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CHAPTER XXX.

PLEA FOR THE BASE BALL MAGNATE—A SOMEWHAT ABUSED INDIVIDUAL WHO CARRIES A BURDEN OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WHICH THE PUBLIC KNOWS LITTLE AND CARES LESS.

1860-1911

IF IN these chronicles it has not been made to appear that our national game owes something of both prestige and perpetuity to the men who have directed its business affairs, then have I failed in one important point of my undertaking; for, during my connection with Base Ball, as player, captain, manager, magnate and league official, I came to know much about men who have managed its destinies. I know something about their duties, their trials and their responsibilities, and I have sought in these pages to accord to them their due meed of praise for the success that has attended their patriotic and painstaking efforts to preserve Base Ball as a game worthy the great American Nation.

The public is not always discriminating in its judgments. It is prone to throw bouquets at those who tickle their senses and forget the men who are to be credited with the selection and employment of these favorites. The men who, uncomplaining, have lost fortunes in vain attempts to further the interests of clubs they have owned and managed, and whose players have delighted countless thousands, are lost to memory. Those who have played the part of "angel" to teams that have been forced to

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