davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
He LOSES VALUABLE
POINTER PRIZE DOC
Mac" Hart. Well Known Sportsman n,
Bemoans Counties OF Yer
dun" Pedigree Pup.

NJ. n Hart, chief clerk of the state
game department Is bemoaning the
loss OF his valuable pointer dog
Countess OF Verduu."
The Counties" was by Jennings
wise's Winston Churchill" out OF
Lewis {. Williams, ''Sora." OF Corn
ish Chieg." out OF Lads Doc Bees
sic"
Mr.. Harris prize dog fell a victim
TO distem per. the disease which is as
much a scourage TO canine life as
consumption is to human life. "Coun-
tess hunted her first season last win
ter and bid fair TO excel the great
bird work of her Industrious ancestors
on both sides of the house.
The sportsmen who are breeders OF
high class registered. pedigreed bird
dogs realize what the loss of such a
blue hlooded dog means to a genuine
dog-man like Mr.. Hart, and will ex-
tend to him their condolences.
Had she been a shaggy little lido
or an ignohle cur she would have
departed unsung and unmourned. and
doubtless her master would have
been congratulated upon her timely
departure,
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
JOHN MARSHALL To
PLAY PETERSBURG
Oockade City lads to Play Local High
School Team Here Mon
day Afternoon.

Although the John Marshall team
was unable TO do any practicing last
week on account OF the bad weather
they will clash with the Petersburg
High school team tomorrow afternoon
at Boulevard park. The game will
start at AIS p. NJ.
The Petersburg High school has a
fast aggregation. They took the Nc
Cures university team into camp
last week and have showed great form
on the diamond this spring, although
they have not had the services or a
coach.
John Marshall has also been denied
the services OF a coach. but they have
made excellent Roadway under the
direction of Captain Stuart. The team
is full OF confidence and pep, and will
clash with an idea OF bringing home
victory.
The line of John Marshall will be
as follows: stuart. short stop
Riggs, first base; Rose, third base ;
Marion. right field: Todd. catcher;
kohier, second base; Calisch, center
field: Carroll, left field; HARRISON.
pitcher
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
STUMBLING BLOCK
IN PATH OF INTS
Same Aggregation That Dropped
Locals Arc Meeting up With
No End of Troubles.
z work on the James river. The

New York. April 13.-One stumb-
ling block on the way of the forma-
ton OF the circuit of the new In
ternationaI Baseball league is the
Newark franchise Under certain
conditions, President James r. Price,
of last years Newark club. Will agree
to accept a franchise in the new cir
cult
Price has refused TO make a state
ment Of any kind since his return
from a conference with his hackers
in Chicago. The organizers of the
new circuit are now trying to col
lect $4,000 from Prices club, but
in refusing payment of this money.
Price is following the advice of the
National commission. The old In
ternationaI league recently voted to
disband and the players were de-
clared free agents by the commits
sion 1t is contended that the new
international cannot legally prevent
Prices club from securing a fran
chise gratis, just as the other clubs.
have done
President John H Farrell, who has
succeeded Edward G. Barrow, admits
that he wants Price to run new In
ternational league club in Newark,
hut he still is investigating the appli-
cation from another would-be ball
promoter in that city.
Meanwhile the borough Of the
Bronx is trying to get in the new
league Billy Gibson is the prime
mover in the bid. and he has the
backing or the entire district north of
the Harlem.
President ]. J. McCanree of the
Toronto club announced he has se
cured Dan Howley. former manager
OF the Montreal International league
club. TO pilot his team this wear
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
BASEBALL IS READY
AS NATIONAL TONIC
tor in Relieving Depression
in Nation.
GAME POPULAR IN CAMPS
Uncle sam Seeing to 1t That His Sol
diers Are Trained as Athletes in
the Army Cantonments -- Game
VIII Not Lack Interest.

On next Tuesday, the third in the
month OF April baseball will begin
its tight against war time depression.
The National and American league
teams will get away to a flying start
and the fans glee WILL be satisfied.
In the effort to keep up the spirits
of those at home while sons. brothers
and husbands are tghtins for democ-
racy abroad the national game Is
bound to be potent factor
play BALI" will be heard in every
corner or the nauon--in the army
camps. the schools the colleges and
on the professional diamond With
ment indulging in the game as big
part OF their daily training. there
undoubtedly will be more baseball
played this year than ever before In
the country's history. Everywhere the
game is being recognized as the best
possible tonic to a nation that is be-
ginning to realize what war means
Americas army of baseball de-
voices will go to the ball grounds
this year not alone because of pride
in the home team or because of a
curiosity to see Try" Cobb steal home
or Walter Johnson's speed or iris
Speakers line drives, but they vii!
go Just as much because the need OF
relaxation from worrisome problems
and war thoughts will be great
Major league baseball OF course
will hold the center OF the stage as
usual Fans will always want to fol-
low the fortunes of the diamond stars
who have become most proficient at
the sport
While the great arm of the draft
has already reached out and claim -
ed some of the games satellites. by
far the ma jority stiu remain and the
teams in general are practically as
strong as they have been in the past,
New stars have come to take the
place OF those who have answered
the call. and judging by the agrees
sfveness that the clubs have injected
into their games at training camps
and the aidity with which the aver
age fan has scanned the news for all
pre- season gossip of the ball teams
major league baseball should not
lack interest or patronage this sea-
son.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14

The new Virginia league organiza
ton will havee more than that mum
Der, on account OF the large number
of warworkers and soldiers in the
cities. 1t has been estimated that
there are zoo. 900 people to be drawn
from in Norfolk. 160.000 in Rich
mond, 5000 in Petersburg 10000
in Newport News. 10000 in Lynch
burg and $4,000 in Rocky Mount.
Question Over Who WIN Quit.
The Virginia league has had two
meetings. one in Norfolk and the
other in Petersburg. Apparently, il
seems that no progress has been made
in the formation OF the league, but
President W. 3. Bradley says that
plans have gradually been made for
the starting The holdup in the or
ganiZation has been caused by a dis
cussion over the city to be dropped.
The ma jority of the attack has been
has it's supporters Some induce
they will quit.
IT seems. though. that the North
Carolina city should be dropped. as
it is not only the smallest club. but
railroad fares and trips are longer.
As soon as the league formation
is made, LA MS for the beginning OF
play wiz he formed Immediately. A
schedule viii he arranged then and
contracts will be sent to the players.
May Meet I'm Newport News.
The next meeting OF the league
magnates will probably hold forth in
Newport News on either Thursday or
Friday. II continuauces OF forma-
ton are made at the next meetings
they will probably go around the
circuit.
Richmond will be represented at
the Newport News meeting. as a rep
resentative OF the club has not been
given a hearing before the gathering
OF the magma ties yet.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
AMERICAN SOLDIERS
FORM PARIS LEAGUE

Paris, April is.-The American
Soldiers Baseball league which has
been organized in Paris will hold a
meeting this evening to arrange a
schedule for the seasons games. The
league comprises clubs made up OF
men OF all the different categories of
the service in the city--the aviation
service, the engineers. the military po-
lice. the Soldiers and Sailors club.
the Red Cross the Y. NJ. c. A and
the quartermaster's department.
Practice games already played have
shown plenty OF good material avail
able for the teams. whose work outs
in the Tuileries gardens. in Mont
martre, and other quarters of the city
have aroused great curiosity on the
part OF the Parisians.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14

Nationals Increased One Point.
The National league batting aver
cge for 1917 was $40 against .24s
in 1914; the American leaguers hit
for .24S in 1917. against PA In 1904.
And the grand batting average for
all players in both leagues in 1917
was .249, compared with .246 in 1904.
The highest club batting mark in
1917 was .264. which is better than
2ny other team could average in
1904.
In 1917 the highest average COM
piled by any big league ba tsman was
$50. by Ty Cobb. which is better
than the best OF 1904. which was
1871. BY Napoleon Lajoie.
Twenty-Five men batted 200 or bet
ter in the majors last season; only
eighteen could turn the trick in 1904
the so-called halcyon days.
Pooled More Extra Bases.
Not only did the big leaguers OF
1917 crack out more safeties than
those of 1904, but they pooled out a
great number of extra bases. The
American league extra base figures
for 1904 are not available hut this
is what the records Of the National
league show.
In 1917 the boys in the older cir
Nd4t HfHlH1tIFd out As2dA TWO Dag
gers, sos triples and 202 homers as
compared with 1888 doubles, 545
-baggers and IFS circuit smashes
in 1904 49,
And not only did the 1917 season
which was supposed TO be an off
year in basebali--exceed that OF 1904
in offensive play. but it proved sui
perior in the fielding division. In
1904 the major lea gue's grand field
ing average was $50, while in 1917
il was .95S.
Records Bear Story Out.
Here are statistics which show the
American and National league rec
ords made in 1904, in 1917 and also
those for 1910. The records for the
1910 season are included in these
com parative tables because that year
wcs the halfway mark between
1904 and 1917. and SO can be used as
a splendid basis for comparison OF
the before and after" year:
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
AMATEURS PREPARE
FOR 1919 SEASON
Although Weather is Cold and Wintry
Many Men Get Ont on Ball Fields
For Workout.

Although the winds blew hard across
the fields yesterday afternoon and the
skies were cloudy, several of the ANA
teur players were out on the open
fields Of the city for their initial
workout. Byrd park saw many of the
teams meeting for their first gather
Ing, as did the old Richmond college
lot
No games were engaged in yester-
day, as the weather did not permit
fast play. but the players got q great
bit OF soreness and knots out OF their
arms and limbs, Long runs were en- =
gagged in around the fields.
Plans are being made for the start
ing of the two leagues on Saturday.
April eth. One of the leagues will
be the Commercial and the other the
pose the Commercial league and four
the Athletic. V J. Hechler is presi-
dent of the six clubs and II. E. Eas-
tern leads the smaller aggregation.
The clubs are rapidly signing up
their men and rounding into shape for
getting away to a good start on sat
urday week. 1t Ia the desire OF the
president of the Athletic league to
make his formation of six clubs.
too, and he is DESTROYS to hear from
other clubs desiring admittance.
Four playing grounds have been
provided at Byrd park. one at Clarke
Springs. one at Oakwood and the other
in South Richmond. The grounds are
being supervised by Humphrey Calder,
superintendent of the city Fairgrounds.
The schedule committee for the two
leagues meets this week and a solid
series OF games will soon be arranged,
-------------------.u--
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14

same directors who operated
Tub in the Interna tional league
be awarded the franchise and
will open wide the portals OF
yard field TO the lower-class
THESE local men who put their
faith into international base
re Alvin Smith. DIR. W. II. Par
Grover Dula- and Ben w. Will
and the Virginia league people
Pnly doing the true sportsman
4 making some amends for the
ff the International franchise.
fse Richmond magnates an
be that although they are I'M
z TO make and advance pay
TO enter the league they will
heir utmost into developing d.
pr the strongest pillars in the
league.
Ileyard field will he used for all
mes. Although Virginia league
|all will be no novelty TO Rich
fans il will need an introduc-
flo Boulevard field. as the old
p Street grounds were used when
iSte circuit played here before.
WIN Rave Glass II Rating.
seems assured that the Virginia
|e will be adv4 need from a class
hing tn that OF class Is. This
|nly will mean a higher prestige
be league and a guarantee OF
! baseball. but II will also mean
thing for the club trea suries.
hen PLAYER is sold TO the big
eS the team owners will receive
0 instead of $3.50, as in the class
que. And when the player goes
class A league the owners Will
'ewsrded with 1850 instead OF
as at present
fore class y rating will be
1. by the NauoBal com mission
gaao must begiyen by the
Iber of commerce of the respec-
cities. setting forth that there
minimum total Of 400 900 per-
I'm the six cities.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
ALEXANDER rs NOT
IN PRESENT DRAFT

ST. Paul Neb., April 13.--Grover
Chicago National league
pitcher has not been drafted, accord
ing to an announcements made to-
night by X. d Bahensky. clerk of
the exemption board here. The state
ment was made in answer to queries
resulting from widely circulated re-
ports that Pitcher Alexander had
been called for service in the next
quota
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
FILE AXE HELD
IDLE BY WEATHER
Yessexxfs Ends Week Of InArti-
ny for DF. INarkcr's Past Ag-
y grrgation OF Players.

though Boulevard field was wet
rdsy afternoon and heavy rain
De hung low, and wintry winds
hard across the field. the spirit
be Battle Axe players was not
aished. The game scheduled with
Harris s20th Regiment team
! Camp Lee was necessarily post
|, DIR. Parker's proteges have
laid up a whole week by the
b weather they viii be ready for
Der hard week of games. Three
heir games were post poned this
by the almost unusual weather
ttions.
Tuesday the game with the
lon squad was postponed on &C
OF the weather. The semi
were ready for revenge with the
In lads and they were disap-
ed BY Jupe Pluvius' actions.
ain on Thursday the fans appe-
were set for "a big game with
! Washington American league
This was tho only big league
scheduled for Richmond this sea-
bout again the weather man took
k4d in the festivities and laid
1 the fans and the Battle Axe OFT
their recreation.
win Play Them May a.
"a then. not satisfied with his
of work, the Old Weather man
stepped in yesterday afternoon
kpoiled a nice game.
Parker is determined to give
ans good baseball and a plenty
hines. As soon as ne saw the
her would interfere with yester-
game he signed up with Joe
3 for a game on May 4,
rrfs has a strong and healthy
and ls destined 10 give its OPP
hts many hard fights. Recently
overwhelmed Ed Klepfer's team
Imp Lee.
college Players VIII Help.
soon as the Richmond college
is over Mac Pitt and Miles
ktars of the Spiders team will
NE Battle Axe team. Pitt will
third base and Miller will be
10 the outfield.
Ia of these men are clever field-
"a healthy batters and will bols-
h the Battle Axe team.
rny" Dowden will play first
Ion the team hereafter and will
Eially helm the men. Dowden
krlv played with the Ashland and
kattle Axe teams and he is no
to the game.
we've Nauv Challenges.
NIX Boeh,inS. who is helping Dr.
n in the mana ging OF the team.
Erereived many CHALLENGES for
this season The Baltimore
pros want a game for May 30.
*ths Clarendon players. near
[ington. want game,
VI Robertson and his shipbuild-
IA are also asking for several
Rut the manager of the Pat
r. team is waiting TO see what
yfrrinia league does before he
- for rnanv more games.
n wednesday the Battle AxeI
will 20 over 70 Petersh"rg for
lrd game with Ed K,enfnr's
Great interest will be attached
"A each club has won one game
eason. Thu game viii he sta~nd
\ Mackenzie street park in the
lac city.
q SATURDAY the ser,i- rrce will
mn against the Dupo-t al
stonais IN boulevard field The
~ t~sn "a strong arxre~a-
WA vii ~t~A the locals a hard
kNen or Aghtin.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
Leading Pitchers Work.

The two leading pitchers in or
ganized baseball probably will ap
pear in opening games.
Walter johnson may pit h
against the Yankees in the open
ing of the American league pen
nant race at Washington.
Grover Cleveland Alexander
may work in the box against st.
Louis in the opening game for
the Cubs.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
ALL WAS O. X. BUT
THE OLD LEAGUE

Connie walsh. who used to he n
pitcher In the Thrcc-I league and
always could be depended en-.
dropped ont Of the game this year.
but a certain club I'm the league
finding itself In need of u twirler
wired him:
Are you In condition."
Never better In my life," was
Walsh's answer.
A message followed asking him
10 report at once. Walsh did not
obey.
Instead Connie went on about
his business day by day. treating.
all requests with seeming con-
tempt. He had q longer day then.
ms the daylight saving plan was
not In eject.
A few days wait and Walsh go,
this message:
You aid you arr in condition;
whv don't you report.
This was Walsh's ansyer:
II am In condition. but the
leaguc is not.
Three days later the Threc-r
dtshAnd~6. Connie must have had
inside information.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
Phefrer Reports to Navy,

New York, April 13.--Ed Pfeffer.
veteran pitcher of the Brooklyn
Dodgers, received orders today to re-
port at Chicago for service in the
navy. Pfeffer enrolled in the naval
reserve last summer in Chicago and
made arrangements with Colonel Eb-
belts to work on monthly contracts
until he received his call.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
POLICE BAR TOE
HOLD At ACADEMY
HusSane, Terrible Turk. Downs Mar.
tinsen I'm Two Straight Falls at
Academy OF Music,

4 fair sized crowd greeted the
Smith Hansen and Martinsen- Hussane
matches at the Academy last night.
The first match was declared a draw
by the referee and Hussane won out
over Martinsen by two straight falls.
After Smith and Hansen had svres-
tied forty-five minutes to no decision,
the referee asked the audience IL they
wanted to see the toe-hold. The YER
dict was unanimous and they were
about to declare that the toe-hold
would be used in the big match when
the police chief stepped in ana said
that the bold would not be allowed in
the match.
The wrestling fans were out to see
some thrilling work and they wanted
everything thrown in. Police Chief
Sowell, who was behind the stage,
said that the match would not be al
lowed to proceed If the hold was used.
Martinsen Fast Man.
Martinsen, who tipped the scales at
2l5 pounds, was a clever and fast
man. He used a pet hold of his.
which was seemingly new. This was
the handhold. He grabbed the Turk
by the hands and continually brought
him TO the mat
arms and head, Repeatedly Hussane
applied his full force to Martinsen'S
head. but he was unable to move it.
During the first part of the match
Martinsen grabbed Hussane by the
head and threw him up over his head
down to the mat. This fast work
brought applause.
But Hussane was steadier and
stronger. He won the first fall in
mil p
hold, and the second fall in thirty
four minutes, with a combined crotch
and scissors-hold. He will meet Joe
Stecher here on April 20.
Smith Was Fast.
Zeke Smith showed up well against
his Older and more experienced op-
ponent and gave him hard run. Con-
unuaiiy the local boy had Hansen in
tight places. but he managed to pull
out OF them. Hansen had a large
number of admirers in the crowd.
Smith weighed 1853 pounds and Han
sen 81 pounds.
Smith tried for the scissors hold
continually, but he was unable to
carry one through successfully. Dur
ing the early part OF the match he
held scissors-hold on Hansen FOR
eight minutes without effect. and then
the visitor eludedu the grasp.
Hansen used forceful weapo.
against Smiths scissors hold. This
was the cross leg lock, which put
smith into several bad places one
time Smith pulled Hansen off the mat
when this hold was being used and
he was greeted with Kisses and cat
calls.
Smith raised howl after the match.
claiming that the referee had erred
IN not calling this cross leg lock 4
toe hold. Hansen explained to Smith
what the hold was and In what book
he could find it.
CleNerness and agility was shown
ny Smith throughout the match. He
uSed his strength by bobbing and
jumping from the grasps used by Han
sen. This was Smiths finest point, al
though he was proficient In using The
scissors hold.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14

Brooklyn, y. y April ia snow
covered diamond caused the calling
off of the exhibition game scheduled
for today between the Brooklyn Ma
tional leatiue and the New York
American teams.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
ms WILL ONCE MORE
SEE THEIR OLD "COLTS"
|sng of Virginia League Club to Boulevard Field vii
adden Hearts of Many-same Sportmen Will Direct New
am-state Circuit May Be Given Glass Rating by Ma
Pnal Commission-Meet at Newport News
Nv Jimmie, BI.AKE.

fhere
ever Optimism In a
circles
familiar
eorganized
bagnatc in nc
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
Ray VIII Try For Mile.

Cambridge, Mass, April 1S.-Joie
Ray will try for the one-mile worlds
record at the Harvard stadium track
on June s, it was announced today.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
BY JAMES j. CoRRETr.

n
with
hq n and 50 1904 Is used as the basis for first comparisons
claim
Basmen
In
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
Snow STOPS Army.

West Point. y. Y, April l3,--The
Army Lafayette game was cancelled
today on account OF snow
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
BIC LEAGUE BATTING
Is NOT A LOST ART

Records for Season of 1917 Oucass Those 1904 Which
the Year Major Leagues Adopted 154 Game
Cobb Leader Last Year. Hit for $685. against 1881 Laoe
in 1904-Records Prove Story.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14
Randolph. Macon Wins.

Baltimore. Md. April 13.-Ran-
dolph Macon defeated Johns Hopkins
today at baseball. TO 5.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-04-14

The IA bic below summaries the
statistics for both leagues and shows
all the players in the National and
American leagues accomplished in
1908 1910 and 1917: