The Old King Pitcher

To-day at Alameda the Altas came down from Sacramento to cross bats again with the Pioneers, and as it was known that Sweeney would make his first bow before a San Francisco gathering since his arrival from St. Louis, every ferryboat that crossed the bay for hours before the game was loaded down with human freight. So when Umpire De Witt Van Court called game a perfect sea of faces was met on every side. When Chatley stepped into the box a storm of applause greeted him on every side, which goes to show that our city by the Golden Gate still has a warm spot in her heart for her favorite son. But fate was against him and his men, for the Pioneers won the game by a score of 4 to 2.

-From The Sporting News, September 27, 1886

In charity I would draw the veil of silence around California's favorite son, were it not as a reflex of what is going on in dear old Frisco. The truth at all times must be told. On the pinnacle of fame Charley Sweeney has posed as the king of all pitchers, and he would still enjoy that distinction were his poor right arm but able to act in unison with his mighty will; but his overwork was too much for him, and he came home only to learn among those that loved him best that our idol, which was only clay, had been shattered and broken, and that many weary months must pass ere we can again point with pride to the work which has made him famous amongst his fellow (players). What his intentions are for the future I can not state, but certain it is that he will not occupy the box for any club after the present schedule is ended, but will take a long and much needed rest in hopes of restoring his arm to its old-time vigor and skill.

-From The Sporting News, October 25, 1886