very glad to have them. When a
representative major league team is made up of players who represent
every section in the Union, engaged for their skill, it seems as if Base
Ball has become nearer an ideal and a national pastime than ever before
in the history of the sport.

To the Southern writers the members of the Base Ball Writers Association
and those of the organizations patterned on like lines send greeting.

BASE BALL WORTH WHILE?

One of the foremost divines in the East who has a deep concern in Base
Ball and Base Ball players is Rev. Dr. Reisner, pastor of the Grace
Methodist Episcopal Church, of New York City. Throughout the season he
attends the games and is greatly interested in the work of the players.
He knows Base Ball well, and in addition to that he knows the
environment of Base Ball players and their character and endeavor as
well as any person in the United States.

It is Dr. Reisner's custom each year to preach a sermon to the Base Ball
players and their friends in his church in New York, and the building
always is filled to listen to his discourse. In view of the interest
which he takes in the national game and because of his excellent
knowledge as to the general details of the sport, the Editor of the
GUIDE asked him to say a few words to the ball players of the United
States through the medium of this publication, and he has graciously
consented to do so in the following pithy and straightforward talks:

BY THE REV. CHRISTIAN F. REISNER, NEW YORK.

The Bible is the Spalding book of rules for the game of life. James B.
Sullivan, beloved by all athletes, gave me these rules for athletes:
"Don't drink, use tobacco or dissipate. Go to bed early and eat
wholesome food!" The boozer gets out of the game as certainly as the
bonehead.

I have interviewed scores of the most noted players. Every one had a
religious training. Many are church members. All avoid old-time
drinking, as our fathers did smallpox.

Mathewson belongs to the high type now being generally duplicated. He is
a modern masculine Christian. Base Ball demands brains as well as brawn.
Minds muddled by licentiousness and liquor are too "leady" for leaders.
Hotheadedness topples capable players.

I am proud to style scores of Base Ball players, I know, as gentlemen.
They are optimists. Defect is unrecognized. Team work makes them
brotherly. Bickerings break a Baseballist. Every member of the team
gives himself wholly to the