The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-08
DAR0NS PRAISE FINE
 WORK OF COLLEGIANS
Henry Meek Has Big Day-Magnifi- cent Attendance and Much Enthu- slasm-Harry Jones and
 Henry Gray on Hand.
BY BILL AK.

| CHiNeTSllS, @Aldr Apfll f-NSpeclal)-ln
 the presence of the largest number of 1 people ever attending a baseball game in this city, the Barons of Birmingham l concluded their exhibition season this aft
 ernoon with victory over the University I of Alabama. Score 5 to 0.
 l Had Father Chadwick, or whoever was | the inventor of the great national pas | time so arranged it that earned runs de- termine the result of a struggle, the Southern leaguers would possess no greater claim to the victory than the | collegians
 For it happens that every score rung up by the Barons was the result of an
 error, either on the part of the fielders
 or a battery miscue.
 Alabamas chief weakness-only weak
 ness would sound better-is in the catch ing department. Watson, who caught the game for the collegians this afternoon, is
 youngster of promise, but too mex perienced to accomplish the difficult task assigned him.
 But Alabama has a great team. and it is believed that another championship season has been begun.
 The Barons were full of praise for their youthful opponents. Demont de- clares that Alabama has the best college aggregation he has ever seen, and Gene has lived long time. Henry Meek de- clared that Alabama's team has every thing and knows everything save that which comes after years of experience. McNeal, who aided in coaching the pitch CTS of last seasons Alabama aggregation, believes this years team stronger and better. Manager Vaughn was free to ad- init his surprise. Those boys," was his remark, play the game as if they were old veterans. There are one or more members of the young team who are worthy to pace in faster company. I was especially struck with the steady work of Pope, the fine arm of Noojin, and the coolness displayed by Pitcher Sturdi- want"
 After the game everybody was satisfied. The battle was a fine one, taking into consideration the difference in the calibre of the opponents, and the attendance for Tuscaloosa was excellent
 McNeal started the game for the Barons. The big fellow did not exert himself, and spent the afternoon at tempting to gain control of the sphere. The collegians were never able to hit him to advantage, and had Fred Houtz not miSjudged fly, which came as near as peas entering the run column, he would have escaped with a single hit
 Clark, who concluded the affair from the Baron slab, was a complete enigma In the final inning great hurry to con- clude the game before the departure of the Alabama Great Southern caused him to issue transportation to two men after two were down. The strain was re- lieved, however, when the inning and the game were terminated by strike-out.
 Alabama used it's veterans Smith and Sturdivant. Smiths great draw back was working too hard for strike outs. He wore himself out pitching balls. Sturdivant was exceedingly cool, fared better and made a finer im- pression. I really believe that had tn professionals stung him 10 times in succession and in the same place, he would have continued firing them over with his usual calmness.
 There were no features to the game, save the jollity that abounded on every side. Everybody was in high spirits. The fans of Tuscaloosa were enthused by the fine showing of their team, and the professionals, entering into the spirit of the occasion, had an excellent Gays sport.
 Henry Meek was the big favorite of the bill. His loud voice will echo for many days about the old campus, and the little boys who leased him will long
 remember the day.
 Henry was the inspiration of all the taunting witticisms. His size and his speed were ofte~ referred to, but when- ever he approached the stick there was great hush about the field. His fame
 had preceded him. The little boys eyed him askance as he waddled through the streets, and in whispered conver- sation told of his prowess.
 Harry Jones and Henry Gray were
 a'ong. Harry Swung a yard of Grim son. White" ribbon to the lapel of his coat, and hollered for the collegians.
 Henry was a good fellow all the way l around the circuit and he and Dad Vaughn grew reminiscent returning l home.
 1 In addition, there were numerous | other Birmingham men in the city, but these were. covered from view when the great crowd swallowed them The game was started at oclocK promptly.
 Houtz was an easy out from Pratt to Noojin, but Molesworth neatly placed single just out of Pope's reach | Henry Meek followed with a little dor- ble over third, and Molesworth, from | third, came home on a passed ball. | In the first and second innings, the 1 collegians went out in regular order
 In the third, however. Alabama madt l it's famous stab for a score. After Han l non was down, Watson was walked ] The daring little fellow dived head 1 long for second and landed. Smith 1 famed but Reidy flied safely to left 1 the hit that Houtz misjudged. Watson l Ga ashed for home, and had he slid would 1 have landed. As it was, however <, Houtz made a perfect return to tho
 pan, and Watson was slaughtered.
 An error, a hit, and base on ball. 1 failed to shove a Baron across the rub
 Der in the second, but in the third, thu 1 second run was made. Molesworth. tt berin with, was walked, and went tt l third on Meek's placed hit to center 1 Reagan then hit to short, and Prat
 spoiled a pretty double, and made :
 score possible by attempting to take al I the glory to himself. His attempt for ar 1 unassisted double failed, and his wile heave to first opened the plate to Moles l worth.
 In the fourth the Barons scored again