New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-18
GOSSIP OF THE BOROUGH
Batted Into Politics by Baseball
NeU-Lots an EarIy DAYS.

Baseball has played an important part in the
political life Of East New-York. Not so many
years ago the present 21st Assembly District
was included IN the gone-by town Of New-Lots.
IN those days vacant lots were not uncommon,
and the youthful baseball devotees had all the
diamonds they wanted. So the American pas
time hourished and few and far between were
The New-Lots boys who were uninitiated into its
techuicaliues
Two Of the most promising players OF the
town were Jacob A. Livingston and James P.
Sinnott. Livingston appeared on the diamond
few years after Sinnott, So artistic was his
twirlng that he won his way into the hearts Of
all his townsmen. He achieved fame first as
the twirler for the Matches team Then he
became pitcher for the Brighton Athletic Club
team, the strongest semi-pr professional nine about
Brooklyn. IN d year or two he became full
hedged professional on the Orltsni Field Club
team, OF Hsckensack
Sinnott got his laurels as first baseman on
the Peerless team. The Peerless nine was as
Wei known IN its day as the Matchless nine
became later. Several Of its members became
professionals. but Sinnott never played for paw
although he was considered q star. He was
contrast 10 Livingston, as he was long and thin
ana Aad tremendous reach. Livingston was
short and stocky.
after their baseball days were over, their pop
l4drlly stuck 10 them. and their numerous
friends were glad 70 follow their leadership ga
politics When Israel F. FISCHER became pTesi-
cent OF the Board OF Appraisers Livingston was
chosen as his successor as the leader Of the Re
publican forces OF the district. He is now chief
clerk IN the ONCE OF the Commissioner Of Jurors
IN Kings County. sinnott followed John Ma
gulIe' commissioner Of elections, as the leader
y the Democratic organization. Sinnott is now
the chief clerk Of the Children's Court. Neither
leader has lost his love for baseball. and both
are often seen following the trail Of the leather
over the vacant sections Of East New-York.
In the old days New-Lots had prophet who
foresaw the future Importance Of the little town
He was John r. Pitl,in. and in 1913 ne declared
that some Gay New-Lots would become known
as East Nev-Yor6; that Brooklyn and the old
city Of NewYorl would become consolidated
and that East New-York would become the east
ern extremity Of the greater city.
de began the custom OF calling the neighbor-
hooQ last New-York, and now the name is as
thoroughly established as that Of any other we'll
defined portion Of New-York City.
Brownsville IS included in the East New York
district. Its population is growing rapidly, and
its property values are increasing proportion
ately. Some authorities say that the time is not
far distant when IL VIII have a larger Jewish
population than the East Side in Manhattan.
Browns vile was formerly village populated
almost entirely by Scotch. Shortly before the
Jews selected the spot for settlement there were
400 Scotch residents. Now il is occupied by
about 10000 Jews, and the oatmeal eaters have
vanished. II is estimated that q decade ago
there were scarcely 10000 people scattered over
the section now called East New-York Now
the population numbers about 10000 and real
estate men assert that the boom is just be-
ginning.
Herman A Metz, the Controller has great
fondness for cUriosities. Not only does he de-
vote a large amount OF space in his home at No
253 Clinton avenue, 70 them, but he also carries
some Of them around in his pockets His pri-
vate museum he uses a den" One Of the
most peculiar features Of the assortment is the