WATCHING BASEBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 November 1938, Page 4

WATCHING BASEBALL

SOME EARLY IMPRESSIONS PLAYERS FOR MASTERTON For some first-hand information about baseball as played today in New Zealand, a ‘-Times-Age” representative visited Wellington on Saturday when, as the guest of the Wellington Baseball Association he saw most of the major teams in the senior league at play in the current competition rounds. Particularly interesting was it to see the work of the four leading teams which will play at the Showgrounds, Masterton, on Saturday week. December 3. Under the guidance of Mr G. H. Bassant, chairman of the Association, and Mr Redding, publicity officer, . the “Times-Age” representative, and other Masterton visitors were taken to see a number of games at the Petone Oval, Hutt Park, and at the Winter Show Stadium. It was a colourful experience leaving a vivid picture of the vigorous and picturesque game which in little over 12 months has secured 500 players in Wellington, and similar support in other New Zealand centres. Several’common but erroneous impressions of the game were quickly dispelled from the minds of the Masterton visitors on Saturday. The baseball authorities have no desire to supplant cricket as the’national summer time game of New Zealand, nor the game itself a rival to the more staid English sport. Baseball is essentially a game of rapid' action and extreme vigour. The loose-limbed, graceful action of the cricketer gives way to forceful energy on the part of the baseball player. The natural cricketer would hardly be at home in the robust ball game. Style in the one gives way to energy in the other; the easy action of the cricketer is in distinct contrast to the muscular action of the baseball player; the generous admiration of the specta- • tors for stylish play on the cricket field is very different from the frenzied partisanship of the “rooters” round the diamond. There seems definitely a place in the summer sun of New Zealand for this imported sport, which is developing so ■ rapidly along individualistic lines, particularly suited to the temperament of our own people. As a spectacle, it might yet vie with Rugby, for it is a game which must appeal to the spectator, who likes rapid action. There are no delays in this ball game. Picturesquely attired teams of 10 take the field with equally picturesque preliminaries of limbering up, and preparing for the contest. The batter moves to the plate; the next batter into the batter’s box, a marked circle on the ground close by. The “pitcher” then delivers the ball, underarm, it is true, but with an uncanny control of spin, direction and flight. If the ball is hit cleanly—no easy thing with a round club of only 2 l-Bin diameter—the batter sets off round the diamond. The batting is little less exciting than the .running between bases. The baseman. (fieldsman who guards the base), must have the ball in hand and touch the base before the runner, or touch him with the ball before the base is reached. To avoid the baseman or to speed up his arrival at the base, as often as not the runner dives. The spectators thrill as he slides headlong towards the little plate which marks the base. And so the game goes on, full of thrilling moments, a “home run” causing to the baseball ran even .more excitement than a glorious “six” causes at a cricket match. -i

Adding colour to the game, too, is the barracking, not only on the part of the spectators, but also among the players themselves. At first, this seemingly uncontrolled yelling jars on the minds of the staid Anglo-Saxon, nature. But it is part of the game, a part which really adds to its appeal, for clever barracking, even biting criticism, is not intended as a lasting insult, but is rather a means of letting loose those pent-up animal instincts so rigidly repressed in Lhe normal routine of our life. Masterton people on Saturday week, will at first probably shudder with horror when they hear the first teams at play, but late that horror will pass, and the traditional conservatism of the district give place to the more primitive and natural expression of excited emotions. Four first or international league teams will play at the showground on Saturday week. Jenkin’s Gym, will meet Webb’s Gym, and Ford will play Hutt. At present Jenkin’s Gymn and — Ford are level for first place in the league whilue Hutt and Webb’s Gymn are the next teams on the points ladder. The uniforms worn will surprise local spectators. Ford looks particularly striking in blue jerseys, with gold stripe up each arm and across the chest plus lettering on the back, and a badge on the front of the jersey. Then come while plus fours, coloured socks, and white botos or shoes. Hutt wear all white, with red edging and a red “H” on the chest; Jenkins wear a blue jersey appropriately lettered, white trouser and blue stockings, while Webb's Gym wear a uniform similar to that of the Hutt team. The umpire, too, is uniformed in a black coat and black peaked cap. All the players, of course, wear peaked caps in their appropriate colours. Baseball is very definitely not “rounders.” It is a hard, exciting and skilful game, requiring players to possess sound physical condition together with speed and nerve. Following the matches shortly to be played in Masterton by these Wellington players, local teams will probably be formed. For those who find cricket lacks the necessary vigorous appeal, baseball will prove a popular game while to the spectators it will mean real thrills and real fun.