Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-21
BASEBALL MATTERS.
Some Opinions About White
and ROwe's Statement.
PRES. BYRNE'SKIND WORDS
he Thinks Pittsburg Has Secured a
Great Club at Last
MOKE NEWLEAGUE RULES NEEDED.
PRES.BYRNE'SKIND WORDS
MOKE NEWLEAGUE RULES NEEDED.
Local Amateur Athletes Preparing for
Winter Entertainments.
GENERAL SPORTING NEWS OF THE DAY

The news published in yesterdays DIS
PATCH to the effect that Rowe and White
have definitely resolved to not play with
any team next year caused considerable
comment among local baseball patrons last
evening. Although it is claimed that the
two players in question have made their
latest statement in good faith, there are
many admirers of the national game who
refuse to believe that Rowe will not play
with the local team next year. However,
friends of both White and Rowe at various
places throughout the country state positively
they, the players, mean exactly what they say
in this instance.
The officials of the local club refuse to pass
any opinion regarding the alleged ultimatum
of the stars from Detroit. In maintaining
silence at present on the matter the local Off
cials are acting wisely, because just now the
old proverb, 'Silence is golden" is very i'm
portant,
WILL NOT PLAY HERE.
However. judging from present indications,
it would seem that Jack Rowe, the great short
stop, will not be with us next season, and this
turn of events suggests a few considerations
that may be of interest at dull time
A casual observer need not think about the
matter long before coming to the conclusion
that one thing only has caused all the trouble
which threatens to end in this instance with
the retirement from the League of two of its
leading members The cause referred to is the
baseball law which forces man to 20 to a
place against his will. We all have been told
something to the effect that we may take
horse to the water. but we cannot make him
drink. The truth of this has been, or at least
is likely to be, fully illustrated by the case in
question. Baseball rules say that White and
Rowe must play at Boston and Pittsburg, but
the players reply that sooner than comply with
the rules they will not play at all. Their
services are, therefore, lost u the world as
players
At first sight it would appear that White
and Rowe are only demanding right which no
man or party of men in civilized country
would try to deny them. Even after thinking
the matter over in all its bearings there is con-
siderable truth and justice in the demands of
the players; but there is another side. The to-
be or not-uo-be of baseball in a great measure
depends on the operation of the rule against
which White and Rowe urge such determined
objections.
THERE MUST BE A CHECK.
1t would never do if players particularly the
leading lights could go where they wanted: or
if they were free at any time to accept offers
from any club. This would simply be speedy
and certain road to ruin; so that what would
appear hardship to White and Rowe really is
the enforcement of law without which there
would probably be no successful baseball or
ganization. However, it might be advisable
for the magnates to discuss the matter at their
March meeting to see whether or not it is pos
sible to make any amendments which would
not interfere with the advancement of the
gaTse.
After all regrets and lamentations concern
ing Rowes determination not to play here or
elsewhere, there is one fact which stands prom
inently out, viz: The Pittsburg club will not
disbano as consequence 1t now seems certain
that Pop Smith will be our short stop again
and that Smiling" Will Kuehne will look after
the third bag. The infeld will then he as fol-
lows: Beckley, Dunlap. Smith and Kuehne.
That combination is certainly not a bad one.
and the only improvement that Rowe could
make would be in batting; but he might be a
trife short of Smith in fielding At any rate
taking everything into consideration several
clubs will have much worse infelds than Pitts
burg, even with Rowe out.
White and Rowe must have great expecta-
tions regarding the Buffalo club. They are
ignoring $500 in salary to take charge of that
team, and it may be among the possibilities
that before the International League season
opens they will come to the conclusion that
many people lose ST, 500 in a season by taking
hold of baseball team.