The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-27
SIGNAL FOR THE CURTAIN
BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON
WILL END THIS WEEK.
Clubs Are Now Striving to Organise
Fast Teams for Next Year-West-
ern League I'm "Hard Lines"

The baseball season is on its last legs.
The last games in the National League Will
beplayed to-day, while the American League
season will ring down its curtain at the
end of the games on Tuesday. 1t has been
a good season financially for part Of the
clubs Notwithstanding that they were carry
ing higher salaried teams than ever before
In the history Of the game. Until the lat
ter part Of the season the struggle for
championship honors was an interesting
one, but gradually the Pittsburg team as
sumed a commanding lead in the national
race, while the Boston Americans increased
their lead in Ban Johnson's organization
until the respective championships were set
tied. Baseball enthusiasts, as rule, Were
glad tosee Pittsburg repeat its pennant win
ming fight. but nearly all of the Indianapolis
fans desired to see New York land first
place because of John T. Brushs connec-
ton with that club. The Giants made a
great fight throughout the season and fin
ished even better than most Of the ball
enthusiasts thought they would. Having a
good chance for first place during the first
half Of the season, and for that matter even
up until within a few weeks of the close the
New York team drew record breaking
crowds at home and was also a good draw
ing card on the road. President Brush and
everything possible will be done to give New
York q championship club next year.
The Boston team deserved to win the
American League championship, because 1t
has played good ball. Cleveland and Phila-
delphia have been the principal contenders
for first,place honors. but they are far be,
hind Collins's team; Because OF the good
standing maintained by Cleveland the at
tendance in that city has been remarkable
throughout the season
XXX
Clubs in all leagues are busy making
preparations for fast teams next year. The
National and American League clubs had
agents in the minor leagues before the
minors closed and many young players
have been drafted. 1t is quite likely that
several big deals will be made this fall
and winter between the various clubs for
the exchange of players. The American
Association clubs are also striving to
strengthen their clubs for next season and
faster article of ball will be seen than
was played during the season just closed.
Manager Watkins will not be satisfied until
he has selected fast team and when the
there will be host Of fast young players
here ready to try out for the various posi-
tons.
Another evidence that the Western
League is all shot to pieces was the news
item from Peoria the latter part of last
week, to the effect that the Peoria club
stockholders have voted to sell it's fran
chise, players and all holdings. Even II
the Western does organize for another
season 1t Is not very likely that 1t will give
the American Association opposition II
Milwaukee and Kansas City.
The record Of the Indianapolis pitchers
shows that William Kellum was the bes,
| of the lot. He won twenty-five games and
| lost nine. Ford won seventeen and los
thirteen. Newlin won twelve and LOST
| eleven. Williams won nine and lost seven
| McPartlin won only four Of the twelve
| Crowley pitched four games and won three
of them.