Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-07
EARLY BASE BALL DAYS
InC1DENTs OF PERIOD WHEN
ARTHUR P. GoRMAH PLAYED.

The death of Senator German brings to
mind many OF the early days OF base bail
In this city when the late senator from
Maryland was leading figure La the base
ball contests here. In an interview
with Star reporter gentleman well
known In Washington recalled 70 mind that
tbs first base ball organisation OF the Dis
trIct of Columbia was formed In this city
In September, 1855, and shortly after its
forma ton 1t became known as the Potomac
Base Ball Club. Maj. B. B. French was
then the superintendent OF the public build
ings and grounds Of the city and, upon re-
quest. permitted the club to lay out the
diamond on the extensive grounds south OF
the presidential mansion. The total menu
bership Of the organization at that time
was seventeen, which included such well
known young men OF the time as Robert
c. Wood. T. G. De Leon. John Lovejoy,
Lewis Cass F0rsythe, John Hartley, Samuel
Thomas, P. Thomas, Richard 5. Irwin.
secretary OF the club, and William n. Sell
den. They were the founders of the organ
ization and worked hard for its success.
There was no charge of admission to see
the contests and the grounds Here not in
closed.
The only property that was owned by the
members of the Potomac Base Ball Club
was the flag staff upon the grounds, four
sunken posts to attach the bases to and 9
balls and the bags for the bases were car
ried to and from the public house kept by
Jesse Burch on the spot nov occupied by
the building of the Department OF Com
merce and Labor on 18th street.
Arnica, Lint and Court Plaster.
After Maj. French had permitted the
members of the club to erect the nag staff
upon the grounds a locked box was at
tached to the staff In which was stored
arnica. lint and court plaster. besides other
articles of a medical nature. which were
kept in readiness tn view of the many ac-
cdents that were regularly occurring In
the games.
The uniform OF the Potomac club players
was gray cloth, with low cut collars and
instead of shoes the players used high
boots with their trousers legs stuffed down
into them. In the matter of spikes the
boots were equipped with long nails, one
on the heel, another on the toe, with two
nails in the sole of the boot. This arrange
ment in the spike line made the playing
very dangerous. Many times players were
severely spiked by others running the bases.
So generous rivalry seon sprung UP as
a result of the success Of the Potomac or
ganization that In the spring following its
formation the National Club, which was
composed mainly of residents Of Capitol
Hill and the east end of the city, was form
ed Among the oristnators of this club was
Arthur Pue German, then youth of eigh-
teen years. He was among It's foremost
promoters as has always characterised his
position in all movements to the further
ance of which he lent his aid. The games
between the two clubs were much enjoyed
and the custom was to issue Invitations to
special guests.
Special Guests Invited.
One of these invitations reads as follows:
The Potomac Base Ball Club requests
the pleasure OF your company on the
sronds of the club. south Of the Presidents
house, on Tuesday, September Ii, 1860, at
2 o'clock, pm, to witness a match game
with the National Club. Visitors will be
received at the side entrance on 18th street.
RICHARD B. IRWIN, Secretary"
The advent of the civil war operated to
disband the base ball organizations of the
capital city, and many of the members of
the Potomac Club. then considerably en-
larged from the original seventeen, enlisted
In the military service
In those days a player who accepted pay
TOR his services was unknown and at q
dinner, which the members OF the Potomac
Club rendered to its Baltimore opponents.
the Excelsiors. at Wizards Hotel, Arthur
Pue German, who was then the president
OF the National Club, was an honored guest.
In response to a toast he congratulated the
base ball fraternity that through its entire
ranks 1t contained neither hired man
nor gambler" ''Tempora mutantur..''