Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-08
THOUSANDS WATCH
FIGHT FOR PENNANT
Great Struggle Is on in New
York This Afternoon.
GIANTS MEET THE CUBS
All the Country Interested in the
Outcome of Contest.
BALL CLUBS TO PLAY OFF TIE
Lead Of the National League and
Chance for Worlds Base Ball
Championship Involved.
BALL CLUBS TO PLAY OFF TIE
The Batting Order.

Schultz II. Bresnahan, C.
Chance, 1st b. DOnlin, ri.
Steinfeldt Sd b. Seymour. CT.
Holman, CT. Devlin, Sd b.
Tinker, SIS. Mccormick. If.
King, C. Bridwell. IS.
PfeiSter. p. Mathewson, p.
With the National League
championship at stake, the New
York Giants took the field this
afternoon for the last time this
season. Their opponents are the
Chicago Cubs, who arrived in
New York this morning fresh
from the wilds of the Windy city.
Although the regular league sea-
son closed yesterday, the board of
directors ruling that the game of
September e3 between the New
York and Chicago clubs was a
tie, and setting today as the date
for the replaying of the game,
brings about a post-season con-
test that carries pennant, title and
championship honors with it.
NEW YORK. October a-Five thousand
persons were waiting for admission when
the gates of the Polo Grounds were
opened at II o'clock this morning, al
though the game between the Giants and
the Cubs was not to begin until o'clock.
Nearly every one had some kind Of
noisemaking instrument either a horn,
megaphone or rattle. The entranceway
leading from the elevated railroad sta
tion was thronged, and there was a mad
rush for the gate when the doors were
opened. The viaduct overlooking the Polo
Grounds was. crowded with spectators,
but 1t was stated that they would be
driven OF before the game began.
The gates were opened unusually early
today. that so far as possible the inevi-
table congestion in the last half hour be-
fore the time set for calling play might be
relieved. Lines began to form shortly
after daybreak, and when the gates
swung open there was a large crowd.
From then on in ever-increasing hun
dreds men, women and boys fairly hurled
themselves inside the inclOsure. and then,
at top notch speed, sprinted to the bleach
ers and unreserved sections.
Fighting for Seats.
Scrimmages over positions were fire.
Queut OpeCldl pOllCe PROVISIONS ldQ
been made, but there were times when
they were powerless to stop the al
most dangerous crowding around the en-
frances.
There was something fascinating in
watching the filling in Of the picture by
the constantly growing inpour of people.
Before the gates were thrown wide open
there were but the bare outlines formed
by grandstands. bleachers, clubhouse.
L. fc
trees and overhanging cliffs westward.
Then. suddenly. here, there. everywhere
men, wonderland more, and more. Everv-
possible vantage point, however precari-
Gus. soon came to have its human cluster.
The unusual number Of women gave re-
lieving touches of color here and there.
In the grandstand were numerous not
ables and fans many of whom had
Travelled hundreds of miles for the event
Arrival Of Cubs in New York.
The Chicago National League base
ball team reached the Grand Central
station at 9:25 am. today, five minutes
ahead of time, on the Twentieth Cen
tury Limited express over the New
York Central. Their trip from Chicago
was uneventful and the players, who
had left their berths half an hour be-
fore the arrival of the train, were in
fine condition and cheerful spirits, look
ing forward eagerly to the supreme
battle Of this afternoon. They went at
once to the Hotel somerset. where they
will make headquarters during their
stay In this city.
They were welcomed at the station
by a large crowd of base ball enthu.
and waiting passengers, and received a
cordial cheer.
Great Throng, Great Occasion.
decision which compelled the playing of
today the tie of September %. even the
most bitter enthusiast must concede tha,
the decree has given opportunity for see.
ing such a marvellous throng and such
rare sport as would not otherwise have
been possible. The circumstances which
have led up to today's contest are unique
and this final game between Chicago anC
New York is sure to stand. spectacularlJ
and otherwise, as one of the creates
in all base ball history. Whoever win:
to have been affectionately known to fol
lowers as a Giant" or a Cub in 1870,
Will be sufficient glory. But the temper
was heard at the quarters before the
squads came on the field. was not fo
gallery playing" but for the truest kint
OF base ball and team work. Both ag
whose fight has had no let up, lacks tn,
advantage Chicago must have gained
from several days of freedom from tn,
requirements OF schedule and the op
portunity to rest and get effective prac
tice.
The Whole Country Watching.
No last act of any drama ever held in
expectancy and thrill such a waiting
audience as this which today follows
the play to the curtain fall on the pen
nant season of 1908. Hundreds Of 1t.
counterparts in miniature throughou,
the country are watching bulletir
boards: in Chicago where. by almost in
Simultaneous flashes over the wires, play
by play is reproduced on a mammoth
perpendicular diamond. and even in thu
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