Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-05-12

AL LEAGUES-BOWLIN AND
OTHER SPORTING MATTERS.
President W. B. Howell has been as
sore over the loss of games by the
Wheeling team as any of the patrons of
the club, and perhaps he has been just
as unreasonable Yesterday morning he
cut loose on a crowd of the players,
and when he had finished his pleasant
little chat. three members of the club
were presented with written releases.
They were Catcher Latimer and Pitch
ers Mahaffey and Cummings. This trio
did not accompany the team to Mans
field. 1t was not long until everybody
In town knew of the action of Howell,
and the President was subjected to a
great deal of criticism, which may or
may not have been merited. Conceding
the right of Mr. Howell to conduct his
own business in his own way, and mind
full also. of the privilege of patronizing
the games or not, which the public
claims. it looks like the release of the
three players at this time was rather
hasty and ill-advised. Mahaffey was
not given a fair trial Cummins' work
in Wednesdays game under most dis
couraging circumstances, was not of the
sort which should be punished by dis
missal In the opinion of persons who
are competent to judge, he is very
effective pitcher.
The release of Latimer, however ap-
pears to be blunder 1t came. nc
doubt, because of his poor showing in
Wednesdays game Latimer claims
that he was notified to practice on in
field work, and his name appeared on
the score card as first baseman. He
ton when the game started, hence his
bad throws TO second. Latimer was
full of ginger, but was particularly
valuable as batter. He was at bat 80
times and made IL hits, giving him
batting average of 314 Can the man
agement afford to release man who is
doing such effective stick work? Lati-
mer's throwing has been off, and he has
unquestionably not been in good form.
Would it not have been the part of
wisdom to exercise a little patience?
He played in but seven games. In view
of his excellent work last season, was
he given fair trial? During the day
Latimer received kilograms from Fit.
Wayne, Toledo. and Youngstown. He
accepted Harry Truby's offer of $125
month. which is better than he re-
ceiyed in Wheeling and will leave for
Youngstown to-day.
Latimer naturally feels sore over his
release. Il like Wheeling" he said
last night in the Register Office, "and
was prepared to give tie club the
best service of which l was capable.
There has been no system in the work
of the team from the start Last year
worked signs with the Springfield
pitchers, and my throwing to second
was sure 1t makes a great deal of
difference where there is something to
throw to, and you know there has not
been in Wheeling | don't offer any
excuse for my wild throws Wednesday,
but | was weak and worn out. My
arm is good. but I have not struck
League form yet. Once l locate second
bag and get the right throw, you will
find very few base runners stealing on
me, mark my word"
Billy Taylor was expected in yes
t2rday, and will probably arrive to-
day. He was instructed to report in
Wheeling, and will be sent promptly
to join the team.
President Howell yesterday received
q telegram from Nick Young, stating
that the decision will be rendered in
the Maizena, and Woodlock cases to-
day. He is confident that they will be
awarded to Wheeling.
Birmingham, who played second for
Wheeling yesterday, is a new man. In
formation furnished about him is rath-
er meagre. He is probably from Ala
bama, although it is said he played in
the Atlantic league last season, and
that Lyle has had lines out for him
for several days.