Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-03-20
MORTON SOUNDS
NOTE Of Warming
Admonishes League Managers
Not to Disregard the Salary
Limit Rule
DISASTER IN BIG SALARIES
Foresees Failure Of League If Associa-
tions Stand for Exorbitant Salaries,
Exceeding Limit-Danscr is Pointed
Out in Letter to Different Manage
ments-success or FaiIure2

President Frank c. Norton, of the
directors and managers of Iowa League
clubs, in which he makes a strong y
peal for strict observance OF the
salary limit rule, and sounds ~ strong
warming against the practice which ne
is lead to believe some of the man
ayers are INDUCING In, of making con-
tracts at salaries far in excess or the
league limit. He points out the fact
that q league is strong only in accord
ance with the strength of its weakest
club and that for one or two clubs TO
assemble a high grade team at unlaw-
full salaries, simply to win the pennant.
will have the effect of discouraging the
interest in the cities where the salary
limit is adhered to. He expresses the
conviction that nothing can quicker
disrupt league like the Iowa organi-
zation than exorbitant salaries
President Norton speaks enthusiastic
cally OF the seasons outlook and ex-
presses himself as confident or
greater success, even, than Last year.
His letter follows:
President Norton's Warning.
The season Of 1905 is near at hand.
But a few weeks and the command of
the umpire Play Bali will be heard
How long we will be privileged to en-
10Y this cleanest of all sports is
question to be decided by the directors
of the several clubs.
"But few contracts have been re-
ceived at this office for approval, burt IL
one is to judge from the list of players
published in our daily papers, am
convinced that the salary limit must be
totally dsregarded. / have heard the
expression used that this or that town
can afford to pay $1,000 per month pro-
vided they can get a winning team.
For sake Of argument admit that they
can, but remember that the league is
not stronger than its weakest city. and
If one club shows weakness 1t will
have a tendency to disrupt the entire
organization. How many towns in
the Iowa State League can afford to
pay these exorbitant salaries? A sal
airy limit of $1,000, including managers
salary and incidentals must at least
amount to $1,000 per month. Can we
afford dt? Last seasons experience
positively says mo-
"rhe organizers of the Iowa state
had in view permanency when they
groomed our little league in, the base
ball field. We want base ball, not
only for one season, but continually,
and we can have it If we respect the
salary limit. If not, we will surely go
the route SO many of our predecessors
travelled
unwaranted Expenditures Dangerous.
ut is about time that the directors
of all the clubs should look at this
question from business standpoint
before 1t is too late, and not let the
managers have full scope in signing
team apparently regardless of the sal
airy limit, their object perhaps being
to make reputation for themselves to
the detriment of the players (for the
league cannot exist and pay these sal
aries), financial loss to the stockhold-
ers, and eventually wrecking the or
ganization. Altho 1t is in it's infancy,
this league has established reputa-
ton which we planned and hoped
would continue for many years. We
will be ruined as sure as fate if this
unwarranted expenditure continues.
Let us be honest with each other and
recoup before it is too late.
"a copy of this letter is being mailed
to all clubs. have no one in par
ticular in view. You know the salary
limit is being disregarded. Read care
fully the penalty for the violation Saf
it in the national agreement, and w. :
all know the history of leagues that
let enthusiasm instead of business tact
rule their destiny.
Gentlemen, we cannot succeed, we
are doomed to failure, if attention is
not paid to this most important feat
ure of minor leagues-salary limit.
you would not pursue or counte-
nance such a course in your business
affairs. Use this same sound bust
ness judgment in base ball affairs. If
you do, the success of the Iowa state
is assured for years, If you don't, dis
NAL failure will follow.
cit depends upon you, gentlemen, to
decide what course to pursue. The
future of the Iowa state is in your
hands.
What course are you going to
take?
yours truly,