Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-01
THE YEAR IN SPORTS
interest Increased in All Lines
of Athletics.

The District Of Columbia shared with the
rest OF the country another year of un-
usual prosperity In the world OF sports. Here
and there were few bare spots, such as
the races at Benning in the fall and the
base ball season at American League Park,
but in both cases ii was simply a matter OF
being behind the splendid returns of the
previous year. The local colleges broke all
records in the matter of attendance and re-
ceipts at their foot ball games, while in
terest in the other sports showed decided
increase The outlook for the coming year
is brighter in every respect for the sport
lovers of the District and it is not assuming
too much to pick 1907 as a banner year.
Base Ball.
About the only satisfaction followers OF
the local American League club get out
of the season of 1906 is the fact that there
was no retrograde movement The team
finished next to last in 1905 and managed to
retain the same position last year. The
Nationals under the leadership of Gar
land Stahl, got away at the start of the sea-
son in fairly good shape, but the loss of poor
Joe Cassidy felt early. and before a
competent successor could be secured the
Washington nine among the also
rams" Continued runs of hard luck in the
shape of injuries to players were numerous
and although some disappointment was felt
over the seasons showing, ii was as good as
could be expected under the conditions OBJ
tanning The Nationals were entitled to the
palm for in and out playing, the double
victory over Chicago in one afternoon being
the most brilliant spot on the seasons
calendar. while the row of continuous de-
feats that followed in New York was about
the blacklist.
But one Of the greatest moves In Wash
ington base ball circles developed at the an
nual fall meeting of the directors of the
club when 1t was decided to take over a
new manager. and negotiations were car
ried to a successful ending with Mr.. Joseph
Cantillon. of last seasons Milwaukee club.
The good judgment of President Noyes
was seen In this movement as MI Can
tillon's reputation was OF the best and his
services were intended for the Boston Amer
lean League club. Negotiations were started
several months before the season closed by
Mr. Noyes and the deal practically was ar
ranged before friends of the president knew
even start had been made The news Of
the signing of a contract by Mr. Cantlllon
was first made public through The Star
and praise for the new man came from
every side. He will be given entire charge
of the team for the next three years. and.
although Washington may not See pen
nant winner this year or next, everybody
knows the value of great leader and nave
hopes of finally landing that grand old rag
in 1909 at the outside. In the meanwhile
Mr. Cantillon's reputation guarantees some
great sport for the fans" during the next
three seasons. and they ask Tor nothing bet
ter.
In the amateur field interest was sus-
tanned from start to finish, the attendance
being particularly large at games oil Inc
Departmental League on the White Lot
Formerly the Sunday School League held
the prestige. but the desertion of many star
players of that organization TO the Depart
mentals carried the people to the latters
games Altogether there were six we'll
balanced leagues In the field. and each or
ganization had big following: The Agri-
cultural team took home the championship
In the Departmental League after a fierce
struggle. winning 10 games and losing D.
Foundry was the best In the Sunday SchooI
League. with record OF = won ana . iost'
Just nosing out Calvary, who had ,! vic
tories and I defeats In the Capital CITY
League the Columbia Athletic Club was
returned as champion, winning 70 and los
ing q. This was another close finish as the
AtIantics had 10 victories and defeats.
The third close contest for premier bonors
bobbed up in the Marquette League. this
Immaculates bearing on the pennaHt Win
10 games won and lost, while the team
representing st. Patrick's was right be.
hind with IT victories and Z defeats Only
four clubs contested in the Printing ONCE
League, and the Cowboys were so strong
that few of the games were watched with
interest. They won the championship with
a record of IL victories and 4 defeats.
In the High School League the Technical e
BOYS carried off the honors. having clear
record Of games won and none lost
At the conclusion of the regular amateur
season committees were appointed by four
of the leagues -Departmental Sunday
school, Capital City and Marquette-and II
was decided to play on for the champion
shin of the District. A schedule was made
out and American League Park was Sc
cured for the contests. Widespread interest
was manifested In the series and the Agri- >
cultural aggregation carried off the honors
after several spiendidly fought games. The b,
Columbia Athletic team finished second and
the other two teams Foundry and Immacu-
lates were tied for last place.
AS soon the deciding games were
PLAYED the officers of the different leagues
again went to work reorganizing their
teams for next season. and the chances are
that a still greater year for the amateurs
will be developed.
Unusual interest Was displayed by Wash
iuRton fans IN the worlds series IN Chi
cago between the Chicago clubs OF the
American and National leagues. and when I
the White Sox came out victorious great
satisfaction was expressed on all sides IS
Horse Racing. 'A
The contests Of the thoroughbreds at !
Benning were of q high class. and the two. 4
seasons-spring and faii-can be chased a.