Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The 1876 Brown Stockings: That St. Louis Goose


Twelve hundred spectators witnessed the reappearance of that St. Louis goose at Grand Avenue Park yesterday afternoon. The Athletics were made painfully aware of the presence of the bird of ill-omen at the termination of the fifth game of their series with the St. Louis club. The Athletics again won the toss, Fergy Malone taking Ritterson's place behind the bat, when the Browns went to the field. For the home nine Pike played second, Mack short, Blong right, Clapp center, and McGeary caught. The brilliant playing was all done by the home team, the visitors not coming up to the expectations either at the bat or in the field. The features of the contest were the short fielding of Mack, Battin's third base play, Pike's display at second and Bradley's pitching. Mack captured a hard-hit liner with one hand, for which he was applauded. Mack, Pike and McGeary accomplished a magnificent double play, which was eclipsed by Battin, Pike and Dehlman later in the game. Sutton and Meyerle played without an error. Fisler, Hall and Malone were the only Blue legs who could do anything with the stick, while all of the Browns, except Blong, got in a safe hit. The visitors were outplayed at every point, but want of space prevents further comment.
-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, June 23, 1876


Please note the appearance of Mr. L.W. Burtis as umpire. This is, I believe, the first Brown Stockings' game that Burtis ever umpired.

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