The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-29
STAG PILE STRINGS.

The coming meeting Of the Southern
league In Montgomery promises to be
one of unusual interest, as several I'M
portant matters will come before this ses-
sion. The schedule committee will report
also at this meeting. 1t Is rumored that
Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis and New
Orleans will get the holiday dates, as
they are the best drawing cities in the
league. Montgomery will also likely play
the Barons on July 4, and the Fishermen
will engage Atlanta on the same day.
This is just the reverse of what 1t has
been heretofore. The change suits
Montgomery, because the gate receipts
will be as large, If not larger.
Wiley Piatt. who was once a great
southpaw, has at last been located. Man
ager Fisher sent him his unconditional
release some time ago. A few days
since the manager received a letter from
Clarksville, in a hand that was very fa-
miliar 1t proved to be from none other
than Wiley himself, asking that release
be sent to him in writing, which Manager
Fisher readily granted.
1t seems that after stay of month
or so in Nashville Wiley dropped out of
sight, but he was seen several days ago
by several of his friends riding gently
along in a coal wagon. Manager Fisher
says Wiley owes his downfall to riding
the red horse" too frequently. Piatt
had always drawn nice salary and could
pitch fine ball, when in shape, and had he
saved his salary would now be independ-
ent of anyone, but, contrary to the ma
1ority of players, he has spent his money
instead of saving 1t. There is yet lot
of good ball playing in Piatt and should
he take care of himself he will again be
seen among the top-notchers In balloon.
Manager Gillks of Shreveport sent
George Feye, the pitcher a contract, but
Feye refused to accept the terms. I'll
quit playing ball before play with Gilks
for the money offered" said Feye From
the clever pitchers record last season 1T
does look as If he should receive sub
stantial increase in salary.
Mike Kelly expects to sell out his half
of the Toledo club interests within a few
days He has been holding out for $12.-
900 and thinks he has the parties in Toledo
who will take the burden off his hands.
81 expected to go to Toledo myself when
I bought my interest there" said Mike,
but as / am to remain in ST. Paul do
not care to be Interested IN TWO CLUBS IN
the same league If l can get out without
loss. think l have the people to buy"
The Toledo franchise promises to be a
valuable property this year, as the team
under Mike Finn will undoubtedly play
better ball than the town has seen for
many years. Toledo has supported a tail
end club fairly well and should catch the
bon bon If Finn can keep in the first d.
vision.
Connie Mack has decided to switch
around his outfield this season, and the
players will have a chance to practice In
their new positions while in the south
Hartsel will be switched from left field
to center, and Hoffman will move into the
left garden. Seybold will retain his place
in right. The Athletics have released
Substitute Infeder Mullen of Manhattan
college. Mullen wished to go to Toronto,
but Comlskey refused to waive claim and
secured him.
The impression that Charley Smith the
big Cleveland boy, drafted by Cleveland
from the Atlanta club, is sure to go back
to Atlanta, giving Secretary Barnard as
the authority, is premature. Barnard
said to H p. Edwards he was somewhat
misquoted, claiming that what he did
say was this: Cleveland has six good
pitchers and Smith must crowd one of