Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1911-04-22
KING THROWS THE FIRST BALL
Ak-Sar- Ben Queen Follows with the
Second Over the Plate,
PAS NEW PARK IS DEDICATED
Civic Organizations Join to Make
Friday Gala Day.
MIGHTY CROWD SEES OMAHA WIN
Pa Rourke RejOices in Having "a Fine
BcEinninE, with All Boost
ing and IN Winning
Game.

Omaha inaugurated its 1911 base ball sea
son and dedicated It's new base ball park
with a snappy nine-nning victory Friday
the Des Moines club being the victim,
6 to A. Eight thousand eager and enthusi-
astic fans attended the opehng game and
many more thousands welcomed King Ak
sar-Ben as he rolled down Farnam street
in the great automobile parade held before
the game
Never before did a minor league city see
such a brilliant festival in honor of the
opening OF it's base ball year Base ball
bugs of every degree, boosting for the great
game In Omaha, were in line to welcome
the paraders as they went through the city,
and at the park ia Rourke's ample grand
stand and bleachers were filled to the
breaking point by the sport lovers of the
city.
King Ak-sar- Ben ruled the day with all
honors lie and his fair queen, Miss
Frances Nash. divided the honors Of toss
ing up the first ball.
Just before tho game the king and his
court marched out onto the diamond, as
the mighty king coming to grace the base
pall day. Pa Rourke was presented with a
large bouquet from the Tom Moore club,
and when Captain Schipke stepped to the
bat he was rendered a great flower horse
shoe composed OF American Beauties, indi-
catve of the wishes Of the givers.
Not "A vacant seat.
Not a seat In the grandstand was vacant
when the ball that opened up the season
was tossed up. King and queen Ak-Sar-
ben, with their numerous court occupied
one of the boxes OF honor, and Omaha
Elks were to be seen in another. Pa
Rourke, with party OF friends and Presi-
dent Norris l.. O'Neln of the Western
league were TO be seen. r. c. Jordan OF
the United States indian warehouse serv-
ice, with number Of Washington base ball
fans. wereJ present to see the Western
league opening
omahas Ad club, the Omaha Commercial
club and other local organizations were
represented by strong memberships. and
many parties of fans were scattered In the
big grandstand. In the bleachers were
found some of the most loyal fans of the
game, all cheering with Joy when Jimmy
Kane pulled off an especially neat play.
Parade is Great.
Fans, happy and enthusiastic over the
opening day festivities were present by
thousands. At p. m. the long line OF
automobiles began to form with the head
resting on Nineteenth and Farnam streets
The big Omaska truck carrying the Muslca
Union band usurped the head place in the
line. and directly following 1t came one o
the eleven new Chalmers cars carrying
President w. A. Rourke of the Omaha
Base Ball club. Mayor Dahlman, Chief o
Police DOnahue and President NorTi!
o Neillfof the Western league.
Starting down Farnam street the parad,
Wended its way under the great 'Welcom,
Base Ball. arch and down Farnam stree
into the big business district. More THAI
200 automobiles were in line, but the fani
In the cars were outnumbered by thousandi
by the loyal fans and subjects of Ak-Sar
Ben, who gave the parade welcome as 4
wound along Its way.
Day IL Perfect.
The dsy was perfect for the opening; i
was real base ball" weather. The mer,
thought of cold, wind or rain was dispellet
early in the day by the genial sun, an,
shortly after 2 p. m. the number OF dev
otees on the streets gave testimony tina
base ball Omaha was appreoiative of tn
compliment that the weather man hai
done Omaha and Pa Rourke
Pa Rourke's face with golden smil
for all the friends he saw. was anothe
testimonial OF good will. And Pas hear
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