Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-09-13
DARBY POLICE HEAD
STOPS BALL GAME
State Constabulary on Hand to
End Riot, but Fans
Start None
FORCED TO DODGE CURVES

Darbv's Sunday baseball war reached
its climax yesterday afternoon when a
squad Of state police rode onto the
| grounds TO prevent riot which it was
| feared might ensne " the Darby polics
force stopped the game that was In
progress. The game was stopped, but
without sign Of riot. and the fans
graciously gave the dnshing state troop
ers cheer. The game ended after the
frat inning with score Of 2 to O in
favor of the local Delco Club team.
The visitors were the Cramp Shipyard
professionals.
1t would have been the biggest game
OF the season. Fully 5000 persons
turned out, and the large field at Fifth
and Main streets was swarming with
full quota of fans from Darby and q
fair delegation from Philadelphia and
the territory contiguous TO the borough.
BEFORE ball was pitched. the fans had
'chippcd in enough to pay for n full
set of fines and the expenses Of the
visiting team.
Didn't Like TO DO IL
Thomas Clark. chief of police in the
borough, stopped the game. and there
was no doubt In the minds Of the fans
ana the players that the chief had little
liking for his duty. Perfect harmony
exists between the players and the
police.
When the twirler for Cramps on.
tered the pitchers box. the chief took
up position beside him. and earnestly
lmplored him TO be a good fellow and
not agitate the Sabbatical ether OF
Darby with wicked baseballs. He even
threatened him with arrest. But the
crowd howled PLAY ball!' and the
pitcher obeyed that impulse.
Then began one OF the most mirth-
provoking one inning games in the his
tory Of baseballdom. The chief was
determined to stop the game. His tao ,
tics were those Of interference with the
pitchers vision. Back and forth in
front Of the pitcher he strode. taking
prudent care all the while that he got in
the way OF none OF the swiftly thrown
balls or the "hot ones" the Darby
sluggcrs drove down the field. At the
end of the first inning MAX" Rev.
nOlds, star Darby twirler. patted the
chief on the back. and by agreement
with the officers of the club the game
was called of
Promises Gare Next Sunday
Before calling the game off. however.
j. J. Dcmpster. vice president OF the
CluD, announced That on next Sunday
afternoon the Dclco team would play
the Woodland All Stars ION these
grounds"
The state police. six in number. were
in Darby at the instigation Of the Sab
batarian element headed by Burgess
George Grayson. nut not to break up the
game. 1t had been deemed advisable by
the Sabbatariaus to have them present
in event of riot.
Either tonight or tomorrow the Darby
baseball players will be given hearings
on the warrants sworn out last week.
Last Wednesday night was set for the
hearing. but at that time it was post.
poned indefinitely. The hearing will
take place in the court Of Magistrate
Robinson, Of Norwood. because it is
said that both Darby justices are too
fond of Sunday baseball. No warrants
will be sworn out for those who played
yesterday.
The players have engaged John J.
Stetscr. Of Chester, as their attorney.
In event the players are fined at the
coming hearing the case will be appealed
to the county court at Media. Mr.. Stet-
ser has advised the Darby players not
TO swear out warrants for Sunday golf
crs and other alleged violators Of the
Pennsylvania blue laws.