One-woman cultural event brought theatrical life to town
      By Joanne Hulbert

 

 

Looking Back - April 19, 1894

BASEBALL SEASONS STARTS THIS HOLIDAY


 Today the annual race for the league pennant will begin.
From now until the leaves grow variegated with the frost of next fall the genuine crank will follow the fortunes of his favorite club with the greatest possible interest, rejoicing in victory and condoling in defeat.
The season of 1894 promises to be an artistic success if not a financial one. The number of amateur and small professional leagues were never so numerous.
With the exception of the champion Bostons, every club has been materially strengthened, if we take the word of the backers of the different clubs.
There never was a brighter outlook for the cleanest and most scientific outdoor summer sport and the wiseacres willing and ready to show that the national game had seen its best days are now taking to the tall timber to escape the shafts of ridicule hurled at their heads, figuratively speaking, as they pass every open lot where youngsters fill the air with cheers for the home run and clever piece of fielding.

The few changes made in the playing rules will not affect the chances of the clubs that stood well up on the race last season.
In fact, it is likely that it will make the leaders of last year stronger than ever.
As usual, some of the weak teams will make a good start, but the stayers can easily be picked out.
New York, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, especially the first named, feel confident of making a good fight for the pennant, and with the new men will no doubt make a big stir.
It will inaugurate the 24th successive season at the South end grounds in this city, Boston being the only city with an unbroken record since 1871 when professional baseball was first organized.

It would be a wise man indeed that could name the way the teams of the league will stand at the close of next fall. Taking the personnel of the teams I believe the Bostons have the best chance to win the pennant for the fourth time in successive years.

Tim Murname
The Boston Daily Globe
April 18, 1894