The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-02

(The Montgomery Journal has taken the sporting editor of The Age-Herala to task because some days ago he expressed regret that certain unpleasant conditions exist in the Atlanta baseball camp, and because at practically the same time, he expressed the belief that the Birmingham club. as it now stands, cannot finish in the first division. I trust no member of the Birmingham fan flock will believe that I am actuated by jealousy when I declare my satisfaction in the roast" l don't think the Montgomery Journal landed hard enough, that is all The man who interferes with the business of others will get it in the neck sooner or later. In justice, however, to the sport ing editor of The Age-Herald I must re- mark that any man who gets the Mont gomery Journal sufficiently wideawal1e 10 write anything in which there is semblance of merit, deserves certain credit)
 The news of yesterday did not give Bir- mingham as good break as the local fans might have desired.
 The hope of recovering Messenger has been blasted. But there is satisfaction in the knowledge that the neet-footed has landed what appears to be a certain berth in major circles. The real fan wanted Messenger if 1t was possible to obtain him, but did not want him if his coming meant a financial loss to himself.
 And it appears in a story from Phil adelphia that Manager Dooin will take his time in turning surplus players over to Birmingham. This is a natural ac- tion on the part of Dooin. But 1t does look little tough on Birmingham.
 For it is true that in spite of the fact that the average fan believes that the Barons will be strong this season, he is, nevertheless, getting restless under pres ent conditions. A child knows positively that Christmas is coming, but the delay is often very trying. Now better smile could not have been turned we dare say, by the sporting editor of the Montgom- cry Journal-or rather, even by the sport ing editor of the Montgomery Journal.
 I am inclined to believe that Birmng- ham will be benefited because it failed to recover Messenger.
 This reminds of the story of the fox and the sour grapes.
 Nevertheless, I am honest in making the above statement. I appreciate the good points of Messenger, his ability to clout the ball and his marvellous speed. I appreciate the fact. too, that he is ready for work every day. in the sea- son, and that he will give his best serv- ices all the time.
 But Messenger Is not a finished out fielder. He is not smart ball player. He is an exceedingly poor base runner. With all his speed, he stole but 10 bases last season.
 Now, Bill McGilvray stole 45 bases. And scored practically as many runs as Messenger. The fans should mar vel, for Messenger was followed by all the other good hitters of the club, and behind poor William there was not d man who ever got a hit without causing the fans to gasp in surprise.
 Now I firmly believe that Birmingham will land an outfielder who will give better service than Messen- ger could
 The newcomer might not hit as hard as Messenger did. But the newcomer will sting the ball between .26O and .25o, will field as well as Messenger will cover as much territory, and will make as many runs will steal a great many more bases, will be moro aggressive all the time, and will be of greater value in the pinches.
 And there is another thing with Mes ;enger, what could the Barons do this season when facing an A No. 1 side eague? With Messenger, Birmingham would send to the bat three of it's real ltters who stand with the left arm to he plate. This would be a handicap.
 The newcomer may be right-handed hitter.
 In every walk of life affairs break n such way that no man knows exactly what course to pursue.
 The sporting editor of The Age Her. i'd has caught it from both sides. A ian some days ago wrote him a crit cal letter because he declared his cor piction that the Barons will finish the season in the first division. And yes -erday the Montgomery Journal crit cised him because he said that, with the team as 1t stands today, Brming nam will finish in the second division.
 Now. am going to run the risk