Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-05

major league clubs now own It would
simply be out OF the question. Incident
ally 1t would tend to greatly slow UP the
work Of the men. as they wouldn't take
SO many chances or be so certain on their
feet.
l can't see any chance in a thousand
for the abolition OF the spike The steel
chain in the shape Of a triangle that was
tried last year utterly failed to bring re-
suits. I do. however. think that the
present spike can be SO changed as to
make 1t less dangerous and still just as
valuable to the player. That the spikes
used by players throughout the country
are too long goes without saying. have
heard players complain and complain
about this very feature. and not until
near the close of the season when the
spike had worn down considerably did
they really feel comfortable.
Many players express the belief that
spikes half the length OF the present ones
would be just as serviceable. Many claim
that they always get better results out Of
the second year Of pair of shoes, es-
pecially the outfelders, who have little
chance Of being cut down. The rounding
Of the corners on the spikes also ought to
help considerably. 1t stands to reason
that spikes about half the length Of the
present ones, with rounded corners, would
be much less dangerous than the ones
now used.
Should Runners Slide Head First?
It has been suggested that base rum
ners be only allowed to slide head first to
eliminate the danger of spiking. This
suggestion has some redeeming features
as well as quite a few bad ones. If
PLAYERS were compelled to slide head
first the advantage would be as greatly
In favor OF the baseman as it is now in
favor of the base runner.
Realizing that there was little chance
Of his being injured by head-drst slide,
the basenlan would invariably block off
the base runner. While the possibility of
injury to the man playing the bag would
be slight. it would be rather dangerous
to the runner. Twisted necks and broken
and cut fingers and arms would not be
uncommon.
Then, again, there are few men who
slide head first. most OF them preferrins
the feet-frst slide, as they contend it is
the more natural way. II the feet-hrst
slide were enforced it would necessitate
the changing of their style by many
players. and as a result one OF the
brightest features of the sport. base run
ming would be compelled to suffer.
Despite the fact that the hitting in
both leagues was rather light last year,
the suggestions for reforms that will in
crease the smuggling end of the game have
not been so numerous as usual this year.
The question naturally arises, does the
public really want more batting? Are
the fans the men who support the game.
dissatisfied with present conditions? Do
the enthusiasts really enjoy twelve to
ten game more than thrilling one to
nothing struggle, featured by fair bat
ting. remarkable fielding and even more
wonderful pitching?
I believe IL the question were put to a
vote the fans would give the present day
game the day by q large majority. II
the fans want more hitting why hunt for
star pitchers? The easiest way possible
to increase batting would be to weaken
the various pitching STATS. Would the
public stand for such action? Never
II the fans really want more batting,
why do they instantly set up the cry
| take him out" If the home pitcher hap
pens to get touched up for three or four
hits in succession? If more batting were
really desired, why not let the pitcher
stay in and take chance?
Ask any pitcher about this feature, or
in fact any player or umpire, and he
will tell you that 1t makes all the diner
ence in the world who is doing the slug
ging. IL it happens to be the home team
| that is connecting with the visiting pitch
| er's assortment, then the fans look on In
glee but If it happens to be the-yisitors
who are doing the smuggling they fmmedi-
ately start to figure how the manager
| of the home team ever started that dub
| in so important game.
While any change that will benefit the
game is always to be relshed still ii
| seems as if the great national pastime
/ is we'll nigh perfect. There are few OBJ
| jections to be offered to the present style
to fans, players and owners is that every