Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-15
SHORTER BALL
SEASON NEXT YEAR
President Johnson Working for
a Reduced Schedule in
American League.
From the New York Evening Journal.

From the New York Evening Journal.
President Ban Johnson of the American
League, while here Saturday and Sunday in
consultation with the owners of the Boston
club, with his usual shrewdness and BUSH
ness intelligence, as well as baseball knowl-
edgs adjusted the affairs Of the Hub or
ganization to the entire satisfaction of all
the parties interested and brought order
out of a very complicated situation.
John I. Taylor. who controlled the Boston
club during the years of its greatest artis-
tic and financial successes. comes back to
his own and will re-enter upon his duties
with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Col. Taylor, Johns father, who was at
one time reported to have lost all interest
in the club. is enlisted again in its welfare
and Will furnish all the money necessary to
strengthen the team, with the object Of
bringing it back to it's pristine glory
All of which shows the resourcefulness OF
Mr.. johnson. He has the confidence Of
every club owner I'm his young but prosper
GUS organization, although Charley Comis-
as they pass by. But 1t will be noticed that
the wise "Old Roman has never made
break to depose johnson, and he never will.
Johnson's is the Master Hand.
1t is President Johnson who controls the
destinies of his league. His advice is in
variably sought and always acted on
whenever complications arise in any club,
and Ban has never failed to adjust affairs
satisfactorily. The American League is,
in consequence, unit. 1t has never since
its organization been torn by internal
discussions such as have frequently &C.
CURED in the parent body. There is team
work in the American League. Every
club owner works for the general inter
act nj q n hinc
individual prosperity or ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
at the expense Of fellow-owner or club.
This is one secret of the popularity and
success of the American League. And to
President Ban Johnson nearly the whole
credit for such satisfactory state OF
affairs is due
And President Johnson does not desire
to pose in the limelight either. He is
satisfied to have his grand personality
hidden behind the results he attains. 1t
is very seldom that he conducts type
writing campaign, even when others are
flooding the newspapers with personal
statements" and seeking undue promi-
nence and publicity. Johnson sinks his
individuality Tor the welfare of his
league.
In talking about his league just prior
to his departure for Washington. after
settling the affairs of the Boston club
President Johnson said:
1.-The American League experienced thu
most successful season in its history dur
ing this year, and from every point of
view. Every club made money, several
showing mammoth financial Improvement
over any previous year. In New York, for
instance, every visiting club received for
its share of the receipts three times as
much as in any season before, and nearly
every other club showed big gains in at
tendance. Even in Boston with tail-end
club the attendance showed very little
falling off. I am eminently satisfied with
last seasons results and the future pros
poets of the league.
Favors Shorter Season.
Il am in favor of shorter season than
last seasons schedule called for; in fact,
1 have advocated the curtailment Of the
championship season for several years The
annual worlds series games have devel-
oped into such vast Importance that those
post-season contests are the biggest sport
ing event of the whole year, and attract
worldwide interest and attention.
consequently lne series should be played
under favorable weather conditions, and
the present length of the regular cham
pionship season does not allow of that
probability. / shall advocate strongly at
the next meeting of the American League,
In Chicago on December IL, shorter
schedule, and earnestly hope that the Ma
tional League will also fan into line for
the same object.
season series between all the clubs OF both
the National and American Leagues-the
two leading clubs, those that finish second,
and SO down the line. shall offer sug-
gestion that such series be made obliga-
tory. I think they will lend additional ex-
element to the regular seasons games
and hold the interest of the base ball pub
lie to the very last"
When asked If there was any prospect
of rule being passed looking to overcome
the present supremacy of the pitchers over
the batsmen, President johnson replied:
1.-The base ball public showed by Its I'M
mense patronage the past season that the
present rules and pitching distance were
not Objectionable, and that any radical
change is not generally demanded. Per-
sonally / prefer to see more batting.
score of about 6 to Is my ideal of
game for that shows batting and gives
possibilities for brilliant and sharp fielding.
No, cannot say that there will be any
effort made to increase batting by handi-
Gaping the pitcher. The question may
come up. however.
When asked II there was any possibility
of Detroit being supplanted by any other
CITY. President johnson said: None in the
least Detroit made money last season
and has very bright prospects for next
wear. The Detrofts were strong aggrega-
ton this year and will be much stronger
next season. They will have new and
hustling manager in Hugh Jennings and
so will the Wasihnstons In Joe Cantillon."