Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1906-01-16

Wilmington's chance Of being repre-
scented in the 1ri-State League next sea-
son seems 10 be very poor. No definite
word has been received from Manager
George w. Hechort of York, as to
whether he can secure the grounds and
necessary support for o team in Reading,
and the whole situation apparently
hinges on that city.
From what can be learned. it is not
likely that Reading will be represented
In the league.
Edward j. Curley, one Of the owners Of
the Wilmington A. A. Club, says he is
not sure yet what will be done In case
Reading or some other city does not se-
cure a franchise 10 make IL an eight
club circuit with Wilmington, then the
latter viii probably be dropped, and, in
fact, Mr. Curloy says thnt under those
circumstances they would not care very
much about going in the league, as il
would be a seven-olub circuit and the
teams would then have TO do too much.
II has always been supposed that the
Wilmington A. A. Club held a franchise
which was gepd as long as the league
lasted, unless IL was purchased, but some
of the other clubs contend that this Is
not the case. AT the last meeting of the
league IN Harrisburg Mr.. Curley brought
mp the matter that Wilmington held a
franchise and. therefore could not be
ousted from the league unless the fran
chise was purchased. Other owners then
stated that the franchises were only good
from year 10 year, as renewed
This is a state of affairs probably
never heard Of before in baseball, but
that is not the only strange thing that
is done by some of the clubs in the Tri-
State.
A majority Of the clubs desire viii
mington 10 remain In the league, IL an
other city can be secured 10 make up the
sight
The excuse given out by Johnstown
and Altoona for wanting to get rid of
Wilmington is said 10 be that K is too
long jump and does not pay 20 come
here. This is regarded as a ridiculous
excuse, as Wilmington is known 10 be
one Of the best baseball cities in the
United States. Excepting Harrisburg,
this city is twice as large as any city in
the circuit and with a good team can out
draw them all 70 J.. Last year the nj
tendance was poor, it is true, but that
was partly the fault Of some other clubs
that declined TO help strengthen the team
and also hampered Il IN some other ways.
With a fair schedule and such n team M
Shnrrott says he would put here, VIII
mington the coming season would draw
crowds that would make the eyes of
Johnstown, Altoona and other club men
bulge with delight. IL Is well-known
TACT that even last year the towns in
rennsylvania did not draw any larger
crowds than Wilmington, except when
the race got close toward the end of the
season.
There viii be a meeting of the league
IN Harrisburg on Thursday night. when Il
VIII be decided as 20 whether or not
Wilmington viii be allowed 10 remain in
the league. Mr. Curlov does not think
there Is any chance Of getting in the
Eastern League.
The excuse for dropping Wilmington
from the Iri-State League does not look
like very good one In view of the fact
that the distance between Harrisburg
and Wilmington is only one more mile
than between Harrisburg and Altoona
10 Is 1873 miles TO Wilmington and 1872 Ia
Altoona. The distance from Altoona Il
YOUNGSTOWN is IS miles
The owners Of the Wilmiupton A. A.
baseball club today received word from
George Heokert OF York. who i,
endeavoring 90 got Reading in The
Tri-State League, which thew saw !,
very encouraging. Mr.. Heckert seeml
very hopeful and SAYS he will fight A
keep Wilmington in the Vri-S State M
the meeting in Harrisburg on Thurs.
day night.