The base ball fraternity of this city was made happy Tuesday by the match between the Kaw Valley, champions of Kansas, and the Empire club of St. Louis. A much larger number of spectators was present than could have been expected under the discouraging appearances of the weather and the great interest manifested to witness the Knights Templar demonstration, but the fact being well known that the Kaw Valley Club was one of more than ordinary merit, the admirers of the national game were on the qui vive for this, their first appearance in our city, and turned out pretty strong to witness what proved to be one of the best (if not the best) games that have been played this season. The play was very commendable on both sides, and, though not marked by any very brilliant plays, was of more than general merit, and reflects much credit on the Empire club who once again have lured victory to their banner. The game commenced promptly at 3 P.M., but the prevalence of a high west wind made the game of longer duration than ordinarily, and was extremely detrimental to heavy batting. The Kaw Valleys displayed some very fine fielding, and Campbell at 3d base, Lane right field, Spaulding 2d base, Lefebre catcher, and Whitman pitcher, deserve especial mention, the former for fine fly catches and good fielding, the latter for watching bases so closely as he did. Had their batting been equal to their fielding, the result of the game might have been reversed. Of the Emprire's Messrs. Barron and Fitzgibbons gained the laurels, the latter by a very splendid foul bound catch, and the former by a fine running catch, as well as his general play at short field. The whole in-field are entitled to the credit of the game, but one ball being sent to the out-field, and that was to Shocky at left field, who had been "begging" for a ball all through the game and when it did come had the "felicity" of missing it. The appearance of that old and reliable player J. Barrett in centre field, who had been on the shelf too long, gave much satisfaction and confidence to the friends of the Empires, and it is to be hoped his service will be permanent. The game resulted in a very decided victory for the Empires, the score being 20 Empire to 12 Kaw Valley. The Kaw Valley club present a very fine appearance physically, and displayed much good playing and some considerable finesse through the game.
-Missouri Republican, September 17, 1868
I believe that this is the first appearance of a Kansas baseball club in St. Louis. The first Kansas City baseball club that I'm aware of dates to 1866 and I'm a bit surprised that it took two years for a club from the area to make its way to St. Louis. But, as I've mentioned before, the St. Louis clubs didn't seem to be much interested in playing Missouri clubs from outside St. Louis and I guess that disinterest extended to the Kansas clubs.
The other thing of interest here is the mention that the game was "of longer duration than ordinarily..." This is probably the first time that a St. Louis sportswriter commented on a baseball game running long, something that the modern sporting commentariat has perfected. But I always say that never once have I been to a baseball game that was too long. Never once have I watched a game that was too long and I've watched a few games that have gone over twenty innings. The "games run too long" thing is, I'm convinced, a hobbyhorse for people who have deadlines to meet.
The other thing of interest here is the mention that the game was "of longer duration than ordinarily..." This is probably the first time that a St. Louis sportswriter commented on a baseball game running long, something that the modern sporting commentariat has perfected. But I always say that never once have I been to a baseball game that was too long. Never once have I watched a game that was too long and I've watched a few games that have gone over twenty innings. The "games run too long" thing is, I'm convinced, a hobbyhorse for people who have deadlines to meet.
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