The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-30

brought baseball up to its present standard
There was even talk some time ago OF
team of the best players in japan organic
ing for the, purpose OF taking trip
through America and playing professional
mines. though nothing definite has been ar
ranged, and the project has probably been
abandoned owing TO lack of capital ana
some one TO manage it. Such an enterprise
would be novel, and would tend TO IN
Crease more than ever the interest In oase-
ball, but the scheme, at least at present, is
hardly practicable.
The Japanese as players are really ex,
celent. They play with GOODNESS ana
steadiness that is wonderful Their field
ing is beyond criticism, though much com
plant has been made in regard to the
gloves they wear. Nearly the entire team,
from catcher to right field, use almost the
same mitt of japanese make Although
rather small it is true. yet 1T Is not q
glove, and certainly would not be aiioWeo
If the rules were strictly followed. This
mitt is really responsible for their superb
fielding, though every one who has
watched them closely comedies tnat they
would In time DO just as well IL they Kept
TO the regulation glove. Their throwing
is remarkably strong and accurate, II be
Ing In this branch of the game that they
most excel. Batting is their weakest
point They are rather small to use reg
ular American bats that carry the bali,
though a gradual Improvement in this
department of the game is noticeable. AS
base runners they are 1.-the and active, and
In light sort of semi-Japanese uniform
and usually bare legs and feet they steal
DdSeS WITH great edst. dOOu JopdbCSS
pitchers are not numerous, though the
best. as twirlers, are fairly effective. Some
of the Japanese pitchers have mastered
several of the curves, though the majority
throw nothing but straight SWIFT pail,
keeping their heads remarkably in tight
places.
To emphasize the spirit with which
baseball is played in the Mikado's empire
the following is a good example: party
of tourists were walking in the outskirts OF
Yokohoma one Sunday, when, coming TO a
little field at the back OF village, they
were surprised TO find baseball game
in progress. The players were diminutive
native urchins from six TO twelve years
old, all playing with an enthusiasm wonder
full to see. All the rulings were yelled In
English with an accent that was truly
laughable. The umpire, a little youngster
of eleven, officiating with an important,
serious air, called out in a loud voice
his decisions, which were rarely disputed.
Foul ball was called ''fauru barru, out at
barru' 1.-TWO striku," indescribably funny
but perfectly clear even TO the tourists.
| One of them approached what he thought
| looked like the captain of the team then
| batting, who was sitting on stone calmly
| smoking a cigarette. Are you the cap
| tain?" he asked.
The little Japanese nodded gravely and
| answered: MY secon' bassu." The tour
list laughed and was about to interview
| him further, when the little captain
| Jumped to his feet and entered fiercely
| into dispute with the umpire concerning
| his decision of foul ball, yelling excitedly,
| mo farru barruI'' And so the tourists
left them, continuing on their walk, MOTTO
| ing as they turned around at distance,
| that play had been resumed, and con-
Guided that the little captain had with
| drawn his complaint.