
anxious to break down the barrier. And
what pleased the hackers of the club more
than anything else was that not single
pass lad been issued for the game 1t
was all velvet to those who had invested
their money in the American League en-
terprise.
The arrangements for handling the
crowd were excellent. By the time the
players arrived at the ground, which was
about 800. the grandstand and bleachers
mad overlooked and the crowd made its
way out into the field behind the ropes.
where they were held back by guard Of
police.
The parade. always a feature was more
90 this time. as both sides carried with
them number Of local fav0rites. Lajoie.
the man much sought after by Colonel
Rogers. of the Philadelphia National
League club. was the center of IL all. He
was cheered along the route by thousands.
His reception at the grounds was also
something to be proud of. His every ap
pearance at the bat. in the field. or in
walking 10 and from his position, was
signal for the enthusiastic rooters Of Oys-
tertoYn to go in and whoop it up.
The big Frenchman seemed unconscious
OF il ALL and walked about as though
courts were thing Of the past. and that
he was not the marvellous wonder the
him. As at all times. he fielded his posi-
ton with the ease and grace Of a natural
born ball player.
The players had little to say concern
ing the decision rendered against the
American League. but there was evident
a confidence that things would be righted
and the only Larry still remain a fixture
on the Athletics.
Baltimore showed up we'll when the
gong sounded for practice. but fell down
nat when IL came time to put up cham
pionship ball They exhibited fine case
of rattles and this with the heavy hitting
of the visitors snatched from them any
chance OF victory.
McGinnity was away of his feed and
was apple pie for such hatsmen as Lave
Cross. Hartzell. and Lajoie. Cross found
the leather whenever he pleased. and
number Of times put IL in the crowd,
which according to the ground rule. was
good for three bases. The hitting grew SO
persistent. that In the eighth Mac was re-
lieved and youngster named Shields
took his place. performing with effect.
Bernhard offciated for the Quakers and
there was not n minute OF the game that
he was not strictly in it. He had the ORR
ole hitters we'll gagged, so they could do
little with him. The ground rule alone en-
abled McGinnity to get away with three
base hit while Robbie crossed the plate
WIFI MS SiHsle tdlly u elSul TOlleu up ny
the visitors.
One fact is self-evident from the exhibit
ton put up by the visitors. and that is
they are strong candidates for top posi-
ton. They field their positions to the
queens taste and bat like fiends Besides.
they have an No. 1 corp of pitchers.
Should Lajoie remain on the team. there
will be things doing long before Septem-
Der shall have passed.
Baltimore did not show up in its tru'
light. but the material is there for good
results. The pitching department will
need considerable strengthening before
the season is many weeks old Foreman
Is a veteran. while McGinnity is not him.
elf. This leaves Hughes and Shields, an
to fall back on.
McGraw was not In the game. He will
remain on the bench for the present. Joe
Kelly felded his position. and participant
I'd in the rattles that spread itself
throughout the Oriole camp. The remain
Ter OF the team handled themselves we'll
Neither of the clubs have as yet
rounded into their proper form, but it
s safe to say both are greatly improved
,ver last year. and will be present when
he pennant rag is to be auctioned off
The complete score: