It was a short turn around for James, as he was only home for the weekend before heading out on the road again. Today, he was headed to Providence, Rhode Island, home of the Brown University Bears. Brown was preparing for a two game series against Princeton and since James had yet to see either team, he was excited for the match-up. Upon arriving in Providence, he was met at the train station by Brown University President, Kevin Allan.
"I am amazed at the size of the city," James said. "It is much bigger than I anticipated, compared to the other cities. New York being the exception, of course."
From the station, James and Kevin boarded one of the many horse car lines which crossed the city.
"Last year's census had us at 68,904 people." Kevin replied. "We're also home to a number of jewelry manufacturers. They produce about 25% of the nation's jewelry."
As they arrived at the university, James noticed the campus was just east of the juncture where the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucker Rivers met and became the Providence River. Kevin took him to Bears Ballpark, where they met Athletic Director Vincenc Pechal. James inquired of the two men how attendance had been.
"Well, we've been on the road quite a bit. Only had two home games, so far." replied Pechal. "The team is 7-7, so we're hoping for a better turnout tonight and more so as the weather gets warmer."
"The answer to your question," Kevin stated "is not nearly enough people have shown up. We had 558 people at our home opener and 372 in the second game. For a city our size, that's ridiculous."
"We've had the same issue in New York." James said. "I'm working on a way to draw more interest, but I'm afraid it's just going to take some time."
The ballpark was big and was capable of holding 1700 people. The field measured short down the lines, with left field at 321 feet and right field at 326 feet. But center field was deep at 430 feet, with the alleys measuring 397 in left and 405 in right.
James met up with Manager John Giordano and talked about their season thus far.
"Well, we're 7-7 so far, with most of those games played on the road." Giordano stated. "We're 3 1/2 games back of Yale here in the New England Region. Hoping to get things going tonight against Princeton."
Princeton was 7-8 this season, so on paper at least, it looked like a pretty even game. Giordano had told James to keep an eye on his first baseman, Nick Swan, who was batting .429 in 12 games. As game time rolled around, the crowd barely trickled in. Attendance was counted at only 266 people. The weather was cool and the wind was coming in from left.
Brown got off to a rough start, down 4-0 after one inning and having committed four errors. But the Bears came back and tied the game in the 2nd inning, 4-4. Twice, Princeton would take the lead and twice, Brown came back to tie. After six innings, it was 6-6 and turning out to be quite a good game. Brown took the lead in the game for the first time in the 7th inning, scoring three runs. But Princeton scored two in the 8th and as the teams entered the 9th inning, Brown held a one run lead, 9-8. Princeton, once again, took the lead in the top of the 9th, when they scored two runs. However, Brown battled back, like they had all game and tied the contest with a run scoring double.
This was a first for James, as the teams were tied and headed into extra innings. Neither team scored in the 10th inning and Brown kept Princeton off the board in the top of the 11th. But Brown was able to score a run in their half of the 11th, thanks to multiple errors on Princeton. Brown walked off the field, triumphing 11-10. Although the turnout was less than expected, the crowd got to see a great game.
As James prepared to leave Providence the following day, he made sure to stop by a jewelry store and pick up a little gift for Frances. It seemed to be the proper thing to do, seeing as how his travels were leaving her home to take care of their family on her own. Fortunately, his next trip wasn't for another week and a half, so he was looking forward to spending some time at home.