The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-16
SPORTING TOPICS
BY BILL AK,

fNlH
 They are discussing Sunday baseball in Alabama. The writer believes that there should be Sunday baseball, but that there will not be-yet awhile.
 There Is good argument on both sides of the question-as in the case of pro- hibiton. This argument Is too well known, however, to warrant It's repeti- tion. Then there is no use in consum- ing space with a matter that Is not timely, and as our friend "B. NJ" would say, immaterial, Irrelevant and not pre- ceded by a predicate.
 Here is the point of interest, however. There is a law in Alabama preventing the playing of baseball on Sunday in Alabama. The schedule of the Southern league provides for Sunday games in Mobile.
 I hope that Mobile will see Sunday base ball, but I am sorely afraid that some steps will be taken to send the project up the gum stump. Then will follow the action of the courts.
 This action may result in the law be- ing declared unconstitutional. At any rate, we have Sunday golf and ping pong In Birmingham, and there Is no immediate fear of an extra session of the legislature either. I believe that pub lie sentiment is what makes the mare go.
 The baseball writers of the Southern league, and of all other leagues, as far as that goes, are discussing the action of one Tyrus Cobb. phenomenal ball all that.
 If we have been correctly informed, Cobb drew the neat salary of 5000 last season. This is $500 per month. He is now demanding 5000. an increase of 66 2-3 per cent. It seems proper that Cobb's salary should be increased on account of his excellent work of last season. and because he is great drawing card. How ever, such a gigantic increase seems out of proportion. Then Cobb Is a young man, and in time, he will draw what he demands
 l believe that Cobb is joking when he states that he will play semi-profess essional ball. It is true that he can make $5OOO a year. But there is no honor in getting out of the limelght, and Cobb is a lover of notoriety and fame. Cobb has tos bright future to spoil it by getting out of organized /.seball, and letting the bright glamor of his reputation tarnish with forgetfulness.
 Hackenschmidt, the great wrestler " across the pond, has put foot on ] ican soil. If nothing happens to pre (tSV0 he will tackle Frank Gotch, the Ameri- can champion, in April.
 The coming of Hackenschmidt is not for the honor of defeating the American champion, but for the purpose of gath ering in great store of American coin. It is a scheme of which Gotch is also a partner Gotch crayes riches, himself. There is no equal of Gotch in America, but the champion Is running over the country seeking little matches, offering to down the little men so many times an hour. In this work he continually adds to his cigar money.
 Now Gotch has no more chance of de- feating Hackenschmidt than ''Farmerv Burns has of defeating Gotch. However, the match will be long drawn out, the spectators will go wild with enthusiasm and delight, and hand over American money by the hatfuls.
 And Hackenschmidt, immediately after the match, will not return to his native soil. He will tour the United States, and everywhere he goes he will gather in more American coin.
 It is reputation, also. that makes the mare go. Do something spectacular, he- roic, if you will, then you can lay down and rest the remainder of your days, knowing that the people will feed and clothe you and make you rich.
 Win battle, and the American people will make you President