America's National Game. Albert G. Spalding

      IF it is true that the organization of the first Baseball club, in the old Knickerbockers, marked the initial epoch in the history of the game, it must also be admitted that the coalition of numerous clubs, that they might work together for the advancement of common interests, inaugurated a second era of equal import.

      For several years new clubs had been coming rapidly into existence. Thoughtful players of every team had views for the improvement of the game. It had long been apparent that some of the rules were inconsistent and prejudicial to the best development of the sport. All were agreed that certain modifications of the old Knickerbocker system ought to be introduced at as early a date as practicable. The need was pressing. Field contests were constantly increasing in numbers and interest, while misunderstandings, misinterpretations and dissensions on ball fields were multiplying in consequence.

      Meanwhile, the Knickerbocker Baseball Club, having served its important purpose of taking the initiative in organization, seemed to have outgrown its usefulness, and became an actual stumbling block in the path of progress.

      This silk-stocking aggregation, never able to play a very brilliant game, had been reluctant to accept challenges from shipwrights, boilermakers and other grades of "greasy mechanics." Not wishing to be drawn into too close fellowship with the rabble, and perhaps dreading the humiliation of defeat at the hands of plebian upstarts, the Knickerbockers held aloof, practicing occasionally — between banquets — usually among their own exclusive membership, satisfied with the moldy laurels won before live competition had appeared, and resting upon the glory of their unquestioned title as the first, if not "greatest ever."

      The attitude of the Knickerbockers was for some time quite embarrassing to the interests of Baseball. It was important that this organization, whose playing rules had been very generally adopted, but which needed so many changes, should co-operate with other clubs to that end. But no. The " Knicks " were satisfied with the rules, which were good enough for them — for anybody, they thought. And thus the matter rested, the original club declining overtures for matches, for conferences or for association. They were it, and it they proposed to remain.

      Perhaps we ought not too harshly to criticize the Knickerbockers for their attitude at this period in the history of the game. They had been present at the accouchement and had witnessed the birth of Baseball. Ever, since that glad day, the Knickerbockers had rocked the cradle of the infant prodigy, until they had come to regard themselves as in every way its special guardian and caretaker. They could not be induced to look with any favor upon the efforts of the Excelsiors, the Atlantics, the Gothams, the Putnams and other remote, aspiring relatives, to butt in under claims of ties of consanguinity. Especially were the Knickerbockers jealous of any attempts on the part of these rank outsiders to assume the functions of formulating rules for the disciplinary government of their child. The Baseball infant had come into the world under the most auspicious conditions. From the very beginning, its surroundings had been pre-eminently respectable, and all its leadings had been along lines most proper and decorous. If the Knickerbockers had, in their fondness for the youngster, overfed it at times and withheld a due amount of exercise, their intentions at least had been sincere and solicitous.

      And now, it was proposed by these interlopers to introduce the kidlet into society — and such society! How were the Knickerbockers to meet the influences for evil which they thought would surely assail their darling if it came in touch with coarse and vulgar people who lived over on Long Island.''

      But that was not all. The Knickerbockers had been organized after the pattern of the ancient Marylebone Cricket Club, of England, which for centuries, more or less, had made every rule for the government of Cricket in Great Britain and her colonies — and which does so still. To question the right of the Marylebone Club to dictate in all matters of the British national game, on the other side of the Atlantic, was rank heresy. And who were these pretenders, anyhow, who were disputing .the Knickerbockers' right, which had never been questioned until now, to supervise and control Baseball in America? And so the situation continued, full of embarrassments, full of disappointments, full of delays.

      Finally a compromise was effected. It was agreed that the Great and Only Knickerbocker Baseball Club, the First Baseball Organization in all the Wide, Wide World, should, by reason of its seniority and lofty standing, call a convention in the interests of the game. This first convention was held in May, 1857, but, beyond adopting certain rules regulating matches for the ensuing year, no business affecting the game was transacted.

      The second convention was also called by the Knickerbockers, on March 10th, 1858, but before this call was issued, the Knickerbockers, always refined and courteous, permitted the presidents of the Gotham, Eagle and Empire Clubs to add their signatures to the call.

      Twenty-five clubs were represented