Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-26

Fans that a weaker team receives. De-
feat Tor the visitors means "a double vic
tory Tor the home club. and I'D a close race
the fang can always be found Oh their
feet at critical moments roofing FOR the
downfall ut the invaders
There is also a marked difference I'M the
a,itude % the spectators toward those in
Uniform according % the day of week on
which the game Is played. The SATURDAY
and sunday gatherings are inclined 80 be
more partisan in their support OF the home
combination than those OF the midweek.
This lie explained BY the argument that
holiday crowds are composed in great part
OF those who. because Of their employment.
are unable to attend with the same fire.
queucy as the business, professional or
clerical man whose days work during the
summer months is completed about the
hour the game begins. Veteran players on
the big circuits contend that the weekend
crowds do not grasp the finer points OF the
play with the same ability the regulars do
and are prone to blame the umpires and
visiting clubs for slip-ups in the play which
are clearly due to laxity on the part Of the
local team members. The facf that the
weekend fans" are more demonstratve
can also be traced % the courage that
numbers give. and the feeling that personal
identity Is lost in a throng OF 1900 to 100
Roofing Demands.
The desire Tor victory brings out another
feature OF the "fan's' composition. He is
an ardent admirer Of the star player or
the brilliant club manager so long as he
can outplay and outwit the other clubs OF
the league. But any veteran OF the game
will tell you scores OF experiences which
prove that no man can hold his following
on past performances Just as soon as he
shows a permanent falling off In his form
the brilliant records OF past years are Of
no avail. If he slows up the team work or
younger players by his inability 10 keep
step his major league career is at an end.
Sentiment has no place in the search for
remnants, and the enthusiastic follower OF
a club knows this. Consequently, he de-
mands that the manager secure new men
in order that the team may hold its own in
the annual struggle. This passing Of for
mer diamond celebrities Is one Of the darker
sides OF the game. Many OF the modern
high-priced stars. realizing that their years
Of activity in base ball are few. prepare for
the future by investing their money in
various enterprises which promise to yield
chem good incomes when their diamond
days are done.
II That the fan" has his personal vagaTles
Is we'll known to those who are brought
into contact with the game and its many
angles. Certain regulars will sit nowhere
except back OF first base and Will so tC
the grounds an hour ahead of the thrOng in
order to secure the desired position. Others
want to be near third base or behind the
home plate. and will grumble all the after
noon If crowded out of their favorite spot
The true beacherite laughs at the grand
stand occupant and declares that he knows
nothing about base bail for If he did he
wouldn't sit where he does.
| The thirty-third degree fan" is the one
who cultivates the acquaintance Of the
players both ON and OFF the field. The
| length to which this hero worship is carried
is surprising to the uninitiated To know
/ and to be seen in the company of prom
inent players Is the acme Of his ambition
He will use every artifice to bring about
the desired result. and many is the com
plant and curt retort that his perseverance,