The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-14
In TIE BASEBALL WORLD
Reasons for a Hopeful Outlook for
the New Association.
A Prospect of Having More Evenly
Matched Tcams-PIayers to He Sc
cured From the Ranks of Those
Cut on by the Reduction of the
National League Circuit - Notes.

The last turn of the baseball wheel de-
veloped condition of affairs that was not
unexpected to those who have kept in touch
| with League matters. The establishment
| of two eight-club circuits has been for
some time a pet scheme OF the magnates.
This contamination so devontly desired has
| been realized sooner than was expected,
and was brought about undoubtedly by
threats of a rival organ ization.
1t is the opinion O. well informed men
| that the present arrangement is a solution
of the unfortunate situation which has pre-
vailed in the National League for the past
three years. II has been clearly demon
strated that 4 twelve-club league was I'M
wieldy and necessarily unsatisfactory and
expensive. The disparity in playing
strength between the large aad small cities
was one Of the chief causes OF complaint.
Cities like Chicago, St Louis. Philadelphia,
and New York, by reason OF their metro
politan environments, were enabled to en-
pIoy the very best talent procurable, while
the smaller cities. with less population,
were forced to keep themselves within the
limits OF a conservative expense account m
order to avoid a loss BY the present ar
engagements the clubs will be more evenly
matched in playing strength and in conse
quenee the exhibitions will be more pleas
ing and entertaining TO the patrons.
The personnel cT Tic teams that are to
compose the new Association will be made
up with the surplus players of the four
clubs that have been dropped from the Ma
tional Lague. numbering about one hundred
and fifty players, and in forming the new
association these surplus men will be util-
lied as far as possible or as it is desir-
able. In temporarily suTrendering the Ma
tional League rights, the Wagners trans
ferred all Of their players, therefore it will
be necessary for them to select and sign
entirely new team for this city, and 1t
is probable that some of the better remain
ing players from last seasons team will
be secured. Earl Wagner said last night
that he would have as manager a ball
player who would be in the game and who
is recognized throughout the country as
a star, and whose hustling propensities are
well established.
The new association clubs will play upon
the grounds of the National League on
dates that VIII not conflict with National
League games
The indications from the present out
look, are that the people of Washington
will witness more enjoyable games of ball.
if not better than heretofore. for the rea-
son, as stated that the strength Of the
clubs will be more evenly distributed.
Wagner expects to have team under
contract within the next ten days, when
the preliminaries for an active campaign
will at once begin.
Harry Won der Horst will manage the
Baltimore end and as the Baltimore club
did not transfer their players, he will have
no trouble in getting team together
which will be charge of McGrsw and Rob
inson, provided these players do not go to
St Louis. Full details of the makeup of
the several clubs that are to compose the
new association will be made public in a
few days.