The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-02-26
news and GOSSIP OF
THE BASEBALL WORLD
League Magnates to Meet Next
Tuesday.
A Suggestion of the Rules Commit
tee Meets With DisapprOval.
Views of a Number of the Admirers
of the National Game-Other
Items Of Interest.

The League magnates will meet at the
Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, on Tues
day next to close up all unfinished bust
ness and enact new legislation in the way
of amendments TO rules and adopt the
schedule, as heretofore stated in The
Times.
II is believed the session will not occu-
py more than two days, as the adoption
OF rules is always a formal affair and is
soon disposed of. President Young has
furnished each club owner with copy of
the report of the rules committee and
those who imagined they had kick COM
ing have registered their complaints, so it
will not be necessary to have any confer
ence reports 10 settle differences OF opin-
ion.
The meeting is regarded by some as one
fraught with possibilities of sales and
trades, and it is more than probable that
some business of this character may be
consummated. For instance, Boston wants
another catcher and would like to have
Charley Farrell. Irwin can spare the
Duke" and if sufficient inducement is Of
fered Boston can secure the man.
Arthur Irwin is willing TO pay big money
for another star pitcher and crack third
baseman if they are to be obtained, as an
additional precaution against accidents or
disappointments. But these much desired
artists would have to be topnotchers to re-
eeive consideration, as the Washington
team is now reasonably strong.
The Chicago Club had some bargain
counter remnants to dispose of in order TO
make room for new material. Ed Hanlon
secured about the only bargain that was
on the market, yet Hart is resourceful and
may make some trade that Will strengthen
his team.
Buck Ewing wants a third baseman and
has a deal on for Lave Cross which may
be consummated
The New York club is in great need of
an outfelder and third baseman, and
there may be some surprises sprung in
that direction. When Freedman wants
man he wants him badly and viii not let
money stand in the way, realizing as he
does that he must brace up his club if he
desires to get into the game
Ed. Hanlon is in shape TO help those OF
his neighbors who are shorthanded.
The Times has every confidence that the
approaching season will be a prosperous
one and that the club owners will recoup
some of last seasons losses. With every
body IN line and all working in harmony
for the public good and pleasure, success
will be assured. OF course the yellow"
sporting papers will continue to make ugly
faces and say mean things about the mag
mates, but that will have no bad effect on
9 wise and discriminating public.
No feature of the game, recognized by
the rules and which is popular and pleas
ing to spectators, should be amended or
repealed.
The sporting editor of The Times has
talked with baseball scribes and fans in
reference TO the proposed change of Sec
ton of rule ~, which will make caught
foul-tip strike, and all, with single ex-
ception, deuounoe the proposed change as
unfortunate and ill-timed II adds to the
burden OF the pitcher, disgusts the catch
or, does not promote base running, and
lengthens the game. The only advantage
Is with the batsman, as ii will give him
more opportunity 10 increase his batting
average. The best interest of the sport
will be subserved by maintaining the old
rule. The following are the views of some
well-known fans:
John Hadley Doyle: The rule is idiotic.
it robs the game of one of its most in
teresting and pleasing plays. / fail to
See any feature in IL that should meet with
approval. The old rule is good enough"
Michael 3. Scanlon: Il cannot under
stand why the rules committee wants TO
use its ak on one of the most popular fea-
lures OF the game now recognized by the
present rules. Had they desired to make
popular change they should have made a
foul tip. caught Immediately behind the
bat OF within the 10-foot limit, an on; in
stead of strike as is now provided. /
don't understand why Ed Hanlon, with his
knowledge of the game, could give his
consent to a change that looks ridiculous
frOrn all GfzndpQfnrE i hnre n will he
Adopted"
Dan ]. Walsh: THE proposed rule will
tnf1ict great hardship on pitcher, and ]
cannot see where the batter will be bene-
fted to any great extent"
Doug Allison: When l read the pro-
posed change ! almost fell out of my chair
with surprise. II is the silliest and most
ridiculous proposition that l ever read or
heard OF emanating from men protesting
to be critics Of the sport. Instead of kill
ing all the bright and pleasing features of
the game they ought TO invent others as
desirable. This innovation ought not TO be
considered for a moment"
Ted Sullivan: Il cannot see how the
proposed change will improve interest in
the game Ii destroys one of the most
popular features. 1t would be almost sui
eide to adopt it"
Charlie Abbey: II think the proposed
change of section 5, rule AZ is all right.
il will increase batting and that is what
the people want"
J. W. Swsnk: "a repeal of the pres
ent rule making a foul tip an out. will
very seriously impair, If not entirely de-
Etroy, one Of the prettiest features of the
game, while It adds nothing as compensa-
ton in other directions. The opinion that
It viii increase batting and base running
is problematical. The magnates surely
will not endorse this nonsensicaI PROPOSE
ton"
George G. Seibold: II can see no sense
in the suggestion Of the rules committee,
The present rule is a good one, and it
allows one OF the prettiest features of the
game II would have been better to let
well enough alone, and give attention to
plays that could be improved"
The sporting editor of The Times has re-
ceived the following letter from a femal.