The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-08-10

therefore 10 prevent these frequent
earousals he decided to make a deal.
During the last two years the Chicago
Nationals have increased their seating
capacity by over $500. and that, too, IN
lie race OF the keenest opposition from
Sonlskey's American League team IN
-. Louis the same condition exists. IT
Is probable that either the National or
American League ground has half again
the seating capacity of the St. Louis
Browns park when the latter had the
field 70 themselves and were four times
winners.
In Pittsburs, Clev .land, and Detroit
additions have been made TO the ac-
cOmmodations during the past few
years. and yet on biz. days they are not
adequate 20 the demands of the en-
thusiastic fanatics.
The pennant pace Sc By the PhiIlies
for the past six WeeAs has been the
baseball sensation - the country IN
every city Of the rational League the
Quakers are considered a strong cham
pionship possibility, and even though
ambition, If they continue at their pres
ent gait they will have something ma
terial TO say in the disposition OF first,
second, and third positions.
Not for years has the National League
race been so close, exciting and inter-
esting as it has developed this year.
When the scheduled season started,
Chicago. winner of the worlds cham
pionship last fail, was naturally consider
ed the strongest club in the league, and
generally picked to land the pennanf
again.
But the champions have not shown
the form at any time this year that
carried them so successfully through last
season and ended ia most decisive ana
glorious triumph over Detroit. winner
Of the American League penDant, who
did not win single game in the world 5
series.
BY some critics the Chicago Cubs are
considered out Of the race this year.
This Is a somewhat premature judg-
ment. There is no doubt but that the
worlds champions are still q great base
DaH aggregation, with just as good a
pitching stan as in either league and
there IS no good reason TO believe other
IMAM they VIII settle after getting back
home and give the other first division
clubs a great battle to the end Of the
season.
The championship race in the Amer
lean League. so close for several years,
BIDS fair 10 become runaway affair
unless some OF the other leaders stop
the career of the champion Detroit ag-
®atlon- Detroit is generally conceded
the winner OF the American League
penDant, and by many critics il is only
question OF how wide a margin the
champions viii make their triumph.
ST. Louis Americans are making A
game night and are by no means out OF
the race. but the team is inferior in
every respect TO Detroit, and unless
some misfortune Overtakes the cham
pions the Browns can hardly expect
10 pass them.
Cleveland has taken on a new lease OF
life FOR the past ten days and by play
ing good BAN has increased its percent
age, bur is still fOTty-TOur points behind
81. Louis. which is led by a margin OF
twenty-five points by Detroit CHICAGO,
however. Is right on the heels OF the
Cleveland aggregation
The improvements In baseball eauip-
menJs are not confined 10 any DarticiI-
lar secilon or organization. There IS a
asi lll Lof theHi, ana demand which
IS pound 10 Increase, for baseball is only
II ITS infancy No one can f0Fesee he
strides baseball will take In the Dexr
decade. based upon the advancement Of
remembered that this advancement vas
brought about by the stimulating effect
Of honest rivalry.
The other pitcher with q bonus am
tract is better OF. His agreement calls
Tor an extra sum If he wins a majority
of his events. This fiingers figures are
two wins and one loss. It's a cinch his
manager shortly will send him into the
box, and the pitcher will lose out as
al he has right now is lame arm and
fast ball. And with these assets the
pitcher can hardly hope 70 save his
bacon
The Philadelphia Athletics experienced
another week of disaster OF the five
games played Mack's men only won
one. this being a personal triumph OF
that grand pitching machine, Eddie
Plank, no shut out Detroit on Friday
There are two pitchers in the Ameri-
can eLague who are wondering whether
they will get the money called for in
In their bonus contracts. One OF these
twirlers was 10 receive an extra $500 II
he won fifteen games. To date he has
been returned winner once, and he is
with team that is near the bottom.
a $50