Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-12
Matter Taken Out of Home
Clubs Power.
ADOPTS IMPORTANT RULES
Pitchers Must Not Soil New Balls as
Heretofore.
AMERICANS MAKE NO TRADES
In and Out Racing at New Orleans.
National League Reflects
Pulliam.
ADOPTS IMPORTANT RULES
AMERICANS MAKE NO TRADES

Pulllam.
Special Dispatch to The Star.
CHICAGO, December 12.-Though the
opening days session of the American
League was largely devoted to wind-Jam-
ming yesterday, there's every reason to
believe that several measures were adopt
ed which will eventually accrue to the
advantage of the game in general. I'm
doubtedly the most important piece of
business transacted was the adoption of
rule, based upon a suggestion made by
Manager Mack of the Athletics, which
will tend to enable all clubs to play out
their schedule of games. 1t was recalled
that the Athletics played some half dozen
games less than the immediate contend
ers for the championship. If these games
had been played. and going on the results
of the games already played with the
same clubs, the chances are that the
championship flag next season would be
flying from the top of the stalwart staff
in the White Elephant yard, Philadelphia,
instead of Bennett Park, Detroit.
Heretofore postponed games, except in
the final series, have been subject to the
caprice Of the home club. 1t was optional
with the home club to play or not. This
practical politics, irrespective Of the posi-
ton of contending clubs. By yesterdays
resolution hard and fast rule has been
made, making it obligatory upon the home
club to play whether 1t wants to or not
The rule is:
"All postponed games of the first series
shall be played on the first or succeeding
day of the second series; all postponed
games of the second and third series shall
be played on the next day or succeeding
days of the same SERIES
This new rule may hit some clubs harder
than others the coming season, but in
the roundup it will hit all alike.
Mustn't Dirty the Ball.
Another proposed change that will find
favor with the public was the passage
of a resolution instructing the rules COM
mittee to prepare rule prohibiting the
pitcher from dirtying the ball, a practice
which is offensive to the eye and weari-
ness to the nerves. Under the present
rule the pitcher alone has the privilege
of expectorating on the sphere, and de-
iberately running it through and through
the grass while frenZied spectators are
frequently on edge. The excuse given by
the majority of pitchers in rubbing up a
new ball is that it is SO slippery that they
are unable to deliver it with their usual
accuracy-a difficulty that may be over
come by the manufacturers at the fac
tories. 1t any rate, the new rule will
work the same for all twirlers and will
tend to materially lessen the time con-
sumed in the playing of the games, which
have become entirely too long during the
last two years.
$500 Fiae-Returned.
The protest of the Cleveland club
against the fine of $500 imposed by Presi-
dent Johnson for the Maps alleged dila-
tory tactics in a Detroit game at the close
of the season may also lead to legislation
which will commend itself to the general
base ball going public. Nothing is
exasperating to the average spectator as
the visiting club, with a view of averting
defeat, resorting to practices to delay the
game, although they bear them with
Christian fortitude If the home club Is
the offender. The board of directors re-
ferred the matter to President johnson,
with the request that he formulate a rule
which will enable the umpires to put
stop to such tactics in the future. This
is in accord with the American League
policy to do away so far as is possible
by rule-making with all features which
tend to bring the game into disrepute. I he
= fine of $500 imposed upon the Cleveland
Club was RENTED.
More Big Series Games.
Following suggestions made by the Ma
tional League, the American League con-
sidered the frightening of the post-cham-
pionship season series from seven games
to nine. There was only one dissenting
vote. The change is one of doubtful ex-
pediency, particularly in view of the kind
of weather that is generally floating
around loose after the close OF the rather
prolonged regular championship season.
or course, 1t may help the contending club
that gets off badly but in the end 1t will
work out to the benefit of the club with
the larger staff of pitchers.
Schedula Norouitfea
For years Presidents Johnson and Pull
liam have made out the schedules; always
considering. of course. suggestions from
the various clubs of their respective
leagues as to particular dates. For soma
unknown reason President Pulliam has
declined to play the part of schedule
work to committee of two instead, al
though he will be an ex-officio member of
the committee. President Johnson will
likewise appoint committee of two to
confer with the gentlemen who may be
appointed by the Nationals president.
No Chance for Minors.
committee of the American Associa-
ton, which is seeking to obtain an en-
trance into Chicago. was around the Audi
forum Annex all day, although 1t made
no formal presentation Of it's request to
the league. In order TO ascertain the SEN
timent OF his organization, Mr.. Johnson
asked for a vote. If the request is form
ally made 1t will be turned down. Then,
II the American Association persists in
placing club in Chicago there Will be
another war, and war at this stage of the
base ball game would be lively affair.
New York Satisfied.
New York is extremely well satisfied
with the recent deals made by Griffith,
and is not cunning for players to any
great extent. Nevertheless, the High
landers are willing to give up two young
pitchers and some money for Patten. AS
Cantillon things Patten has served long
enough with the Nationals, trade is
more than probable. 1t was limited that
al faLr 10 ha