Clipping:A critical assessment of the ten-man proposal
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| Date | Sunday, November 9, 1873 |
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| Text | [Philadelphia vs. Athletic 11/6/1873] The game possessed some interest from the fact that the proposed encroachment on the rules of the game in the playing of ten men and ten innings now being strenuously urged by Mr. Chadwick was put in practice. We are exceedingly sorry that Mr. C. ever made a proposition of this kind. He has done so much for the real progress of the game that all propositions from him are received with consideration, if not with favor, and if the change referred to is made it will result in spoiling most of the fine points of the game. Therefore we regreat that Mr. Chadwick has made the move, and he can scarcely congratulate himself upon the support he is receiving. Base ball is at present as fine a sport as can be perfected; it has taken long years to make it such. What can be prettier than a well covered field, with the shot stop and second baseman working with the agility of panthers within the boundaries of their positions. Add another to their number, and their occupation is well nigh gone–the first baseman becomes a mere mark for hard throwing, dare not leave his post, for the “right short” is covering all the ground about him, and the danger of collision is evident. Between the right short, left short and second baseman the same trouble is imminent, unless they become listless in their places, and this they are sure to do, when they have but a little space to move in, and then half watch their fellow players as well as the ball. In this way we might bid good-bye to all the fine bits of fielding, such as given by Wood, Barnes, Fulmer, Holdsworth, and other expert infielders. Take the vim from a player, contract his room for action, and there is small home for his distinguishing himself. Another point against the proposition is this: For scientific batsmen, the space about second base has always served as a point to which the ball should be driven. Such hits, when accomplished, are the prettiest in the art, and with an infield completely covered they would be almost impossible. Again, good base running is prevented, as the runner is kept close to his base, and by this means given no chance for the next bag. Good batting and base running essential beauties of the game. All of this was practically demonstrated on Thursday, when the experiment was made and proved a failure. The players ridiculed the arrangement after they perceived how it worked, and the interest in the game soon died away. |
| Source | Philadelphia Sunday Dispatch |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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