The Spitter

How to throw a Bobby Mathews Special.

1909 Frederick Hustlers

1909 Frederick Hustlers of the Blue Ridge League. Western Maryland was well represented.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_League

LOL!

ROBERT T. "BOBBY" MATHEWS - PITCHER

Born: November 21, 1851 in Baltimore, MD

Died: April 17, 1898 in Baltimore, MD

BOBBY MATHEWS 15 YEAR MAJOR LEAGUE TOTALS

W          L            %            ERA       GS           CG      IP           ER          BB         SO

297      248         .545           2.86      568           525    4956.0     1573        532      1528

AB               R             H           2B           3B           HR          RBI         BA

2486             318         504         48           9              1              164         .203

The Excelsiors finest starting nine visited their neighbors in Washington on Wednesday June 6, 1860. Little did they know that the game would be historic in that not only was it the first official game played by a Baltimore team and the first intercity game in the history of baseball outside of the New York City area, but also the beginning of a rivalry that would last more than 150 years. The Potomac Base Ball Club's home field was located on a cow pasture just south of the President’s Mansion called the White Lot. The hot weather did not scare away the spectators as the perimeter of the outfield was dotted with over 2,000 when the contest began at the stroke of one o’clock. Captain George Beam won the coin toss and elected to take the field first. The game started out evenly matched until the sixth inning when the Potomacs scored nine runs off Beam, putting them ahead. The hitting was even throughout, but Baltimore made it count. The Excelsiors fought back in the bottom half, tallying thirteen in response to take the lead, and ultimately the victory!

“A large number of spectators were upon the ground, including some three or four hundred ladies…  Hazlett, who played 1st base, was severely hurt in the third inning by a spike from one of the Potomac.”

-Porter’s Spirit of the Times, June 8, 1860.

                                              1    2    3    4    5    6     7    8    9

DC POTOMAC                  3    2    0    1    3    9     3    3    0 ….. 24

EXCELSIOR                        3    1    2    4    4   13    4    3    6 …...40

Passed balls- Woods 4, Smedberg, 8

U- J. Morrow Scorers- Satterfield, Excelsior and Irwin, Potomac

The Daily Exchange gave an extensive account of the contest and noted the Excelsiors: “were dressed in blue flannel pants, white shirt and gray caps; and the Potomac players in full gray flannel suits.” After the game, “at seven o'clock in the evening the two Clubs partook of a sumptuous entertainment, which was prepared at the order of the Potomac Club, and which was served up at Gautier's. When all were seated Captain Smedberg rose and in a neat speech, presented the ball, which is always the prize in a match, to the Excelsior Club. Captain Beam, on behalf of the club, responded in a few happy and appropriate remarks. After ample justice had been done to the good things, the cloth was removed, and, in response to sentiments, speeches were made by Messrs. G.A. Woods, James Morrow, Nicholas Chapman and others. At an early hour in the morning the company rose and dispersed, more than gratified with the entertainment and hospitality of the Potomac Club.” A month later the Excelsiors had the winning ball gilded in silver at William Brown’s Jewelry store at the corner of Baltimore and Charles Streets where it was displayed proudly for the rest of the summer. Inscribed on the ball are the words “Potomac vs. Excelsior. Washington, June 1860.” Our first baseball trophy!

1907 Eastern League

"THE EXCELSIOR BASE BALL CLUB - Within a few days past, a number of young men residing mostly in the Western section of the city have formed an association known as the Excelsior Base Ball Club, principally with the view of promoting physical exercise and healthful recreation. The following officers have been elected: W. D. Shurtz, President; George W. Tinges, Vice President; Henry (Hervey) Shriver, Secretary. Committee of Inquiry: A. K. Foard, George F. Beam and   M. N. Howe. The name was selected in honor of the Excelsior Base Ball Club of Brooklyn, N.Y., and the membership consisting almost entirely of young merchants, have selected their playground at a spot known as "Flat Rock," near the Madison Street Avenue."

                                     - American and Commercial Advertiser, July 12, 1859