The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-14
THE WORLD OF BASEBALL
LEAGUE PRESIDENTS VISIT TO THE
CITY CAUSES COMMENT.
Cities That VIII Probably Be Dropped
from the National League
Diamond Gossip.

There is still something to think about
I'm the visit of President Ban Johnson oil
the American League and President Pat
Powers of the Eastern League to this city
last Friday to consult with President
Brush. of the Cincinnati. club. While all
three of the gentlemen would like the i'm
pression to go abroad that the meeting
was not prearranged, this explanation OF
their visit and the conference which fol-
lowed will not be believed by those who
have followed the baseball situation
The explanation given Immediately after
those baseball lights gathered in Indian
apolis seems to be by far the most pIaus-
ible theory of the meeting. 1t Is Well
known that Mr.. Brush cuts quite figure
I'm baseball, and whenever he has a pet
idea that he wants carried through lie is
wise enough to secure the cooperation OF
those who will help him in his scheme.
The question Of cutting the National
League from twelve-club organization to
eight clubs has been talked about for
some time, and since the dismal failure
of the Cleveland club last season the sub
iect has been taken DIP again with renewed
rigor Of course. Cleveland couldn't be
been a sort of dead one.' more or less,
in the National League for several years.
both of these cities have been slated Tor
dismissal from the National League. 1t
has been argued that an eight-club league
would be more profitable than ten-club
organization, and the question then arose
as to the other two cities to be turned
adrift. Louisville and Cleveland In the
IA s~;1 a
cities that could not hold their own, so
the Eastern division chad to be sized up.
Baltimore and Washington nave been on
the downward path. so far as the NATIONAL
League cities are concerned so they We're
looked upon as the best cities in the East
ern division to get rid or, provided the
National League is cut 10 an eignt-cluo
organization. The American ASSOCIATION,
which has been making many bluffs about
organizing a strong league. Is after many
cities nov occupied by the National League.
II the major organization were to drop four
Of the cities. the National League b,,, mag e
secured by the American Association,
hence this conference in indianapolis last
Friday. AS stated, the American League
will probably Tin fact, there Is hardly any
doubt about the matter) secure Cleveland
and Louisville, and then the Eastern
League will go into Baltimore and Wash
ington. These changes will make the two
minor leagues stronger than they ever
have been, while the National League
magnates will also be more satisfied. With
the proposed changes, there VIII not be
much opportunity for the new American
Association.
The chances of Charley Comiskey get
ting an American League club in Chicago
are not particularly bright and his path
to that goal is anything but strewn with
roses. President Johnson still says that
there are great hopes of placing club in
the Windy City, but President Hart, of the
Chicago club is still obdurate. The large
majority of baseball men believe that the
placing of an American League club in
Chicago would increase Harris business
instead of being detrimental to it. Co
miskey is still hopeful and ne fully expects
to win Harris consent TO his plan.
The National League meeting viii furnish
food for much talk as the circuit for the
coming season will be one of the chief mat
tiers to be discussed. There will be other
things Of interest to come before the mag
Notes OF the major organization which will
no doubt be a revelation In the baseball
world. Following In the wake Of that meet
Ing President Johnson. Of the American