Clipping:Preparing the ground for the big game
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| Date | Wednesday, August 15, 1866 |
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| Text | [Atlantics vs. Mutuals 8/14/1866] Messrs. Weed and Decker, desirous that all should have a fair chance, prepared the grounds, so that no fault could be found with their management. The grass had been cropped as low as machinery could accomplish it, the sod had been rolled, the bare spots, from pitcher's to catcher's positions, and the circle around the bases had been moistened and rolled, and the home and pitcher's plates, bases and foul lines were distinctly drawn and whitened. A new platform for ladies was erected, and on this occasion was filled with the grace and beauty of Brooklyn. But one other feature of the ground deserves even more marked notice. Over the scorer's stand—hitherto subjected to the burning rays of the sun—was erected a fine canopy, composed of the American flag, which, with its corresponding canopy on the opposite side, gave the grounds a very picturesque appearance. Never did any grounds present as complete, perfect and regular a ball field, as the Capitoline yesterday. The crowds began to arrive as early as half past twelve o'clock, every car, upon arrival at the corner of Fulton and Nostrand avenues, emptying itself almost entirely. The dense stream of spectators was visible from all quarters, taxing even the extra accommodations, which had been made for their reception. In the ticket office were Mr. Weed and four companions, while at each of the three gates were two assistants, superintended by Mr. Reuben Decker. About two o'clock a splendid body of men made their appearance, marching in regular step and order, attracting the attention of all. Upon arrival at the grounds they proved to be Inspector John S. Folk and one hundred and fifty picked men, to whom was entrusted the entire control and management of the grounds. The good order is mainly attributable to the able manner in which the police discharged their duties. The Atlantic club take this opportunity of extending their thanks to the police, and especially to Inspector Folk. By this time the crowd came in perfect flocks, and the platform was soon filled with visitors from all sections of the country, who had assembled to witness the grand championship game. No one can gainsay the opinion, hereafter, that the game of Base Ball is the great national game, when spectators numbering 20,000 and over will assemble on one occasion to witness an encounter between eighteen men. The crowd was arranged around the banks, so as to keep the field clear all the time, and hence there was but little chance for an interference with the players. The presence of the police was a guarantee that no such disgraceful wholesale stealing and pocket-picking would take place as at Hoboken [earlier that season], and hence all breathed free, when the “blue coats” arrived. When the field had been cleared and the two nines stood in position for work the sight was indeed a grand one. The crowd pushed far back to their limits, the police forming a square around the crowd, the scorers, reporters and umpire alone allowed inside with the players. There the two nines stood, confronting each other, both looking determined as if they really meant work. |
| Source | Brooklyn Daily Eagle |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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