Sunday, September 26, 2010

The 1886 World Series: A Flood-Tide

Never in the history of the National game has the base-ball crank been so numerous and pronounced as in St. Louis today. Even in the old days of '76, when the original Browns came so near wresting the championship from the Bostons, the enthusiasm never reached the flood-tide at which it is now running. It finds vent in a thousand ways, but cruelly in the uncalled-for ridicule and abuse of the visiting League Champions. Anson today elected to pitch Baldwin, a young twirler who won the Northwestern championship for the Duluth club and who was signed by Chicago. Baldwin donned the blue uniform and came on the field. Immediately the 10,000 people present howled their objection, and the Browns took it up and refused to play with Baldwin. As Flynn's arm was very sore, this kick left the Chicago team without a pitcher. Pierce had been selected to umpire for the Browns, but was late, and McQuade took his place, Kelly acting as referee and Quest appearing for Chicago.
-Chicago Daily Tribune, October 23, 1886

No comments: