The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-04-15
Stage Fright Caused
Loss of First Game
Nationals Were Nervous, But Did Some Good
WOrk-ShOud Get OfiCial-Atend-
ance Liar at Once.

It's pity to have to say it, but the
new owners of the Washington baseball
club will not do.
They mean well enough and are de-
seryedly popular, besides which they
are striving to give the city good
team, but they show Il lack of true in
sight into baseball which speaks badly.
Whoever heard of a team without an
Observation-Disclosures liar? Where was
that important functionary yesterday? ?
Why was he not there to tell US all
about the biggest and most enthusiastic
crowd which has seen Washington
opening in years? Verify, it was Il sad
mistake.
Get Liar at Once!
Uncle Jimmy Saffel has neglected his
spring training and the best he could
suggest as a volunteer was 1880. Z.
Lawrence Phillips, the official an
nouneer, had had some training at
wrestling matches and got as high as
1890. but a really able, robust, we'll
trained official-attendance liar could
easily have turned off a matter of 15,e00
and offered affidavits to prove it.
This matter must be attended to at
~
neglected. By not having this all-im-
rortant official yesterday the report was
sent out that the attendance was 800,
when it could easily have been boosted.
Tt was, in fact, one of the largest gath
erings that ever saw an opening in this
city.
Will Improve.
But, about the game.
1t was we'll worth seeing, and while
Washington lost to New York by TO 2,
the local lights put up an interesting
contest. and will undoubtedly do better.
The public interest in them was proved
by the number of rooters and their en-
thusiasm Even when the Nationals
made mistakes or bad plays they were
given the glad hand, and everybody
made allowances for existing conditions
They were warmly welcomed when they
appeared, and well supported through
out, and as the team is composed OF
willing youngsters. who are giving the
public the best run for its money they
possibly can give. it is safe to predict
that they will remain popular despite
defeats.
Stage fright was responsible for the
have overcome their nervousness they
will improve at least so per cent. Shak-
ing knees were in evidence not only al
the bat but in the field, and things were
done which would never have been cone
had the season been older. Even the
veteran kittredge seemed affected and
dropped a throw which would have
choked off run by several feet. Drop
ping good throws is not one of Kits
best tricks, but it was opening day.
Jake Stahl the child manager, was
nervous, as result of his numerous re
sponsibilities, and misjudged foul fly
which should have been an out. But
on the whole, Jake did good work "a
first, and should soon be displaying al
of his old form as first sacker.
Jones Was Buffaloed.
The man most ratified by the occasion
was Jones. He was completely buff
faloed by Chesbro and struck out three
times, but he pulled off a one-handet
catch in center that will live in the
memory of every fan at the ground.
yesterday. He misjudged a fly from
Keller coming straight over his head
and did not run back far enough Whel
he realized his mistake it was too lat
to start sprinting. and he gave one de
spairing leap in the air. 1t was 100 to
that he would not even touch it, but
was a great jump, and to the astonish
ment Of the spectators he brought tn
ball to earth with him. 1t was a notable
feat and Jones well deserved the will
yell of applause.
Huelsman was another who did no
properly place the ball, and it was hi.
break which allowed the visitors to ge
three runs in the first inning. Jimm.
Williams. he Of the tangled pedals, hi
hard drive into left, and Huelsmal
failed to go out far enough. The bal
went over his head. rolled in the IA