The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-06-23
sLAoPlLE sIFTINes.

Rumors were going the rounds yester- day that many changes are to be made in the Birmingham team soon Just what these changes are can not be ascertained as members of the local association are not ready to announce their plans. It Is understood an ultmatum has been is- sued to Manager O'Brien that he will have to deliver the goods called for. Lo- cal stockholders are far from being sat isfied with the playing of the team but as yet have formulated no plan to get around the difficulty. They argue that 1t Is very dangerous to make change In the management of the team in mid sea- son as most of the players were signed by Manager O Brien and that he should be given full opportunity to see what he can do with his material Believing that Birmingham has the best collec- tion of players in the league the stock holders are said to be very sore over the continued defeats and want a radical change.
 Another thing which has made the stockholders determined to have some thing done is the fact that it was report ed yesterday that some fans who have never missed a game of ball in Birming- ham were urging baseball enthusiasts not to attend the game until change was made in the management. Ii was further reported that a petition for this purpose
  however, could not be confirmed.
 Never in the history of Birmingham baseball has there been so much dlsap- pointment had dissatisfaction among the supporters of the game as right now Be- lieving that Birmingham has a crack team fans are bitterly disappointed at the showing made. A few victories would do much to relieve the soreness.
 
 It Is said that betting does more to in jure baseball than any feature of the sport. This has certainly proved true in Birmingham. One can sit in the grand stand and by the remarks of spectators tell from whence the betting comes. 1t Is practice that should net be tolerated on the grounds. It is perfectly natural for a person who has bet on the game to get sore and roast the players when his side loses. This discourages ball players and kills the true spirit of the game.
 Several prominent fans who have de- Veloped into knockers announce that meeting of the Knockers association will be held in the bowling hall where the baseball matinees are held, this afternoon at 2 o'clock. They are anxious to have 6 full attendance, and say that all per sons interested In baseball are invited to f attend. A presiding officer will be select ed. and every rooter who thinks he knows Tow to manage a baseball club will be elected vice president and put on the board of directors. The knockers say they are tired of talking on the strees corners and want to get a hall where they can get a larger audience. Stenographers will be on hand to take down the proceedings. They called the meeting at o'clock be- cause the Barons might win this afternoon and that would queer the night meet ing.
 For the benefit of those who think they know how to manage baseball teams, and who would like to make suggestions for the benefit of the Coal Barons, the Age Herald will devote half column daily to such communicat provided they are signed by the persons who write them The rooter must sign his full name It must be understood however, that no communica tions of a coarse or personal nature will be printed. Open discussions or criticisms of the team or in fact any suggestions as to the playing of the Coal Barons. will be printed All klckers or boosters have a chance.
 Tn yesterdays game Duffy hit for two bags. went to third on Smiths ou and made home on a double steal. Still the Nashville scorer does not credit him with an earned run. Local fans are of the opinion that it was double earned.