The times., 1899-03-21
THE WORLD OF BAsEBALL.
Gossip of the Game, the Magnntes
pnI the Playcrs

and the Players.
TAX about a probable reduction in the
National League circuit still goes merrily
on. just why the sporting writer's con-
tinue to grind out such stuff is unknown.
The Times is in position to state authori-
tatively that the National League and
American Association of Baseball Clubs
will be composed of twelve clubs during
the coming season, and those twelve clubs
will be located in the following cities:
Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia,
Brooklyn, New York Boston, Louisville
st. Louis, Pittsburg, Cleveland, Cincinnati
and Chicago.
Some of the magnates are responsible
for the twaddle to certain degree. For
instance. President Soden, of the Boston
Club, said in substance last week that he
expects the baseball season to open with
twelve clubs in the National League cir
cult. How long that arrangement will last
he does not profess to know He says he
would not be surprised II the League was
reduced to ten clubs by the dropping out
of Cleveland and Baltimore before the sea-
son is advanced. The suggestion that New
York might be forced to the wall as a
result of the Freedman Spalding row
caused him to smile, as might be ex-
pected, since he holds about 100000 worth
of stock in the team. He explained that
such thing was out of the question until
the expiration of the present agreement,
unless the League was prepared to pay a
good fat sum for the clubs franchise.
President N. E. Young has completed
work on the baseball schedule for the COM
ing season, and it is made up on basis
of twelve clubs. The schedule is practi-
cally the same as that published exclu-
sively in The Times some weeks ago, ex-
cept that some transfers of dates have been
made in the interest of clubs and the game.
Immediately after his unanimous re-
appointment to the Board OF Discipline
Of the National League at the recent meet
ing of the directors, Frederick X. Stearns,
of Detroit, stated that unless the board
was given more real power he would not
serve. He said several fragrant breaches
Of discipline occurred last year, but none
was reported to the board. AS no more
power was given to the board, Mr. Stearns
last week sent his resignation to Presi-
dent Young, who accepted it, but replied
that he was sorry to receive it. There
was not one-third the usual vulgarity on
the ball field last year., wrote Uncle Nick,
land many players have told me that it
was due to the fear of your board
II the Cleveland ball team plays at St.
Louis this year, as now seems assured, it
will be an important factor in the PEN
nant race, providing Pitchers Young,
Cuppy, Powell, and Wilson continue to
do good work. The Spiders were fifth
last season. although practically homeless.
The inspiration of large crowds at home
assists a ball team materially, and this
is something the present Cleveland nine
has never enjoyed. ST. Louis is good
baseball city when represented by win
ming team, and Tebeau's nine. If given
half chance, will soon warm the hearts
of the fans. The addition of Mike Grif-
fin strengthens the team. which was al
ready good. Brooklyn and Boston are
pretty sure to make a strong bid for lead
ing places, and one of the two or Cleve
land is likely to be found on top.
Manager Ewing has about made up his
mind who will top the batting order
of the Reds the coming season. In games
where Algie Mcbride takes part he will
be the first to face the pitcher. When
Mcbride is not playing Elmer Smith will
be the leader of With the Senators Sell
bach was at the top of the list, but Cap
tain Ewing thinks he will do better down
second or third. 'Sebach can hit into
right field" says Captain Ewing. He is
the man to have at the bat when there
is base runner on first. 1t is possible
to play the hit-and-run game. He can
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