The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-12
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

There are now additional reasons why we rejoice that it requires more than one swallow to make a drunkard. Other wise, along with countless others, we would have the blues.
 All of which indicates that which Is to follow-that in the first game of the sea- son. Montgomery defeated Birmingham. The score was to l.
 AS is usually the case when the homed club fails to amble away with the blue ribbon, there was one bad inning. Yes terday afternoon it was the first In the very beginning Foxen, who was heaving the pill for the bold Barons, was unable to put the sphere. over the pan when it had something on it more than a cover As result, he walked few, and those who didn't walk walloped. When the dust of the initial round had been blown away and the figures totalled, the Billikens were found in possession of four Jocund and festive counters. Thereafter they scored not.
 Atchison Was Strong
 Atchison, the sidewheeler of the Billi- kens. was strong all the way, and the chance of the locals to annex that first battle was very slim appendase of in- tangible substance. True, there were one or more occasions in which the Barons by a timely smack or two might have upturned the dope, but the essential smack or two, when opportunity dawned, was like the family cat when the moon shines-far away and otherwise missing.
 The game, after the first round, was bit terly contested. Montgomery, with its healthy lead of four runs, quickly got on the defensive, but did not yield inch. The Barons made strenuous efforts to &C., complish but failed. There was but one error, but one stolen base. innumerable strikeouts and few spectacular plays Tho star stunt of the game was a sensa- tional stop, recovery and successful throw by Ellam.
 The man he robbed by forcing run ner at second was Elwert. Stengel made an excellent catch in center and Me Bride, on one occasion, ran backward and caught a gem. McGilvray, on first, in sprightly fashion smothered a fly bunt which was just about to escape Foxen and turned the play into double. The hitting star of the game was McElyeen, who in addition to couple of juicy sin gles ripped double to center which sent the first Montgomery runners over the scoring point.
 Story of Battle
 In the first inning Foxen walked Sten- . gel, who was forced a moment later when Wares attempted sacrifice. Danzig fol- lowed with a clout over short which sent i, Wares to third. Elwert drew a pass and the bases were filled. McElveen then un- corked his screamer over Johnston's head and Wares and Danzig scored. With third and second occupied, Bills, after Williams had swung thrice viciously and furtively. pickled the pumpkin to center, and Elwert and McElyeen chased tEem- selves over the platter.
 In the fourth Mcbride failed to swat when a swat meant a run, as he did also in the seventh and ninth. But in the sev- enth, despite that fact. the Barons scored. Large" William McGilvray, opening that round for the valiant home guard, siugged the pellet to right center for two. and moment later with the first and only Baron run he galloped over the plate when Ellam bingled jucily over the key stone
 In the ninth, with two gone, Messenger and Johnston cracked safely to left, and McGilyray followed with long single to the foul line. But Messenger, though two we're gone, hesitated, fearful that Ae drive might be captured, and for that reason the Barons are shy one run to wIich they were really entitled. With the