Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-16

The base ball "rooter'' has become too
conspicuous and should only be allowed in
a mild form on the parks of organized
ball, says Tim Murnane.
The real loyal rooter is a welcome adj
dition to the game, as he is never Of
fensive. and Is seldom found tied up to a
band of shouters, two-thirds of whom are
simply filing in for the excitement. Many
have little or no real interest in the club
or league they pretend to root" for on
stated occasions.
In a great worlds series. where crowds
go from one city to another, it's well
enough to band together and make their
presence felt, as was the case when the
Boston rooters went to Baltimore in ~,
or later, when practically the same crowd
went to Pittsburg. Even then many OBJ
jectionable characters .butted in MAX
ing it unpleasant for the genuine lover
of the sport.
/ note by the reports from London that
half dozen base ball rooters from this
country, led by Mike Regain and John
Kelley, the actor, paid a big price for the
next box to the queen and startled In.Vo
people in the great stadium with Their
Indian yells when Haynes OF New Yoi
finished winner in the Marathon race.
This little band of rooters set the whole
crowd cheering for the American w:ille4'
and gave the foreigners taste of what
real roofing meant There could be no
objections, as others rights were not
interfered with. and winner is entitled
to insane applause when the event is OF
national Importance.
The objection to roofing at ball games
is where the idea is to disconcert a fair
and wholesome opponent by uncdlled-for
remarks and by carrying tire game be
yond the ball field. often for the dis
guised benefit OF parties not In lulI sym
pathy with the club they pretend TO De
enthuSed over.
To be effective roofing must come from
the heart and be spol1 aneous cutting out
all idea of gathering of the eali Held.
II not, sooner or later undesirable persons
will be found side by side with the real
lover of the sport and the game Is the
loser in the long run.
a young bail player is often seriously
affected by the comments OF the crowd,
too often encouraged by the local play
ers. while many an old player is sensitive
to the jeers and concerted bowling OF the
fans. Real. genuine enthusiasm. after
some nice hit or play, is healthy and
does the game good It's the roofing
before the play that counts against the
game, when offered in an offensive man.
ner, and the ball team that cannot win
without the assistance of band OF
volunteer rooters should never be given
credit for the winning OF hohors IN base
ball.
Roofing at college games must be look
ed for for here the college boys band
together to encourage their team by
songs and cheers, passing comments on
the work of the men on the field. This is
a sort of a family affair and a part of
college life. Let US encourage the Wig
Orous applause at ball games. and cut
out the rooters' association Idea as an
annex to ball clubs with balls and other
schemes for the purpose of graft, result
ing in great disadvantage to the game.
According to one magnate. the spit ball
must go. Then why not cut out the
rooters' clubs at once? The game Will
thrive without either In fact the game
will thrive best when stripped of outside
influences.
The major league clubs are still playing
for position in the last quarter. The
National League has at last developed
real race, with three clubs hustling for
the honors. with Philadelphia playing for
a place.
On the last trip here the cubs looked
strong with Chance in the game They
tell me that Chance is not in his best
form. and finds il difficult TO play regu-
larly. thereby casting a cloud over the
work of the Cubs The Pirates don't
seem to fear the Giants. but have a
wholesome respect for the Cubs staying
powers. and this Is wise conclusion.