The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-14
DOUBLE UMPIRE SYSTEM
ADOPTED BY THE MAGNATES OF THE
NATIONAL BALL LEAGUE.
Provision Made for Suppression of
ROwdyism, for Four Trips Between
Sections and for 154 Games.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 13.-The annual
fall meeting of the National Baseball
League was brought to a close this even
ing. after session which lasted from 1920
to $3.50 p. m. Conclusions were reached on
several important matters to-day The
double umpire system was adopted; it was
decided that a regular schedule for umpires
should be prepared; provision was made for
the suppression of rowdyism on the ball
field, and it was decided to have four trips
between the sections instead Of two, as
heretofore.
In the resolution which calls for two UNI
pires in each game 1t is provided that
President Young shall, before the season
opens, arrange a schedule of games. to be
assigned to the respective umpires for the
season, which schedule shall be kept secret
throughout the season. the club owners.
managers, or players not to know at any
time the order in which the several umpires
shall be sent to the different towns. No
umpire is to be scheduled for more than six
consecutive games at one place The presi-
dent was instructed to give preference in
the appointment of umpres to ex-league
players with good regulations.
The resolution adopted with reference to
raising the standard of behavior of players
on the ball field has for it's especial object
the suppression of vulgar remarks during
the game. 1t was offered by Mr.. Brush
of Cincinnati, and provides for committee
of three to formulate and report at the
spring meeting a plan which will define
foul, indecent and obscene Language on the
field and prescribe a method of procedure
for the punishment of offenders, the penal
ty for which offense, on conclusive proof,
shall be expulsion with prohibition Of en-
gagement by any club operating under pro-
lection of the national agreement without
the possibility of pardon or reinstatement.
The plan provides for the reference of any
case which may arise under the provisions
of this rule to a board. which shall consist
of three men who shall have no interest in
any club in the league and whose decision
shall be final Messrs Brush, Soden and
Hart were appointed as the committee to
formulate the plan.
The schedule committee was directed to
prepare a schedule for next season which
shall provide for four trips between the
East and West instead of two, as has been
the rule for several years. and also provide
for 154 games to be played by each club in
stead of 1872 as heretofore. The champion
ship season shall extend from April 10 to
Oct Is. inclusive. Last year the season was
from April 70 to Oct. 2. The extended period
for next year will give opportunity for the
playing of twenty-five additional games re-
Quired to be played by each club. Under
the new rule clubs will be permitted to play
two games on one day during the first as
well as other series in order to dispose of
postponed games. and postponed games may
be played off on grounds other than those
on which the game was prevented. Hereto
fore special consent from the League was
required to change the place for playing off
postponed games. The schedule circuit is
to be divided into four sections, as follows:
Northeast Section-Boston, New York and
Brooklyn.
South and East-Philadelphia Washington
and Baltimore.
North and West-Pittsburg, Cleveland and
Chicago.
South and West-Cincinnati, st. Louis and
Louisville.
The schedule will be arranged so that a
club will not be absent from it's own grounds
for a greater period than about two weeks
The spring meeting will be held at ST. Louis
Feb 2S.
Nearly all the rumored deals remained
open when the magnateS separated. No
doubt some Of them will be consummated
through correspondence or otherwise at an
early date and others will be left standing
for more deliberate consideration. Second
Baseman Mailman, of ST. Louis. has been
exchanged for Schoch, of Brooklyn 1t is
said that Chicago is likely to purchase
Schoch, and it is further known that Bos-
ton has made an offer to st. Louis for Tay-
lor and Clements. New York is also said
to be after the last named two players.
Washington ard Philadelphia both are con-
siderng the advisability of securing ReitZ,
of Baltimore. Tt is said Manager Hanlon is
ready to hear overtures for his second base
man and see if he can figure out d trade.