Los Angeles herald., 1909-07-20
ATHLETICS

II ~
n be found the statement in concise
IA terms of the present condition of
the State leaguers. After much boost
ing, the bottom has fallen out OF the
outlaw boom. Local adherents of the
outlaws, whose support has been per-
sistent, and whose turncoat tactics as
regards the Coast league have been
noted, are seemingly confounded by
the present situation. In spite of all
the optimistic talks emanating from
the north regarding the State league,
the plain truht is that the State league
is on its last legs. Were this untrue,
the outlaws would make no attempt to
conciliate and seek aid from the Coast
league, the directors of which they de-
fed at the beginning Of the present
season. 1t looks like a case of retribu-
tive justice.
Fighters the world over learn some
time during the course Of their career
that a rosy amble along the great
white way" is in the end a losing in
vestment. This has been demonstrated
repeatedly and bids fair to be again
proved true in the case of the present
middleweight champion, Stanley Ket-
chel, whom San Francisco sports say
is hitting the high life at a ruinous
rate. No man who depends on his
physical ability to earn him living
can afford to stray from the path of
rectitude. One wise little fighter who
has seen the light is Phil Brock, the
Cleveland lightweight than whom there
was no more serious contender for the
title two years ago.
But Brock wandered away from the
steady humdrum paths, to delve into
the mysteries of the forbidden delights.
Now Brock is sorry. He has forsaken
his old comrades, has returned to his
old-time condition, and is again ready
to tackle the toughest men in the busi-
ness. I'VE want Battling Nelson" says
Brooks manager, Tom McGinty.
Brock is in splendid condition, and
ready for a battle with any of them.
But we will dispose of this boy Hud-
son first and talk Nelson later"
Harry Baker, the marvelously clever
and fast Californian who has aston
ished the eastern followers of the six
round game by his hit-and-get-away
ability, has arrived in Los Angeles and
is ready to meet any man in the world
at 122 to 125 pounds. Baker is one OF
the boys in whom California takes
pride He is a shifty lad, and had he
the punch would be unbeatable. Since
he lost to Abe Attell Harry has been
seen little in Los Angeles, but he comes
away from the east with a record OF
thirty-five fights won out of thirty
seven fought. Though most of these
were decisions, these records show that
he fought some of the toughest men in
the business. and he must be given full
credit for this performance. 1t is prob
able that providing a suitable opponent
can be found Baker will be given a bat
tie before the Pacific Athletic club fans.
Frank Picato and his manager, Roy
Page, arrived in town yesterday after
noon, ready to meet any lightweight in
the world. Picato, so saws Page, has
improved immensely In the last two
months, and both look for the local
lightweight to make a good showing
against his next opponent. Frank is
another of the amateurs who has made
good in the professional ranks.
Word comes to Baron Long from
Montana Jack Sullivan, who won from
Jim Flynn at Maud Junction, that the
cowboy pugilist is quartered in Yellow