The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-31
ENJOYED BALL GAME
 DESPITE BLINDNESS
Accepted His Cue From the Crowd and Gave Vent to His Feelings
 by Lusty Shouts

One would suppose that it would be im- possible for blind man to enjoy the great national game of baseball in view of tue fact that it Is necessary in order to follow every play to keep your eyes on the ball. says the New York Sun. In spite of his misfortune there is at least one blind man in the city who must derive some pleasure from attending a baseball game, for he was discovered at the Polo grounds on recent Saturday afternoon when the Yankees were performing there.
 He entered the grounds supported on the arms of friends, who stood on either side of him. From his facial expression it was apparent that the very anticipa- tion of attending the game gave him as much pleasure as it did to the small boy who stood in line with his father waiting to get in.
 His face was wreathed in smiles and he continually joked with his friends on different topics, but most of all on base ball. He was anxious to know who they thought would pitch that afternoon for both teams; what were New York s chances of winning: if the Yankees were pen~Gnt contenders this season, in their estimation. Most of all he was anxious to know how the new players shaped up the players he had not seen" last sea- son because they were not with the team at that time.
 Just to let his friends and the curious ones who were watching him. know that he was familiar with baseball customs he warned the gate keeper to let him have his rain check back when he removed the portion of the ticket which is de- tached when the bearer enters the ground. He stretched out his hand to receive the rain check when the gate keeper was ready to give it to him.
 Naturally it was necessary for his friends to guide him through the jam of enthusiasts to his seat. Whatever rough ness the blind man did encounter he took it all good natdredly and seemed to relish the same as any other man at the grounds that afternoon. Apparently he asked no favor or sympathy from strangers as long he had his two good friends at his side
 Getting comfortably seated the blind man extracted a cigar from his pocket and friend supplied the necessary light He puffed on the cigar with, great satis- faction and seemed to enjoy the thought that even though he was blind and handi- capped to that extent it did not prevent him frcm enjoying his smoke as well as the next fellow
 Of course he had to dispense with a
 
 put their cards to good use and read off the names of the players on the contend ing teams. Not only that, but as the game progressed they informed the blind man who was at bat.
 Although robbed of his sight he had studied the records of the opposing play CTS and he knew just what each man could do. He knew if they batted from the right or left side of the plate. and from constance attendance at The games apparently he knew pretty we'll to which field the bs tier sent the ball when he hit It. In ctit was revelation to listen to that blind man give D.e facts about every player who particir ted in the game. It must have required diligent study on his part to memorize all those records so as to converse intelligenty about them with his friends
 When 1t was time for roofing he ac- oepted his cue from tine crowd and he gave vent to his feelings with lusty shouts. Not only that. hut he was not wee bit backward in springing to his feet and cratching when the lucky sev- enth inning came around. The only time he displayed disappointment was when the opposing team made -hree runs.