Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-06-22

en- up singly and liDeral discussion IN
each case was encouraged. not only
by the managers and captains, but by
; the spectators. II there was the
slightest objection in the case at hand
the candidate was rejected. Five UNI
psres were selected and these consisted
of four regular and one substitute.
These men we're elected by the man
egers. The president of the board OF
directors in a very earnest speech,
called the attention of those present
to what had been accomplished by
way of selection; how the result had
Leen accomplished, and what was ex-
rected of each manager, captain and
interested party in sustaining the
gentlemen agreed upon to ofriciate as
the umpires. He also plainly stated
the position of the board OF directors
In regard to disputes that might arise,
and his. and the boards probable atti-
tude In reference to these disputes.
The selection accomplished, all felt
assured that the very best men avail
able on the Peninsula for the posi-
ton of umpire, hau been obtained and
there was manifest, by all present,
spirit of satisfaction at the caiibre
OF the gentlemen selected. or the
umpires selected all accepted the ap-
poiptment. After such acceptance
they become only responsible to the
board OF directors. through the secre-
tary for their actions. Neither man
ayers, captains, players nor spectators
have any control of them whatever.
The reason for this is obvious. They
represent neither section, nor team,
Tut are the legal officials of the game
according to the playing rules. II
they make mistakes, at times, 1t is to
be expected, we must remember TO
| err Is human" II they were perfect
umpires they would not be in the
Peninsula League. II their error Is one
Of violation of the rules 1t can be
corrected by the board of directors. IL
II Is a question of Judgment there is
no possible way of changing the decis-
ion of the umpire. it is final. The
I, board, already in two cases, has rem
dered decisions along these lines.
Demonstrations against umpires
are obnoxious. They accomplish
pothing. They engendcr a bitter spir-
1t. They hurt the game. AS rule
such demonstrations are by the hood
lum" element, who do not understand
the game. but take this opportunity 10
display their cowardly spirit and for
the moment make themselves conspic-
uous, not stopping to consider they are
endangering the home teams chance
of winning by entering the playing
field.
I'VE, on the Peninsula, seem to be
just passing through the XIII the UNI
pre- period, which feeling has been
lived down several years ago in the
larger baseball localities. Tht sooner
, we let the umpire alone. assist him
rather than making his troubles more
burdensome than they are, the better
will be his work. Aggravating him
only has tendency to make him ner-
vo.Is. In this condition it Is not pos
sible to obtain satisfactory work. If
we wish good clean, fast baseball. we
will all have to lend a hand in making
1t so. Try and curb the spirit that
the umpire Is a robber on general prin.
ciples. Investigation has proved to
the contrary.
"A few years ago q president of the
National League made statement
that there were only four men in
10th big leagues that knew the rules
OF the game" II such be the case
lamongst professions 1t is certain tina,
we small fry will be apt to be wrong
also. Let us be honest with ourselves
and remember that every fan" has
a different viewpoint for himself.
4 Let us all work together in a
spirit of fair play and when we take
in the games In the future let us once
in while extend little sympathy
20 the umpire, for goodness knows
that he needs it more than censure
remembering that he is doing his best
Although he may often fall short in
our estimation, he is the best We have
al present.
~ S. HOLMES,
i "SecrefarY Peninsula Lea glIe"