The Wichita daily eagle., 1898-01-04

Reno Will be Asked to become Mem
bers-To Nee: In February.
History repeats itself is an old ad-
ege, aud il : doing SO in Southern Kan
sas in more ways than one this year. In
1856 ard 1887 Wichita had a good ball
.eala which belonged 20 the Kansas
State League. Every day during the
not weather months there were big
crowds GU, 20 see the games. Il nov
Looks as II there VIII De another league
formed this year. 1; VIII be known as
the Kansas and Oklahoma league, and
will be under the protection % the Amer
lean League OF Professional Baseball
Players.
About four months ago Mr.. ]. e Alex
ander came 10 Wichita from Texas. He
has been connected with baseball clubs
FOR the past ten years. He saw inigneii-
aleiy that Wichita and the surrounding
towns afforded a splendid field. and as
he is a man Of action and determination
he set 70 work 20 see what could De done.
He has interested several persons mere
pose OF getting first class Clue and hav-
ing something 10 go 20 durang ne sum-
mer months. Mr.. Alexander came here
from Austin Texas. where he in 1893
FORMED the Texas state league, which
has d reputation for turning out more
young blood" than any other minor or
ganization in the country. He was also
president OF the Austin club Mr.. Alex
ander can tell ball player a; sight and
il the other cities come into the league
there Is every indication that Wichita
WI be favored with his experience in
ting a good team here thai can go out
and play winning ball. Mr.. Alexander
and his associates have plenty of money
10 put these ideas inuo substantial re-
alIty
They have Two locations in view, both
OF the grounds being less than a mile
from the heart Of the city ani which are
traversed on either side by the street car
lines. In the past the grounds have been
50 far out that many who would have
liked to have seen a good game did not
go out in the hot sun because OF the dis
;ance. All chis will De obvtated. Besides
having a good first class ball park IL is
the intention 70 put in board track for
the use OF cyclists. II viii be plenty wide
enough ID accommodate any number OF
racers and scOrchers. The track Viii be
about seven or eight miles to me lap Mr..
Alexander says that Joplin, Mo. town
less IN population than
Wichita, has a track similar 20 ehe one
they propose 10 put in and that last year
for one week The circuit riders were there
and attracted from 1000 % 5000 people
each day. He thinks that these cyclists
can be induced TO come here If there Is a
SUI table track.
II has not as vet been decided whether
there will be six or eight clubs invited to
enter the league. The cities which will
be asked 10 join are Newton. Winfield,
Wellington. Hutchinson, Arkansas Cl;y.
Guthrie. Oklahoma City, Enid and FL
Reno.
In Texas there Is a salary limit OF $500 /.
re- month. which helps % make al % 4
the cities on an even footing MI Alex 4
ander saws that ne thinks that would De .
bout the right limit FOR the new league (
The gentlemen who will take hold OF the I
business and Will form the associa Ton 4
will NEE. here probably on TUESDAY
Feb. ;. az the Manhattan hotel. when
ne details will Be thoroughly discussed
and the final arrangements Will be corn-
1eted. There are two or three oaseoal
,lavers who are winterinS in the cry
rhey have become attached 20 the city
and would like 70 get an engagement
here. Mr.. Alexander has his eye out TOT
, few men whom he knows 20 De hrst
lass PLAYERS. The general good times
rbsch prevail have stimulated the reviv-
4 for some good manly sports ana lhey
an be seen here this summer undouot-