Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-15

Of the District one can find the grounds
dotted by teams
The boy who plays ball within the Dis
trict line has one friend. if no more
Judge William II. De Lacy of the Juve-
nile Court is not only an enthusiastic
fan where professional base ball is
concerned. but is also heartily In favor of
the American boy playing it whenever
he gets the chance.
Let the boys play" ne says. Base ball
is the greatest game there is in exist
ence. Foot ball, golf. cricket and all the
other games there are can not compare
with 1t. Base ball is the best exercise a
boy can get. 1t clears his vision. strength
ems his intellect. makes him think quick
ly and act quickly, develops him and
makes him graceful. In fact, l believe
that base ball Is beneficial to the boy in
every way.
Judge De Lacy would not even admit
that the damage done TO the base ball
players fingers was bad.
x =
1t is good for them. even though they
do break their fingers. That reminds
me of a story. \ professional player
went to a doctor with three fingers
broken. The doctor set them, and when
they were almost we'll again the player
went to see the doctor to find out if
he would recover complete of them.
Certainly" was the encouraging reply
They will be as good as ever We'll"
said the player, with d twinkle in his
Yes, indeed responded the doctor.
Fine" said his patient, because
don't know how to do it now.
Not only does Judge De Lacy lend his
sympathies to the boys. but he does all
in his power TO 81 read abroad the senti-
ments he has in regard to the matter,
and where it will do the most good.
y try to make the officers on duty
show what discretion they can in the
matter Whenever il is possible for the
children to play believe in letting them
do H. The law in regard to not play
ing on the street has to be enforced bu
j believe in paying as little attention
as possible or only when some cause
arises which warrants their being stop
ped When Washington has sufficient
Fairgrounds to enable every boy in the
city to go to one when he wants to play
will be time enough TO stop them play
ing wherever they can. But until some
complaint has been made against it L
am in favor of letting them alone
Il
The youthful citizen of the National
Capital is on his native heath when he
is treading the ground on which dia-
mond is marked out. He finds unutter-
able JOY in simply dressing in a costume
which infers that he is member of
team. In winter time he goes around
with low collar on. but in the base ball
season he dons neglige shirt. and with
collar turned up to its highest struts
around blissfully unconscious OF the
height TO which the Indicator in the Their
mometer has risen. Caps with long
visors are in great demand. and are worn
on all occasions. while the boy who is the
proud pOssessOr of a real base ball suit
has the envy of the en- ire male popula-
ton under fifteen years of age, and what
is more even his little girl friends at
school look upon him as the future pride
OF the home team.
Base bail, unlike manhood. does not de-
mand the arrival of the player at any
ar.icular age Provided he is posses ed
OF sufficient enthusiasm and the requisite
amount OF will power, the American boy
is sure to become the member of at least
a scrub team. AS In everything else.
base ball is graded. The small boy who
his own age or ability. unless perchance
he has developed unusual batting or
pitching proclvites. AS the years pass
him by he gradually goes forward. and
at last day dawns when his cup or
delight literally threatens to sub"erse
his entire neighborhood. That is the day
he becomes a member of the such and
Such an Athletic Club" Then the sea
son is one blissful dream Regular mee--
ings are he d. subjects are discussed
which are weighty beyond measure, and
challenges are sent forth to all other
teams in the neighborhood.
Almost without exception the matter
Of sides and positions has To be
thrashed out at the commencement Oh
each game. 1t Is indeed a lucky neigh
borhood which possesses a team in which
that is decided beforehand AS i'm all
things since the world began. there is
self-elected leader to each gang" a po-
sitioi which has been obtained in Sundry