The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-23
POPULARITY OF THE
NATIONAL GAME

The popular interest in baseball never
was as great as IL appears TO be this
year. From every city reports come Of
large crowds in attendance upon con-
tests where what has long been called
"the national game" is played with a
manifestation Of athletic skill, eliciting
constant comment, even from those who
have been patrons OF the sport for years.
In Chicago. particularly, the interest is
intense. because in the two professional
leagues which represent the largest cities
the Chicago clubs have a fine chance TO
stand a the head when the season closes.
This interest shows itself In the tre-
mendous crowds which attend the games.
filling the stands and beachers to over
f1owng and pouring out upon the field
theoretically reserved for the players
until there have been occasions where
many OF the would-be spectators have
been prevented from seeing a single play
because OF the dense crowd OF people.
1t is more than local pride that draws
these tremendous audiences. The figures
OF attendance given by the papers are
guesswork or padded statements used by
the management for advertising pur-
poses But the evidence of the eyes re-
veals that there are many thousands who
go daily 10 enjoy the sport and to sup
port with presence and cheering their
game Itself which awakens enthusiasm
and brings patronage.
The rare occurrence OF brutality Is
well worth mentioning, in view of what
is often alleged against the football con-
test. In the latter case 1t Is a struggle
where weight counts as well as head
work and -agility-1hs -tamptatieH is
strong to do underhand things when the
officials are not looking Many Of the
~. A..1t
ence noting the net gain without under
standing exactly how II was made-fh
baseball everything is open and above
board.
The thousands learn 20 watch the move
ments of the players with an eagerness
born OF knowledge. The umpire can see
every player. His decisions commend
themselves to the crowd In the instant.
or are disapproved. occasionally there
is some showing OF bad spirit. but often
the objections are part Of the game" TO
win. without being serious or long con-
tinued.
II manager captain or player creates
disturbance the crowd Is quick with
its condemnation as rule. From the
point Of view Of the gate receipts II has
been proved without question that the
people like clean. fair play. and will not
countenance rowdyism or unsportsman-
likf cOnduct. ~ - particularly 10 tne
credit Of the Chicago teams that In their
surprising winning streaks they have
played a square and open game. without
anything to be regretted from the spec
tator's point of view.
The good nature Of Americans shows
itself at baseball game In many ways.
I ne thousands are easily handled. There
is little TO arouse the spirit Of lawless-
ness There IL comparatively little gam
bling among the spectators. The dis
honest player who sells out In the inter-
eat Of improper financial gain is ALMOST
unknown For many years the chsfges
against players Of throwing games"
have been practically unheard. The
fercest struggles are attended by good
spirit. appreciation and applause of the
feats Of their opponents. ready acauies-
cence in defeat. in fact with those fea-
lures which all would like TO have
marked IN anything regarded as an Am
erlcan-natlnnaL LsaFHA--eA4eafe- frtbure.
Nantssket Excursion Next Saturday.
80 fs.er