They help them in several ways. The collegians have social graces that the man off the sand lots lacks. Players have improved in deportment and habits since the coming of the collegians in large numbers. Whether this improvement is due to the collegians or not, they are entitled to the benefit of doubt as to the influence underlying the improvement in the Negro National and Eastern Colored leagues. If every club in the colored baseball league would fulfill the purposes of its organization and existence it must be a force in the betterment and upbuilding of colored baseball.
Colored leagues can live and flourish only upon that basis.
Interest cannot be maintained in a club or league without high purposes and definite principles as a foundation is bound to persist. There can be no higher motives than the betterment and upbuilding of colored baseball. There must be and there are, motives which constantly actuate men to put forth their best efforts towards the progress of the game. Substantial improvement of the game increases and enhances the opportunities and pleasures of all individuals who take part in it or who are affected by the influence. Individual clubs betterment means league betterment.