The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-05-05
BY O'Loughlln.

1eaden skies and chilly winds ushered in the
openng day of the American association In
Minneapolis. Early this morning Masnate wat
kins took the millers to Nicollet park to fit
them into their home uniforms and give
them final instructions for the play this AFTER
noon. Light work was undertaken ana the IN
delders and outfelders were sent over ther
ground for time, TO familiarize them with the
.'lay of the land
The team arrived at 1880 last night over
the Great Western. They We're tired out by the
long ride and scattered to their stopping places.
The greater part of them were registered at the
National hotel, but Watkins Greminger, Fox
and others went to the Berkeley, where tney
will stay turnout the season.
~ like the team - said Watkins to L t
Journal. eve lost at Indianapolis $, thru an
over anxiety to win. The players are all young
ambitious lads and pinching every chance
to get base make hit Ihey were 100
anxious to win in those Indianapolis games:
There is no such a thing comparison or
the teams Of this and last year at this time
I do not think that the team of last season
as assembled at the opening, could touch these
fellows anywhere.
II never believe in making big talks early
in the season, and never have followed that
policy. I will say, however. that this team;
barring accidents, Is going to give a splendid
account of itself. This too, in the face OF the
fact that every team in the American assocla-
ton has been strengthened this season. Ihere
will be faster ball than that of last year. 10
ledo and Kansas City have been braced up In
Wonderful shape. Columbus is just as strong as
ever Indianapolis is better than last year and
Before the season opened the papers around the
circuit inclined to talk of Minneapolis
looking weak. Since have played In three
cities of the association this talk has changed.
We have the men--nOne better in the assoc1a-
tion-and now that we are at home all l want
is a little decent weather to get them going
right Say for me to the fans of Minneapolis
that I want winning team as badly as any
one. I will admit that I am a hard loser at
baseball and hate to take the short end l
have spent lot Of money this team and will
spend more If necessary. 1 want to give Min
ueapois pennant-wnner, and If work and cash
will do it will get there.
The reasoning fans Of the city are looking
at the team with feeling of satisfaction. They
started the season in hostile territory. after
centage in twelve games. The greater part of
the speed of last year has been retained and
the new signed have been taken in on
account of their ability in the hitting line.
Marshall and Schmidt will do the
catching. Marshall is big Lacquer and Schmidt
is ''natural' player. The pitching staff IS
something of problem as yet, but Sievers. Stow
all. Newlin. Hynes. Jaeger and the rest all
men who have delivered the goods and are not
worn ont castofs of the big leagues The cry of
''busl leaguers'' raised against the team a few
weeks ago was unthoughted turn on the part
of its sensation seeking author who evidently
did not stop to think that the 'bush leagues"
called, develop the players and produce the
men only to lose them into faster company. With
out bush leaguers the game would die within
five years. One good lively "bush Lacquer is
worth five big leaguers their way back to the
bottom of the ladder.
Freeman is satisfactory at first base. His leg