The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-08-16

front of that line and without the old
| established foul lines shall be. gov
erned by the present foul strike rule.
In other words. any batted ball that
| goes behind the batsman shall not be
called a strike. That there is an un-
mistakable demand for more hitting
| in baseball is apparent to all students
OF the sport and that sooner or later
a falling off of public interest will be
noticeable is the conclusion that MANY
| baseball men have arrived at and
| many hours of thought have been de-
voted to devising ways and means to
accomplish this without disturbing the
established rules. Suggestions without
number have been offered from time
to time.
Il can lose games with cheaper
team just as well as with an expensive
one," said Tom Sheard. owner of the
White Sox the other day, and on Tues
day night, as prognosticated, he let the
AK drop on Pitchers Bill HOWE, George
Blackburn and Second Basernan Bert
Dunn. "Why?" was asked of Sheard.
ITO cut down expenses" was his reply.
Amy more going?" was asked. ssNone
just now, but IL they don't play ball I'll
get rid OF some more" he answered.
Bill HOWE has been a disappointment
and in sense an unfortunate member
of the down-hiIl- going Sox. Starting at
the beginning of the season like a flash,
he has gradually fallen by the way
side. His pitching deteriorated, but at
$1,000
of the other twirlers which Sheard has
had on his payroll this year. The
double-header shut-out which he pitch
ed against SedaHa a short while ago,
coupled with other things, put his arm
to the bad. He said, however, the other
day that it had entirely healed up
again, and that he was ready to go back
into the box. He was offered to Wichita
for Murray bur declined with thanks.
Blackburn was only a quasi-success.
The big fellow won himself a home by
his heavy hitting, was given the man
agement of the team. fell down at that
job was released, begged to be REIN
stated as a pitcher, was given a trial.
won two out of three games, and was
then set adrift. Bert Dunn too was a
disappointment. At the beginning OF
the season the Casey of the White Sox,
he batted along at a merry clip, get
ting over the 800 mark. Though not as
fast on second as creased lightning, he
managed to hold up his end of the stu
ting and his fielding. Then too he was
high salaried man, over the 500 mark,
like both Blackburn and HOWE. and fell
under Sheard's new policy. Quigley VIII
play second base. Reagan, the new am
ateur try-out from Anthony, will be put
at short. Dunn, Blackburn, nor HOWE
have as yet secured new berths. The
latter will probably hook on somewhere
in a hurry.
According to the Joplin Herald, the
following is something that Cole did
over there last week: One of the most
difficult catches ever made on the home
diamond was seen in Fridays game.
Dick Bayless came to bat and knocked
low fly just over the shortstop's head
and the left fielder, Cole, made a run for
it. Realizing that he would never reach
it in time if he ran, he Owed for the
sphere and, sliding along the ground,
he. caught the ball not six inches from
the ground and came up with it in his
hand.
From the Joplin Globe: st. Joseph
has made overtures to President Baker
for the purchase of Bay1ess and Durkin
and wants them as soon as possible.
When approached on the subject he
stated that he would sell the two men,
but not until next year. Just what &C
ton will be taken is not known.
Arkansas City, Kan, Aug. 16.-In
case Guthrie gives UP its franchise in
the Western association Arkansas City
will be candidate for the vacant place
for next season. This city has support
ed good independent baseball clubs and
the interest is growing. The matter VIII
be taken UP at once by local enthusiasts
and an attempt made to get the fran
obi