The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-06-11

the word. That's the truest applica- ton that can be made to the exhibi- ton of the national pastime that the Barons offered yesterday afternoon at Redwood Field, before a large Satur- day crowd. The game was the worst viewed on the old battle grounds this season, with the lone exception that only one team participated. The Vols played like big league pennant win ner, causing the spectators to notice the Barons many faults more so than if the game had been a free-for-all demonstration.
 Our opinion of the Barons as they played in yesterdays fracas can't be worded in this column, for the sim- pie reason that the paper isn't printed on asbestos. The entire team was not corralled in the disgraceful engagement for some of the players offered fair ly good game But, with the majority of the players performing like bunch of prize hams, the entire team can not be condemned.
 The fans and everybody got on the Barons good and proper before the game had been in progress long. Jimmy Eschen, the latest addition to the local household, was the first vic- time after he allowed three singles to escape his clutches and allow run ners to score. Kid" Caton, hereto fore the big favorite with the entire delegation of fans, was next in line, but the Kid certainly did deserve it. He made five errors, all of which aided in the run getting. Mike Hauser and Eddie Mcdonald then helped the cause along when they committed a misplay.
 There's no doubt but that the Barons had an off-day, and one of the rarest kinds. The team is one that can play better ball than they did yesterday and it behooves them to do it or else the fans will quit patronizing the game. The attendance yesterday was the smallest crowd that has witnessed the Saturday game at Redwood for several years, and the poor playing of the team is the sole reason. The fellows are bunch of good players and winning team is in the back ground of Moleys squad We hope that the poor playing will be stopped and the team begin to win a few ball games, enough to encourage the fans, at any rate.
 We admit that every team has it's off days, but the Barons haven't been playing too good ball all the season. They haven't hit their stride. The pennant can be won yet and with, a little addition of brain work and hit ting strength with the present nine as a nucleus, the Barons can win that rag. It would be an awful drive, but we can do it. We've got a competent leader and some good players. Now, let's get at it.
 The Barons didn't have enough pep yesterday to penetrate their skin. After the Vols had scored a run in the first inning, the entire bunch gave up. If we expect to win a ball game, we've got to exhibit some fight. Take, for instance, that Nashville bunch of Roy Eilam's. They're about the scrappiest bunch of players that has appeared at Redwood this season. And the majority of their games will be won through this channel. We'll that's enough of knocking for the showing made in one game. Here's hoping they start tomorrow and set the league on fire.
 Mike Hauser played on first yes- terday in the absence of Fred Der rick, who is out of the game with a broken finger. Mike was mighty awk- ward around the initial sack, but per- haps he will improve with more ex- perience. Mikes pretty good all- round man, although he can't be classed as a star in any position. But at that, he's good man to have on the pay roll with the $2So0 salary limit.
 The Barons are idle today and will face the Travellers Monday, rested team We'll start our trip to the top of the ladder with Dickie Robertson on the hill. Monday Is number one.
 Charlie Carroll, the former Baron utility player, Is now performing for the Dallas club in the Texas league. Charlie was sent to the Beaumont club by Moley under an optional agreement, but the former Baron failed to make good with them and was transferred to the Fort Worth club. He played with Fort Worth for about week or two and was then sent to Dallas, where he is play Ing SeCOIO DdS6 regularly.
 Charlie is not playing his standard game since his departure from Bir- mingham. He is hitting about .250, and fielding below form. His base- running feats, however, are keeping him in job. Charlie is fast as a streak and there's no reason why he is not the sensation of the league in this respect.
 If Fred Coombe, of the Cleveland team, remains in baseball long enough he will have to hire a vault in storage house to store baseballs. Coumbe wants to keep the last ball used in every game in which he Is the winner. He got two of these tro- phies in 1914 and five last season and he has put away seven more this this year. After each winning game Coumbe writes the score and the name of the opposing pitcher on the ball and then he takes 1t home and wraps 1t up in tin foil. If Coumbe re- mains in baseball as long as Eddie Plank and is as successful as the ''hero of Gettysburg he will have enough horse hides to stock store.
 There is supposed to be M-player limit rule in force in the National league. but it is in force only on those clubs which care to obey 1t, writes RoIph novyic fv tha pitfah1irp PreSc