The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-04-23
Nationals Make Good Impression
Despite Defeat in First Game.
Three Runs Well Deserved.
Smiths Explosion Alone Responsible for Boston S
Victory-No Decrease in Popular Interest
New Men Had Few Opportunities
By THOMAS S. RICE.

Something like 1900 OF our most en-
inently respectable and almost respect
able citizens and Merry Widow hats
saw the Washington bah team get
trimmed by Boston by 5 to 3 yesterday
IN the first game in its own backyard.
Ever since the team started from Chi
cago for Galveston on March 3 the one
question has been, ''HOw does the club
shape up compared with last year2'
Those OF US who had seen it in action
before the doii,Es here yesterday were
Of the opinion that the club was Un-
doubtedIy stronger in appearance than
last year and contained latent posi-
billties OF better baseball than the 1907
aggregation. despite the numerous de-
feats SO far encountered from both
minor and major league opponents
Now. what do you think Of Il after you
have seen for yourself?
Interest Great as Ever.
There were many before the campaign
here who predicted that the washington
public would have less interest in its
American Iea Suers this year than here
tofOre- Such CrOakers must nave all
been on h'tnd to see their predictions
verified, judging from their numbers rs
reported II ehe stove league rumors.
for the attendance yesterday was said
by the box Office officials to be as large
as any that ever gathered in the Wash
ingtOn grounds
And it was no cold. cynical gath
sriHg. Everybody wanted TO see the
home team win, and when the game had
gone wrong there were the usual friend
iy excuses. A long, continued. and de-
pressing series Of defeats by rank play
ing might cut the Washington attend
Rnce down TO below the figures Of past
years, but fl is a pretty safe bet that
the present team will not furnish a
class OF ball 10 bring about any such
sad setback.
Jumped on Smith.
Boston won yesterday simply by
jumping on the best pitcher CautIuon
has in his stable at this time, as far
as he can Judge-Charlsy Smith. When
nine hardy athletes get together and
consistently bang that ball into safe
spots with men on bases. said nine will
make more or less runs, and that ham
pened IN our beautiful city in the in
augural clash.
The playing apart from the pitching
or Chdrley Smith was not of a sort
10 discourage the fans. Delehantv let
a herce drive go through his legs and
IL later became run. UnClaub was
caught off FIRST base by Smith I'm the
second inning and Freeman dropped the
quick throw from Smith; but the throw
was none 700 good. These were the
only actual misCues ana the headworIs
was no worse than the fielding.
Shipke made a great running pick up
OF n low drive along the thiri base line
Ialt way 90 the plate I'm the third in
ming and doubled up CarriEan by a
heaVe made when of his balance IL
was typical Of what the yOungSter has
been doing slI season, and he may Vet
show that his fielding cuts of enough
runs for the other fellows 10 max. uu
Tor his failure 10 bat il TALES for his
own side.
Davy Altize- made his first appear
2nce in the eighth inning. and was
greeted with glad acclaim. He man
aged TO make both an assist and an out
on Gessler. when that youth was caught
between second and third in the ninth
inning on LapCrte's fieIder's choice 10
I'alkenberE- Davy displayed few signs
Of his recent Illness, and Is all set for