Clipping:The outbreak of war, and a game twelve on each side:

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Date Sunday, May 12, 1861
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BASE BALL: There is really nothing of interest to record under this heading. All desire for popular pastimes seems to have been entirely prostrated by the war movements. Six weeks ago, we looked forward to one of the most spirited base ball seasons ever witnessed; ever club had made preparations for a glorious succession of interesting matches, and a number of spirited contests for the championship of senior and junior clubs was contemplated. But the attack by traitors of the South on Fort Sumter, which sent a thrill of indignation through every patriot bosom in the land, and induced so many thousands to offer their services for the defense of the Government and the punishment of traitors has so completely overshadowed all minor matters, that popular amusements have received little or no attention from their most enthusiastic advocates and admirers. Hundreds of the best base ball players in the United States are now within or on their way to Washington, ready to prove to the world, that while in times of peace they are enthusiastic devotees of the National Game, they are no less ready, in time of war, to make any sacrifice to sustain the honor and dignity of the nation, in a conflict of arms.

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Although we anticipate seeing very few interesting matches this season–unless there should be a much more speedy termination of the war than can at present be expected–there will not be a total suspension of playing. The regular practice-days of each club will no doubt be kept up, and some interest will be maintained by occasional matches during the season. The Excelsior Club of South Brooklyn, assisted by members of the Charter Oak, Independent, and Atlantic Clubs, held a game on their ground on Thursday last, in which there were twelve players on each side. It was gratifying to see those well-known players–Creighton, Russell, and Pearsall–once more on the field; but the presence of Joe Leggett, who is with his regiment in Annapolis, was much missed.

Source New York Sunday Mercury
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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