America's National Game
America's National Game
AMERICA'S NATIONAL GAME |
HISTORIC FACTS CONCERNING THE BEGINNING
WITH PERSONAL REMINISCENCES OF ITS VICISSITUDES, ITS
ALBERT G. SPALDING
NEW YORK |
Copyright, 1911
By A.G. Spalding
Point Loma, Cal.
To the memory of Henry Chadwick
"The Father of Base Ball"
To the memory of William A. Hulbert
The Savior of a Nation's Pastime
And to the National League
Of Professional Base Ball Clubs
That has borne the brunt of battle
During thirty-five years of development
Of America's National Game
This work is sincerely dedicated by
The Author
Foreword
For several years I have been the recipient of frequent letters from admirers of our National Game in all parts of the country, urging me to write a history of Base Ball. For many adequate reasons I have felt impelled to decline these courteous invitations to enter the realms of literary endeavor, where I do not claim to belong.
First of all, the task was gigantic. It involved, under that title, not the writing of a book, but of books; not even the making of a few volumes, but of a library. I had neither time nor inclination for such an undertaking. It meant not only days, and weeks, and months, but years of patient application to a very exacting and not at all exciting line of research among musty records of long-forgotten facts.
I had been looking forward to the time when I might have a change and a rest from some of the active duties of life, and an enterprise involving so much of close personal application, although presenting a very wide divergence from my customary lines of labor, did not promise much in the way of absolute repose.
Recently, however, these requests have come with redoubled frequency and force. It is known that I have acquired possession of the Base Ball archives of Henry Chadwick, Harry Wright and other old-time friends and factors of the game; it is urged that I am duty bound to make public some of the contents of my storehouse of information pertinent to our national pastime, and I have been, importuned to relate some of the reminiscences of the days when I was connected with it, either as player, manager or club official.
To all these requests and importunities I might have turned a deaf ear but for one incident which I will here relate. Some months before his demise I received a letter from Mr. Henry Chadwick, advising me that he had in his keeping the accumulations of years, embracing much valuable statistical and historical data bearing upon the national game. This he desired me to possess, but he wanted it to go into the hands of one who would make use of some part of it, at least. He then declared that he had written his will and bequeathed to me his Base Ball library, in the hope that I would write a book on the subject that had held so much of interest for him during his manhood's life.
Therefore, when, after his death I received word from Mrs. Chadwick that shipment had been made to me of her husband's Base Ball literature, I found myself facing the plea of an old and valued friend, now "on the other shore," adding to that of many others his request that I should write a book on Base Ball.
Hence, putting aside all personal inclinations, I find myself engaged in the undertaking of writing, not a history of Base Ball, but the simple story of America's National Game as I have come to know it. I wish again emphatically to disavow any pretense on the part of this work as a "history of Base Ball." I have simply sought in these pages to deal with the beginnings of things, leading the reader to the opening of paths the traversing of which will enable him to view certain historic scenes that in my opinion constitute the chief landmarks of Base Ball history.
I have undertaken briefly to touch upon the several epochs that impress me as of greatest importance; to consider abuses that crept into the game at the beginning; to note the inability of early Associations to control these evils; to dwell upon the nature of the struggle to eradicate wrongs and establish a form of government that would make for the integrity of Base Ball, and which has wrought the salvation of the game and made it the cleanest, most scientific and popular pastime known to the world of sport.
I have interspersed in this narrative some reminiscences in which the personal equation is conspicuously present. In the very nature of things that had to be the case. But here and now disclaim any desire to exploit my name, my views or my achievements. This book is simply my contribution to the story of the game. In it I have reviewed facts as they have been presented to me. That others have seen them from other view, points and received impressions altogether different I know; and I accord to such the same sincerity that I maintain for myself.
In this work I have aimed to present only the truth. If in so doing I have on occasion seemed to speak harshly of the actions of some men who have sought to embarrass the noble sport, I plead in extenuation of what I have here written that it is the truth itself—not the one who utters it—that offends the doer of wrong.
Point Loma, California, October. 1911.
Acknowledgments
While the author of this work has dealt with his subject from viewpoints entirely his own, and has given many of the facts herein contained from personal observations and experiences during many years of active service in Base Ball, yet, in the nature of things, he has been obliged to call upon others to confirm data and amplify details.
To the following named gentlemen he desires hero to make special acknowledgment:
To Hon. Morgan G. Bulkeley, of Connecticut; N. E. Young, of Washington, D. C.; A. G. Mills, James E. Sullivan and John B. Foster, of New York City; George Wright, John F. Morrill and F. W. Thayer, of Boston; A. J. Reach, of Philadelphia; Bruce Cartright, of Honolulu; Samuel E. Winslow and Ernest Thayer, of Worcester, Massachusetts, for valuable data supplied by each.
For illustrations he wishes to thank Mr. Homer C. Davenport, America's great cartoonist, to whose genius much of the interest of this volume is due. The cartoons were executed while Mr. Davenport was a guest at the author's home at Point Loma, California. After hearing some of the manuscript read, the artist felt inspired to illustrate certain leading features of the story of the game.
To Mr. William D. Page, a boyhood friend at Rockford, Illinois; later a well-known Indianian, resident at Fort Wayne (now a permanent resident of Point Loma, California), the author is particularly indebted. Mr. Page has given valuable assistance in the compilation and editing of this work.
To all these friends the author is glad to express his thanks and appreciation for favors always cheerfully extended.
Point Loma, California, October, 1911.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication |
vii |
Foreword |
ix |
Acknowledgments |
xii |
Chapter I.—Why Base Ball Has Become our National Game—Distinctively American as to its Nativity, Evolution, Development, Spirit and Achievements. |
3 |
Chapter II.—Antiquity of the Game of Ball—Archæology, Mythology, Tradition and History Note Games of Ball from the Beginning of Recorded Time—The Man who Devised Base Ball. |
17 |
Chapter III.—Steps in the Evolution of Base Ball from its Primitive Stages—How it Developed, Naturally, from a Boy with a Ball, to its Present Form, with Eighteen Players, Ball, Bats and Bases. |
29 |
Chapter IV. 1845-55.—First Base Ball Club—The Old Knickerbockers—Their Eminent Respectability and Fine Social Qualities—The Man Who Organized the First Base Ball Club. |
47 |
Chapter V. 1855-60.—First Association of Base Ball Clubs—Some Early Matches—Introduction of the Gambling Evil with its Resultant Demoralization—The National Association
of Base Ball Players. |
65 |
Chapter VI. 1860.—The First Base Ball Tour—Visit of the Brooklyn Excelsiors to Central and Western New York—Remarkable Chain of Victories—The First Base Ball Row. |
77 |
Chapter VII. 1860-65.—The First Serious Backset to the Game—Widespread Demoralization Following the Outbreak of the Civil War—Base Ball Played in Camps of Both Contending Armies. |
91 |
Chapter VIII. 1865.—First Tour of an Eastern Base Ball Club to the West—Remarkable Succession of Victories Won by the Nationals, of Washington, D. C.—Humiliating Defeat by the Forest Citys. |
101 |
Chapter IX. 1865-70—First Tour of a Western Amateur Club to the East—Story of the Forest City Club—Its Remarkable Career and Splendid Record of Victories. |
115 |
Chapter X. 1869-70.—First Professional Base Ball Club—The Cincinnati Red Stockings—Bold Declaration of Independence and Their Unequalled Record of Victories. |
129 |
Chapter XI. 1870-71.—Death of the First Base Ball Association—First Defeat of the Famous Red Stockings—The Great Athletic and Atlantic Base Ball Clubs. |
147 |
Chapter XII. 1870-75.—First Professional Base Ball Association—Conditions Leading up to Its Organization—Professionalism Thoroughly Established—List of the First
Professional Players. |
159 |
Chapter XIII. 1874.—First Foreign Tour of American Ball Teams—Eighteen American Ball Players Defeat the Crack Elevens of Great Britain at Cricket—Bostons and Athletics in Europe. |
175 |
Chapter XIV. 1875-80.—Statement of Causes That Led to the Formation of the National League—Inability of Former Associations to Correct Demoralizing Abuses. |
189 |
Chapter XV. 1875-76.—First Great Base Bail League and Leader—Powerful Influence of the Personality of William A. Hulbert upon the Fortunes of the National Game. |
199 |
Chapter XVI. 1875-80.—First Determined Struggle Against Prevailing Evils—How Gambling and Pool Selling were Eradicated from the Grounds and from the Game. |
217 |
Chapter XVII. 1880-88.—Decade of the 80's—The American and Union Base Ball Associations—Their Fruitless Efforts to Supplant the National League—A. G. Mills the Right Man. |
239 |
Chapter XVIII. 1888-89.—First World's Tour of American Base Ball Players—How Our National Game was Introduced into Foreign Lands—Played in Pacific Isles, Egypt, Italy, France and Great Britain. |
251 |
Chapter XIX. 1889-90.—First Notable Revolt of Professional Base Ball Players—Organization of the Players' League—Why Such an Organization Could Not Succeed. |
269 |
Chapter XX. 1889-90.—The Brotherhood War—A Campaign of Abuse and Falsehood on Both Sides—One Case where Figures Lied—Father Chadwick's Story of the Struggle |
285 |
Chapter XXI. 1900-01—The Story of "Freedmanism"—How it was Proposed to Syndicate Base Ball—Attempt to Kill the National League in the Interests of Sordid Magnates. |
301 |
Chapter XXII. 1901-02.—Freedman Imbroglio Continued—An Election That Did Not Elect, but was Made to Serve an Important Purpose—A Legal Opinion by the Hon. Thos. B. Reed. |
315 |
Chapter XXIII. 1900-10.—First Association of Base Ball Leagues—Ban B. Johnson and the New American League—The Supreme Court of Base Ball Established—Death of Henry Chadwick. |
329 |
Chapter XXIV. 1859-1910.—Base Ball in Colleges, Academies and Public Schools—First Recorded Intercollegiate Game—Base Ball and Education Go Hand in Hand—Notable Reunion of Old Collegians and Professionals. |
345 |
Chapter XXV. 1860-1910.—Base Ball in Army and Navy—Commanders-in-chief Who Have Honored the Game—Employed by the Government for the Entertainment and Discipline of Men |
361 |
Chapter XXVI. 1894-1910.—Base Ball in American Colonies—Story of League Games in the Land of the Midnight Sun—Base Ball Popular in Alaska, Hawaii, Porto Rico and the Philippines |
371 |
Chapter XXVII. 1888-1910.—Base Ball in Great Britain and Her Colonies—Game is Very Popular in Canada—Is Growing in Favor in Australia and Other British Possessions. |
383 |
Chapter XXVIII. 1905-10.—Base Ball in The Orient—Japanese Have Become Adepts at the Game—International Games Show the Japs to be Very Proficient—Games Elsewhere in the Orient |
395 |
Chapter XXIX. 1860-1910.—The Umpire and What is Due to Him and His Office—Very Great Advance Made in Treatment of the Umpire—The New President of the National League a Former Umpire |
405 |
Chapter XXX. 1860-1911.—Plea for the Base Ball Magnate—A Somewhat Abused Individual Who Carries a Burden of Duties and Responsibilities of Which the Public Knows Little and Cares Less |
421 |
Chapter XXXI.—Base Ball and Religion—Billy Sunday as Player and Preacher—Anecdotes of the Interest Church People Take in the National Sport—The Religious Editor's Report of a Game |
439 |
Chapter XXXII.—Poetic Literature of Base Ball—Interesting Story of "Casey at the Bat"—Its Author—De Wolf Hopper's Part in Making the Poem a Classic—Other Poems. |
449 |
Chapter XXXIII.—Prose Literature of the Game—Contributions of Base Ball Writers on the Scientific Features and Vast Achievements of the National Pastime. |
463 |
Chapter XXXIV.—Some General Facts Concerning the Technique of Base Ball —Introduction of the Glove, the Mask and Other Accessories—Curved Ball Controversy. |
475 |
Chapter XXXV.—Summary of the Prosperous Phases of Base Ball—Multiplied Millions Witness Games Every Year—Magnificent Palaces Shelter Enthusiastic Spectators. |
493 |
Chapter XXXVI.—A Chapter of Reminiscences Referring to the Game of Base Ball and Some Men Who Have Played It in Other Years—Ball Players as a Rule are Men of Honor. |
509 |
Chapter XXXVII.—Conclusion—The Psychology of Base Ball—Mr. Edward Marshall's Interview on the Effect of the Game on the Mind and of the Mind on the Game. |
531 |
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Portrait of A. G. Spalding |
Opposite ii |
Where Base Ball Has Its Beginning |
Frontispiece |
America's National Game |
xx |
East and West, North and South "Play Ball" |
2 |
Cricket vs. Base Ball |
8 |
Base Ball Follows the Flag |
12 |
Ball Playing In All Ages and All Climes |
16 |
The Bismarck of Base Ball |
22 |
Major-General Abner Doubleday |
24 |
An Embryo Base Ball Star |
28 |
Boy and Ball—Barn Ball |
32 |
One Old Cat—Two Old Cat |
34 |
Three Old Cat—Four Old Cat |
36 |
Town Ball—Base Ball |
38 |
Base Ball As It Was |
40 |
Base Ball or Cricket—Which? |
44 |
Alexander J. Cartwright |
46 |
The Knickerbockers at Practice |
50 |
Duncan F. Curry |
54 |
Eckford Base Ball Club, of Brooklyn, 1858 |
58 |
Champion Unions of Morrisania |
62 |
Knickerbocker and Excelsior Teams, 1858 |
Opposite 65 |
William H. Van Cott |
68 |
Old-Time Base Ball Uniforms |
72 |
Excelsiors of Brooklyn |
76 |
James P. Creighton |
78 |
J. B. Leggett |
82 |
Creighton's Monument |
86 |
The Call for Volunteers—1861 |
90 |
On Tented Fields—In Prison Pen |
94 |
Hon. Arthur Pue Gorman |
100 |
Col. Frank Jones |
110 |
Forest Citys, of Rockford, Ill. |
114 |
Cincinnati Red Stockings |
128 |
Harry Wright |
132 |
George Wright |
136 |
Some of the Red Stockings |
140 |
Fred Waterman, Harry Wright, Asa Brainard |
142 |
Souvenirs of Atlantic Victories |
144 |
Atlantics, of Brooklyn |
146 |
Peter O'Brien |
150 |
Atlantics, of Brooklyn |
154 |
Haymakers, Troy, N.Y. |
158 |
Mutuals, New York, N.Y. |
164 |
Athletics, of Philadelphia—1874 |
168 |
A Hot Proposition in the Early Days |
170 |
Boston Champions |
174 |
Adrian C. Anson |
178 |
Great Britain's National Game |
182 |
Robert Ferguson |
188 |
William A. Hulbert |
198 |
Morgan G. Bulkeley |
202 |
N. E. Young |
206 |
Monument of William A. Hulbert |
212 |
When Gambling Controlled |
216 |
When Whiskey Threatened |
220 |
Olympics, Washington, D.C. |
232 |
H. D. McKnight |
238 |
A. G. Mills |
246 |
The Sphinx Sees Base Ball |
250 |
Chicago and All-America World Tour Teams |
254 |
American Base Ball Party |
260 |
Chicago White Stockings |
266 |
John M. Ward |
268 |
Edward Hanlon |
374 |
"Dan" Brouthers |
378 |
A. G. Spalding, of National League "War Committee" |
383 |
John B. Day, of National League "War Committee" |
384 |
John I. Rogers, of National League "War Committee" |
390 |
Michael J. "King" Kelly |
391 |
When the Game Reached Silverton |
300 |
When Syndicatism Was Killed Opposite |
Opposite 315 |
Byron Bancroft Johnson |
338 |
August Herrmann |
333 |
H. C. Pulliam |
336 |
"Father" Chadwick |
340 |
Chadwick Monument |
343 |
"The Old Time Base Ball Players," Boston |
Opposite 345 |
Not Like This in the Olden Time |
348 |
"Our Choice" |
352 |
Lincoln's Notification |
360 |
Ex-Secretary of U. S. Navy Paul Morton |
364 |
Base Ball in Alaska |
370 |
Base Ball in Our Insular Possessions |
376 |
A "Base Ball Cup Tie Final" Crowd, London, England |
382 |
Base Ball Match at Keio, Japan |
394 |
Base Ball in the Orient |
398 |
American Base Ball Team at Yenamgyat, Upper Burmah |
402 |
Thomas J. Lynch |
404 |
The Umpire—As He Was |
410 |
The Umpire—As He Is |
411 |
John T. Brush |
420 |
Arthur H. Soden |
422 |
Frank De Hass Robison |
424 |
A. J. Reach |
426 |
Chris Von Der Ahe |
428 |
Presidents of National League Clubs |
430 |
Presidents of American League Clubs |
432 |
James A. Hart |
434 |
William A. Sunday |
438 |
Ernest L. Thayer |
448 |
"Casey at the Bat" |
456 |
Ralph D. Paine, Hugh S. Fullerton and Will S. Irwin |
462 |
John Philip Sousa's Base Ball Team |
466 |
F. W. Thayer and James A. Tyng |
474 |
The Old Grandstand, Polo Grounds, New York |
492 |
New Stadium, Polo Grounds, New York |
Opposite 494 |
The Grandstand at Forbes Field, Pittsburgh |
Opposite 495 |
Grandstand, Philadelphia Athletics |
Opposite 502 |
New Grandstand, Chicago White Sox |
Opposite 503 |
A Crowd at the World Series, Philadelphia |
Opposite 503 |
The Author's Introduction to Base Ball |
508 |
Edward Marshall |
530 |
Homer C. Davenport |
540 |
AMERICA'S NATIONAL GAME