The 1886 World Series: A Sick And Disgusted Lot Of People

If ever there was a sick and disgusted lot of people they are the backers and admirers of the Chicagos. This morning, before the game, the betting [in Chicago] was very heavy, and the Chicagos had the call at odds of $10 to $7. It is estimated that at least $10,000 in this city alone changed hands on the result of to-days game. The Chicagos' victory yesterday seemed to convince the betters that they were simply invincible, and that the Brown's stood no more of a show of defeating them than any of the tail-end clubs in the association. To-night the opinions are decidedly different as is shown by the betting. Even money is all that can be obtained. The admirers of the White Stockings have not weakened much though, and are backing their club heavily for the game to-morrow in the hopes of getting back some of their money. Then there are others who were formerly devoted friends of the Chicagos, who saw the game to-day, and are convinced that the Browns are the better club, and are laying their money on them. The result of to-day's game fell like a thunderbolt on the base ball population of the city. They could not believe that the Chicagos were beaten, and refused to be convinced until the figures were shown.

Last night, after the game, a large crowd followed Capt. Anson to his dressing-room, where he stood for fully a half hour shaking hands and receiving congratulations. The big captain assured them all that they need have no fear about his team beating the Browns as many games as they wanted.

"Why," said he, "it is just good practice for us." To-night the big blow-hard could not be found. He sneaked off the grounds as soon as the game was over, and has not been seen since.

A large crowd of people jumped onto the ground as soon as the game was called and escorted the Browns to their carriages, and as they were driven out of the grounds they were given three prolonged cheers. Tonight they are the biggest people in all Chicago. President Von der Ahe has been engaged all evening in opening congratulatory telegrams, no less than 100 such messages having already been received by him. They come principally from St. Louis, but many are from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Pittsburg and other cities. The Browns and their friends think that if they can win to-morrow's game they will have no trouble in placing the series to their credit. They feel confident of winning at least two out of the three played in St. Louis. They will make a desperate effort to win to-morrow. It has been decided to put in Caruthers again, he being very anxious to pitch and feeling confident of success. He will be backed up by Bushong. The Chicago's will have Clarkson and Kelly in the points. The three umpire system will again be used. Caruthers was this evening presented with a handsome gold-handed came from his Chicago friends.

The receipts of the two games amount to $5,589, and the proceeds of to-day's game will, it is expected, swell this amount to $9,000 at least. The receipts of the games played in St. Louis will certainly be as large, so the winning club will receive $18,000 or $20,000.

A great many St. Louis people arrived this morning as well as a large number from other cities. President Stein, of the Detroits, O.P. Caylor, of the Cincinnatis, President Stromberg, of the St. Louis Maroons, and many other prominent base ball men are in the city. Both clubs leave for St. Louis to-morrow evening.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, October 20, 1886