The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-02-17

ident Baugh sent him ticket yesterday,
and he will probably arrive this week.
The contract of Lister, the new first
baseman, has been receivd. Lew Walters
has arrived Montgomery is in town, and
his friends were delighted to see him
on the street yesterday, his first ap
pearanee since a recent attack of fever.
Nothing has been heard from Bill Oyler,
who is spending the winter in Pennsyl-
vania. His contract has been forwarded.
Clarke Billiard Alcock and Turner have
not as yet returned their contracts. but
II is probable that all these documents
will be filed away this week. Garvin has
returned his contract, and has requested
that a ticket be sent him Immediately,
as he will coach Howard college this sea-
son.
Gear Is Released.
Dale Gear, the splendid fellow with
splendid head. will not be stationed again
this season in the outfeld. His release
was sent him last week In the outfield
the Barons will be represented by Carlos
Smith, Gardner and Molesworth, trio
that none In the south can surpass.
Smith, rs stated formerly, has expressed
his pleasure at the approach of the time
for reporting. He will arrive soon and
will sign his contract after arrival. The
contract of Gardner. who was the hardest
nlltef ana pHe InOsI alert uelueT III INC
Cotton States league last season, has
been filed away Gardner was formerly
in the Southern league, but his reputation
as a twirler with Montgomery and Biz
mingham has been eclipsed in his bright
er record as a fielder and hard hitter.
1t was a difficult question, that about
releasing Gear. His value is great, I'M
doubtedly. He was often criticised last
season for his apparent Indifference, but
as an advisor, and as factor in keep
ing the spirits of the players buoyed up
he made himself felt keenly. Gear is q
most valuable man, and while Gardner
will be an Improvement in the active
, playing of the game there is no question
but that there will be a loss in the teams
! generalship. Gear was great general
with cool head and a great daring.
Season Nearly Here.
On account of the game Of politics that
| Is being played, the fans have not stopped
to think just how close the season is.
| On Friday the schedule will be adopted.
| Seven days later every Baron will be eX-
peeted In Birmingham. Then there is the
month of training, forgetting that the
| winter was cold and planning for the on
rushing season. In that month several of
| the teams of the big leagues will arrive
In town, furnishing winter amusement for
the local fans. During March the sap will
be reaching its highest pitch, and will be
Just preparing to boil over when the gong
is sounded on April 10.
From a local standpoint, everything
looks bright Meek says that he will win
the pennant again. Wordsworth writes tho
sporting editor of The Age-Herald that
the team that wins the rag will have to
beat Birmingham out. This opinion is
that generally held by the players, local
fans and students of the game In other
cities.
As a league, the outlook is brilliant too.
The weaker members are doing all in
their power OF rise into the first ranks.
The race will be between Birmingham,
Atlanta and Memphis, 1t seems, and there
is hardly a doubt but that New Orleans
will come fourth. In the second division,
however, there will be fighting galore,
for Montgomery, Shreveport, Nashville
and even Little Rock are putting on their
armour for the merriest scrap that was
ever witnessed in this good league of ours.