Clipping:The pernicious effects of betting, and rumors of thrown games
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| Date | Sunday, July 15, 1860 |
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| Text | BETTING ON MATCHES.–We feel it is our duty to raise our voice against the practice of betting at base ball matches, which seems to be countenanced by certain of our clubs. A match was played one day last week, at which the reprehensible practice was indulged in to a most offensive degree. Offers of bets were freely made and taken, and even the corers were not free from the contagion. We are also told that some oft he players had large amounts of money staked on the results; and this, in open and flagrant violation of the rules of the game, which all clubs of respectability are bound in honor to uphold and maintain. We sincerely hope that we shall never witness a repetition of such a scene at a match as we have here briefly hinted at. The game of base ball has always been free from the pernicious influences of gambling. Its advocates and admirers have ever frowned down all attempts that have been made to convert matches into mere gambling operations; and we hope that they will ever do so. We have heard, on one or two occasions, rumors that certain parties had sold this and that match–meaning that they were rewarded to play badly–and so contribute to the defeat of their side–by those who had staked a large sum on the issue. We have never given credence to these rumors of base ball jockeying; for, believing that all our clubs are controlled at least by gentlemen of respectability and honor, they would not permit parties against whom such a suspicion could be raised to remain among them. We desire to maintain this favorable impression; and we believe that it is highly essential to the present standing and future progress of the game, that any disposition that may be evidenced at matches to bet on the game, should be nipped in the bud. At least, let the members of base ball clubs be the last to indulge in such practices; and it remains with the older clubs to show a worthy example. We are glad to see that the Eagle Club has taken a stand in reference to the matter we refer to above, that reflects credit upon its officers and members. In our advertising columns will be found a resolution, unanimously adopted by the club, in favor hereafter of strictly enforcing the rule of the National Association to which we have directed attention, and which reads as follows: “SEC. 30. No person engaged in a match, whether as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be, either directly or indirectly, interested in any bet upon the game. Neither umpire, scorer, nor player, shall be changed during a match, unless with the consent of both parties (except for a violation of this law), except as provided in Section 37, and then the umpire may dismiss any transgressor.” While on this subject, we may state that there is another rule which is very frequently totally disregarded; and in reforming one, let us reform the other delinquency also. The rule reads as follows: “SEC. 33. No person shall be permitted to approach or speak with the umpire, scorer, or players, or in any manner to interrupt or interfere during the progress of the game, unless by special request of the umpire.” Let us have all the rules enforced, and everything will go harmoniously and well. |
| Source | New York Sunday Mercury |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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