New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-07-14


OF the yard the metre. and go on. 1t is necessary
that this should be 50. for many reasons. One.
in itself sufficient is. in order to have identity OF
system. Another. also sufficient. is. IN order TO
avoid the confusion that would surely result
from making the old names mean new quantities.
-Ei)
THE BATTERS AND THE RUNNERS.
FABLE SHOWING HOW rooLsHNEss CAME
NEAR Spelling THE GAME.
To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: The Batters and the Runners were met in
convention 10 consult what would conserve the best
interests of the great game they represented. Both
factions knew the game was not noarishng' out
could not agree upon the cause or the remedy The
Runners advocated one plan, the Batters another
The former we=c in favor OF patroniring certain
manufacturers Of bats who turned them out in great
numbers at low prices. The Battcrs favored bet
ter bat, one OF acknowledged superiority. not so
easily made but more durable. hard. and well bal
anced. These cost mere than the former. but were
more highly valued With these bats one could en-
ter any club. take his place In any game, and exhibit
proficiency without let or hindrance.
You are trying to destroy our industry" said the
Runners. I'VE have much capital invested IN our
plants and expected to furnish the Clubs with our
product, making business good, reducing club
expenses and making everything flourish
You mistake" replied the Batters; ian eiict OF
the General Board OF Managers makes one bat
cost as much as another. Now. want the best
You are favoring those that cost least 10 produce
that the profits may be larger. 1t Is not fair nor
at all wise Let all agree adopt the best bat and
mako 1t a standard for all time"
Never" shouted the Runners. "One bat Is as
much entitled to adoption another. We have
called ours the Argvntian bat. and we are going TO
stand by the Arscntian bat and march under its
banner
let m. suggest a compromise" said wise Old
Batter While We hold TO desire TO Introduce
the best the Auran bat, let delay the compulsory
adoption Of 1t by the League and give our lr1ends
time to adjust their business TO secure a market
for their product that the change be not too sud-
den For the present let them supply half The bats
required and at some future time We or other gov
errors may make such other rules as shall seem
proper"
This was done and peace established. AFTER
time It was found that the Arsentian bat was
dete1orat,ng: the wood was SOFT brittle and OF little
intrinsic worth. Tho game stN languished and
fears were entertained that It would become extinct
And tho cause by some said to be that these
inferior bats were thrust upon the players, and the
prico far beyond their value.
Another convention was held. I'VE must rescind
that regulation which was adopted before. said the
Batters. The time has come TO uphold the better
Dat. IL - not necessary 10 Wilt iVIisci. iou
forc>d these inferior bats upon the League charged
a Runner representative. You are responsible for
the condition o.: the game"
you mistake again." returned the Batters. I'VE
made that regulation solely to help your friends.
Now that they have had time TO adjust their bust
moss and perfect their plans are ready 10 change
the regulation and buy no more poor bats. though
they are not the cause Of the decline OF the game
you will sec"
Now a strange thing happened. Those very play
ers who complained most bitterly of the bats and
said they had ruined the game would not lift voice
nor a hand to help change the regulation which
they had decricd loudly, but sulked IN their
chairs and looked scowlngly upon the Batiers, who
did tho whole business.
What followed? Simply nothing in the way OF i'm
proveInent. The League did not buy any more Ar
So and the popularity OF the game was unaffected
But loud was the shout Of the Runners.
I'VE have done al that could be done for the game
We stopped the purchase of Argentian bats and
saved the game from total ruin. These Bat,ers are
running the sport. always have done 20. have no
they TO say what lines shall be drawn around our
clubs? Everybody has q right to come IN and
play at any time. and In any way ne wishes. with.
wish and balls too. no matter who makes them. We
are free We are no man 8 vassa.s. Hurrah.
,hs Raftsrs iooked on and sadly saw things getting
worse and worse. FINALLY they said:
Tho wall OF the players sounds in our ears we
and a different head governor. This one IS fall
ure and too obstinate TO acknowledge or perceive
his incompetency We love the LeaS que ana haaore s
Down the street was heard tinkling cow-beil and
a few timid shouters, with red faces and cracked
n ner nanner I'VE viii save the game come and
help us loot. toot. toot,'
And people looked and laughed and passed sfd on
Morc,air ~ j. June 2s, 1885,