ed and their
unsteadiness gave their opponents the advantage which they sought.

Perhaps, if the St. Louis team had been a little stronger to batting it
would have rated higher among the organization of the National League.
Several games were lost which would have been taken into camp by a
better display at bat. In fielding the team was much stronger and the
success of the infield, combined with some excellent outfield work now
and then, frequently held the team up in close battles, but when the
pitchers faltered on the path the fielders were not able to bear the
force of the attack.

* * * * *

For three seasons in succession Brooklyn seems to have been fated to
start the season with bad luck and misfortune. The spring training trip
did not bring to Brooklyn all that had been expected owing to the
inclement weather.

When the team began the season at Washington Park a tremendous crowd
filled the stands. Long before it was time for the game to begin the
spectators became unruly and swarmed over the field. It was impossible
for the ground police to do anything with the excited enthusiasts and at
last the city police were asked to assist. They tried to clear the
field, but only succeeded in driving the crowd from the infield.
Spectators were so thick in the outfield that they crowded upon the
bases and prevented the players from doing their best. For that matter
the outfielders could not do much of anything.

A ground rule of two bases into the crowd was established, and the New
York players, who were the opponents of Brooklyn, took advantage of it
to drive the ball with all their force, trusting that it would sail over
the heads of the fielders and drop into the crowd. They were so
successful that they made a record for two-base hits and Brooklyn was
overwhelmed.

This unfortunate beginning appeared to depress the Brooklyn team. The
players recovered slightly, but had barely got into their stride again
when accidents to the men began to happen. Some of them became ill, and
the manager was put to his wits end to get a team on the field which
should make a good showing.

Fighting against these odds Brooklyn made the best record that it could.
As the season warmed into the hotter months the infield had to be
rearranged. There was disappointment in the playing of some of the
infielders. It was also necessary to reconstruct the outfield. Unable to
get all of the men whom he would have d