New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-12-07
COMMENT ON SPORTS
B4SEB4LL MEN ACTIVE.
Mrs and Tie-rs on Current Topics,
Amateur and Professional.

Bs<ehsu is il the air again There VIII De d
gathering Of the clans this week to play lot OF
,7;4s-e ara do little recislatirz The regular fall
meeting of the National League viii begin to-mor-
-cw a, the waldcrf-Astoria, while the American
LEAGUE VIII 20 into session at the Hotel olcot'
N "Wednesday Z Is more than likely that there
~ Ne some rough edges 70 smooth down-there
sssa Ily sre-but also likely that harmony will
ha the keynote of both meetings Baseball Is too
cruIa- might say too prosperous, at the pres
.-t tire for any upheavsI IN the big leagues The
c-4N owners must stand together and present
bold front against any possible invasion Of their
territory OF authority by the leading minor leagUers
as represented by the American Association and
re Eastern League one baseball war is quite
enough for tie tire being and while the split in
ire ranks Of the minor leagues over the question Of
class rating is hardly deserving OF the term war. II
IS nevertheless cause for some apprehension Ban
Johnsons term president Of the American League
bss another year run. hut the National League
must elect president. and far can be judged
Harry - PuIliam VIII be tanned 70 succeed him
SCI There Is some opposition 10 M PUllian
growing out OF his decision the controversy be
tween the Giants and the Cubs over that now ia
--o..s game. when Merkle failed 10 touch second
nzss and which in all probability cost New York
r-s remnant and the worlds championship I was
-7or Il rvupathy with that decision the reason
t-sr did not consider that the unplres had done
thei- Pail duty. but there be question as 20
NJ PuIIizn's good faith and earnest effort in de-
-icsnE the kEotry question His fearless and as-
-essfvs methods done much build the sport
y and his reelection should be for the best in
re-ests % baseball
There have been no radical changes IN the rules
a the game since the adoption Of the foul strike
rule six years ago and there is little chance
o. sny this time unless the spit ball is legslated
against Charley Murphy. OF the Chicago Cubs.
says he vii OFFER rule 10 prevent It's use. and
Harry c. PulLam has decided against II il the
following words
I an. once and for all against the spit ball We
s-e going Try put Il out Of respectable oese-
beI society. out We haven't figured out how We
way. the main reasons being the very TleJhoo
by vtszch such delivery Is produced and me 1act
uTrchers who 11se i There is nothing 50 wearing
upon The the spit ball Il seems tor TINE
success obtained Is Ike z nasn n me pan &c
pitcher Is great only short while Then he passes
along and IS never heard OF again His arm Is
= locks as the spit bali Is doomed Il not now
within the next two three years, and II would
not be missed Its total abolition. however, with
out fair warning. would work q hardship some
rlaysrs a-d club owners by destroying property
value and effectiveness Of certain pitchers
resolution c0Cl6 be adopted against this form %
delivery. take effect II. say. Two years time
T1:s would give those pitchers who It
managers Who are strong II spit ball pitchers
chance 70 lock about and prepare for the change
Personally. I more interested II the abolition
- TIE baseball spike, now used on the shoes OF
re players 7 not il sympathy with the cry
vLac suitable substitute be found Leather
c-sa-s. used ~ football players would accom-
pEsh rhe purpose. near enough. and there would
Be Seve- accidents 70 rob club owners Of valuable
-s- Eher their services most required The
--u-de-ous spike should 20, aid the sooner the
bs--e--