The Washington times., 1904-08-16

Local Amateur Leagues
Want Baseball Book
Game in Shington-ComparisO of
Sport Here With That in Other Cities.

1t is not at all improbable that a book
relating to amateur baseball in Wash
ingtOn-a book somewhat similar to that
published in Chicago last year-will be
compiled by the a G. Spaulding Broth
ers Publishing Company.
While the project has not yet been
definitely decided upon. II has been men
toned by officials Of the Church League
and IS now under consideration.
Should it be definitely decided TO pub
lish this book, II IS probable that tho
Church League people will advise the
capital city League 20 have It's aver
ages compiled for the same edition.
Would Be Profitable.
1t is thought that the sale of the book
would be sufficiently large 20 warrant
its publication
Amateur baseball has now attained
It's highest status in Washington. ana
those familiar With baseball are com
pairing II favo--bly with the larger cities
In this respect
rivals OF the Capital City IN this line
or athletics. and, IN an amateur base
ball guide published By one Of the iarxe
sporting goods houses. IL IS asserted
that the western metropolis leads the
country IN the matter Of amateur cXhl-
DluOnS or the aaSonal game. The guide
declares that. although the Garden CITY
may be a shade behind New York in
financial interests. trifle less Import
ant In the world than Boston. as far
as concerns learning and culture. some
what smaller than. London and noy "a
1p-tO-date as Paris IN fashions. II IN
oOubtedly leads the world IN baseball
IN the minds and hearts Of Chicago
ans this statement may seem correct
but II Is evident that the ones who orig
mated TINS book we're not acquainted
with the condition Of affairs in matters
OF amateur baseball IN Washington, tax
ing In consideration the relative size Of
the cities. II is true, no doubt that a
number OF the players drafted into the
i illP minor and the two big
leagues. come from Chicago Il IS i'm
possible 70 contradict this declaration
but this IS not what tends to make Il
city rank in amateur baseball. Profess
sional baseball is a business, to which
men devote their lives. and in return
receive compensation, but with amateur
sports IL IS different Every league In
this city gives free exhibitions. No one IS
compelled 10 pay. and the games are at
tended by men, women and children of
every station Of life. High hats and Dat-
ent leather shoes may be seen any even
ing al any OF the baseball grounds along
side OF rags and patches
II Is true that Chicago has a number
OF amateur leagues, while their indie
pendent amateur teams are almost TN
cOuntabie. 1t is also correcs No. NOT
very far from 5000 persons are present
at the different games played in the
city and vicinity during a week Blt
II Is doubtful II the Windy CIV teams
are the best in the country, ami the en-
thusiasm the warmest. In quality the
teams Of the Washington amateur
leagues and athletic associations can
likely hold their own with any outside
amateurs. The exhibition put I'D BY
the Church League. Capital City League.
Marquette Association. and -Four ''I''
League is the real article.
Washington Loves Sport.
Men who have Travelled the country
over, on business relating 10 baseball.
freely declare that the enthusiasm of