The Department League flourished in Washington. The league was a counterpart to the industrial leagues in other cities. The completion was said to be first rate and fans might recognize some of the names listed below.
In late September 1894, The Washington Star comments on the successful 1894 Departmental Base Ball League season. “The Departmental Base Ball League season of 94 is over, after a very successful experience. The District Commissioners Office team has won the pennant. The team was organized this spring and never played together before the season opened. Its staunchest friends never believed that they would be at the head of the list. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing team was second, 162 points behind the colts from the District building, whose per cent was .818 in games won, with the great batting average of .315 for the team. “Tubby” Dickinson, the star backstop of the league, who has caught in every game, leads the league in batting with an average of .558, fielding .947. Bob Barr comes next on the team, with .484 batting. Bob has pitched some masterly games, shutting out the POP with a score 8 to 0, and striking out fourteen men. Capt. Fuller has a batting average of .452, and fielding .800, besides pitching in seven winning games. “Nympo” Jones, at second base, had a batting average of .339, fielding .920, and is the best base runner in the league. Third Baseman Boyd has been playing a strong game with an average of batting .290. H Donovan plays as good first base as any of them and bats at a .250 rate, while Harry Yates in center field has the same mark. Lamar Cobb, the phenomenal left fielder, and D Donovan, substitute catcher and fielder, have helped to win the pennant.
This was in the 1 September issue of the Washington Star. “The Departmental Base Ball League is just ending a successful season, in which have been given some fine exhibitions of baseball playing. When the league was started, in last June, many predicted that the organization would be a failure, but even these skeptics are forced to admit that the league has been as successful as any amateur organization of a like character that was ever instituted in this city, and in consideration of the fact that it was hastily organized the success that It has attained is indeed truly remarkable. In early June Mr. AA Sousa conceived the idea of forming a league of base ball players, to be drawn from Uncle Sam’s departments. A meeting was held in the postmaster’s room at the city post office, and the following clubs sent representatives: Bureau of engraving and printing. District Commissioners’ office, War Department, Navy Department, geological survey. Post Office Department, Interior Department, Pension Office, Treasury Department, City Post Office and Arsenal. The league selected as its officers: Mr. Antony A Sousa, president: Mr. Lamar Cobb, vice president; Mr. Alvin Belt, secretary, and Mr. Horace Durant, treasurer. They then proceeded to formulate the necessary rules, etc., to govern the organization, and on July 10 nines began playing on the prepared schedule. At once it was manifest that the league was composed of good material, but the chief credit is due to the managers of the different clubs, who had but a short time to perfect the necessary arrangements pertaining to uniforms, training, etc. However, the season started auspiciously, and it was immediately seen that the league would have a successful season. Among the players are many ex-professional base ball players, and it is safe to presume that some now in the clubs will soon be placed on some of the teams in the big league. Now that it has the confidence of the public, the league ran start next season more propitiously, and will have fewer obstacles to overcome than they had at the beginning of the initial season. Mr. Antony A. Sousa, the president of the league, is also the founder of that organization, and when the league started it unanimously elected Mr. Sousa to the office of president, in which capacity he has, with the assistance of his valuable helpers, conducted the business of the league to the satisfaction of that body. Mr. Sousa is the brother of the composer, John Philip Sousa, and, like his brother, has considerable popularity in this city. His managerial ability has been tested to its utmost, and many difficult obstacles have been overcome by his tactful management. He has the confidence and friendship of every man in the league.
The vice president is Mr. Lamar Cobb, who also plays with the Commissioners’ team. Mr. Cobb is a member of the Columbia Athletic Club, and has interested himself in many of the amateur sports of any consequence in this city. He has a good knowledge of all things that pertain to athletic matters and his suggestions have proven invaluable.
The secretary of the league is Mr. William S Hardesty, who was formerly manager of the Geological Survey Base Ball Club. When he was elected to the office of secretary by reason of Mr. Belt’s resignation he was connected with the survey team, which subsequently dropped out. This male Mr. Hardesty ineligible as a member of the league board, but the confidence in him was so great that the league unanimously agreed to keep him in the office of secretary.
Mr. Wilmot L Harris looks after the funds of the league, and is one of the liveliest workers. He has always manifested the warmest interest in the league’s welfare, and, in addition to his duties as treasurer, he also finds time to play second base on the Pension team. Mr. Harris never misses a game, and his promptness has often been extremely beneficial to the league.
The umpires of the league are under the Supervision of Mr. Alvin Belt, and consist of a number of gentlemen who have proven themselves adequately fitted for the trying work which they are obliged to perform. Mr. Belt was originally the manager of the Interior Department and Olympic Base Ball clubs, and his knowledge of base ball, together with his ability as a manager, doubly
qualifies him for the position of chief of umpires, which he has so successfully filled. The umpires on the staff are efficient, and comprise Messrs. Charles B Cameron, John Heydler and Archie Catlin.
Mr. George Jaeger has filled the position of custodian with great credit, and as a hustler he has no peer. Ha at one time served in the United States army, with the rank of captain, and it is probably due to this that he conducts his business with such “military promptness.” He is a great enthusiast, and is one of the league’s most valuable helpers. As custodian he has been untiring in his efforts to further the league’s progress, and that, together with having the management of the pension office team, has kept the captain very busy the entire season.
When the Post Office Department club was organized, on June 12, it selected as its manager Mr. AS Belote, who since that time has steadily advanced his club, and, in spite of numerous drawbacks, the team is in a healthy condition. Mr. Belote, who is well known socially and in Masonic circles, has been indefatigable in his efforts to advance the welfare of his team, and his
diplomacy on all occasions has won the hearty approval of every member of his club. Jimmy Sprigman plays second base for the club, and, as he is too well known to require comment, it can be simply said that he is as tricky as ever. Eddie Walsh is another star, and this year is playing at the first bag, in which position he has heretofore been a stranger. However, he covers it all right, and is doing just as good work as he did last year on the Georgetown University team. Milton O’Connell pitches, and does it well; AS Riddle is the catcher, and these two form a very effective battery. The third base is covered by Ed Gee, and McKee plays at short. In the outfield the Post Office Department club has Lucas, Healey, Morrison and George Hurley, who captains the team.
The “Pensioners” are captained by Billy Bolway, who also plays at short. Mr. Bolway rivals all other crack short stops in the league, and is an energetic and conscientious player. He has been connected with a number of local clubs, and has a great fielding record. Mr. Wilmot Harris, the second baseman of the team, possesses excellent judgment in fielding balls, and, in addition to being a good ball player, has proven invaluable as an officer of the league. Raab, the catcher, has a fine record, and covers his position nicely. Hendley plays well in the field, and Hough is an excellent pitcher. Belknap, Harris, Solan, Hendley and Bolway are the infielders; Graham, Scott, Gray and Hoover generally play the outfield, while Hough and Cleves as pitchers, with Raab and Hendley as catchers, comprise the batteries. Mr. George Jaeger, who is the custodian of the league, manages this club.
The District Commissioners’ office baseball team was organized as soon as the departmental league was suggested. The team has surprised its warmest supporters, who never believed that it would now be running neck and neck for first honors. No little of its success and high standing is due to its manager, Mr. MC Hazen, who has labored earnestly and faithfully to place it where it is. He has let no opportunity slip whereby he could strengthen the club, and today has a set of progressive ball players who can take a game from any of them. The congenial captain, Eddie Fuller, has also had a hand in placing the team among the leaders. He is among the star pitchers of the league, and many times has pulled the team out of a hole and landed it victor. Eddie is always in the game to win, and is ably supported by “Tubby” Dickinson, who is a great backstop. Henry Donovan is playing first bag for keeps, and next to him is “Nimpo” Jones at second, who is playing the bag as well as anyone in the business. Bob Barr, the former well-known league pitcher, is at short. Billy Boyd has developed into one of the best third basemen in the league. Lamar Cobb covers left garden, and some of his catches have been phenomenal. Harry Yates is in center, and Dan Donovan in right held.
The team organized to represent the bureau of engraving and printing contains some of the oldest amateur players in the city. As they have been organized for about four years, they had quite an advantage at the beginning of the season, and for a time proved invincible. It excels in its team work, as the fielding averages of the players will show. Mr. William McCauley captains the team, and he ranks foremost among his associates. He has a thorough knowledge about everything that pertains to base ball, and has the absolute confidence of his men. Mr. Charles F Miller, as manager of the team, has shown excellent judgment in handling the affairs of the club. Everyone knows “Brother Miller” as a genial and beneficent person, and it is principally due to his earnest enthusiasm that the club has remained in such good form, as their standing indicates. Jack Orspada has pitched well the entire season, and has received excellent support from the team. They have a great infield with Dove, Madigan, Leach and McCauley. Joe Bernard is the new pitcher recently signed by the team, and he still retains his old time form. The makeup of the club is as follows: Bernard and Orspada, pitchers; Wade, catcher; Dove, Madigan and Leach on the bases; McCauley, short stop, and Flaherty, Farrell, Schaeffer und Julian in the field.
To Mr. Harry Clark belongs the credit of organizing and perfecting the Treasury Department Club. It was through his efforts that the team started out so auspiciously. Mr. Clark takes the liveliest interest in all athletic sports, and has participated in a number of events hero and elsewhere. Mr. Serven succeeded Mr. Clark as manager of the club, and he is well liked by all the members. He uses good Judgment in placing his men and has remarkable tact in encouraging the team at critical moments. His presence is a great help at the meetings of the governors, as his suggestions are always timely and sensible. Mr. Barrows is captain of the “Treasurers” and covers second bag. His fielding average is among the best. Mills is the star pitcher of the team, and is one of the coolest pitchers in the league. He is also a good batter and has a number of home runs to his credit. The other players on the team are good hitters, and although their positions in the field are often changed, yet they seem to play them all equally as well. The team consists of Barrows, Kellar, Mills, Hedericks, Foster, Brown, Stock, McClure, Gavin, Adams, Nichols, Welsh, Smith, Clark and Maize.
The City Post Office nine is managed by Mr. George W Schneider, and under his guidance the team has been gradually strengthened until it now ranks with the leaders. At the commencement of the season the team was unable to get the proper practice, which resulted in the loss of several games; now, however, the boys are in excellent trim and the leading clubs of late have suffered defeat when they played with “Sherwood’s Pets,” as the club is familiarly called. Harry Chamberlin captains the club, and plays at first base. He was connected with the Columbia Athletic Club team last year, and is no doubt the best amateur first baseman in this city. George Winkleman’s south paw possesses a magic that will win any game when that young twirler is in good condition. George has been very ill this reason, and in consequence has not been able to officiate as pitcher in many of the games. He is now in excellent shape, and in the recent game with the Engravers showed something of his old-time form by nearly shutting them out. Frank Rebstock is the heavy hitter of the club and has a habit of knocking home runs with alarming frequency; he is also a deceptive pitcher, and a good outfielder. Harry Bishop is without doubt one of the cleverest backstops in the league, and he very seldom fails to score several hits in a game. Hammacker is a splendid all-round player, but is at his best in the pitcher’s box. Harry Connor has developed into a fine second baseman and sure hitter. The other players on the team are clever and useful in their various positions. The team is as follows; Wood, left field; Chamberlain, first base; Bishop, catcher; Conner, short stop; Winkleman, Rebstock and Hammacker, pitchers; Connor, second base; Ambrose, third base; White, Hennesy, Denny and Barclay, in the field.
Mr. CP Dickens is the manager of the War Department Club. His popularity and fitness for that position are exceeded only by his all-around ability to play ball. The organization of the War Department Club was a difficult matter owing to the anticipated heavy reductions in the force of that Department Players were hard to get, and when good ones were found they were shaky about advancing funds to pay their share of the expenses of the club. It was only by indefatigable efforts and a liberal use of his own pocket book that Manager Dickens finally succeeded in effecting an organization. The club is playing good ball, and as at present constituted is not afraid of any of the leaders. Mr. Dickens in his seven years’ experience in the signal corps of the army had ample opportunities to develop his boyhood ability as a ball player, and many are the tales he can tell of exciting games at Forts Sill and Reno and other military posts. His old position was at shortstop or third base, and he is at home at either place. Charlie Dickens scorns to claim relationship with his celebrated namesake. There is nothing English about him. He is a typical young American, and it is whispered that after rending Martin Chuzzlewit his patriotism was so thoroughly aroused that he came near changing his own name entirely. John Quinn is the energetic first baseman of the club. He has played ball from boyhood at every opportunity. In 1890 he had charge of the navy league club of the USS Atlanta in New York City, and during the season had a record of only one strike out. Since then he has played with the marines in this city, and also as first base man of the Brooklyn marines when they had a strong nine. Since the admission of the Navy Department employees to the club he has been captain of the team, and its good work since that time is due largely to Mr. Quinn’s tact and judgment in placing players and his own excellent and determined playing. Mr. FA Cook, the left fielder, takes pardonable pride in showing the boys how to pull in long files. The warriors have a most excellent catcher in the person of Mr. John Gilroy. Mr. Gilroy caught for the famous Washington Stars of 1892, when only four games were lost out of a total of fifty-four played. During that season he had a record of only one strike out. It is the exception when Gilroy does not make a home-run hit and triples galore during a game. In the last four games played by the warriors he has made a total of four home-run hits. All base ball patrol’s of Washington know or have heard of Tommy Evers. His work at second base is equal to that of many of the second basemen In the National League, and to a great many of them he could give valuable pointers. In 1884 Mr. Evers played second base for the Union Association Club of this city, which was an eight-club organization represented by four eastern and four western cities; he also played a part of the following season in the Eastern League. Mr. EE Merrill, late captain of the Arsenal team, is a live, energetic ball player. In the summer of 1891, he played short for a crack amateur club of Atlanta, which, during the season, played thirty five games with clubs all over the south and won thirty-one of them. This was the initial movement which resulted in the organization of the Southern League. Mr. Merrill has since played in the army. Mr. Gibson has been in the army for eight or ten years and has always utilized every opportunity to participate in a game of ball, either in the box or at first base. Mr. Gibson has terrific speed and some very deceptive curves and can cause some of the best batters to punctuate the air with excessive violence. The team as listed stands: Gilroy, Ellason, Quinn, Dickens, Gibson, Merrill, Cook, Norton, Evers, McGee, Taylor, Allen and Nolan.”
