Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-29
the NEW ENGLAND LEAGUE.
Gee. Morse pulling for Lowell and Man.
chester ortland's PIaintive Cry.

Mr.. ]. C. Morse, secretary of the New
England Base Ball League, writes to
Sporting Life: 1t is possible that the
New England League of 1898 may be
increased to eight clubs. Two we'll
known MANAGERS. John }. Plgott of
New Bedford, and Micheal j. Clarity
of Portland intend to prospect in the
prosperous cities of Lowell. Mass, and
Manchester, n. H. They have COM
municated with the officers of the
league, and if they meet with any kind
of encouragement in those cities. VIII
lose no time in laying wires to give
them good article of base ball in the
coming season. Both gentlemen have
had ample experience in base ball. MIR.
Clarity has been active in the New
England League for years. having been
located mostly in Portland. Last sea
son he was with the Maine League. He
has been uniformly successful and is
one of the best men to organize a
strong minor league team. Lowell and
Manchester are both first-class base
bah cities. There is no doubt when
they enter well-organized league that
they will score a success. The action
of the league will depend upon the r.
port of the managers named at the
January meeting. While the clubs are
not running after two more clubs, they
would welcome an eight-club circuit.
The trouble last time that Lowell was
in the league was that there was not
sufficient financial encouragement be
slowed. With those two cities in line
the whole league could not but be bere-
fitted.
Then the Portland Press goes on to
say: @
II the New England League is ready
to take n a couple of more clubs from
north of Boston. there is no reason
why Portland shouldn't be just as
eligible as Manchester or Lowell. The
travelling expenses between Boston
and Portland would not be as large us
between Boston and Manchester, as the
teams could travel by boat at least one
way, and if. the history of the New
England League for the last Z or s
years Is anything to judge by. Port
land is a far better ball town than
either Manchester or Lowell.
But even supposing Manchester and
Lowell were admitted there seems to
he more than an even chance that there
will be an opening which Portland will
fill about as acceptably as any city in
New England.
1t Is an open secret that the prospects
Of base ball in Pawtucket are not the
best and the Rhode Island city is quite
likely not to be represented in the
league next season. Base ball has
never been profitable there. and year
ago Mayor Tiepke. who has kept the
game alive since the city has been a
member of the league, withdrew his
support, leaving affairs in not the best
Of shape The other New England
League clubs have already engaged
their managers but Pawtucket has not
only not done so. but has allowed the
man who has had charge of the clul
for two years. John Smith. to go tc
Fall River This is the more signifi-
cant as Smith is not only a capable
manager, but is one of the best batters
and feeders available for class b com
pany.
with Pawtucket out of it, it would
Unnecessary to so north of Boston fol
ascity to complete the circuit and Il
one club was admitted it would be
profitable to admit more than one.
The annual meeting Of the New Eng
land League occurs in Boston, January
s12, when the situation will probably b.
cleared to some extent.