The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-04-10

In spots the first game of the season, played on a bitter afternoon, was good; elsewhere however, which is probably due to the cold, the contest was rather ragged, a trfe delrious, at times awkward and uncanny. Inasmuch, however, as the Barons placed a lemon to the lips of the Atlanta Crackers the thousands wsho saw the contest were perfectly willing to over look a flaw here, and weakness there. The result of the game was a victory for Birmingham, the score, when all was over, standing to 1.
 Ragan was Birmingham's pitcher, and until the sixth inning was very effec- tive, this being true in spite of the fact that the weather was too cold for any ex- ceptional work. He was relieved at the beginning of the eighth inning by Will helm, who padded the little bark to the final landing with only a single scratch. Schopp, the youngster fetched out of Iowa by Billy Smith, pitched the entire game for Atlanta. He showed signs of weak ness and fear at the beginning, but after he had lost his game settled down and did phenomenal work.
 some AttrdCtlve Work.
 There were several attractive features to the game. Perhaps the most interest ing, or rather that which best pleased the fans, was the successful working of the "squeeze," the play which made the Barons famous last season. Molesworth was at the bat with Walters on third After two strikes had been called on the hefty centerfieldcr the signal was passed. When Schopp wound up Walters started for home, and Molesworth touched the baa gently to the diamond. Walters scored.
 The batting was heavy on both sides. Siu Smith for Atlanta and Alcock for Birmingham, walked away with the honors, each getting three safeties out of four trials. Carlos Smith, Castro and Meek stung the ball hard. too Sensa- tional fielding was that of Becker. At lanta's right gardener, who, with a single hand robbed Molesworth of a hit that would have struck the fence. Alcock' $ work on the inied was good, though a trihe cratic Both teams as a whole, considering the fact that the weather was cold, and that the game was the blossom of the season, played well. and while Manager Vaughn might not have been justified in refraning from rejoicing too much, there was absolutely no cause for the sour expression that Billy Smith carried home with him.
 There was an immense gathering of the fans The total number Is estimated at between 5000 and 60O0 This body was enthusiastic from the beginning to the end of the game. Everyone was out for a good time. and everyone enjoyed him self.
 Meek Starts Fireworks.
 Meek has the distinction of starting the fireworks. It was in the second inning, after neither side had scored Alcoc< had flied out to right, when the big fellow approached the plate, The first ball delivered was to his liking and he lifted 1t far beyond the spot where Pas kert stood. He went three bags. Garvin followed with a screaming double to the same territory, and the first run was made. Walter was walked. Ragan was safe on fielder's choice. but the amateur ish attempt of Pitcher Schopp to catch Garvin at third failed. He tossed the ball towards that base, and it passed above the reach of Dyer. Garvin scored. Moles- worth then pulled off the soueeze' and