Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1901-01-19
E THE DIAMOND

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Every few days some enterprising writ
err, firing of the talk of war, new leagues
and balloon ascensions, processes to in
terview one Of the many magnates with
which the country is now infested and
springs a dissertation on rulemaking for
the national game says the Cincinnati
Enquirer. AS mysterious a tangle is pro-
posed in that line as the question of, cir
cults for the various leagues has reached
and it will be wise act on the part OF
the magnates to let well enough alone
and not tamper with the rules this VIM
ter.
According to the rule-reformers the
pitcher should be moved up toward the
plate again and be given box to work
in. as in old days, instead of being COM
PEELED to keep one foot in contact with
the slab. They would have the bunt abol-
ished as sacrifice hit, but permit bats
men to dump the ball down and beat it
out. If possible when trying to make a
base hit. Unfortunately, they neglect to
state how this would operate with a man
that he was honestly trying to make
hit. If not allowed to bunt with a man
on first base ii would give the infielders
a great advantage.
Another suggestion is to keep the
catcher up under the bat throughout the
game, something that was proposed two
years ago, while certain rule fra mers
think three, and not four balls should
! II, hot y.
gestion to call batter out if he makes
certain number of fouls is not fair
unless the umpire decides that the ball is
Intentionally fOuled, when there is a pen
atty prescribed. while the rule relative to-
a batsman being hit by pitched ball
needs no revision if the umpres have
the requisite courage. Other proposed
reforms are of like consequence, and the
best thing the magnates can do is spend
their time fixing up their fences-the
rules as they now read will answer very
we'll.
OF all the nonsenscal propositions made
to baseball men the one accredited to a
player in relation to a shorter playing
season is entitled to the bakery. The
fellow who speaks about opening the sea-
son in June and closing it the last day of
August in order to insure good weather
probably dropped into Chinese laundry
and took a few draws at the side line
generally carried by a washee man from
the land of the Boxers A season Of six
months is not too long If warm weather
could be depended upon, while less than
five months would not be. thought of by
league of any consequence.
The player who made that suggestion.
if he is anxious to remain on speaking
terms with the rest of the craft, will do
we'll to share his secret with no one. as
there is talk of rebellion in the Nation
al League now, owing to the Proposed
cut from six months to five in the life
of contracts. while if the magnates dar-
ec to hint at three months as the length
of the playing season there would be an
uprising that would cause the old-time
/, Indian affairs to look like pink teas in
comparison. Patrons of baseball could
not wait until June and be satisfied,
while September is one Of the best
months in the year, particularly if there
is a close race on.
Owing to the unauthorized statements
made and published to the effect that the
American league was working in con-
junction with the Western Association
| and that President Johnson would take
| the presidency of both organizations this
| latest failure may reflect to no slight eX-
| tent on the American. but it is hoped
that such will not be the case. Ban
| johnson never agreed to do anything for
| the new league other than give the bene-
| fit of his experience in advising the pro-
| moters so the failure af the airShip to fly
| can in no way be laid at the door OF the
| American League or its members. In
| National League circles it will doubtless
be said that one of the war measures of
! the American proved to be failure and
| a similar result will naturally be expected
| when the real trouble is precipitated be-
tween the two big leagues-if trouble
really occurs.
| Unnecessary concern has been evinced
| by club owners over the rule limiting the
number of players to is for each National
League Club, during the greater part of
| the coming season, as it will be no trou-
| BILE whatever to get along with seven ex-
| ira men. What bothers the managers is
| the task of picking out the beH ones from
| among the many under reserve or conf
tract to each club. for it is almost GER
tain that some of the players who are
disposed of will join other teams and
prove to be more valuable men in the
/ positions assigned them.
With three outfielders, four regular in
fielders, two catchers and five or six
| pitchers, it leaves room for one or two
utility men, more than enough for any
! team. In the American League 1t Is the
intention of the magnates to get along
with IA men on each salary list after the
season is fairly opened, SO they can car
ry but two catchers and five pitchers,
while if utility player is on the list. four
pitchers must suffice. Many Of the pitch
ers. and catchers. too. for that matter.
| can nlav inf1eld and ouffield nasiti0ns "a