Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1899-08-04
BASE BALL TOPICS
CURRENT NEWS AND NOTES OF
THE, GAME.
The Baseball Trust-Tt Has Some Diff
ficult Problems to Deal With In Connec-
ton with Club Leagues-Supervisor OF
EMPIRES Is in Demand.
The baseball Trust.

Inc most important result VI the dSi-
tation of an American Association
will be the continuance of twelve
club circuit by the National League.
There is, not remote possibility Of
the major league magnates surrender
ing any part of their territory to rival
organization or of their entering into
a compact with any new association
similar to that which existed between
the National League and American AS
ISOLATION prior to their war. The
greatest problem that ever confronted
the governing body of the game is the
reorganization of the circuit on lines
which will prevent secession and shut
out competition. Cleveland cannot be
carried much longer and the Robisons
will, with the consent of their asso-
ciates. transfer that team to a more
desirable city. 1t is to be hoped that
there will be change in the ownership
as we'll as the location of the club
This would greatly improve condl-
lions. Baltimore is better ball town
than it has been for several seasons
and McGraw's team is first-class road
attraction. Washington will support
the Senators we'll if they make re-
spectacle showing and experts predict
that Manager Twins team will have
first-division prospects in 1900. Louis
vile has badly conducted club Presi-
dent Dreyfuss interferes with the man
ager of his team, which, as Is always
the case, has been followed by disas-
trous disorganization and cliqueism
among the Colonies. Like the New
York club, its misfortunes are legally
due to its ownership. There is little
chance for the metropolis to secure the
Importance it should have in baseball
until Freedman's connection with It's
club ceases. The capitalists behind the
clubs in New York, Boston, st. Louis,
Chicago, Brooklyn, Pittsburg and Gin
cinnati know that these cities would
make an ideal circuit, but they prefer
a continuance of the membership of
the league as constituted with its less
desirable members than the complica-
lions which might ensue. There will
never be an effort to form a rival or
ganization to the league as long as 1t
has clubs in twelve of the most i'm
portant centers of the East and Middle
West An eight-club league capable
of making good front in fight with
the National League would have to be
equipped with capital of S1,OoO,OOo
and differed by baseball men of judg-
ment and experience. 1t is Stated in
the daily papers that such an organiza-
ton will be formed this fall and enter
the field in 1900. Opposition clubs will,
it is claimed, be placed in Chicago,
Philadelphia, st. Louis and New York,
and Detroit, Buffalo, Baltimore and
Washington will also be represented.
1t is contended that neither Baltimore
or Washington will retain its National
League franchise after next season.
The new league will necessarily depend
upon its patronage for its support.
Capitalists will not part with their
money for sentimental reasons and
they will expect returns for every dol
lar they invest in baseball. The at
tendance at the games their clubs play
will be dependent altogether upon the
kind of ball they play. If the Chicago
club in the new organization is far be-
low the standard of the National
League team in that city, it will play
to empty stands and so in Philadelphia,
st. Louis and Chicago. There is not