BASEBALL

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 126, 29 May 1915, Page 14

BASEBALL

(By "Homeplate. ") LLOYD'S HOME RUN. In the opening match of the winter session played last Saturday between South and Central there were many new faces in both teams, and it was pleasing to see that these recruitsi acquitted themselves well. In the battery work also the "fane" expected to see borne great work, and so they did. There was nothing brilliant in the work of either pitcher, but they settled down to a ding-dong 6trenuous tussle, and it was thus a question of stamina, and although Walters outpointed and outgeneralled Rogers, the latter must bo credited with the plucky fight he put up. "Ho me pi ate" suggests to tho South captain that M'Millan be put into the catcher's pen and thus let looee Westcrholme to relieve Rogers at the slab. This would materially strengthen the South attack. To Alex. Lloyd, CentraJ's "clean up" hitter, belongs the honour of having hit the first home run for the winter session. Lloyd particularly likes low balls, and it was from ono of these deliveries, by Rogere, that the City man drove the ball to tremendous height towards right outfield - Gorman, who was fielding in. this position, made a good attempt to take the catch, but overbalanced just at the critical moment. Another piece of play worthy of mention was made by Dave Morris. Morris had taken the usual long lead off second bag, but Rogers was not to be caught napping. Morris set off, for third, but the ball beat him out— back again to second. At last he fooled the third bagman into a. lonehead throw, and slid in safe to second. By the way, Morris played _ oa_ second bag, and gave a 6ound exhibition ; perhaps it would be worth while to keep him there. South has a_ handy man in Boyce, who played at third bag. Ferris and Cohen will both prove useful additions to the City team. The latter, who on Saturday was playing amongst the "rhubarbs" in the garden, might be tried at short-stop today, as he has the required build and agility for this onerous position. Weather permitting to-day, Fandom should, provided the players profit by last Saturday's mistakes, witness a very keen and willing game. NATIONAL RESERVISTS. This is a time when every man should endeavour to make himself physically fit, and so be ready should the Dominion roquiro his services. Many men are past the age for playing football, but "Homeplate' appeals to them to take up the great game of Baseball, in which they will obtain such training a« they need. By doing so those men who have thought themselves "has beens" ■will become rejuvenated, and therefore better able to do their duty, should their country require their services. - WANTED, A PROGRESSIVE POLICY. In these columns some time ago "Homeplate" asked eaoh 'ball player and fan to ge.t in touch with his old schoolmaster and endeavour to get his permission to start the game in the primary schools. How many players and fans nave done so? Last winter enthusiasts addressed many meetings, and promises of clubs being formed were obtained, and these dubs would have been formed had not this terrible and devastating war came upon us. Why not go in for a like policy this winter? Admittedly the elder members of the_ sporting publio have their attention directed elsewhere. But why not go in and tap that great reservoir, the publio and secondary schools? What keen enthusiasts the St. Patrick's College boys now are! And wo have the Technical School and Wellington College yet untouched. They would prove equally, enthusiastic. Why does not each 'ball player go out with the intention of getting a recruit within a certain time. If such a scheme were adopted soon there would not bo enough playing grounds .to eatisfv tho needs of the new clubs that would come dnto being 1 . "Homeplate" wishes to impress the readers of this column that any improvement in the present methods or any progressive policy must come from the players and "fans" themselves They and they alone can educate the sporting public to the merits of the "best game ever." The' business done by tho committee of management is simnly a reflet of the players themselves. If the players are alive with appeals for the spirit of -progress, so the committee becomes a -Hive wire.' 1 HINT TO PLAYERS For the benefit of those recruits and some of the older players as well, who believe in the thory of stopping the ball at any price, "Homeplate" quotes the latest ruling of President James A. Gilmore, 'of the Federal League: — That should any outfielder stop a ball by throwing his cap, glove, or any part of his equipment at it, will present the batter with a home run by his action. The ordinary rule provides for a threebase hit in such a case._ The three-base rule will stand for a - similar _ action by an infielder. This is an equitable and just ruling which could be very well introduced into the New Zealand rules. Will the Wellington League authorities move in the matter?