Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-14
BALL MAGNATES MEET


Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK. February 14.-After the
national commission had firmly placed Its
foot on the ntract-Jumpers yesterday af-
ternoon all the conversation which went
the rounds OF the base ball people had to
do with the possibility of changing the
rules for 1906. The American League peo-
pie. hoping against hope, fathered the
thought that some influence might be
brought on the National leaguers to permit
slight amendments to the playing code as
It was In evidence last year.
Not much consolation came from the
National League end of the ship. Those
who were IN charge OF that portion OF the
base ball navigation of the coming season
believed that the leagues had been 30 pros
porous last year that 1t would be foolish to
turn into other channels this year. The
American League men called attention to
the fact that the number of 300 hitters In
that. organization had dwindied sfeadiiy
foul strike rule and other measures OF like
nature. which were foreign to free hitting,
that had brought 1t about.
The National League came back with
the argument that the 800 hitters In
their organization had Increased In
1905 and for that reason they could
not see why there should be change. The
proposed amendment of Clark Griffith,
which exempted certain fouls from being
strikes, received some consideration In both
leagues. 1t was rather queer that the Ma
tional League people should be more In
ciined to it than the American Leaguers,
but they were.
They seemed to be of opinion that the
change would not hurt the pitching
strength of any of the men who have made
a reputation in the box. The American
Leaguers, on the other hand were more
inclined to favor the suggestion first made
by Mr.. T. c. Noyes of the Washington
club that the batter be sent to first base on
l, Id I,II s,-N <rF F0yrr w
contended that this would place more men
on the bases and thereby add to the run
making strength of each team.
Added chances unquestionably would
make the game more open. and that was
the aim of the American Leaguers. The
National League argument against that
stand was that the public was not pleased
to see men sent to first base on called balls.
but wanted them to get there by hitting
the ball. 1t was asserted that good
pitchers battle was far preferable to a
contest which was won by an exaggerated
number of bases on balls. That was the
position of both rules committees when
they went into session at noon. and 1t was
predicted by both, In a joking way, that
they would probably wind up with dead
lock.
To those who are outside of the inner
circles of the game it appears as IL both
leagues are sparring to make an impression
before the public, and that neither is par
ticularly anxious to amend this rule this
year. II pdSe DdIi Snoufo happen 10 De
little dull during the coming season and the
profits should fall by the wayside 1t may be
that both will look for something else In
1906 The regular sessions Of the league
We're due to begin after the rules commit
tees have finished their deliberations. The
American League has little to do other than
to hear one or two reports and adopt the
schedule which has been arranged by the
president.
However. it is deemed best by Ban John
son to keep the Americans in session so
long as the Nationals are transacting bust
ness in New York, as there might arise
some points which the Americans would
like to consider before they departed for
their homes. The Nationals have plenty
to do. but a great deal Of 1t Is technical
business relating to changes which have
been suggested by the members during the
winter.