Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-12
PROGRESS ON BALL PARK
SUNDAY WALKERS SURPRISED
AT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Necessity of Allowing Field to Pack
We'll Prevents Training There.
May Use Clarke Springs.
ny MONTY.
We werc surprised!

Bf MONTY.
We were surprised!
They had been telling us OF what
had been accomplished Mt the new In
| tcrnationaI League park on the Bou-
levard during the spring weather of
the last few days; but even the word
picture OF Harold Jones and President
Alvin Smith didn't do the progress JUS
tice.
We went and saw for ourself yes
terday along with Colonel Julien H.
Hill and several hundred Sunday walk
ers who also are interested In the fu-
ture of the local baseball club. The
work Is being rushed beyond doubt.
and has been advanced to such a stage
as to make the prospects for early
occupancy of the park most encourag-
ing.
or course tho field is not ready for
play vet. but the diamond has been
laid off. the infeld packed with a deep
layer Of ciuders ready for rolling. the
outficld has been levelcd considerably,
one section of blcschers practically is
complete, tho box and seat supports of
couple OF grand-stand sections are
i'm place and tho material for the re-
mainder OF the stands is ON tho field.
One is impressed at once With the
apparent permanency OF the construc-
ton All the stringcrs aud braces are
morticcd and bolted together and are
OF the hca West kind OF timber. The
all arc elevated considerably above the
PLAYING field. insuring a clear vision.
Also the stands are built with corsid-
cradle depth. giving tho spectators
plenty Of room and still preventing the
necessity Of erecting them TO unusual
height.
While. VIC said. we were surprised
az the actual work accomplished; there
vet remains "A great deal TO be done.
The siands could be got into shape
probably WITHIN ton days or two weeks.
if the weather was good but tho play
in- felo is another matter. That Is
something that cannot be rushed at
this time. or IL will lead 10 great Diff
iicultieS during tho playing season.
All Of the ii"ld must be packed and
allowed to settle before the final level
ing process can be started. Then. over
the cindrrs and clay must he spread
n thick coating Of fertile soil, TO insure
rapid growth of grass. l, is posSibl"
thct thr entire field may be tqrf.d,
bu, this would require a long TIME.
and might result In an uneven held
unless very carefully done. Premature
use Of the nelG would result III tearing
Il up badly, and In inability I" re:
il into good shape at any time during
tho year.
So. II Is thought that 5ily Smith.
when he reaches Richmond during the
latter part OF the week. Will arrange
10 Tram nus Sfludb dl S'lht ''Hti f''tA1.
Several places have been mentioned.
brt only TWO arc being considered Sc
rIously by club officials. rhcv arc
Byrd Park and the field at Clarke
springs
Absence Of a clubhouse al Byrd Park
and the chance OF being unable TO use
the Mcguire gymnasium for dressing
purposes have Inclined tho local own
rrs toward Clarke Springs. 1t is
probable taat definite announcements
telling ~ securing that field for prac-
lice, viii bc made by the club early
| this week. Clarke Springs can h:
reached easily by car. and IL has a
fairly good clubhouse I'm addition to
an excellent diamond. !: Is thought
tho field would prove adequate 10 the
needs of the professional players.