The Washington herald., 1910-05-02
by y. T. wORLEY.

To-day Us the big day for the amateurs,
seven leagues and fourteen teams making
bid this afternoon for the attendance Of
the sport-loving fans, and each organiza-
ton has scheduled its most attractive
card. From the amateur maEuate 10 the
bat boy, a spirit Of enthusiasm and loyal
" marks the preparations Tor the start
Of what should be the most exciting and
best contested race for the District
amateur laurels ever made in this fair
town.
For some time the men folk have
studiously devoured the sporting columns
Of The Washington Herald pink sheet
and have gone about their work az the
Office with an absent-minded, far-away
look, but this is all changed now and q
smile IS noticed on the face Of every fan
to-day. And why not, It's natural al
this stage OF the proceedings for the
rooters TO live on hope. for the punkest
aggregation that has ever graced a sand
lot here will begin hostilities on an even
footing this afternoon.
In most Of the leagues some prominent
official OF the organization VIII toss out
the leather, receive the customary ova-
ton that generally bubbles forth for his
little service, and retire. Then the UNI
pire. the most hated man in the game.
perhaps. VIII take his position behind the
plate, and a hush will fall on the crowd
as the hero. the real champion OF the
day. strikes an aggressive attitude al the
pan The pitcher winds up his arm and
the little white sphere comes gracefully
sailing across and lands in the out
stretched hands OF the catcher. or maybe
is sent scurrying out into the field TO be
caught or 10 land safe in a spot in the
outgarden. No matter. the game is on.
were off in a bunch. and who is II who
cannot whoop up yell and add TO the
noise Of the occasion?
Old Leagues TO Play Again.
All OF last years leagues viii again
be in the field and the Commercial cir
cult is the only newcomer. The anna
teur commission has drawn I'D a set
Of rules 10 govern all Of the nine or
EauiZauOnS. and 10 a certain extent
each league must answer TO this body
for the way in which the battles on the
diamond are conducted. No player can
quit a manager and 90 away. never 10
return, Juggling a brand new uniform.
and no player can play in more than two
leagues. These are only two of the
many good rules Of the commission.
which is, for the first time. TO regulate
the affairs Of the amateurs.
on the White Lot will gather one OF
the largest crowds that have ever watched
a ball game on an open lot here 20
breathe the fresh air. lounge on the
greensward, and see the Navy and Com
merce and Labor mines clash IN what IS
certain to be a battle-royal At Thir-
teenth and d streets northeast fans in
that section Of the city Will turn out
in force 20 watch Ninth. a decided fav-
orite I'm the northeast. and Haml!ne set
tie their little dispute with ball and bat
The Marquette has slated the Columbia
Printers and the HYGIENE Laboratory
clubs as the days attraction, and gener-
Gus facilities for an immense gathering
have been provided. The Rev. Eugene
A. Hannah, Of St Martins Church, who
organized the Marquette several years
ago. will throw out the first ball, and
by his presence alone make the day q
notable one
Programme at McDcvitt's Field.
McDevitt's Field has lately been boost
ed into one Of the best recreation grounds
in Washington by the earnest efforts Of
those who are in charge Of the Bloom
ingdale organization. and the high loca-
ton and popular policy Of the league
serves to draw largely from the north
west. President Harry F. Morley will
open the ceremonies and make Il short
speech TO the ball players and TO the
rooters who are present after which the
Twinins Athletic Club and Manhattan
nine will play.
The Commercial League game VIII be
between the Berry. & Whltrnore and r.
p. Andrews clubs, and will be played at
Georgia avenue and Kenyon street
These teams are both good and strong
and healthy fight is expected. Prom
inent business men and their friends will
mingle with the clerks at the stores who
have teams in the circuit. and all will en-
joy the contest together
Fred Page. the man who organized and
made the Suburban League a success, will
open the suburban circuit and the board
Of directors will also be present in a
body to see the 1910 season under way.
Brightwood and Woodburn will play on
the league grounds at Petworth, and the
outcome IS problematical, as both have
strong teams
But. winner or loser, baseball fans will
be happy, for the team which loses to-day
may win tomorrow. and there Will be a
ball game. anyway.
The Capital City League, which opened
asst Thursday. will play a regular game
this afternoon The Terminal Railroad
Y. NJ. c. A. and Bankers leagues are not