Clipping:Commentary on the NABBP

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Date Saturday, April 3, 1858
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BASE BALL This invigoration pastime will soon call its votaries to the field, and in anticipation of a lively season the various clubs in this vicinity are getting themselves to readiness for the Campaign of '58.  A convention of ball players assembled here a few weeks' since, to take some action on matters connected with the game of base ball;  that convention adjourned until the 24th of March, when 22 clubs were represented.  There appears to have been some discussion concerning the junior clubs, and the proceedings were anything but harmonious.  Among other business which engaged the attention of the convention, was the report of the committee on Constitution and By-Laws.  This document proposes to call the organization “The National Association of Base Ball Players”--a misnomer, in our opinion, for the convention seems to be rather sectional and selfish in its proceedings, than otherwise, there having been no invitations sent to clubs in other States, and the Constitution permitting no one to be a member of the association who is under 21 years of age, as if our younger friends were in no wise interested in the enjoyment and furtherance of the game.  National, indeed!  Why the association is a mere local organization, bearing no State existence even—to say nothing of a National one.  The truth of the matter is—that a few individuals have wormed themselves into this convention, who have been, and are endeavoring to mould men and things to suit their own views.  If the real lovers of the beautiful and health-provoking game of base ball wish to see the sport diffuse itself over the country—as Cricket is fast doing—they must cut loose from those parties who wish to arrogate to themselves the right to act for, and dictate to all who participate in the game.  These few dictators wish to ape the New  York Yacht Club in their feelings of exclusiveness—we presume.  Let the discontented, therefore, come out from among this party, and organize an association which shall be National—not only in name—but in reality.  Let invitations be extended to base ball players everywhere to compete with them, and endeavor to make the game what it should be—a truly National one. 

Source New York Clipper
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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