Year: 1869




The National S.s~se'


some few years ago there was no mall.1. out
door sport in which the youth OF this country
could Indulge and whichvcould be claimed as
national. The game Of base ball in a crude
form was practised among others and by few
gentlemen was being systematzed aud per-
fected. The HERALD, observing that in the
game were all the elements which could COM
mend 1t as tavorie pastime, styled it the
National Game, and from chat time TO the pre-
sent the young men-and many of the old
men-of the country have adopted it as a
means of recreation, amusement and physical
development. That the game possesses the
requisites for effording recreation aud relaxa-
ton from daily labor is plainly shown by the
numbers of leading business and professional
men who leave their counters and. their studies,
and, indulging in the sport, become again as
little children. That it affords amusement is
plainly shown by the thousands who flock to
witness contests between any of the leading
development is attested beyond doubt by the
improved physique of those who practice with
the bat and ball. There is, In short, no means or
system OF outdoor sport which can present tho
same advantages as the national game of base
ball. Every portion Of the physical system
is brought into action, while the mind is sub
jeeted, at the same time, to recreatiye course
of treatment The eye is trained to take in at
once the entire situation the hearing is quick
ened to enable the players to note the slight
est click of 'tip" and to understand the call
of the umpire or the order of the captains
when the other faculties are intent on some
other point; the judgment is exercised 80 as
to enable the player to decide instantly on the
best course Of action to benefit his party, and
the muscular strength is developed by the run
ming, throwing, pitching and batting in which
all take part during the contest.


The game has now been reduced TO science,
and the objection which was formerly made to
it, on the ground that, compared to cricket, 1t
was childs play, can no longer be raised. 1t
was considered by some as being too danger
Gus; fingers were broken and the players were
otherwise wounded, while in cricket the men
could pad themselves SO that they would not
be hurt. Is it an objection to swimming that
people are drowned sometimes? or to skating,
that people are hurt by collisions or falls on
the ice Besides, the fact that the players at
base ball unfinchingly face the dangers shows
the inherent bravery of the American people
and their determination to obtain even amuse-
ment at the risk of danger.


Aside from these considerations, the formation
of clubs and State and national associations pre-
sents an advantage to the youth this country.
in these associations the members are almost un-
consciously trained in the system of legislation.
Business is conducted on the same plan as in
the legislative and corporate bodies through
out the country, and the members of the clubs
become fitted for the proper performance Of
their duties as sovereigns. There is still an
other advantage to be derived from associa-
tions which may be formed in the leading
amateur organizations, such as the Empire,
Knickerbocker and Eagle clubs of New York,
Excelsior and Star of Brooklyn, Eureka Of
Newark, and National Of Albany; for in them
gentlemen Of the highest standing in business
and social circles may be found, aiding by their
presence and their influence the progress aud
permanency of the national game.