BASE BALL.

base ball sketches—No. 3.

New York, Nov. 4.   

Dear Spirit:—As there are several clubs that rank as first-class in this city, it is fair to presume that some notice of each will be interesting to the reader.

The Gotham was formed in 1852. They were most of them new hands at the game, but continual practice has improved them very much. They, last year, stood at the highest point as players ; but, this season, their good fortune has partly forsaken them. They have played several matches lately with varied success. Their first defeat was from the Atlantic, of Brooklyn.

Many ball players who were present at this match were confident that the Gothams had a pretty sure thing of it, with a well-balanced nine, all fine, energetic men, and with their experience, it seemed impossible that they should have been beaten.

Even at the sixth innings, some of their friends were satisfied that they had not commenced to play, and that the next three would show a marked improvement, and turn the game in their favor. The return match, which was played last Friday, and which was won by the Gotham, will convince the other clubs that they still are able to cope with the best of them. Much credit belongs to the short stop for his excellent playing. The batting was not heavy, with the exception of several ground balls, which were struck during the latter portion of the game. It will be sometime before they can again establish that prestige which once was with them. Their best men are : Messrs. Vail, Van Cott, Cudlipp, Johnson, McCosker, Wadsworth, Sheriden, Turner, and Commerford. Mr. Vail, one of the oldest players in this city, and one of the original members, has had great experience ; he has filled the position of catcher since Mr Burns left (The club miss this player very much). He is a strong bat, and plays with good judgment. Mr. Van Cott stands very high as pitcher, combining speed with an even ball. Mr. Wadsworth formerly belonged to the Knickebocker, and until the last year or so played in all their matches, but left them through some misunderstanding. It is claimed by his friends that he is the best first base man in any club, perfectly fearless—he will stop any ball that may come within reach—is a good player in any position, as his fielding last Friday will show. McCosker and Johnson are both fine catchers, and remarkably strong batsmen ; and of the others it may be said, that if not powerful batters, they are what is termed sure ones, and good catchers. This club was the first to lead the Knickerbocker, but was beaten by them the first one or two games that they played. The Red House, Harlem, witnessed their first victory. Among the original members were, Messrs. Vail, Winslow, and Davis, old players; although Vail is the only one remaining, the efforts of the others to raise the club to its present high position will be remembered. The Gotham formerly played on the grounds of the Red House, and would probably have played there to this day, had there not some difficulty sprung up with the proprietor or lessee. They play at Hoboken, on grounds but slightly inferior to their old locality. Another year will see them at work again, when they intend regaining all their former laurels.

Among the many clubs that have been organized in the last few years, none stand higher than the Eagle, and we hope, will always continue to do so. Shortly after their formation, they did not hesitate to play the first clubs ; and if they were defeated, they exhibited such an earnestness to improve, together with physical ability, that their friends were sanguine of their ultimate success. The year 1854 was their first as a ball club. Their rapid improvement since then must certainly have justified the highest expectations of those interested in the welfare of the club. Their first nine comprises several of the finest players in the State. Mr. Gelston, the catcher, is certainly as effective as any man that ever played the game, and as a batsman, is quite sure. His catching, throwing to the bases, and his play throughout, will excite the admiration of all ; any ball within his reach is always held. (Mr. Gelston has recently taken up cricket, and is acknowledged by cricketers to be a splendid fielder, while he is improving in the use of the bat, and in the minutiæ of the game.) The bases are covered, especially the third, by Mr. Place ; and it is no easy matter to run from second to third, with a good catcher, and Mr. P. on the third. The rest of the nine are fine players. Mr. Bixby is a steady pitcher, although no great speed is obtained on the ball. Still, many think that a ball that will curve as it approaches the striker is much more to bat than one that takes a straight course. Several excellent players have lately joined the Eagle, and they are able to turn out a strong second nine. Why do not the second nines of the various clubs play together? It would prove the strength of each club more fully than one nine of the best players do now—as we would have a sample of all the best players. In my next I will write of two more of the principal clubs, and endeavor to do justice to all.

Yours,                           X.