The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-07
HoGRIEvER HAS SIGNED.
Amxed His Signature to an Indian
apOIis Contract.

Manager Watkins has plenty OF time
these DAYS TO sit around his office and
dream of financial success. Occasionally he
will take huge bundle of signed contracts
from his safe and fondle them. Those con-
tracts mean much TO him. They contain
the autographs of players with whom he
expects to win another pennant in 1903
The names have been published and Wat
ty'' entertains no fear of losing the men.
Last year the public did not know the COM
plete roster of the Indianapolis team until
lust before the season opened. Club own
ers were afraid to publish the names of
players they had signed because of the war,
but since peace has come between the
American Association and the National AS
ISOLATION of Minor Leagues contracts will
be respected. and players who have affixed
signatures TO contracts will have to play
with the club that has them signed.
Plans will be prepared before long for in
creasing the seating capacity at Washing
rno Park 1t was demonstrated last season
that the American Association furnished
first-claSS article or ball and Will be strong
or i'm 1903 A successful season is predicted
for next year and Watkins q Ruschaupt
desire 10 have plenty of seats TO care for
the crowds. The grand stand Will be en-
larged. boxes placed on top of the stand
and additional bleachers constructed. 1t is
possible seats will be so arranged that the
field can be used for other athletic sports,
especially football, and efforts will be made
10 secure several of the big football con-
tests for this city.
George Hogriever has signed a contract
TO play with Indianapolis again next sea-
son. Hogriever accepted terms some time
ago and afixing his autograph was only a
mere formality. The indianapolis team for
T. In
Watkins has enough men signed now 10 be-
gin playing ball, but he Will not overlook a
chance TO secure one or two extra fast men
in order 10 make the team sure winner.
Charles Babb has signed a New York
contract John T. Brush watched Babb's
work closely early last season before Babb
left for Memphis, and he will give him a
chance with the Giants Babb was on the
Indianapolis reserve list and Manager Wat
kins stated yesterday that he will consent
10 Babb going to New York. Babb wanted
TO play with indianapolis again in 1903, but
there was so much criticism against sign
ing him that Manager Watkins needed the
voice of the fans and refused to continue
negotiations with the contract-jumper
W. c. Temple. Of Pittsburg. who may be
elected president of the National League
at It's next meeting in New York. beginning
Lee . IA ic 80 ticCtS, mas expressed him.
self forcibly on the baseball situation. He
says: II have been asked by several Ma
tionaI League people to accept the pres
idency for next year, and 1 should love to
do so provided 1 see my way clear. I
am assured that my election will be a sure
thing IL 1 allow the use OF my name. Bust
ness associates have urged me TO decline
! hesitate between love and duty, for | love
baseball III / am elected president Of the
National League there viii be but one pres
ident | will run the League. | have been
accused by American League adherents OF
having been in the game with them To place
q club I'm Pittsburg. This is an untruth and
q SANDER. One year ago w. w. Kerr for
uer part owner OF the Pittsburg National
League club, came 10 me and said that
with Mr.. Auten he should be pleased TO en-
Ter into a scheme with me to establish an
American League club In Pittsburg I
turned Mr.. Kerr. Mr.. Arten and their Joint
proposition down would have nothing to