The Washington times., 1903-12-21
FRANK FARRELL TALKS
ON FOUL STRIKE RULE
Still the Bone of COnten-
tiOn Between Leagues.
ONE FAvoRS; OTHER OPPOSES
American May Surrender Point if the
Joint Conference Decides to
Stand Pat.

NEW YORK, Dec H.-Although the
foul strike rule. which has been bone
Of contention between the major base
ball leagues since it's adoption eleven
months ago. was unanimously rescinded
by the American League delegates at
their annual meeting at Chicago last
week. it does not follow that it will be
abolished by the clubs in that organi-
zation during the playing season of 1904
Frank ]. Farrell, treasurer Of the
Greater New York Baseball Club. and
the principal stockholder in that organi-
zation, arrived in New York yesterday
from Chicago, where he had been at
tending the annual session. Farrell
with ]. Kilfoyle. of Cleveland. and
Charles Comisky. of the Chicago club,
are the members Of TIE rules commit
tee appointed to represent the American
League in the joint conferences of SINH
lar committees from the National League
and National Association, at which all
amendments to. Or changes IN, the uni
form rules now governing the game
must be made
Mr.. Farrell expressed himself as be-
ing more than pleased with the action
taken by the delegates on every matter
or Importance that was discussed at
their annual session, and he said that
the outlook for the coming season was
very promising.
We had a good season in 1903, and
while the Greater New York club was
handicapped in many ways. the finan-
cial results We're perfectly satisfactory
to everyone concerned. 1t was our
initial season. and while we made
strenuous efforts to have everything in
order at our park. we were unable TO
complete the grounds, but this draw
back will be wiped out before the first
game of the coming season, The deep
hole in right and right center field will
be filled up. SO that the players in those
two sections will not be hampered in
their work by the fence which impeded
them last season.
National Members Instructed.
Regarding the controversy about the
abolition OF the foul strike rule, the
committee. of which / am a member,
was not instructed in any particular,
and the American League as body is
well satisfied that our committee will
act for the best interests of the league
in everything which it votes upon The
National League issued instructions to
|, oppose any change in the foul strike
section, while myself and the other two
members Of our committee are left to
use our own judgment.
There is some talk of amending the
rule so that the first foul may be called
1 strike, but not the first two, as is
now the case. / cannot say that any or
many changes may be made, but IT has
been suggested that a compromise rule
be substituted, and perhaps this will
meet with the approval of the commit
| tees
Speaking Of the makeup of the Great
er New YORK. team for next year, Mr.
FARRELL said that 1t would be consider
ibly strengthened by another catcher.
one more pitcher, and an outfielder. in
addition to Anderson. thus increasing
the hitting powers OF the team. There
$ a deal under way for the purchase
Il these players. the names of whom
| viii not be divulged just now.
AS 10 the question of consolidation. the
| Sew York representative said that sucn
4 move is not contemplated, as it does
not find favor among the league mem
Ders.