The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-22
POINTERS TO RANDOM

The Birmingham baseball club, the prospects of which were so bright, has been shot to pices
 With others at the head of the local aggregation affairs would be in such a condition that for the team to emerge would be impossible.
 But the scribe about the circuit, if there is one. who thinks that Birming- ham is destined to finish on the bot tom or even in the second division has another guess coming if he desires to obtain seat in the speculators' hall of fame.
 in the hospital, Owner Woodward would have another club going by May 15-
 As stated in The Age Herald yester- day morning, MT. Woodward got busy with the wires immediately after learn ing of Ellams sad accident in Mobile.
 He talked to Chicago, Pittsburg and Cincinnati and to several managers of minor league clubs. He told each that his infield was shot to pieces and de- clared his desire to borrow man. or couple of men until May 15 By that time, Manager Molesworth believes Ellam will be in condition to resume play
 In his communications MT. Wood ward said nothing about money or price It was unnecessary. The mag mates know already that he is willing to pay the proper amount for the play CTS services and for the courtesy.
 As matter of fact, we do not believe that Ellam will be in condition to play ball in a month or five weeks or even longer
 He may get in the game in June, but he will hardly hit his accustomed stride again this season. His collar bone underwent a compound fracture, edges of the bone penetrating the flesh. The parts were knitted together by wire. The break is a serious one, and the weak spot will cause trouble every time the player goes through vio- lent motion, or throws with his usual vigor from his position.
 It Is very bad, but we might as well look the situation squarely in the face. If Ellam of old appears again this sea son everyone will be surprised.
 There is a sigh of relief on every corner that Phelan is back in the game But Phelan at the present time is merely the shadow of the Phelan who played third in the opening game against Montgomery. He may be able to catch pop flies, but the hard hit grounders and the wild darting of the fingers heaves will probably escape his eyesight It must be remembered that he still wears splfnts about his nose and both eyes are black and blue from their bruises.
 It is pitiable that 1t is necessary to play him. It is only hoped that noth- ing else untoward will occur until he regains his usual form.
 Pitcher Wagner figures that he will be able to pitch again in month.
 We doubt this.
 There Is reason to believe that he will have attained his usual speed about the middle of the season. But to hope that he will be able to fling with his accustomed speed and excellence, to field in his usual style, to hit the ball as he can and to run bases as fast as he does, well-to hope that all this will come about in a month, Is prepos- terouS.
 In other words, the situation is very black. It is sad.
 This is especially true when we re- member that in the beginning the Baron infield moved like clock-work, only much faster.
 MT. Woodward might procure a man as good as Ellam-though the chances are he will not-but much time will be required for the newcomer to team with Marcan and Phelan as Ellam did For the perfection of an infield, much time is required. The men must of necessity work together.
 If the Barons rally in spite of the hard luck that has befallen them and hold their own on this road trip, it will be nothing short of marvellous. We do not believe that they will. We do not believe the Barons can accomplish what appears impossible.
 The club is 8 good club and com posed of fine fellows, each of whom is game to the core.
 But the demorialiZation caused by the clipping away of man after man, the apparent intention of hard luck to hover nigh, will no doubt have their eff fects.
 We hope the team will stand firm and fight its opponents to the last ditch, but would not be surprised if 1t en-