The Washington herald., 1913-05-07
BASEBALL?
Here's ANSWER
Amusement Originated from
Old Barnbal Some Time
Before Civil War.
THE ONE AMERICAN GAME
Requires Sevice Of Brainy and Active
Men. and Over I, 1000, 900 Of Them
Make Il Their Livelihood.

Baseball has been called any number
of names and things. To some of the
accusations the game pleads guilty and
throws itself before the court, asking
mercy. II is not, however, ali of the
things it has been called.
Baseball is a game that originated in
what is known as barnball This little,
innocent amusement came into being
some time before the call of arms sent
lines of blue and gray-clad troopers
marching through the country. Yes, she
was a terrific war. However be that as
1t was, baseball was played between the
soldiers during lulls and before besieged
cities. Then several people signed the
peace protocol, or something to that eff
feet. and ever since that time the old
game has not been really menaced with
any serious competition.
Baseball, teacher, is game that Is
played between various men. People
gather and watch this exhibition; they
come on foot, trolleys motorcycles. cabs,
carryalls, and automobiles. Most of
them pay at the gate, though politicians,
policemen, and those who voted against
the bill to abolish Sunday baseball in
the recent session of the Legislature,
often dispense with this little formality.
Baseball is a game that requires the
service of a judge. sometimes two, and
sometimes even more, depending upon
the temper and energy of the onlookers
Contrary to general opinion, these
judges are human. Many of them are
married and are the proud fathers Of
cute Riddles. Strange as il may SEEM
some of these children have never heard
papa addressed as thief robber
blear-eyed bum," or compared to Jesse
James. with Jess getting the newspaper
decision.
This judge carries a little broom, sew
eral brand new baseballs, a wad Of
chewing tobacco, and ofttimes an aching
heart Ladies are not in the habit
OF sending him pink scented notes, thus
breaking all decorum set up in the pre-
scribed rules of Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
However. men, rude creatures that they
are, often wait outside the gate with
things that are strangely and strongly
scented.
Baseball is a game patronized by min
listers, bankers, hack drivers. disappont-
ed politicians, who pay their way in so
they can abuse some one: all city en-
ployeS who can get passes, firemen,
members of the building inspectors Of
flee, lady friends of the baseball play
ers, actors in channels skinned gloves,
and, in fact. most every one who is on
speaking acquaintance with two bits
Baseball is a democratic game. and
was even before the election of Wood
row Wilson. IL the leading banker of
the city has his hat knocked off with a
cushion, he should worry not. Outlines
we behold the inspiring sight of the de-
corous deacons yelling throaty encour-
agement to the players OF the home
team in the ninth inning. Doctors. who
should know better, drink pints of red
pop and eat tons of peanuts. Lovely
ladies yell at the wrong time and get
their escorts in Dutch. Fat men in pink
shirts often make funny remarks. thus
exceeding hilarity. Peanut
vendors always stand in your way dur
ing the time an exciting play is being
made, but they are compelled to work
for living.
Baseball players formerly graduated
from the lots, choice corner lots, as
rule, upon which the for sale sign had
been ruthlessly removed by juvenile
hands Recently the style has changed.
and players are now coming from the
colleges and law offices. Baseball Of
fers to the young man the opportunity
to see the country, to be on speaking
terms with aristocratic head clerks and
supercilious head walters The player can