Clipping:Calling runners out on a base on balls; the disgraceful behavior of the Baltimore club
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| Date | Sunday, May 26, 1872 |
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| Text | [Athletic vs. Baltimore 5/20/1872] Anson got his base on called balls after one hand was out, and McGeary made a first-base hit. Next Mack took his base on called balls, and of course Anson and McGeary should each advance a base, for where else could they go? To the surprise of all, and no doubt by a pre-concerted arrangement, Craver threw the ball to Pike, at second, and the umpire decided both Anson and McGeary out for being off bases. To this rascally act, of course, the Athletic would not consent, and all the Baltimore players denounced it as a bare-faced swindle also. All, did we say? We should except Mr. Craver, notorious throughout the length and breath of the country for his lack of principle. He, of course, insisted that it was right. Finally, however, the pressure was so strong that the servile umpire could stand it no longer, and he reversed his decision. Then Craver refused to play unless the first decision was held. The “Blood Tubs,” “Plug Uglies,” “Dead Rabbits,” and the kindred associations of killers, for which Baltimore is notorious, broke through the ropes, surrounded the Athletic players, and attempted personal violence. The Baltimore players rallied to the protection of their imperilled antagonists, and at last a strong force of police guarded the Philadelphians off the field, and Mr. Graham coolly decided that, as they refused to play, the game was forfeited to the Baltimore club by 7 to 4. This man, all through, showed an utter ignorance of the simplest points of the game, and the matter will be laid before the judiciary committee, whom it is perhaps not premature to say must necessarily decide the game null and void. Either it is that, or the Baltimoreans have it by a score of 9 to 0, not 7 to 4. ... In connection with the Baltimore nine mentioned above, we have learned that before leaving Baltimore for Washington, the Athletic officers had agreed with those of the Baltimore that the game of Monday should be considered invalid, but on Wednesday Mr. Hayhurst was informed that some trickery was about to be played, and he at once went to Baltimore and demanded an agreement in writing. After much dodging of the question this was finally refused by the Baltimoreans, and the Athletics then rightfully refused to play and came home. The object of this trick was to get another game in Baltimore with the Athletic, and then disclaim the agreement. The conduct of the Baltimore people on Monday was simply disgraceful, and pledges of proper treatment to visiting clubs should hereafter be exacted, or else all clubs should refuse to play in that city. Every club that has played there this season has experienced trouble, which finally culminated in the affair of Monday. Philadelphia Sunday Republic May 26, 1872 [Athletic vs. Baltimore 5/20/1872] [after confirming the Athletics version of events:] The Athletics, we are told, intend to lay the matter before the Judiciary Committee. We have had numerous questions as to the disposition of bets made upon the result of this match. Our opinion is that such bets must stand until the case has been decided by the Judiciary Committee, for it is evident that the prime cause of the trouble was the umpire who does not seem to understand the laws of the game; or, if understanding, he was totally at fault in his application of them for the exigencies of the play... New York Clipper June 1, 1866 [Athletic vs. Baltimore 5/20/1872] Before the umpire called a base for Mack, and just as the ball left the pitcher’s hand, Anson started to run to second, where the ball, being promptly thrown, met him. The ball leaving Craver’s had at the moment the umpire called a base for Mack, a question is raised perhaps as to wether Anson was out or not. But when the intention and the time of his starting are taken into consideration, the doubt is instantly dispelled. He was captured while stealing a base, and, having started before Mack was given his base, the award could not fairly cover him, and he was justly decided out. Philadelphia Sunday Dispatch June 9, 1872 quoting (and disputing) the Baltimore Clipper [see also New York Clipper June 15, 1872, quoting the Baltimore Gazette] |
| Source | Philadelphia Sunday Republic |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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