At the annual meeting of the National League, held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, on Nov. 15, 1894, on a motion made by C.H. Byrne, president of the Brooklyn club, Henry Chadwick, the veteran base ball writer, and editor of the League GUIDE since 1881, was, by a unanimous vote, made an honorary member of that body. This honor has been conferred upon but four other persons in the history of the League, namely: A.G. Mills, of New York, ex-President of the League; A.G. Spalding, of Chicago; George W. Howe, of Cleveland, and John B. Day, of New York. In presenting Mr. Chadwick's name Mr. Byrne spoke enthusiastically of the effective work the veteran had done for years in popularizing base ball, and called attention to the fact that Mr. Chadwick was the recognized authority in all matters pertaining to base ball, and to him more than any other individual living is due the credit for the present almost perfect code of rules governing the game.
The League subsequently appointed a committee, consisting of President N.E. Young, C.H. Byrne, of Brooklyn, and A.J. Reach, of Philadelphia, to prepare a proper address to Mr. Chadwick, and to have same engrossed and framed for presentation. The result of their official duty was an exceptionally handsome piece of engrossing, set in a gilt frame. A pastel portrait of Mr. Chadwick is in the centre of a decorative scroll on which is the following testimonial:
The
NATIONAL LEAGUE AND AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
of
PROFESSIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS OF THE UNITED STATES
to
HENRY CHADWICK.
At a regular annual meeting of the National League and American
Association of Professional Base Ball Clubs, held in New York City,
November 15, 1894, all twelve clubs being present,
MR. HENRY CHADWICK,
of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
was by a unanimous vote elected an
HONORARY MEMBER
of this body.
In conferring this membership this organization pays the highest tribute in its power to one who, during a number of years almost as great as is usually alloted to man to live, has unselfishly devoted his time, his talents and his energies, by voice and pen, to establish BASE BALL as the NATIONAL GAME of America.
At all times and in all places he has diligently worked for its DEVELOPMENT, and battled for its INTEGRITY, its HONESTY and the PURITY of its methods.
He has been an unflinching foe of those within the ranks who permitted any stigma to attach to it and a gallant defender against any attack from without, touching its good name and fame. Always a devoted friend of the honest ball player, he has been a never-failing advocate of the rights of and the respect due the umpire. His advice and good offices most frequently sought have ever been readily given, and to the benefit and advantage of all.
We pay this tribute with pleasure and deference to