The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-09-01
CAPITALISTS WANT
LOCAL FRANCHISE
Anxious to Treat With Owner Bradley if /
Will Name Fair Price for Property Intend
to Build Plant Modern in Every Way.

strong probability exists that the
Richmond franchise in the Virginia
League may pass from the hands Of
Owner W. b. Bradley and that before
another baseball season Is inaugurated
''ta:c,'2o7al ,aam VIII belong TO some one
else.
II Is known that capital represented
by men whose names are withheld
for the present Is anxious to get 4
foothold in the baseball game in Rich
mond. These men have the money,
and are ready to treat with owner
Bradley. provided he is willing to meet
them half way They are willing to
pay fair price for the franchise, but
would not be willing TO pay any ex-
tort!onate amount.
Mr.. Bradley said last night that ho
would be perfectly willing to talk tho
matter over with any ono who wanted
to buy. 81 have an interest in many
things" was the way he expressed It,.
and l do not know of anything in
which ! am Interested on which |
would not name a price" Naturally,
he would not stipulate a figure, al
though he did say that he had an
offer earlier In the season. but did not
think the amount named was enough.
VIII Stay I'm Virginia Lcugue.
what would be the purpose of the
new owners with regard to the club
Is not known. though II appears likely
that If Mr.. Bradley and these men
get together and a sale is enectcd.
Richmond VIII, at least for another
season, continue in the Virginia
League. Without divulgins secrets or
without betray!ng any confidence. 1t
can be stated that Cornelius McGilll-
cuddy. who Is none other than the ia
nous Connie Mack. manager of the
Athletics. thinks we'll OF Richmond as
baseball town, and. II Is whispered
would not object to having a friendly
connection down in this neighborhood
The whole question hinges on the
price. The Richmond franchise is I'M
doubtedly u valuable piece of prom
erty. 1t is a physical ir'posslbiltiy for
Richmond TO lose IN. y in the Vir-
sinia League The only worry. If
worry it can be called. is how much
can be made
Undoubtedly the condition OF the
local plant keeps away many patrons
The present owner is to he excused
somewhat for not Improving the parl,
and seating accommodations because
o. the fact that the park is owned by
the Richmond, fredericksburg and Po-
tomac Railway. and that corporation
VIII not give a lease for term OF
years. The best that can be obtained
is ninety day contract. by which Is
meant that the lessee can be made to
move at any time upon being given
ninety days notice
To Build Modern Pinnt
Should the people who are making
the bid for the franchise come into
control IL will BIO their purpose 10
purchase plat of ground on the car
line and build thereon modern base
ball plant. one which will compare
favorapl with any in the country. 1t
would simply he investing In a piece
of property which Is sure to bring its
return in time. and then should tho
owners desire or he able 60 secure n
franchise in a league of higher class.
there Will not be the added expendi-
ture of getting tho plant in shape
OF course, nothing definite has yet
been done The talk is simply worth
repeating in view of the fact that the
patrons of The game are anxious that
Richmond should come little nearer
having the kind OF baseball which the
size and prestige OF the town seem TO