The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-19
Bas sebaHNeDs From Camps
 Of 1he Southern League
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS.

During the past week very little has happened of wide interest to the Southern league.
 Locally, it has been absolutely dead. Gene Demont, last years shortstop, stated to the writer yesterday that he had made up his mind positively to retire. In spite of that positive statement. however, 1t is believed that when spring comes around, with it's soft breezes, sunshine and other temptations, the persuasion will be too strong for iDemont to resist.
 It is strange how anxious McElveen, Nashvilles third baseman, is to play the territory corner for the Barons He wrote last week to Henry Meek as follows:
 'Tell Harry Vaughn to get me away from Nashville. I am very anxious to play in Birmingham. Tell him that I will play the third corner as it was never played before in the south, and that feel strong enough to batter dozens of fences down in Dixie. Urge the deal. You know that I will be able to give satisfaction
 Meek showed the letter to President Baugh. Tell me a way to land McEl- veen," replied he "and we will do so. l will be willing to buy him for any sum within reason."
 But the indications are that the deal will not go through. Grantland Rice, sporting editor of the Nashville Tennes- sean, stated that McElveen will prob ably be switched to second, and lansing, the well remembered Swede, with a hatchet face, will play third. Rice states positively that Birmingham's desire ID land McElveen can never be realized. However, while McElveen works from that end, and Harry Vaughn from this, the trick may yet be turned.
 During the week, there were no de- velepments in the reported deal for Os- teen Nothing at headquarters has been learned about the deal and it will re- aure word from Manager Vaughn to put the rumor to rest, or to establish 1t on four feet. Let us all hope that he will establish it firmly, and that next season the ex-white Sox will scamper about the local infield
 Nothing new as to pitchers and catch CTS has been heard. Things are likely to remain in statu quo until the arrival of Manager Harry Vaughn, scheduled for February or thereabout.
 As contained in the press dispatches of last week, Mobile will have Sunday ball. This is quite a boost for the sport, inas- much as with the withdrawal of Shreve- port, one Sunday town was lost.
 Another interesting announcement from Mobile is to the effect that it is now posi- tive that Tom Fisher, the red-haired man. ager of Shreveport last season, will man. age the Sea Gus. This is another boost for the sport in the South Alabama city. The announcement is accompanied by the statement that Fisher has obtained his unconditional release from St. Louis. The Southern league needs men of Fishers stamp. and his loss would have been a serious blow.
 Mobile, it is learned, will use the ma jority of the Shreveport Pirates of last season. and the members of Mobiles Cot ton States aggregation will be used in filling up the weak holes.
 Vernuille, the star Mobile pitcher of last season, will make good in Southern com pany beyond doubt. He is a pitcher with plenty of speed and daring and even treacherous curve.
 Charlie Frank claims the best outfeld that was ever gathered in Dixie, and his men ne boasts of He claims Frank Dele- hanty Frank Heulsman and young Lord, formerly of the Philadelphia. Athletics. All