The Washington times., 1909-07-31
WINNING MANAGER
REVIEWS PROBLEM
Leader of Aggie Team Sheds
Some Light on ANA
teur Situation.

Sporting Editor, Washington Times:
1 have read with considerable inter-
est the letters recently published in The
Times concerning the amateur baseball
situation in Washington, and I would
ike TO submit a few words in behalf
Of the player as wen as the manager.
Ny views, though IN direct opposition
to those already expressed by one or
two managers, will. I believe, meet with
the approval Of the average amateur in
this city.
I think 1t will be conceded that since
the Inauguration OF the annual post
season series between winners in the
various amateur leagues about Wash
/ ington, amateur baseball in this city
has made decided advance. both in
popularity and in the quality Of ball
furnished. New Nagues have been
formed and many promising players de-
veloped, a number of whom have since
made good" IN professional ranks. In
/ the opinion OF good judges, the article
OF ball played in our amateur leagues
now is fully 80 per cent better than
that played FIVE or six years back.
/ ! cannot but feel that(the possibility
of playing on a winner and thus hav-
1 ing an opportunity TO participate in the
/ post-season series has been the leading
factor in improving Washingtons anna
( teur baseball
The matter Of financial returns from
/ the post-season games has been given
! entirely too much Importance in the let
/ ters recently published. An outsider
would naturally gain the impression that
each man playing the post-season series
receives at least S100 as his share Of
/ the "spons" As a matter or fact I do
not think the amount has ever reached
So
| Under those circumstances, the finan-
ciaI decentralization OF our amateurs
would not seem to occasion any imme-
date alarm Let the boys have extra
/ money. They have certainly deserved
/ it. and it will be OF a good BIT more
use to them than cups, medals, or other
prizes that might be offered. Why
should not a division Of this trifiIng
/ amount be looked upon as the awarding
of prize, for good work rather than
as pernicious action tending 10 result
in the downfall Of amateur baseball.
As far as the prevention OF players
/ 'tfiOcking to winning teams toward the
/ close Of the season., IS concerned II
would seem that the complaining man
ayers have il largely in their power 10
prevent this-and il should be prevented
, IT is manifestly unjust 10 force men
l who have been faithful through the sea-
, / son, and who have been largely respon-
| sible for the good showing of the team.
t TO sit on the bench and watch sO-Called
stars" perform.
I think a rule could readily be de-
vised eliminating this Objectionable fea-
ture If the managers could meet dur
J ing the "Ofs" season and talk matters
T / over We cannot expect TO get anything
/ radical adopted while the Pennant night
is at its height and the slightest mOdi-
I dcation in the rules might change the
aspect of the race. At present I rather
/ favor the idea of Commission OF TIRES
/ or more men TO serve as a court OF
4 final resort in the matter OF eligibility.
protested games, etc.
Very truly,
CONNIE B. DOYLE.
Manager, Department Agriculture
Baseball Team.