Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-06

TIM MURNANE'S GOSSIP



have always contended that sentiment
counts for much in base ball. The base
ball league that has the support of the
once great stars of the profession IS pretty
sure to come out winner. while TIE league
or club not in favor with the old players
must suffer In consequence.
In cities with one club the old player IS
often passed up and seldom recognized at
the gate. while the ex-league player Is al
ways a welcome guest at the American
grounds in Chicago, Boston and Philadel-
phia where the National League clubs of
the same cities fail to offer the old player
the freedom OF the grounds. On my last
visit to Chicago l had the pleasure of meet
ing several old timers seated In front
box at the Chicago American grounds.
There was Emil Gross. the famous old
Providence backstop, looking as rugged and
happy as an Ohio farmer; Fred Pfeffer, the
famous second baseman of the Chicago
club. an artist and a winner; Joe Quest
another old Chicago second baseman. in
appearance not day older than when
playing with Silver Flint and the only
Nolan at indianapolis in 1878; Sadie IIouck
the clever shortstop with Philadelphia and
Boston clubs. after breaking into tho bust
ness from the open field In Washington.
Houck was fierce hitter, and a. times put
up great fielding game. These old play
ers are now making Chicago Their home
and Informed me they never went To the
National League grounds TO see base ball.
as the old club extended no favo-s, and
never We're asked for any
Charley Comiskey was also there to meet
the old players and to welcome them to
his grounds. for Comiskey, having risen
fvg,vv t..,, l. ts
ton for the pioneers of the great game
Ben Shibe and Connie Mack OF the Phila-
delphia Athletics make 1t a point TO well
come the old players 10 Athletic park
while the league park in the same city M
TO this season has VIGOROUSLY turned C9wa
the retired members OF the profession
In Boston II Is a noticeable fact that the
old players seldom attend the games at the
South End grounds. while they flock TO the
American League Park many holding com
plimentary season tickets from President
Johnson.
At Detroit they never lose sight of the
old favorites. while at Cleveland Pres.d dent
Kilfoyl has the reputation of turning down
the oid-timers / met Pete Hotelling In
that city few weeks ago. and he informed
me that no old ball players were recognized
at the gate In Cleveland. Hotellng was
member of the famous Stars of Syracuse
in 1877. and for a dozen years after was
a fine player at Boston, Cincinnati and
other cities.
From Hotelling's conversation | should
judge that sentiment was not factor in the
game in Cleveland at the present time and
! consider that city far from the Ideal
base ball proposition, as nothing short OF a
team always playing in good luck will
please the Cleveland fans.
In New York the American League has
the sympathy of the ex-baN players living
In that vicinity. John T. Brush, however
has always appreciated the benefit of a
good word from the d-timers and ali are
heartily welcomed at the Polo Grounds.
The result is that the New York League
club has no knockers among the ex-play-
ers.-' Then, too, John ]. McGraw is ever
anxious to favor an old player, which ma
teriaily adds to the friends of the New
York club.
over In Brooklyn while Ed Hanlon has
always hearty welcome for old players,