The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-03-16
WOODWARD SIGNS CONTRACT
WITH THE '.RICKWOOD" BAND
Music at the Park Guaran-
teed for Another Season
Nappi Has New Airs for
Bar0ns and Their Ene-
mics


The Rickw ood band signed its con-
tract yesterday morning. and as last
year, this year there will be music
at the park.
This Will be good news to the base
ball public. for since the beginning of
this month. the most frequent question
to answer which the sporting editor
has been called upon has been:
"How about the band2"
There has never been any trouble
between the band and Owner Wood
ward Last season the members played
their positions we'll, made number Of
runs-Napp was especially formida-
BILE in making runs--very few discord-
ant errors, and became characterized
by their splendid esprit de corps.
owner woodward considered the men,
bers of the band as being among his
best players.
Therefore it might have been ex-
pected that there would be no trouble
in signing up the players this spring
lffor another season. Each side felt that
there was time sufficient, for it so
happens that the players of the band
do not need the season of limbering up.
They do not require month in which
to work the kinks out of their arms.
They are never obsessed with charley
horses. Therefore. there was no need
for haste. But on yesterday the owner
, and the players got together, and this
most important contract of the season
was signed with Impressive ceremonies.
Aided Pennant Winners
The innovation of having band music
at the baseball park was started last
season. 1t was an idea of owner Wood
ward He felt that in the strains of
martial music there were inspiration,
and that with the faithful drum corps
in the stand, the Barons would feel
that whatever action of merit they
performed would be loudly recog6ized
And the opposition would know that in
addition to nine vetrans in the field,
| they would have to meet and overcome
five unconquerables in the roof.
So the band was commissioned
No sooner did it become known that
every afternoon there would be music
at the park than the fans, in larger
number began reporting. And the
Barons began winning. The opposing
| teams fretted and grumbled. Billy Smith
repeatedly gave vent to its inclination
| to have spasms. Nothing could check
| the veterans of Manager Molesworth,
| and having maintained their death
| dealing pace for several months, one
| hot and sultry afternoon to the inspir-
| ing airs of the little band, the bold and
battle Scared Barons marched impet-
uously to the championship.
| There is no question but that the
band did it's part. McGilvray work ed
| like a beaver. and hit the ball on the
| nose: Jimmy johnson fielded like mad,
and established new record for stolen
bases: Marcan played his greatest sea-
SON ELAN, Messenger Mcbride, Al
media and Carroll starred, Boyd, FoXen,
Prough, Hardgroye and Smith pitched
| the club to victory after victory, and
the band fought the battles in its own
| peculiar way and shared in the general
glorious victory.
Nappi Has Scheme
There was general rejoicing yester-
day when the contract was signed.
/ Owner Woodward announced himself
pleased. Signor Nappi, the peppery
leader was smiling all over himself.