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Old 05-23-2005, 10:51 AM   #93
SelzShoes
High School Varsity
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
1878-A Return to "True Sport": History Repeating?

From the diary of Wm Frederick Adams

Mr. Hamilton is in such a state over his base ballers. If the disappointment of last year sickened him, the tension of this one wears him even more. All of those who declare themselves baseballologist, state no group of men has been more talented at the bat than this years’ Atlantics. The triumvative of Stollings, Pannell and Wilson all reaching base by hit over 40% of the time. And watching the men circle the bases with a frequency unmatched by any squad since the pre-secession days.

But while his club rains hits upon the weary fielders, the Chicagos slowly and steadily grind their way to victory after victory. The men who would be stars do not perform, and the performers are not stars. We can not shake them as one can not lose his own shadow. As the race remains tight, the questions from the past season return to the surface. Pannell, while a solid hitter, had an air of uncertainty follow him from Philadelphia. He told us the stories were untrue—but that is just what a cheat would tell one. The moment Brooklyn shows any vulnerability, the vultures will return. Mr. Hamilton can not bear another close race. He returns from Washington Park all smiles, and when the wire reports another Chicago triumph, he sinks back into a sullen mood.

Tomorrow McCormick’s squad will be here for a set of matches. If we are to break this deadlock, it must begin now. I only wish an untainted championship for Mr. Hamilton.
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